Travel Guide

Hongcun, historically known as Hongcun (弘村) and also Qixia Town, is located at the southern foot of Mount Huangshan and is a typical representative of Huizhou-style architecture. It was first built in the first year of Shaoxi in the Southern Song Dynasty (1190 AD). Nestled against mountains and beside water, with a high terrain, it is often shrouded in mist and clouds, hence also known as 'Ox-shaped Village'. Hongcun's planning and layout are unique, with water as its soul, forming a distinctive water system that channels water to every household's doorstep within the village. The village's streets, alleys, and houses are all built around water systems such as South Lake and Moon Pond, forming a unique landscape painting. In 2000, Hongcun, along with Xidi Village, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, earning the reputation of 'a village in a Chinese painting'. The film 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' was once filmed here.

Huangshan Mountain, located in the southern part of Anhui Province, China, is renowned for its unique natural scenery, including sunrises, oddly-shaped granite peaks, Huangshan pines, hot springs, winter snowscapes, and sea of clouds. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of China's major tourist destinations. Huangshan has many peaks over 1000 meters above sea level, with the most famous being Lotus Peak, Bright Summit, and Celestial Capital Peak. Huangshan pines are named for their vigorous vitality, growing straight out of rocks. Many of these pines are over a hundred years old and have unique names, with Wolong Pine (Crouching Dragon Pine) being one of them.

Bright Summit is the second highest peak in Huangshan, with an elevation of 1860 meters. It serves as the dividing line between the front and back mountains of Huangshan, and is one of the best places to watch sunrises, sunsets, and the sea of clouds. This area is open and flat, forming the central hub of Huangshan, offering panoramic views of major Huangshan peaks such as Lotus Peak and Celestial Capital Peak.

Xidi Ancient Village is located in Yixian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. It is one of the representative ancient villages in southern Anhui, China, famous for its well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty Huizhou-style architectural complex, and is known as 'a home in a peach blossom spring'. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List along with Hongcun, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural heritage of Huizhou residences.

Yuping Peak is a famous mountain peak within the Mount Huangshan Scenic Area, with an elevation of over 1700 meters. At the summit is Wenshu Terrace, an excellent spot for viewing Mount Huangshan's unique pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, and sunrise. The famous Welcoming Pine grows in front of Yuping Tower, serving as the center of tourism for the front mountain of Huangshan and a must-visit photo spot for many tourists, attracting countless visitors with its unique natural scenery and majestic views.

The Welcoming Pine is an iconic attraction in the Huangshan Scenic Area, located next to the Green Lion Stone near Yuping Tower. This ancient pine tree has a history of over 1500 years and is famous for its unique shape and tenacious vitality. Its two branches extending sideways resemble two hosts bowing in welcome, hence its name 'Welcoming Pine'. It is a typical representative of Huangshan pines and also one of the symbols of Chinese tourism. Huangshan is renowned for its 'Four Wonders': peculiar pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs, and the Welcoming Pine is the representative of the 'peculiar pines' among them.

Tiandu Peak is one of the three main peaks of Mount Huangshan, with an altitude of 1829 meters. Known for its steepness, it is one of the most majestic and magnificent peaks in the front mountain area of Mount Huangshan. Its summit is often shrouded in a sea of clouds, and the sunrise views are particularly spectacular, making it an iconic attraction in the Huangshan scenic area.

Lotus Peak, with an elevation of 1864 meters, is the highest peak in Mount Huangshan. Named for its resemblance to a lotus flower, it is one of the core attractions of the Mount Huangshan scenic area, renowned for its steepness and an excellent spot for viewing sunrises and seas of clouds. The scenery on the peak is beautiful, and the views are expansive, making it one of Mount Huangshan's best viewing platforms.

Huangshan Yupinglou Hotel is located on Yuping Peak in the Huangshan Scenic Area and is a four-star hotel. Built into the mountain, the hotel boasts beautiful surroundings and expansive views, allowing guests to admire the magnificent scenery of Huangshan. It offers comfortable accommodation and dining services, making it an ideal place to stay when visiting Huangshan.

The Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder is located within the Huangshan Scenic Area, a treacherous stone staircase and plank road connecting Lotus Peak and Aoyu Peak. It is carved into a nearly vertical cliff, with steep steps and iron chains on both sides for support. When traversing this section amidst swirling clouds and mist, one feels as if in a fairyland, hence its name 'Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder'. It is a famous scenic route in Huangshan and a place that tests visitors' physical strength and courage.

