Huangshan Travel Guide

1. Huangshan Scenic Area: As China’s first dual World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, it is renowned for its “four wonders”: peculiar pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs. The 1,860-meter-high Bright Summit is the best spot to view sunrise and cloud seas, while the iconic Guest-Greeting Pine is a must-visit photo spot. The rugged beauty of the Xihai Grand Canyon is breathtaking.

2. Hongcun Ancient Village: A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, this Huizhou village perfectly preserves the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The mirror-like Moon Pond and South Lake reflect white walls and black tiles, creating a natural ink-wash painting. The Qing Dynasty Chengzhi Hall is famous for its exquisite woodcarving art, with intricate “three carvings” (wood, brick, and stone) that are truly astonishing.

3. Xidi Ancient Village: Also a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, Xidi is more rustic and tranquil than Hongcun. The Hu Wenguang Memorial Arch at the village entrance bears witness to its past glory, while structures like the Walkway Pavilion showcase the typical layout of Huizhou merchant residences. The architectural decor here is simpler yet grander than Hongcun, with vivid opera-themed brick carvings on gate towers that deserve close appreciation.

4. Tunxi Old Street: This 1.5-kilometer-long Song Dynasty commercial street is the best place to experience Huizhou’s local culture. Tea houses, ink shops, and pen stores line the street, with the fragrance of Huizhou ink in the air. Try authentic hairy tofu and stinky mandarin fish, and shop for She inkstones and Huizhou ink, part of the “Four Treasures of the Study.” The street is especially charming at night with its glowing lanterns.

5. Xin’an River Landscape Gallery: This winding 100-kilometer river connects numerous Huizhou ancient villages, most enchanting in spring when rapeseed flowers bloom along its banks. Cruising downstream, you can admire sights like the thousand-year-old camphor tree in Miantan and the Red Makeup Museum in Zhangtan. The white-walled, black-tiled houses dotted among green hills and waters create a flowing landscape painting.

6. Emerald Valley (Lovers’ Valley): Surrounded by lush bamboo forests, this valley gained fame as a filming location for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. It features over a hundred colorful pools, their emerald-green waters shimmering due to varying mineral content, creating a dreamy glow under sunlight. The famous “Five-Color Pools” consist of five interconnected pools with distinct water hues.

7. Qiyun Mountain: One of China’s four sacred Taoist mountains, Qiyun is known for its unique Danxia landform. Yuehua Street hosts a cluster of Taoist buildings, with palaces like Taisu and Yuxu built against the mountains, their red walls and black tiles contrasting beautifully with the reddish cliffs. Cliff inscriptions are scattered throughout, with the most famous being the four characters “Tian Kai Shen Xiu”. The cable car ride offers stunning views of the winding Hengjiang River below, especially captivating in autumn when the mountain is ablaze with red leaves.

8. Huizhou Ancient City: One of China’s four great ancient cities, , this well-preserved Song Dynasty prefectural city boasts the magnificent Xu Guo Stone Arch, a pinnacle of Ming Dynasty stone carving with its rare eight-legged design. The Huizhou Prefecture Office recreates the ancient administrative layout, while its rear garden showcases the charm of Jiangnan-style pavilions and towers.

9. Taiping Lake: Dubbed “Huangshan’s Lover,” Taiping Lake has crystal-clear waters surrounded by green hills. Scattered islands dot the lake like pearls, with the ancient pottery kiln ruins on Longyaozhai Island worth exploring. Take a boat tour to enjoy spring blossoms on Peach Blossom Island or visit the nearby Taohuatan .

10. Mukeng Bamboo Sea: This vast, undulating bamboo forest became famous for the bamboo fight scene in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". From the observation deck, thousands of acres of emerald bamboo sway like green waves. Spring, when new shoots emerge, is the most vibrant season, and after rain, the misty bamboo forest takes on an ethereal charm. The village preserves traditional bamboo weaving, allowing visitors to try crafting bamboo items.

