China
Huangshan
About Huangshan
Huangshan (the Yellow Mountains) in southern Anhui is one of China's most celebrated landscapes — a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for jagged granite peaks, gnarled ancient pines, hot springs, and the rolling "sea of clouds" that drifts between the summits.
Sea of clouds drifting through the granite peaks of Huangshan
What to see
Catch sunrise from the eastern peaks, find the iconic Welcome Pine (Yingke Song), and ride the cable car up to the summit plateau. Trails link viewpoints such as Bright Summit Peak and the Flying-over Rock.
A lone Huangshan pine clinging to a cliff edge as cloud rolls past
Getting there
The gateway is Tangkou town, reached via high-speed rail to Huangshan North Station (about 5 hours from Shanghai). Buses and three cable-car lines carry visitors up the mountain.
Jagged granite peaks and pine-filled valleys of Huangshan under a hazy sky
Highlights
- The famous sea of clouds drifting between granite summits
- The Welcome Pine (Yingke Song), an 800-year-old emblem of Huangshan
- Sunrise from the eastern peaks
- Bizarre granite formations like the Flying-over Rock
- Hot springs at the mountain's base
- Ancient twisted pines clinging to sheer cliffs
Travel Tips
Best time
Spring and autumn for clear views; winter offers snow and the best chance of a sea of clouds.
Stay overnight
Sleep at a summit hotel to catch both sunset and sunrise without rushing the cable car.
Getting up
Three cable cars (Yungu, Yuping, Taiping) save hours; the Yuping line passes the Welcome Pine.
Pack layers
Summit weather is cold and changeable even in summer; bring a windproof layer and grippy shoes.
