Huangshan & Huizhou 4-Day Tour

Tour Overview

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), one of China’s most celebrated natural wonders, and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of ancient Huizhou culture. This 4-day journey takes you through mist-shrouded granite peaks, ancient pine trees clinging to cliffsides, and perfectly preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty villages. Witness the legendary Huangshan sunrise, stand before the iconic Welcoming Guest Pine, and wander through the picturesque water village of Hongcun that inspired the setting of the Oscar-winning film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Huangshan City - Tunxi Old Street

Arrive at Huangshan Tunxi International Airport or Huangshan North Railway Station, where your guide will meet you for transfer to your hotel in Tunxi, the historic center of Huangshan City. After settling in, explore Tunxi Old Street, a well-preserved Song Dynasty commercial street stretching over 1.5 kilometers.

Wander through this living museum of traditional Huizhou architecture, browsing shops selling the famous Four Treasures of the Study (ink, inkstone, brush, and paper), local teas, and intricate wood carvings. Sample traditional Huizhou snacks like hairy tofu and stinky mandarin fish at local eateries. As evening falls, the street takes on a magical atmosphere with traditional lanterns illuminating the ancient storefronts.

Meals: Dinner (Huizhou cuisine) Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tunxi

Day 2: Hongcun Ancient Village - Huangshan Mountain Base

Morning drive to Hongcun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most beautiful ancient villages. This 900-year-old village is renowned for its unique water system that channels fresh spring water through every household, and its exceptional collection of Ming and Qing Dynasty residential architecture.

Explore the village’s iconic Moon Pond, South Lake, and magnificently preserved ancestral halls. Visit traditional homes featuring exquisite wood, brick, and stone carvings that exemplify Huizhou craftsmanship. Learn about the village’s ingenious feng shui design that has protected it for centuries.

Afternoon transfer to Huangshan Mountain base area. Check into your hotel and prepare for tomorrow’s mountain adventure with an early dinner and rest.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (village restaurant), Dinner (hotel) Accommodation: Hotel at Huangshan Mountain base

Day 3: Huangshan Mountain Full Day Exploration

Rise early for the highlight of your journey—conquering Huangshan Mountain. Take the Yungu Cable Car to the mountain summit area and begin your exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site that has inspired Chinese painters and poets for millennia.

Hike through the otherworldly landscape of granite peaks emerging from seas of clouds, ancient pine trees twisted into fantastical shapes, and hot springs steaming in mountain valleys. Visit the famous Welcoming Guest Pine, an 800-year-old tree that has become the symbol of Huangshan and Chinese hospitality. Explore Beginning-to-Believe Peak, where the scenery is so stunning that visitors finally believe the legends are true.

Continue to Bright Summit Peak (Guangming Ding), the second-highest peak, for panoramic views. Weather permitting, witness the spectacular sunset painting the peaks in golden light. Stay overnight on the mountain to experience the magical atmosphere as mist swirls through the peaks under starlight.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (mountain restaurant), Dinner (mountain hotel) Accommodation: Mountain hotel on Huangshan summit

Day 4: Huangshan Sunrise - Departure

Wake before dawn for the legendary Huangshan sunrise, one of China’s most spectacular natural phenomena. Watch as the first rays of sunlight pierce through the sea of clouds, illuminating the granite peaks in shades of gold, pink, and orange. This transcendent experience has moved visitors for thousands of years.

After breakfast, continue exploring the western sea area of the mountain, including the famous Flying-Over Rock and West Sea Grand Canyon (optional, requires additional hiking). Descend via the Yuping Cable Car, passing close to the Welcoming Guest Pine for final photos.

Transfer to Huangshan Airport or Railway Station for your departure, carrying memories of one of China’s most magnificent landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast (mountain hotel)

Travel Tips

• Huangshan involves significant hiking; good physical fitness and sturdy hiking shoes are essential
• Weather on the mountain is unpredictable; bring waterproof jacket and layers regardless of season
• Mountain hotels have limited amenities; pack light but include essentials
• Sunrise viewing requires waking around 4-5 AM; bring a flashlight for early morning walks
• Peak season (April-November) offers best weather but larger crowds
• Winter visits offer snow-covered scenery and fewer tourists but some trails may close
• Porter services are available to carry luggage up the mountain for an additional fee
• Bring sufficient cash as ATMs are limited on the mountain
• The Sea of Clouds is most common after rain; check weather forecasts for optimal timing