1. Huizhou Stinky Mandarin Fish: A signature Huizhou dish, made from fresh mandarin fish fermented with a special process, resulting in garlic-clove-like flesh that smells slightly pungent but tastes savory and fragrant. The classic preparation is braised, paired with bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms, offering tender texture and unique flavor. (Recommended: "LaoJie DiYiLou 老街第一楼" on Tunxi Old Street)

2. Hairy Tofu: A Huangshan specialty, this fermented tofu is covered with white fungal threads. Fried to golden crispness, it’s crunchy outside and tender inside, with a creamy texture and faint milky aroma when dipped in special chili sauce. (Recommended: "Hong Village Tiandeng Restaurant 添灯食堂" in Hongcun )

3. Huizhou Cutting Board Fragrance: Traditional cured pork, named for being sliced directly on a wooden board. It’s savory, moderately salty, and not greasy, often steamed with bamboo shoots or tofu. (Recommended: “Sanwei Church 三畏堂” in Xidi)

4. Stone Ear Stewed with Free-Range Chicken: A Huangshan delicacy combining mountain-grown stone ear (a type of fungus) with free-range chicken in a slow stew. The broth is clear, the stone ear crisp, and the chicken tender, making it a nourishing rustic dish. (Recommended: “Huangshan Farmhouse Feast 黄山农家宴” in Tangkou Town)

5. Crab Shell Pastry: A traditional Huizhou snack resembling a crab shell, with a crispy outer layer and fillings of either preserved vegetables or pork. Freshly baked, it’s irresistibly aromatic. (Recommended: 「救驾烧饼」 in Tunxi )

6. Wucheng Tea Tofu: A specialty from Wucheng Town, Huizhou, made from soybeans and green tea powder. It has a firm, chewy texture with a subtle tea fragrance, suitable for snacking or stir-frying.(Recommended: Tea Tofu Specialty Store on Tunxi Old Street)

7. Huizhou Bundle Dumplings: Steamed dumplings shaped like bundles, with thin skins and generous fillings of bamboo shoots, tofu, and shiitake mushrooms. Light and savory, they’re enhanced by local chili sauce.(Recommended: “Deyue Lou” in Hongcun)

8. Wenzheng Mountain Bamboo Shoots: Spring bamboo shoots from Wenzheng Mountain in She County, crisp and residue-free. The classic “Wenzheng Tribute Shoots” are lightly stewed with ham slices, yielding a sweet and fresh broth. (Recommended: “Piyun Villa” in She County)

9. Huangshan Double Stone Soup: “Double Stone” refers to stone ear and stone frog (a type of frog). The milky-white broth features tender, tofu-like frog meat, making it a prized mountain delicacy. (Recommended: “Baiyun Hotel” in Huangshan Scenic Area)

10. Wormwood Kueh: A seasonal Huizhou snack for Qingming Festival, made from wormwood juice and glutinous rice flour, stuffed with red bean paste or sesame. Soft, chewy, and infused with a natural herbal aroma.(Recommended: “Huizhou Pastry Museum” in Tunxi)

1. Huizhou Ink Crisp

A traditional Huizhou tea snack made from black sesame and Huizhou ink, with a crisp texture and faint ink fragrance, perfect with tea. The packaging is simple yet elegant, exuding cultural charm.

• Address: “Hu Kaiwen Ink Factory” on Tunxi Old Street

2. Sheyan Inkstone

One of China’s four famous inkstones, crafted from stone sourced from Longwei Mountain in She County. Its fine texture yields ink smoothly like oil. Entry-level options include palm-sized practical inkstones, while collector-grade ones feature intricate landscape carvings.

• Address: She County

3. Taiping Houkui

One of China’s top ten teas, produced in Taiping County, Huangshan. The flat, straight leaves yield a clear green infusion with a lasting orchid aroma. Pre-rain premium grade in tin packaging is recommended for optimal freshness.

• Address: Direct-sale tea shops in Houkeng Village

4. Huizhou Maofeng

A representative Huangshan green tea with plump, white-haired buds that bloom like orchids when brewed, offering a fresh, sweet aftertaste. Spring harvest is the best quality; look for the trusted “Xie Yuda” brand.

• Address: “Xie Yuda Tea Museum” in Tangkou Town

5. Wucheng Tea Tofu

A Huizhou specialty tofu from Xiuning, infused with green tea powder, available in original, spicy, and other flavors. Individually vacuum-packed for easy portability, it’s a top choice for healthy snacks.

• Address: Specialty store at Tunxi Airport

6. Huizhou Pastry

A gift-box version of the crab shell pastry, adapted into smaller packaging while retaining classic preserved vegetable and pork flavors. Crispy and non-greasy, it stays fresh at room temperature for 15 days.

