Huangshan 2 Days 1 Night｜Practical Guide for Not Climbing Tiandu Peak

Since reading about Huangshan's strange rocks, monkeys watching the sea, and the immortal pointing the way in elementary school texts, I developed an obsession with this mountain—curious about what kind of beautiful and unique mountain it really is. After waiting more than 20 years, I finally had the chance to visit in person, and the feeling of luck and gratitude is beyond words. Without further ado about its beauty and worth, here is my guide.

Preparation

Accommodation Booking: If you want to watch the sunrise on the mountain, be sure to book a hotel on the mountain at least one week in advance; it is recommended to stay at the foot of Huangshan the night before. We chose a homestay in Tangkou Town, which made it convenient to set off early the next day.

Transportation Connection: The homestay arranged a vehicle to take us to the Xiaoyao Creek Transfer Center, from where we took the scenic area shuttle bus up the mountain, so no need to worry about transfers.

🗺️ Route Planning (with elderly and children + 1 night stay + not climbing Tiandu Peak, easy version)

Day 1: Ascend from the back mountain, visit West Sea Grand Canyon + watch sunset

- We left the Tangkou homestay at 7 am, and after arriving at the transfer center, took the Yungu Cableway up to Bai'e Ling Station around 9 am.

- Hiking route: Bai'e Ling Station → Shisun Gorge → Shixin Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Dream Pen Blossoms → Monkeys Watching the Sea → King Pine → Unity Pine → Paiyun Pavilion.

- Check in at a hotel near Paiyun Pavilion, drop off luggage, have a light meal, then set off at 1 pm to West Sea Grand Canyon: descend into the canyon, then take the sightseeing train back up; afterward, walk toward Feilai Stone and enjoy the stunning sunset there🌄.

- Return to the Paiyun hotel to rest at night. The weather was clear and the scenery of West Sea Grand Canyon was vivid and magnificent. Although we didn’t encounter the sea of clouds, the view was already breathtaking.

Day 2: Watch sunrise + descend from the front mountain, return trip

- Early morning, go to Danxia Peak to watch the sunrise🌅, then climb back up to Bright Summit Peak, and follow the route to Aoyu Peak → Lotus Peak → Welcoming Pine.

- Arrive at Yuping Station around 1 pm, take the cable car down to Ciguang Pavilion, and finally return to Tangkou Town.

Tips

Route Choice Recommendation: Huangshan has two routes, front mountain and back mountain. The back mountain (Yungu Cableway direction) has gentler slopes and smoother paths, suitable for visitors with average fitness, elderly, and children; the front mountain (Yuping Cableway direction) has steeper slopes and more magnificent rocks, better suited for those with good fitness who enjoy challenging hikes.

August Mountain Wear and Supplies: In August, the temperature on Huangshan is comfortable; we didn’t even wear long sleeves, keeping our luggage light; be sure to bring enough drinking water, as although there are places selling water along the way, most require waiting in line.

Small Regret and Expectation: We didn’t get a reservation for Tiandu Peak this time, which is a small regret, but it also gives us a reason and expectation to come back to Huangshan next time.