Roaming Huangshan | Huangshan + Tunxi Ancient Town + Huangshan Scenic Area + Hongcun + Bishan Village Leisure 4-Day Tour

Welcome to Huangshan. Our driver will meet you at the airport/train station exit and escort you to your downtown hotel for check-in. (PS: It is recommended to arrive in Huangshan before 14:00 that day.) Suggested ways to arrive 1. By plane: Huangshan Tunxi International Airport (TXN) is the only international airport serving Huangshan. Domestic flights to and from Huangshan are available from major cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guilin, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Xi'an. 2. By train: There are 3 commonly used railway stations in Huangshan. You can take high-speed rail to Huangshan from cities such as Shanghai (2.5 to 3.5 hours), Hangzhou (1.5 to 2 hours), Suzhou (2 to 3.5 hours), Beijing (5.5 to 7 hours), and Guangzhou (7 hours). After resting at the hotel, you can visit Tunxi Ancient Town, known as "today's Song City." It is one of the best-preserved ancient commercial streets in China with Southern Song and Ming-Qing architectural styles, with a history of several hundred years. It is 832 meters long and 5-8 meters wide. The entire district consists of 1 straight street, 3 cross streets, and 18 alleys, forming a unique fishbone layout. Strolling through it, you can admire the simple and elegant Huizhou-style architecture, the picturesque ancient town scenery, browse various antique-style gilded signboard shops, and taste authentic Huizhou cuisine. If you are interested in Huizhou's history and culture, you can visit the Tunxi Museum, the only museum in China that comprehensively showcases Huizhou culture. Here you can admire precious collections such as Xin'an paintings and calligraphy, She inkstones, the Three Huizhou Carvings, and Ming-Qing furniture. Among them, the Huizhou ink and She inkstones in the museum are treasures of Huizhou culture, deeply loved by literati and scholars. Afterward, you can continue to the Hu Kaiwen Ink Factory, honored as a "China Time-honored Brand." It is one of China's oldest and most prestigious ink factories and one of China's three major ink-making factories, famous for producing Huizhou ink. Here you can gain an in-depth understanding of China's long-standing ink-making techniques, admire exquisite ink mold carving art, and experience the charm of Huizhou ink culture up close.

