Yellow Mountain in Huangshan

Huangshan is one of China’s most famous mountain scenic areas and is often praised as “the No. 1 Fantastic Mountain under Heaven.” Renowned for its Four Wonders - peculiar pine trees, dramatic rock formations, seas of clouds, and natural hot springs, Huangshan offers breathtaking landscapes combined with the rich cultural heritage of the Huizhou region.

Visitor Essentials

• Location: Tangkou Town, Huangshan District (South Gate is the main entrance).

• Hours: 7:00–17:00 on weekdays; 6:30–17:30 on weekends/holidays (subject to weather/season).

• Cable Cars: Run with park hours; last rides ~16:00–17:00 depending on season. Main lines: Yungu, Yuping, Taiping, West Sea.

• Tickets: Real-name reservation required. Discounts for eligible groups.

Key Highlights & Must-Do Experiences

The highlights of Huangshan are mainly concentrated on the mountain top, where the Four Wonders can be experienced at their best:

• Iconic Sights:
  Visit the legendary Greeting Guest Pine, a symbol of Huangshan’s hospitality; enjoy panoramic views from Bright Summit Peak (Guangming Ding), the mountain’s second-highest point; and admire famous rock formations such as Monkey Watching the Sea and Dream Brush Peak.

• In-Depth Experiences:
  Explore the dramatic West Sea Grand Canyon, known for its steep  cliffs and surreal scenery - you can hike down or take the popular sightseeing monorail. Shixin Peak, famous for its dense pine forests, and Paiyun Pavilion, offering wide-open views, are also top spots for photography and sunset views.

Click to view Yellow Mountain Guide map

Quick Route Guide

Huangshan can be explored in one day or two days.

• One-day tour: Covers the main highlights via cable cars and classic trails - ideal if you’re short on time and reasonably fit.

• Two-day tour: Slower pace with an overnight stay on the mountain, allowing sunrise views and deeper exploration.

Tip: Take the Yungu Cable Car up (back mountain) and Yuping Cable Car down (front mountain) for the most comfortable route.

Sightseeing tour: One Day Yellow Mountain Exploration

One day taste of hiking: One Day Yellow Mountain Hiking

Photography lover: Yellow Mountain and Villages Photography Expedition

Hiking enthusiasts: 5 Days Huangshan Hiking Trip

Recommended Mountain-Top Hotels on Huangshan

Xihai Hotel
Area: Beihai / Xihai (near Paiyun Pavilion & Danxia Peak)
Why stay: A classic upscale hotel with reliable facilities and service. Ideal for travelers who value comfort and want easy access to the West Sea Grand Canyon and Danxia Peak sunsets.
Convenience: 5–10 minutes’ walk to the north entrance of the West Sea Grand Canyon and Danxia Peak; a bit farther from Beihai sights.

Shilin Hotel
Area: Beihai (near Qingliang Terrace & Monkey Watching the Sea)
Why stay: Photography-themed hotel offering photo guidance. Surrounded by iconic rock formations; one of the best bases for sunrise at Qingliang Terrace or Lion Peak - popular with photographers.
Convenience: 10–15 minutes’ walk to sunrise spots; close to the Yungu Cable Car upper station.

Paiyun Lodge
Area: Xihai (next to Xihai Hotel, near Paiyun Pavilion)
Why stay: A modern, design-forward hotel renovated from the old Paiyun building. Youthful vibe with entertainment spaces - great for young travelers and families.
Convenience: Similar location to Xihai Hotel; excellent starting point for the West Sea Grand Canyon and Danxia Peak.

Baiyun Hotel
Area: Tianhai (central Huangshan, near Bright Summit)
Why stay: The most central “hub” hotel, connecting front mountain, back mountain, and the southern section of the West Sea Grand Canyon. Best for efficient itineraries and classic two-day loops.
Convenience: 15 - 20 minutes’ walk to Bright Summit for sunrise/sunset; on the main route to Aoyu Peak and the Guest-Greeting Pine.

Yupinglou Hotel
Area: Yuping / Front Mountain (right by the Guest-Greeting Pine)
Why stay: Iconic landmark hotel - step outside to see the Guest-Greeting Pine. Perfect for tight schedules or travelers who want quiet evening access and early-morning views of this symbol of Huangshan.
Convenience: Next to the Yuping Cable Car upper station (easy descent); farthest from Beihai/Xihai areas with longer walking times. 

How to Choose & Pro Tips

Best for Sunrise

·       Shilin Hotel (Qingliang Terrace)

·       Baiyun Hotel (Bright Summit)

Best for Sunset & the West Sea Grand Canyon

·  Xihai Hotel

·  Paiyun Resort (near Danxia Peak)

Most Central & Well-Balanced Location

·  Baiyun Hotel - ideal for classic routes and efficient sightseeing.

Fastest Descent the Next Day

·  Yupinglou Hotel - right by the Yuping Cable Car and the Guest-Greeting Pine.

Book Well in Advance

·  Summit hotels sell out very quickly. Reserve weeks or even months ahead, especially for weekends and public holidays. The official “Huangshan Tourism” platform is recommended.

Set Expectations

·  Due to the remote mountaintop location, rooms are smaller and more expensive than city hotels. The real value lies in their unmatched location and access to sunrise and sunset views.