The West Sea Grand Canyon is located in the Huangshan Scenic Area, a canyon landform that combines seclusion, danger, wonder, and beauty. Within the canyon, peaks rise majestically, strangely shaped rocks are scattered everywhere, and a sea of clouds churns, making it one of the essences of the Huangshan Scenic Area, known as the 'Dream Scenic Area'. Visitors can experience walking on plank roads and taking cable car tours here, appreciating the marvels of nature.

Crucian Carp's Back is a famous scenic spot within the Huangshan Scenic Area, located in the Yuping Scenic Area. It is renowned for its unique ridge shape, resembling a crucian carp leaping out of the water. The view here is expansive, making it an excellent location to admire Huangshan's peculiar pines, strange rocks, and sea of clouds, and it also serves as an important passage connecting Tiandu Peak and Yuping Tower.

The Anhui China Huizhou Culture Museum is a large-scale comprehensive museum that comprehensively showcases Huizhou culture. It integrates artifact collection, preservation, research, and exhibition, serving as an important window to understand Huizhou history, culture, art, and folklore. The museum's architectural style is unique, incorporating elements of Huizhou-style architecture. Its exhibits are rich and diverse, covering various aspects such as ancient Huizhou architecture, Huizhou carving, Huizhou ink, Huizhou 'Three Carvings', Xin'an medicine, Huizhou merchants, and Huizhou clan culture, vividly reproducing the brilliance and charm of Huizhou culture.

Huangshan Taiping Lake Scenic Area is located in Huangshan District, Anhui Province. It is a national AAAA-level scenic spot and a national wetland park. Taiping Lake, with its beautiful lake and mountain scenery, serves as a link connecting the two famous mountains, Huangshan and Jiuhua Mountain. The lake is dotted with islands of various sizes, and its waters are clear and beautiful, earning it the reputation of 'Oriental Geneva'. The scenic area offers boat services and is an excellent destination for sightseeing, leisure, vacation, and wellness.

Qingliang Terrace is a famous viewing platform within the Beihai Scenic Area of Mount Huangshan, renowned for its sunrise and sea of clouds views. It is one of the thirty-six small peaks of Mount Huangshan, facing "Monkey Gazing at the Sea" from a distance.

The Huangshan Nine Dragon Waterfall is located on the southern slope of the Huangshan Scenic Area. It is one of the four wonders of Huangshan and is known as the 'First Grand Waterfall of Huangshan'. The waterfall is 600 meters long with a drop of 300 meters. It is divided into nine sections, with a waterfall and a pool in each section, each with a unique shape, hence the name Nine Dragon Waterfall. The scenic area boasts lush green mountains, gurgling streams, and fresh air, making it an excellent place to admire waterfalls, play in the water, and get close to nature.

Huangshan Scenic Area - Baieling is located within the Huangshan Scenic Area in Tangkou Town, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. It is an important part of the Huangshan Scenic Area, attracting numerous tourists with its beautiful natural scenery and unique geographical location. Baieling is one of Huangshan's important viewing platforms, where visitors can enjoy characteristic Huangshan landscapes such as sea of clouds, peculiar pines, and strange rocks. It is also a vital transportation hub connecting multiple attractions in Huangshan.

Doushan Street is a historic residential street in Shexian County, Anhui Province, famous for its Huizhou-style mansions. These buildings were constructed by Huizhou merchants who dominated Chinese commerce and culture for over 500 years in history. The most prominent features of the street are its high walls and grand courtyards. Huizhou architecture is an important branch of ancient Chinese architecture, characterized by black tiles, white walls, wood and brick carvings, winding flagpoles, and magnificent archways. Doushan Street is known as the 'First Street of Jiangnan' and was the residential area for the wealthiest and most influential people of Huizhou during the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as the former residence of several famous families such as Wang, Xu, Yang, and Wang.

Aoyu Peak is located in the central part of Huangshan Scenic Area, with an altitude of approximately 1780 meters. It gets its name from the peak's resemblance to a giant turtle (or a mythical fish-like creature, 'Aoyu'). This is one of the best places to admire Huangshan's strange rocks, sea of clouds, and sunrise, especially famous for the unique landscape of 'Aoyu Carrying a Golden Turtle'. It is one of Huangshan's renowned attractions.

