A Celestial Tour of Huangshan (2-Day 1-Night Guide from Nanjing)

Time: June 6-7, 2020 (Two days and one night)

[Outbound Journey June 6 (Overnight at the summit)]

8:00-12:30 Inter-provincial bus: Nanjing South Coach Station (next to Nanjing South Railway Station) → Huangshan Scenic Area (Tourist Transfer Center)

12:30-13:00 Scenic area shuttle bus: Huangshan Scenic Area (Tourist Transfer Center) → Yuping Cableway Entrance (Enter the scenic area here; at that time, Yungu Temple Cableway was closed for maintenance)

[Return Journey June 7]

13:30-14:00 Scenic area shuttle bus: Yuping Cableway Entrance → Huangshan Scenic Area (Tourist Transfer Center)

14:20 Inter-provincial bus: Huangshan Scenic Area (Tourist Transfer Center) → Nanjing South Coach Station (next to Nanjing South Railway Station)

[Ticket Purchase]

Inter-provincial bus:

Nanjing South Coach Station → Huangshan Scenic Area: Purchase on WeChat official account "Nanjing Tourism Distribution Center Service Platform"

Huangshan Scenic Area → Nanjing South Coach Station: Purchase on WeChat official account "Huangshan Scenic Area Bus Station - My Orders - Old Version Ticket Purchase Records - Search Tickets - (Enter Nanjing) - Agree to Purchase - Submit Order" (This entry is very hidden; we only found it after asking hotel staff on the mountain. It may be improved later, so this method is for reference only.)

Scenic area shuttle bus:

1. Can be purchased on-site at the Transfer Center Station.

2. Also available on WeChat official account "Huangshan Scenic Area Bus Station - Book Tickets - Huangshan Scenic Area Transportation".

[Admission Tickets] Due to the pandemic, Huangshan Scenic Area tickets must be reserved online at least one day in advance. (Download "Wan Shi Tong" app, apply for "Ankang Code (Huangshan)", and use it to reserve scenic area tickets. Free-ticket visitors also need to reserve free tickets.)

[Cableway tickets, mini train tickets, etc.] can all be purchased on the "Huangshan Tourism Official Platform" WeChat official account.

Our ideal route:

Day 1: Yungu Cableway - Shixin Peak - Monkey Gazing at the Sea - Bright Summit - Flying Stone - Paiyun Pavilion - West Sea Grand Canyon (First and Second Loops) - Paiyunxi Station (mini train) - Tianhai Station (mini train) - Overnight near Bright Summit

Day 2: Aoyu Peak - Lotus Peak - Welcoming Pine - Tiandu Peak - Yuping Cableway

June 6: Ascend + sightseeing: Yuping Cableway - Welcoming Pine - Lotus Peak - Baiyun Hotel (overnight)

June 7: Sightseeing + descend: Bright Summit - Flying Stone - Paiyun Pavilion - West Sea Grand Canyon (First and Second Loops) - Paiyunxi Station (mini train) - Tianhai Station (mini train) - Yuping Cableway

This route was designed based on our physical strength and schedule. First, the Yungu Temple Cableway was closed for maintenance, and we had to catch the bus departing from the Transfer Center the next afternoon, so time was tight to visit the back mountain. Second, I was in poor physical condition (about half my usual stamina) and couldn't handle a very strenuous route. If you have ample time and good physical fitness, you can take the classic route from Yungu Temple Cableway through the back mountain to the front mountain.

We only stayed at Baiyun Hotel, which is located near the central part of the scenic area, making it convenient to ascend from either the front mountain or the back mountain.

We stayed in a superior standard room in Zone A. The room was not large, but it was clean and comfortable. We were especially impressed by the smart home appliances (lights, heating, and curtains could be voice-controlled via Xiao Ai; we don't know why the TV wasn't connected; the toilet was a smart toilet). Complimentary fruit and tea were provided. For dinner, you could have the hotel's hot pot buffet (160 CNY/person?) or order a meal by contacting the butler (each room at Baiyun Hotel has a staff member assigned to provide consultation services).

The hotel provides free down jackets for guests to wear when watching the sunrise. They are very warm, clean, and practical.

Compared to hotels of the same standard at the foot of the mountain, the price is on the high side. We stayed on a non-holiday Saturday, and the lowest price for a superior standard room in Zone A on the platform was 1455 CNY per night. However, considering the service, facilities, and transportation difficulties, it is understandable.

Overall, we were satisfied with the accommodation. After a day of exhausting travel, feeling the dry warmth of the heating on the damp, cold mountain was a great blessing.

Huangshan's scenery has been praised by many legendary figures since ancient times. Among the few mountains I have visited, Huangshan is the most beautiful. "After visiting the Five Sacred Mountains, no other mountains are worth seeing; after returning from Huangshan, no other sacred mountains are worth seeing" – this saying is not an exaggeration.

When we went, it was cloudy with heavy fog. When we returned, it was a clear sunny day, and the scenery was bright and clear. Although we only saw a tiny bit of a sea of clouds, even without it, other views would never disappoint.

Walking in Huangshan feels like walking in a bonsai garden.

If I had to describe Huangshan in one word, I think that word would be "celestial".

I won't say more; go and see for yourself.

Climbing in early June: weather varied from light rain to cloudy to sunny, temperature 18-26°C.

Clothing: Short-sleeved shirt (bring an extra for change, plus a thin long-sleeved shirt if you feel cold), long pants, sports shoes, hat (windproof as it's windy on the mountain), sunglasses, mask (the hotel provides one, but it's best to bring your own as stations require them). For watching sunrise, if the hotel doesn't provide a down jacket, you must bring a thick cotton coat, otherwise you'll be frozen by the mountain wind.

Other: Travel raincoat, tissues, flashlight (for sunrise, optional; we brought one but didn't use it), toiletries (provided by hotel; bring according to your needs), water, high-energy snacks (candy, chocolate, Snickers, etc.), self-heating meals (if you have the energy, definitely bring them; it's painful to watch others eat), trekking pole (very useful), camera. Don't bring anything else you can avoid!

Physical preparation: Climbing Huangshan with gastroenteritis and half stamina was a true test of willpower. Every two steps I had to gasp for air, as if experiencing a preview of fifty years later. Therefore, it is not recommended to climb when unwell. Eat breakfast on the day of climbing, and remember to replenish water and carbohydrates along the way to avoid hypoglycemia.

Finally, I wish everyone good health and that you soon check off Huangshan on your travel list!

P.S. Encountered a little squirrel on the way~

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