An alluring destination for nature enthusiasts, Huangshan is home to some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in China that have inspired artists for thousands of years. It also boasts ancient villages, cultural museums and a fascinating ink factory.
Things to do in Huangshan
You can’t visit Huangshan without seeing the UNESCO-listed Yellow Mountains, where oddly-shaped pines and rocks are surrounded by a sea of clouds. Climb to Lion Peak for sunrise views, then visit the 1,000-year-old hot springs at the foot of the mountain. Peach Blossom Peak is covered in a blanket of flowers in spring, while the Beginning-to-Believe Peak towers at 1,668 meters tall.
Known as a “village in the Chinese paintings”, Hongcun Ancient Village is a 900-year-old township ringed by mountains. Admire the Hui-style architecture, picturesque canals and setting that was used for the movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. Afterwards, stroll through Bao’s Family Garden to see 10,000 plants in one of the largest private gardens in China.
Wander along the 1.5-kilometre-long Tunxi Ancient Street to experience the bustling market atmosphere, where local vendors sell souvenirs, antiques and snacks. Stop in one of the tea houses and sip on Maofeng, the region’s special tea, or browse the treasure trove of calligraphy pieces.
Famous for its exquisite craftsmanship, The Ink Factory teaches you the traditional process of producing ink blocks. Tour the 200-year-old factory and experience the Hui Ink art, then take home a traditional seal carved to your specification.
Getting around Huangshan
Taxis can be used to explore Huangshan, while tour buses are also popular. Huangshan Tunxi International Airport is seven kilometers from the city center, while long-distance trains travel to Shanghai and Beijing.