Emerald Valley, also known as 'Lover's Valley', is a tourist attraction located in the Huangshan Scenic Area, renowned for its unique colorful pools, waterfalls, and canyon scenery. The valley features clear streams, wide stone beaches, and deep emerald pools, earning it the reputation as 'the most beautiful valley in the world'. Its unique natural beauty and romantic legends attract numerous visitors.

A Thread of Sky is a famous natural landscape within the Huangshan Scenic Area, known for its uniquely narrow valley. Steep cliffs rise on both sides, with only enough space for one person to pass through in the middle. Looking up, the sky is squeezed into a thin line, creating a spectacular and peculiar view. It is one of the many strange peaks and grotesque rocks of Huangshan, and a must-visit spot for tourists to experience Huangshan's rugged scenery. Huangshan is renowned worldwide for its 'Four Wonders': strange pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs. A Thread of Sky is an important part of experiencing Huangshan's unique dangers and wonders.

Beginning-to-Believe Peak is located within the Mount Huangshan Scenic Area, and is one of the many peaks of Mount Huangshan. Mount Huangshan is famous for its unique natural scenery, including strangely shaped granite peaks, Huangshan pine trees, a sea of clouds, hot springs, and winter snowscapes. Beginning-to-Believe Peak is an excellent spot to admire the unique Huangshan pines and grotesque rocks, and also a great place to enjoy the sea of clouds. Legend has it that a scholar in the Ming Dynasty believed Mount Huangshan was nothing special, but after visiting Beginning-to-Believe Peak, he finally believed in the wonders of Mount Huangshan, hence its name 'Beginning-to-Believe'.

Paiyun Pavilion is located at the entrance of the West Sea Grand Canyon in Huangshan Scenic Area. It is an excellent spot for viewing the strange peaks and rocks of Huangshan and the sea of clouds in the West Sea. Here, visitors can overlook the peaks and enjoy the ever-changing sea of clouds landscape, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the scenery is even more magnificent. The pavilion's name means 'ascending through the clouds,' hinting at its high-altitude location reaching into the clouds and its fairyland-like scenery.

The Flying Stone is a famous attraction within the Huangshan Scenic Area, located between Bright Summit and Cloud-Dispelling Pavilion. It is a massive rock weighing 360 tons, with a very small contact surface at its base with the mountain peak, appearing as if it descended from the sky, hence its name. The Flying Stone is one of Huangshan's iconic landscapes and a filming location for many movies and TV series. Here, visitors can admire unique rock formations and a magnificent sea of clouds.

Magical Pen Blooming is a famous scenic spot within the Huangshan Scenic Area, located in the Beihai Scenic Area. It consists of a stone pillar with a pen tip pointing upwards and a pine tree growing on the pillar, resembling a pen resting on a pen holder with flowers blooming on its tip, hence its name 'Magical Pen Blooming'. It is one of Huangshan's iconic attractions, often shrouded in clouds and mist year-round, offering beautiful scenery.

Liandan Peak, located within the Beihai Scenic Area of Mount Huangshan, is a peak renowned for its peculiar pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, and sunrise. It is one of the thirty-six small peaks of Mount Huangshan. Legend has it that Xuanyuan Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor) once refined elixirs here, hence its name. This spot offers a wide view and is an excellent place to admire the beautiful scenery of Mount Huangshan.

Chengkan is located in Huizhou District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, an ancient village with a history of over 1800 years. It is famous for its unique Feng Shui layout and well-preserved Ming Dynasty architectural complex, known as 'China's First Feng Shui Village' and 'Jiangnan's First Village'. The village contains a large number of precious ancient buildings such as Baolun Pavilion and Luodongshu Ancestral Temple, serving as a living fossil for studying Huizhou architecture and Feng Shui culture.

Monkey Gazing at the Sea of Clouds is a renowned attraction within the Beihai Scenic Area of Huangshan, situated in front of Lion Peak. It is a peculiar rock formation strikingly resembling a monkey, facing the sea of clouds as if intently admiring the vast and magnificent cloudscape. Under Huangshan's unique misty and cloudy climate, when the sea of clouds surges and billows, the view of Monkey Gazing at the Sea of Clouds becomes exceptionally spectacular, serving as a prime example of 'Strange Rocks,' one of the Five Wonders of Huangshan.

