Anhui 安徽 — Huangshan and Ancient Villages
Anhui is home to Huangshan (黄山, Yellow Mountain) — one of China's most iconic landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The province also features beautifully preserved ancient villages, a Buddhist sacred mountain, and the historic Huizhou (徽州) culture of merchants and scholars. Anhui is in eastern China, inland between Shanghai and Hubei.
Huangshan 黄山 — Yellow Mountain
Huangshan (1,864m) is famous for four wonders: peculiarly shaped granite peaks (奇松), spectacular rock formations (怪石), sea of clouds (云海), and hot springs (温泉). The mountain has inspired Chinese painters and poets for centuries. Over 1,500 species of plants, 100+ peaks, and 60+ km of hiking trails.
Key Peaks
- Bright Summit (光明顶): Highest accessible peak, 1,860m. Best sunrise spot.
- Lotus Peak (莲花峰): 1,864m, the actual highest point. Closed alternately with Tiandu Peak.
- Celestial Capital Peak (天都峰): Most precipitous, challenging hike.
- Beginning-to-Believe Peak (始信峰): Best views of twisted pines and rocks.
Hiking/Cable Car
- Cable cars: From Yuping (south) or Taiping (north). 80-90 RMB one way. Takes you to upper elevations in minutes.
- Full hike: 6-8 hours from base to summit. Very steep.
- Standard route: Cable car up, hike between peaks, cable car down. 3-5 hours.
Admission: 190 RMB (peak season). Cable car: 80-90 RMB. Open: All day. Access: Bus from Huangshan City (Tunxi). High-speed train: Huangshan North Station.
Hot Springs
At the foot of the mountain, Huangshan Hot Springs offer relaxation after hiking. 50°C+ natural spring water.
Admission: 168 RMB. Located near south gate of Huangshan.
Hongcun Village 宏村
A UNESCO World Heritage village from the Ming-Qing era, famous for its water system — a man-made pond (月沼, Moon Pond) at the center reflects traditional white-walled, grey-tiled buildings. The layout resembles an ox head. The village appeared in the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Artists and photographers flock here.
Admission: 104 RMB. Open: All day. Located 60 km from Huangshan City. Bus or taxi.
Xidi Village 西递
Another UNESCO village, older than Hongcun and more residential (fewer shops). Features 124 Ming-Qing houses with exquisite wood carvings. Less crowded than Hongcun.
Admission: 104 RMB. Located near Hongcun.
Jiuhua Mountain 九华山
One of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, sacred to Ksitigarbha (地藏菩萨). 99 peaks, the highest at 1,342m. Over 90 temples including the Huacheng Temple (化城寺) at the base and the Tiantai Temple (天台寺) at the summit.
Admission: 160 RMB. Open: All day. Located 200 km from Huangshan City. Bus: 4 hours.
Hefei 合肥 — Provincial Capital
Hefei is a transit hub. The Three Kingdoms period (AD 220-280) left historical sites here. Visit: Ming教的 ancient battleground and the Li Hongzhang Former Residence (李鸿章故居).
Practical Information
Classic Route: Huangshan Mountain (2 days, stay overnight at summit) → Hongcun + Xidi (1 day) → Jiuhua Mountain (optional, 1 day) = 4-5 days.
Transportation: Huangshan North Station (high-speed rail). Direct trains from Shanghai (4h), Hangzhou (1.5h), Beijing (6h). Huangshan Tunxi Airport.
Best Time: Spring (April-May) for flowers and moderate temps. Autumn (September-November) for foliage. Winter for snow scenery and fewer crowds. Summer is crowded and foggy.
Tip: Stay overnight at a summit hotel (Beihai or Yuping) for sunrise. Book well in advance.