Huangshan Things to Do

Watch Sunrise and Sunset   

As the night fades, the eastern horizon is lit with splendid hues. A red sun slowly emerges from behind the clouds, casting a golden glow that shimmered against the backdrop of the clouds. In no time, the sun revealed its full splendor, its golden rays bathing the mountain peaks and pine trees in a radiant light. The entire Huangshan Mountain was draped in a breathtaking glow. And you will enveloped with morning sunshine to see the best Huangshan Mountain.

Tips for catching the sunrise in different seasons:

Spring (March to May): Sunrise typically occurs from 5:30 to 6:30. It's fine to choose a clear day for your visit.

Summer (June to August): Sunrise is earlier, around 4:40 to 5:30. It's advisable to set out early to avoid the crowds.

Autumn (September to November): Sunrise is around 4:50 to 5:40. The crisp autumn air offers clear views, so find a high vantage point.

Winter (December to February): Sunrise is later, around 6:00 to 7:00, but always check the exact time for the day of your visit.

Best Sunrise Viewing Spots and Recommended Times:

Guangming (Bright) Top: Year-round

Shixin (Beginning-to-believe) Peak: March to November  

Mogu (Mushroom) Pavilion: December to March  

Shixin (Beginning-to-believe) New Trail: December to March  

Gongyang Villa (Bai'e Villa; White Goose Guesthouse): Year-round  

Shizi (Lion) Peak: March to November  

Monkey Watching the Sea: March to November  

Qingliang (Refreshing) Terrace: April to October  

Shuguang (Dawn) Pavilion: May to September  

Danxia (Purple Cloud) Peak: April to October  

Aoyu (Turtle) Peak: April to October  

Best Sunset Viewing Spots and Recommended Times:

Guangming (Bright) Top: Year-round  

Gongyang Mountain (Bai'e Villa; White Goose Guesthouse): Year-round  

Danxia (Purple Cloud) Peak: Year-round  

Feilai (Flying) Stone: Year-round  

Aoyu (Turtle) Peak: Year-round  

Paiyun (Cloud-dispelling) Pavilion: December to March  

Shixin (Beginning-to-believe) Peak: May to October  

See the Sea of Clouds

Sea of Clouds refers to a phenomenon where, under certain weather conditions, a layer of clouds forms below the mountain peaks. When viewed from the summit, the boundless clouds resemble the sea, hence the name "Sea of Clouds." It is one of the most iconic landscapes of Huangshan Mountain. Located at 30 degrees north latitude, Huangshan features deep valleys, lush forests, abundant rainfall, and high humidity, creating the perfect conditions for this unique and breathtaking spectacle. 

The Sea of Clouds appears approximately 60 days a year in Huangshan. Among the four seasons, winter has the highest frequency of Sea of Clouds occurrences, with the cloud layer typically at a lower altitude. In contrast, summer, with its strong convective activity, has the fewest occurrences. During the day, the Sea of Clouds is most likely to appear in the  early morning or late afternoon, making these the best times to witness this natural wonder.

The best spot for observing the sea of clouds:

Bright Top for the Tianhai: Here, the clouds are thick and majestic, creating a powerful and awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Qingliang (Refreshing) Terrace for the Beihai: The scenery here most closely resembles an ocean view.

Paiyun (Cloud-dispelling) Pavilion for the Xihai: This is where the largest expanse of sea of clouds can be seen, and it is also the most tranquil.

Bai'e Ridge for the Donghai: This area is often shrouded in mist, with cable cars and ropeways appearing and disappearing amidst the fog.

Yuping Tower for the Nanhai: With its towering peaks and deep valleys, the sea of clouds here is vast and magnificent.

Explore Ancient Towns

Villages such as Hongcun, Xidi, and Chengkan are outstanding representatives of Hui-style architecture. Famous for its"ox-shaped" layout, Hongcun has a reputation of "Village in Paintings". Combined with both human landscape and natural attractions, Hongcun Village is worth to explore the water scenery brought by its ancient water system and the three carvings of Huizhou. Xidi Village boasts 124 well-preserved ancient residential buildings from the Ming to Qing dynasties(1368-1840 AD). The Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway is one of its iconic structures, reflecting the prosperity of Huizhou merchant culture. Chengkan Village, on the other hand, is laid out according to the principles of Yin-Yang and the Eight Trigrams. Built against mountains and facing a river, it sits west and faces east, with Lingjin Mountain in front and Ge Mountain behind, offering scenery that is equally stunning. 