Huashan Grottoes is a mysterious scenic area that integrates cultural landscapes and natural scenery, famous for its unique ancient quarrying sites, massive grotto complexes, and unsolved mysteries. These grand underground projects showcase the exquisite skills of ancient people, making it an ideal place for exploration, scientific research, and tourism, and it has been rated as a National AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Danxia Peak is a famous peak within the Huangshan Scenic Area, with an elevation of over 1800 meters. It is located at the entrance of the West Sea Grand Canyon and is named for its peak walls, which are reddish-brown like the glow of sunset. This is an excellent spot for watching sunrises, sunsets, and seas of clouds, and it is also an important attraction connecting Paiyun Pavilion and the West Sea Grand Canyon. Visitors can reach it by taking the West Sea Grand Canyon sightseeing cable car or by hiking, enjoying the unique Danxia landform and magnificent mountain views.

Huangshan - Beihai (Lion Forest) is located within the Huangshan Scenic Area and is a famous tourist attraction. Although its rating on Amap is only 3.5, as part of the Huangshan Scenic Area, its natural scenery and unique geological features still attract numerous visitors. Specific detailed information (such as opening hours, ticket prices, etc.) is not provided on Amap. Visitors are advised to visit the official website of the Huangshan Scenic Area or consult local tourism departments for the latest information.

Yungu Temple is located within the Mount Huangshan Scenic Area in Anhui Province, serving as a connecting point between the front and back mountains of Huangshan, and the starting point for taking the Yungu cable car up the mountain. The temple has a long history, surrounded by numerous peaks and beautiful scenery, making it one of the important gateways for tourists entering the Mount Huangshan Scenic Area.

The Xu Guo Stone Archway, also known as the 'Eight-Legged Archway', is located at the intersection of Zhonghe Street and Dagujing Street in Huizhou Ancient City, Huicheng Town, She County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. It was first built in the twelfth year of Emperor Wanli's reign in the Ming Dynasty (1584) to commemorate Xu Guo, a Grand Secretary during the Jiajing and Wanli periods of the Ming Dynasty. The archway's plan resembles the Chinese character '口' (kǒu, meaning 'mouth' or 'square'). It is composed of two front-and-back archways, each with three bays, four pillars, and three stories, combined with two left-and-right archways, each with a single bay, two pillars, and three stories. It is currently the only existing 'eight-legged archway' in China. The entire archway is constructed from hard granite, featuring exquisite carvings and a magnificent presence, possessing extremely high historical and artistic value. It is hailed as the 'Foremost Archway of Jiangnan'. In 1988, the Xu Guo Stone Archway was designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit (third batch) by the State Council of the People's Republic of China.

Ciguang Pavilion is one of the main entrances to the southern gate of Huangshan Scenic Area, integrating a temple, cable car station, and hiking trail starting point. The ancient Ciguang Temple is located here, serving as an important hub for accessing the front mountain of Huangshan (Yuping Scenic Area).

Tangmo Scenic Area, located in Huizhou District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, is an ancient village characterized by waterside scenery and Huizhou-style architecture, renowned as the "First Water Inlet Garden Village in China." The scenic area boasts ancient trees, flowing streams, and a large number of well-preserved ancient buildings and cultural landscapes from the Ming and Qing dynasties, making it an excellent destination to experience traditional Huizhou culture and natural beauty.

Huizhou Ancient City Yuliang Dam and Yuliang Ancient Town are located in Yuliang Village, Huizhen Town, Huangshan City, and are a tourist attraction that combines natural scenery and historical culture. Yuliang Dam is a famous ancient water conservancy project in China, known as the 'Dujiangyan of Jiangnan'. Its unique structure and long history attract numerous tourists. The ancient town preserves typical Huizhou architectural styles, with flagstone streets, ancient residences, ancestral halls, and more, showcasing a profound Huizhou cultural heritage.

Tunxi Old Street is located in Tunxi District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, and is a historic commercial street in the central urban area of Huangshan City. Originating in the Song Dynasty, it is a well-preserved ancient street featuring architectural styles from the Southern Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, earning it the reputation of a 'moving Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival'. The old street is 1272 meters long and is a tourist attraction that integrates Huizhou architectural features, cultural heritage, and commercial activities. It is famous for selling crafts such as Huizhou inksticks, She inkstones, Huizhou bamboo carvings, wood carvings, and local specialties. Additionally, it is an excellent place to taste Huizhou cuisine and experience Huizhou culture.

The Huangshan Hot Spring Scenic Area is located within the Mount Huangshan Scenic Area, known for its natural hot springs and beautiful natural scenery, making it an ideal place for relaxation.

