Best Hiking Routes of the Yellow Mountains
The Yellow Mountains are arguably the most magnificent mountains in China.
Trekking the Yellow Mountain brings you face-to-face with pristine and magnificent views. It is not surprising then that this is an experience pretty much everyone signs up for.
Why It Worth Spend Someday Hike Through Yellow Mountain
- Take in the breath-stealing sights while trekking up and down the mountain
- Explore the lesser-known trails in the West Sea Grand Canyon
- Enjoy the magnificent and unique sunrises and sunsets
- For me, the last reason is to get a chance to get in touch with the soul of Yellow Mountain – mountain porters.
Hiking Routes and Maps in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Eastern Stairs 3-4 hours– For the Strangely Shaped Rocks
You start your climb up the Yellow Mountains from the Yungu Temple and go up the Eastern Steps. The Eastern Steps are best known for the views, especially those of the strangely shaped rock known as the Immortal Pointing the Way and the Stone Table.
Hiking route: Yugu Temple – White Goose Peak – Goes up Beginning to Believe Peak – Return Back to Black Tiger Pine – Beihai Hotel
Good to know: You can take the Yungu Cable Car to ascend the mountain from the Yungu Temple to the Mushroom Pavilion. The whole ride takes 10 minutes.
If you want to descend, take the Yuping Cable Car. Both are available for the price of CNY80 and CNY 90, respectively.
Western Stairs 3 hours - West Sea Grand Canyon, For the Clouds, Rock Formations, and Ancient Pines
The West Sea Grand Canyon is a U-shaped canyon. Hikers can hike all the way around the canyon and enjoy breath-taking views of the clouds, the rock formations such as Lady Playing Piano, Dog Watching Sky, and Immortal Walking on Stilts.
The famous Fairy-Walking Bridge is also an interesting feature, but not meant for the faint of heart. It is not recommended that you look down once you are on the bridge.
Good to know: Although the trek is a descending staircase here, the descent can be very steep at times.
Therefore, if you are not physically capable of attempting this descent or have bad knees, a viable option for you is the monorail. It will get you downhill within 5 minutes at the cost of CNY80.
Hiking route: Paiyun Pavilion – Go downstairs through West Sea Canyon – Ring 1 – Ring 2 – Go upstairs the same way or go up by monorail – Paiyun Pavilion and wait to see the sunset view.
Hike to the summit to see Seas of Clouds 2-3 hours
The Seas of Clouds is one of the most famous Yellow Mountain attractions. When the clouds are evident, the peaks look like floating islands in the sky.
The cloud seas are even named depending upon the direction they are in the North Sea, South Sea, East Sea, West Sea, and Heavenly See (in the middle).
Some of the most magnificent sights are the Celestial Capital Peak, the Lotus Peak, and Bright Top, all of which range from 5900 feet to 6100 feet.
The Best Route for a Whole Day Hiking
If you have more than one day to stay on the mountain, we suggest taking a look at the magical creativity of nature over the mountain. They are the variations due to the shape of mountains and weather changes.
The best trekking route is: sunrise on Purple Clouds Peak – Flying Rock – Bright Top – Fairy Walking Bridge – Plunk Way – Lotus Peak – Greeting Guest Pine – Celestial Capital Peak
Greeting Guest Pine – For its Appearance
The Greeting Guest Pine is part of the Jade Pavilion and is well-known all over for its unique shape. The tree is 33 feet high and resembles a man holding his arms out in greeting.
The Chinese often hang posters of this tree in homes and restaurants, in China, pine has the meaning of Perseverance and Persistence.
Good to know: You can take the Yuping Cable Car from Greeting Guest Pine to go down to Mercy Light Pavilion at a cost of CNY 90.
Hot Springs
Start walking from Mercy Light Pavilion which is close to the frontward entrance at the bottom, and follow the road sign up to Huangshan Hot Spring Resort, which totally takes 30 minutes.
The legendary hot springs of the Yellow Mountains are famous for their healing and relaxing properties. They were discovered a thousand years ago and have been in use ever since.
Legend even has it that the Yellow Emperor, Huang Di – who is known as the ancestor of Chinese culture and the Huaxai Chinese – bathed in these springs and regained his lost youth. As such, the springs are also called the Springs of Youth.
Suggested 4-Day Huangshan Hiking Itinerary
Day 1
Airport, train, or bus transfer and stay in a hotel in Huangshan
Day 2
Hiking up the Yellow Mountains from Yungu Temple Stone Table and the peak of the Immortal Pointing the Way White Goose Ridge Flying-over Rock and the Bright Top Cloud-dispelling Pavilion
Day 3
The West Sea Canyon Sunrise at the Refreshing Terrace Plunk Way and Fairy-Walking Bridge
Day 4
Hongcun Village, One-Hundred Ladders, Greeting-guests Pine, Jade Screen Pavilion, Celestial Capital Peak, Lima Temple Transfer to embarking point (airport, train, or bus station)
This is the general itinerary. You can talk to your guide and have it customized as per your interests and requirements. Also, remember to pack only essentials in your backpack and leave your suitcase at the hotel in Huanshang.
When is the Best Time for Hiking
Certain parts of the Yellow Mountains are closed during certain times of the Year. Rates are also affected by whether it is high season or shoulder season.
Some rates may even change due to festivals such as the Spring Festival, Labour Day, or National Day.
March to April: This is definitely the best time to see the yellow rape flowers in bloom. In addition, the mountainsides are covered in azaleas and provide a fascinating contrast with the white backdrop of the mountains.
September to October: The journey to the Yellow Mountains will take you through breathtaking views of the different and rich colors of fall.
December to March: The West Sea Grand Canyon, Celestial Capital Peak, and Lotus Peak close during these months due to snow. If you plan to visit at this time, the guide will adjust your itinerary accordingly.
Hiking Tips
Map
Make sure you have a trekking map outlining your routes and destinations as per the itinerary.
This is something that the guide will generally sit and discuss with you on your first day. Indicate your preferences to the guide so he or she can take them into consideration.
Luggage Storage
Only carry essentials as you will be doing a lot of climbing up and down. You can leave your luggage in your hotel at Huangshan or at the foot of the mountains for an extra cost of about CNY20 per piece of luggage.
The Weather
Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and dangerous. Listen carefully to your guide’s recommendations as he or she will ensure that you go to destinations where the weather is most agreeable.
Time of Year
Not only are certain parts of the Yellow Mountains closed during the winter, but the Yuping Cable Car also shuts down for routine maintenance and upkeep from October to April.
As such, only the Yungu Cable Car is available for ascents and descents. You may face queues, as a result. You can ask the guide to adjust your itinerary to avoid crowds.Travel Huangshan with Us
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