All three ancient villages—Xidi, Hongcun, and Chengkan—are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Their unique village layouts, exquisite architectural craftsmanship, and profound cultural heritage collectively represent the essence of Huizhou culture. If you like, you can also wander into small shops along the alleys and purchase a wooden hairpin or a carved wooden keepsake as a memento of your visit.

Tea-tasting

Huangshan is renowned as a homeland of tea in and abroad. Huizhou tea is produced in the ancient Huizhou region at the foot of Huangshan Mountain. The warm, moist conditions and abundant rainfall make it ideal for the growth and cultivation of tea. Among the most famous representatives of Huizhou tea today are Huangshan Maofeng, Taiping Houkui, and Qimen Black Tea, all of which are listed among China's top ten famous teas.

Huangshan Maofeng: This is a type of green tea that typically grows in high mountain areas at elevations between 800 and 1,200 meters. Some are also grow in steep mountain valleys with slopes ranging from 30 to 50 degrees. Due to its scarce production, it is highly prized.

Taiping Houkui: Also a green tea, Taiping Houkui has a relatively mild flavor. It requires very stringent growing conditions; authentic Houkui tea is only cultivated in Houkeng, Taiping County, Huangshan, at an altitude of about 700 meters. The area is often shrouded in mist, with low temperatures and high humidity, and the soil is rich in minerals and organic matter.

Qimen Black Tea: Known as the finest of black teas, Qimen Black Tea enjoys a prestigious reputation and is a favorite beverage of the British Queen and the royal family. After brewing, the tea soup is red and thick, with a fresh aroma and lasting fragrance.

Taste Anhui Cuisine

Anhui Cuisine boasts rich cultural deposits and is one of China's eight major culinary traditions. Represented by the dishes of southern Anhui, the local flavor of Huizhou forms the mainstream of Anhui Cuisine. It primarily uses local specialties from Huizhou as key ingredients, blending traditional cooking techniques with the strengths of other culinary styles. The flavor profile is predominantly savory and umami. Representative dishes include: Stinky Mandarin Fish, Huizhou Hairy Tofu, Huizhou Top Pot, and Fuliji Roast Chicken.

Stinky Mandarin Fish: Stinky Mandarin Fish is one of China's eight renowned dishes, crafted from ingredients such as mandarin fish, ginger, and red peppers. Despite its pungent aroma, Stinky Mandarin Fish is surprisingly tasty. The dish is delicate, richly flavored, and thoroughly infused with savory goodness.

Huizhou Hairy Tofu:

Huizhou Hairy Tofu, also known as Mildewed Tofu, is a traditional delicacy from the Huizhou region. It is a fermented product characterized by its surface covered with a layer of white, inch-long fuzzy mold. The primary method of preparation involves cutting the tofu into blocks and allowing it to undergo a fermentation process, during which it develops the distinctive white mold. The tofu is then pan-fried until both sides are crispy and finally braised in a savory sauce. This dish is more exquisite and delicious than regular tofu.

Huizhou Top Pot: Huizhou Top Pot, also known as Hushi Top Pot, is a representative of Anhui Cuisine. Its uniqueness lies in the rich variety of ingredients, distinct layers, balanced combination of meat and vegetables, and delightful flavors. During preparation, various ingredients are typically layered in a pot following the order of vegetables first and then meat, and simmered over low heat. This dish symbolizes the auspicious wishes for a harmonious, united, and prosperous life.

Fuliji Roast Chicken: Fuliji Roast Chicken is a product of geographical indication in China with a long history. As one of the "Four Famous Chickens" of China, Fuliji Roast Chicken is celebrated for its delicious taste and tender meat. With just a gentle tear, the meat effortlessly separates from the bone, releasing an inviting aroma. It is undoubtedly the top choice for meat lovers!

Soak in Hot Springs

The Huangshan Hot Springs, one of the "Four Wonders" of Huangshan, were anciently known as the Cinnabar Springs and are located at the foot of the Ziyun Peak. Nestled within the scenic area of Huangshan's South Gate, the hot springs offer a tranquil and serene environment. With a history spanning over a thousand years, these hot springs have gained nationwide acclaim.

The flow of the Huangshan Hot Springs is consistent, and the water is rich in bicarbonate. Maintaining a constant temperature of 42°C year-round, the colorless and odorless crystal clear water, making it suitable for both drinking and bathing. Its abundant minerals are beneficial to human health. 

It is recommended to visit during the evening hours, when you can enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery bathed in the glow of the sunset, followed by a soothing soak under the starlit sky.