• Address: Specialty store at Tunxi Airport

7. Huizhou Carving

Miniature cultural products inspired by Huizhou’s “three carvings” (wood, brick, and stone), such as bookmarks and ornaments, often featuring Huizhou architectural motifs with exquisite craftsmanship.

• Address: Cultural store at “Chengzhi Hall” in Hongcun

8. Keemun Black Tea

One of the world’s three high-aroma black teas, produced in Qimen County, Huangshan. Its distinctive “Qimen fragrance” resembles flowers and honey, pairing well with desserts. The gold-tip grade in tin packaging is the most popular.

• Address: “Tianzhihong” flagship store in Qimen

9. Huangshan Shiitake Mushrooms

Thick, flavorful shiitake mushrooms grown on hardwood in Huangshan’s high-altitude regions, ideal for soups. Premium gift boxes include varieties like flower mushrooms and winter mushrooms.

• Address: Mountain goods market in Tangkou Town

10. Tangkou Town Mountain Goods Market

Handmade using Qingtan bark from Jing County, this Xuan paper is soft yet resilient, with excellent ink absorption, ideal for calligraphy, painting, or as a unique gift. The “pure bark” Xuan paper set is recommended.

• Address: “Huizhou Stationery Store” in Tunxi

Spring (March to May)

Temperatures fluctuate between 5-18°C, cooler in March (5-12°C) and warming up by May (12-20°C). Weather is changeable with significant temperature differences between day and night, often featuring misty, cloud-wrapped landscapes. Mid-to-late April marks the peak blooming period for azaleas, with frequent rainfall (150-200mm monthly average) and a high chance of cloud seas.

• Suggestions: For spring hiking, wear a windproof jacket with warm layers, as raincoats are more practical than umbrellas due to strong winds. Mid-to-late April is the best time for flower viewing, with spectacular azalea seas at Beihai Scenic Area and Xihai Grand Canyon. Notably, the moments after rain clear up offer the best chances to witness stunning cloud sea views, so monitor weather forecasts to plan viewing times.

Summer (June to August)
Summit temperatures range from 15-25°C with high humidity. June is foggy, while July and August see alternating sunny and rainy days (200-300mm monthly rainfall), with frequent thunderstorms. This is peak season for sunrise and cloud sea viewing, as well as an ideal summer retreat.

• Suggestions: Wear quick-dry clothing and sun-protective gear, and bring non-slip hiking shoes for wet stone steps. Early mornings at Bright Summit or Lion Peak are ideal for catching the sunrise, but beware of afternoon thunderstorms and plan your itinerary accordingly. Summit supply points are limited and pricey, so carry ample drinking water. In case of thunderstorms, seek indoor shelter immediately and resume touring when the weather clears.

Autumn (September to November)
Temperatures range from 10-22°C, with lingering warmth in September (15-25°C) and a noticeable drop by November (5-15°C). Crisp autumn weather brings frequent cloud seas, and late October to early November is the peak time for vibrant red foliage, making it a golden season for photography.

• Suggestions: Wear a waterproof jacket with a fleece liner for hiking, especially as pre-sunrise temperatures may near 0°C, requiring extra warmth. Late October to early November is ideal for viewing red leaves, with stunning scenery at Paiyun Pavilion and Shixin Peak; book accommodations in advance. Photography enthusiasts can stay overnight on the summit to capture starry skies and early morning cloud seas. Opt for non-weekend visits for better lighting and a quieter experience.

Winter (December to February)

Summit temperatures often dip below 0°C, showcasing ice, snow, and rime landscapes. Post-snowfall, cloud seas and sunrises create captivating scenes. Monthly rainfall is 50-100mm, and some areas may close due to snow accumulation.

• Suggestions: Essential winter hiking gear includes anti-slip ice claws, thick down jackets, and warm gloves. Open areas like Beihai and Yuping Tower are the main attractions, while places like Xihai Grand Canyon may be closed due to snow. Soaking in Huangshan Hot Spring Hotel is a winter highlight not to be missed. While the Spring Festival period is busy, December or late February offers the most serene snowscapes. Photographers should insulate cameras, as batteries drain quickly in cold conditions; bring extra spares.