Mt. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Wander around and appreciate the beauty of Mt. Huangshan’s more than 30 peaks, numerous walking paths, and points of interest. Although cable cars make it possible to visit Mt. Huangshan in one day, many travelers choose to spend the night at one of the hotels there, so they can see both the sunset and the sunrise from the mountain.

You can explore Mt. Huangshan independently, but the transportation involved is complicated—for a hassle-free experience, opt for a sightseeing tour. Multi-day excursions from Shanghai, Beijing, and other major cities are available.

• Attempt to hike all the way up the mountain only if you’re in good physical shape, as there are a lot of steps. Even the cable car route involves paths and steps.

• Wear sturdy shoes, as the paths and steps can sometimes be uneven.

• Take layers of clothing, sun protection, and plenty of water and snacks.

• Sedan chairs are available for visitors unable to walk, and porters will carry luggage.

Mt. Huangshan is near Huangshan City, to which you can fly or take a train or bus. From there, it’s about a 1-hour bus ride to the Huangshan Scenic Area. Three different cable cars go up the mountain, as do two primary hiking trails (with the eastern approach being the shorter of the two).

Mt. Huangshan can be visited year-round, and each season has its own beauty (flowers in spring, waterfalls in summer, colorful foliage in fall, and snow in winter). Certain areas of the mountain are closed from December to March. If you don’t like crowds, avoid going on Chinese public holidays, particularly in May and October.

Check out some of the ancient little towns near Mt. Huangshan. One of the most popular is the 800-year-old Hongcun Village, which appeared in the filmCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Other interesting villages include Tachuan and Xidi, which have histories dating back 1,000 years, and Tangmo, known as Small West Lake.

Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is famous for its granite peaks surrounded by pools of clouds and mist. Artists have captured the UNESCO-listed mountain range for centuries and it features in many Chinese poems. According to legend, the third mythological emperor, Huangdi, visited this mountain to collect herbs to make immortality pills.

If you want to reach the summit of Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), there are three ways to do so: a short, challenging climb on the east side; a longer, more difficult climb on the west side; or a cable car ride. Factor from half a day to two days, and be prepared for the weather to change your plans.

Yes, Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is difficult to climb. While not technically challenging, the stairs are narrow and seem to continue forever. Clouds and mist continuously obscure the view, which can be disorientating. Remember to save enough energy to get back down to the bottom.

Join a tour to get to Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) smoothly and safely, so you can concentrate on exploring. Day tours take you to the peak and back, while multi-day tours tend to explore nearby villages such as Hongcun and Xidi. Other options are photography tours and packages that include cable car rides.

The best times to visit Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are from March to early May and from September to November. Crowds are thinner, and the temperatures are best for stair climbing and sightseeing. Avoid summer, when temperatures are warm, but crowds are at their peak and there’s the highest chance of rain.

Yes, Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is worth it. The dramatic views are inspiring, and there aren’t many other places like this in the world. There are several ways to reach the peaks, too, so even if you’re not super fit, there is a way for you to enjoy the scenery of Mount Huangshan.