6 Day Mount Huangshan & Local Villages Photography Tour

Arrive in Huangshan City and be warmly welcomed by your local guide and driver. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel for check in. Start your tour immediately with a visit to Tunxi Old Street, which is actually a number of ancient streets and alleyways. Tunxi Old Street offers a glimpse into the ways traditional Chinese commerce and life has merged with a more contemporary spin on things. You will have ample time to wander through and explore the eclectic mix of local crafts, cuisine, and tea. Once you’ve satisfied your inner creative, it’s time to return to the hotel.

Meals included: None

Note: If you’re planning on dining out, be sure to ask your local guide for their insider tips on the best dining options.

Fortify yourself with a hearty breakfast because today’s adventure will take you to new heights. Your guide will collect you from the hotel and together you’ll drive the one hour distance to Mount Huangshan, one of the most significant peaks in China. Your full day guided tour of the mountain begins with the first section of a 6.5 kilometer hike from Yungu Temple, known as the south gate of Mt Huangshan, to White Goose Ridge, the best position from which to watch the ‘east sea of clouds’ and absorb the magnificent scenery of forest covered rugged peaks. This section of the hike to White Goose Ridge, taking about three hours, is comparatively easy to cover, favoring you with views of the winding brook and peculiar rock Immortal Pointing the Way that cannot be seen from a cable car.

A buffet lunch will fortify you for the 850 meters trek to Begin-to-Believe Peak, taking 2 to 3 hours. Along the way be enchanted by the spectacular scenery of distorted rocks and many imaginatively-named trees - Black Tiger Pine, Leading Pine and Couple Pine among them. A panorama of magical, mystical seas of floating clouds pierced by daunting karst formations arouses a sense of wonder when standing on the Zither platform at the peak. Wait at Cloud-dispelling Pavilion to take the marvelous sunset views in your photos. You’ll then be transferred back to the hotel, where you can enjoy a buffet dinner and overnight stay on the mountain.

Meals included: Breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner

Note:

Please be aware, you will have an overnight stay on the mountain as part of today’s itinerary arrangements. It is recommended to travel light by taking just some carry-on items when hiking, including a waterproof jacket. Your guide will help you with storage of heavy luggage. In addition, for environmental protection hotels, on the mountain will not provide disposable toiletries, so please carry your own.

Weather permitting you may see the amazingly beautiful spectacle of Mt Huangshan at sunrise. Hiking then continues to West Sea Grand Canyon, the most challenging as well as the most beautiful section. Carefully descend the steep cliff, while admiring truly incredible landscapes of peaks towering through clouds. Almost four hours is needed for a round trip of the area covering three essential parts: 1^st ring; 2^nd ring; and bottom of the canyon. Afterwards take the Xihai cable way and reach the hotel for check in. Enjoy a buffet lunch in the hotel before re-emerging to explore spots nearby. Bright Summit, one of the three main peaks of the mountain, is only 430 meters from the hotel, enjoy the spectacular sunset scenery and capture stunning photographic memories from here. Following a hike back to the hotel, relax over a buffet dinner and overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Buffet Lunch & Dinner

Note: It is essential that travelers carry water with them. As stairs are steep and narrow all the way, this trip is best suited to those in good health with sturdy knees. Alternatively there is a monorail that may be taken part of the way.

A second morning on the mountain offers another chance to see the magical sunrise if you were not able to capture the spectacle the day before. After breakfast, set out on a 1.1 km hike to One Hundred Ladders located on the cliff of Lotus Peak. Walk through the steep ladder formed by two massive stones: one looks like a turtle and another like a snake, mist wreathing around all year. Progress another 786 meters to reach the famous Greeting Pine, an 800-year-old tree that looks like a hospitable host who stretches his arm and gives a warm welcome for your arrival. Take the Yuping cable car to finish your mountain tour. Enjoy being driven to Bishan Village where you’ll stay at Pig’s Inn, an authentic traditional guest house tucked in a Qing Dynasty courtyard.

Meals included: Breakfast and buffet lunch

Further indulge your appreciation of the natural environment, especially when blended aesthetically, Hui-style, with the 900 year old built environment of Hongcun Village. Layout and architecture dates from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Note the artistry in the beautiful wood carvings adorning buildings as you soak up picturesque rural scenery featured in the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Here bikes can be hired to explore the tranquil environment and idyllic surroundings. Pay a visit to Nanping Village afterwards. Differing from Hongcun Village’s bustle, you’ll find a peaceful tranquility as you walk through the original village. Travel in spring affords adventurers the joy of seeing rapeseed flower fields in full bloom. Today’s sightseeing concludes when you are transferred back to your hotel in Huangshan City.

Meals included: Breakfast

The final day of your tour commences after breakfast when you head out to Mulihong Village, deemed one of Huangshan’s top 100 photography sites. Hike to the best vantage point for a view of the traditional village with a sea of clouds and mountains as the backdrop. Stunning picturesque scenery that provide a fitting conclusion to this nature-rich tour. You will be transported to the airport or train station for travel to your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: If you would like to continuing making beautiful travel memories in China, please let us know. Our expert travel consultants can assist with travel bookings and arrangements, including the purchase of train tickets and other tours. We offer custom, private and small group tours, with opt in and out flexibility. And we take care of every detail, so there’s no need to worry about a thing.