The Tuanjie Pine is a famous ancient pine tree located in the Beihai Scenic Area of Mount Huangshan. It is named for its unique tree shape and its symbolism of unity. Growing at an altitude of 1630 meters, its branches are strong and vigorous, making it one of the representative 'strange pines' of Mount Huangshan, and a popular spot for tourists to admire and take photos.

Eighteen Arhats Facing the South Sea is a famous natural wonder within the Beihai Scenic Area of Huangshan Scenic Area. This group of ingeniously crafted strange rocks varies in form and is lifelike, as if eighteen arhats are facing the South Sea with serene expressions, showcasing the miraculous craftsmanship of nature. This spot offers a wide view, making it an excellent location for viewing sea of clouds, sunrises, and strange peaks and rocks, and it is also one of Huangshan's representative attractions.

The Black Tiger Pine is one of the ten famous pines of Huangshan Mountain. It is located in the Beihai Scenic Area of Huangshan Scenic Area. Legend has it that when a high monk entered meditation, he saw a black tiger lying beside the pine, hence its name, Black Tiger Pine. Its crown resembles a giant umbrella, vigorous and towering. It is one of Huangshan's famous landscapes, attracting numerous tourists with its unique shape and legend.

Penglai Three Islands is a famous attraction within the Yuping Scenic Area of Mount Huangshan Scenic Area, named for its three unique stone peaks resembling mythical islands in the sea. It is an excellent spot for viewing unique pines, strange rocks, and seas of clouds, and a paradise for photography enthusiasts.

Buxian Bridge is located in the West Sea Grand Canyon of Huangshan Mountain, connecting Tianhai and the West Sea Grand Canyon. It is representative of Huangshan's many unique and perilous bridges. The bridge body spans high between two peaks, surrounded by mist and clouds, offering magnificent scenery. It is an excellent spot to admire the grand canyon's views and a must-pass route for adventure enthusiasts.

Lixue Terrace is located 130 meters west of Qinglian Pond in Huangshan Scenic Area and is a viewing platform. Specific information is limited, but as an an attraction within the Huangshan Scenic Area, one can enjoy the unique natural scenery of Huangshan.

Stone Ear Stewed Chicken is a soup dish primarily made with chicken and stone ear (a rare edible fungus that grows on cliffs). This dish is delicious, has nourishing and health-preserving benefits, and is often believed to have effects such as clearing heat, detoxifying, nourishing yin, and moistening the lungs. It is one of the traditional health-preserving dishes.

Huizhou Daobanxiang is a traditional famous dish from the Huizhou region of Anhui, belonging to the Huizhou cuisine family. It uses cured pork belly as the main ingredient, and through a unique cooking process, the meat is fatty but not greasy, savory and palatable, with a unique flavor.

Braised Pork with Dried Bamboo Shoot Skins is a dish primarily made with dried bamboo shoot skins and braised pork. Dried bamboo shoot skins are the outer layers of dried bamboo shoots, which develop a unique texture after processing. Braised pork typically refers to Hongshao Rou (red-braised pork), known for its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. The combination of these two ingredients creates a distinctive taste.

Yipin Pot is a traditional famous dish from Huizhou, Anhui, belonging to Anhui cuisine. It is mainly cooked in layers with ingredients such as ham, chicken, pork belly, winter bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, tofu, and fried tofu. It emphasizes original flavors, with a rich and delicious soup.

Huangshan Braised Pigeon is a traditional and historic dish from the Huangshan region of Anhui. It uses high-quality local squab, slow-braised in a clay pot with various nourishing herbs (such as goji berries, red dates, etc.). Its characteristics include clear broth, rich flavor, tender pigeon meat, and abundant nutrition. It is known for its nourishing and health-preserving properties, making it one of the representative dishes of Huizhou cuisine.

A traditional Anhui famous dish, made primarily with mandarin fish, processed through a unique pickling and fermentation technique. The fish meat has a slight peculiar smell (stinky smell) when raw, but after cooking, the meat is tender and fresh, with a rich flavor and fragrant aroma, making it one of the representative dishes of Huizhou cuisine.

A traditional specialty snack from Huangshan, a crispy and delicious baked pastry, usually with sweet or savory fillings.

Mao Dou Fu, also known as 'Moldy Tofu', is a traditional Chinese fermented tofu. During its production, white mycelia grow on the surface of the tofu blocks, resembling fine hair, hence its name. It has a history of consumption in China for hundreds of years due to its unique flavor and texture.