After breakfast, you will drive 80 km (about 1.5 hours) to visit Huangshan, one of China's famous Five Great Mountains. Huangshan is not only a World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site but also one of the outstanding representatives of China's magnificent mountains and rivers and splendid culture. It is renowned for its "Five Wonders" of strangely shaped pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, hot springs, and winter snow, as well as its "Five Excellences" of historical relics, painting and calligraphy, literature, legends, and famous figures. It enjoys the reputation of "the most fantastic mountain under heaven," and the saying "Having returned from the Five Great Mountains, no other mountains are worth seeing; having returned from Huangshan, no other mountains are worth seeing" is precisely the highest praise for Huangshan. Today's suggested route in Huangshan: Yungu Cableway - Shixin Peak - Paiyun Pavilion - West Sea Grand Canyon - Bright Summit - Flying-Over Rock. The total walk is about 7 to 9 km and takes about 5 to 6 hours. First, you will take a sightseeing bus from the foot of Huangshan's rear mountain to Yungu Temple, then take the cableway to Bai'e Ridge Station (8 minutes). As the cableway ascends, you can overlook the majestic and magnificent peaks and the misty clouds lingering among the mountains, as if you were in a fairyland. Along the way, you can also see various strangely shaped pines and rocks, enjoying Huangshan's stunning scenery from a unique perspective. After arriving at Bai'e Ridge Station, you will begin a wonderful hike to Shixin Peak. Along the way, you will pass scenic spots such as Black Tiger Pine, Harp Pine, and Interlocking Pine. The scenery is very charming and perfect for photos. On the way, you can also capture the countless forms of fantastic peaks and rocks. These masterpieces of nature bring you endless room for imagination and offer the best experience. Standing on Shixin Peak, you can take in the magnificent mountain scenery around you. After enjoying the beautiful scenery of Shixin Peak, you will hike for about 40 minutes to reach the mountaintop hotel to rest. After lunch, you will visit the fantastical West Sea Grand Canyon. Here there are magnificent canyon scenery, peculiar rock formations and peak forests, and charming seas of clouds, making it one of the must-see attractions in Huangshan. In addition, this hiking route can be tailored to your physical strength and time. (Note: The hiking path in the West Sea Grand Canyon is thrilling and rugged, full of challenges, and highly demanding on physical strength; in addition, during cold weather and heavy snow, the West Sea Grand Canyon is usually closed.) Afterwards, you can choose to watch the stunning sunset at Paiyun Pavilion or at the higher Bright Summit. Paiyun Pavilion is named because the clouds and mist of the West Sea rise and roll, and dissipate when they reach the stone pavilion. Here you can enjoy magnificent views of the sea of clouds, sunset glow, fantastic peaks, and deep valleys. Especially when the sun sets and the sunset glow radiates, it is very charming. It takes about 30 minutes to return to the hotel from Paiyun Pavilion. Bright Summit (about 1,860 meters above sea level) is one of the main peaks of Huangshan and the second highest peak of Huangshan. Here you can view the sea of clouds, strange pines, strange rocks, peaks, sunrise and sunset, among which the sunset scene with red clouds filling the sky is extremely beautiful. It takes about 40 minutes to hike back to the hotel from Bright Summit. If your time and energy permit, you may consider extending by 1 hour and hiking to the Tianhai Scenic Area to see the Flying-Over Rock. This is a famous scenic spot in Huangshan, about 12 meters high and weighing 600 tons, standing on a flat rock with a very small contact area at the bottom, as if it had flown in from beyond the sky. Travel Tips 1. Travel light: There is a lot of walking in Huangshan. To save energy and enjoy the trip easily, it is recommended to carry only essentials and travel light; or store your luggage at the foot of the mountain. 2. Environmental protection and hygiene: Some hotels on Huangshan do not provide disposable toiletries. Therefore, for environmental protection and hygiene, it is recommended to bring your own. 3. Accommodation note: Staying on Huangshan allows more time to enjoy more of Huangshan's beauty, especially the sunrise and sea of clouds. However, due to higher transportation costs on the mountain, hotel facilities may be limited. Even star-rated hotels may not reach the standards of big cities such as Shanghai. In addition, the climate on the mountain is humid, and rooms may be a bit damp. Although there are not many choices, we will choose a relatively comfortable hotel for you.

Today's Huangshan tour route reference: Sunrise - Shuguang Pavilion - Qingliang Terrace - Monkey Watching the Sea - Lion Peak - Yungu Cableway, about 3 kilometers of walking in total, taking about 2 hours. Early this morning (usually around 5 to 6 AM), you will witness the most magnificent natural wonder - Huangshan sunrise: as the morning light first shines, the eastern sky gradually turns pale, then red light begins to appear on the horizon, the dawn appears, and the rosy clouds reflect each other, breathtakingly beautiful. (Note: 1. The temperature in the mountains in the early morning is very low, so it is recommended to wear thicker clothes. 2. The sunrise is affected by weather and season, and whether you can see it depends on actual conditions.) After watching the sunrise, return to the hotel for breakfast. Then, head to the steep Lion Peak (about 1,690 meters above sea level). It is named because it resembles a crouching lion. Qingliang Terrace is the lion's waist, and Shuguang Pavilion is the lion's tail. Both are the best places to view Huangshan's stunning sunrise and sea of clouds. In addition, on Lion Peak, you can also see one of Huangshan's iconic attractions - Monkey Watching the Sea, famous for its lifelike monkey image. The stone monkey sits alone on the peak, as if gazing into the distance, or as if jumping to quietly watch the sea of clouds. The scene is spectacular. Afterwards, walk to Bai'e Ridge Cableway Station and take the Yungu Cableway down the mountain. Our driver is already waiting at the foot of the mountain and will take you to the picturesque Hongcun. [Hongcun] is the most representative ancient village in southern Anhui and a famous World Heritage site. It is known for its typical Huizhou-style architecture, unique water system layout, and long history and culture, enjoying the reputation of "the village in a Chinese painting." About 140 well-preserved ancient Ming and Qing dwellings are scattered throughout the village, mostly featuring white walls, black tiles, horse-head walls, and carved beams and painted rafters, like a living Huizhou scroll. The tranquil water system landscape makes the entire Hongcun full of spirituality. The painted bridge spans the lake, with light and shadow interlacing, very charming. If you arrive early, you can check in at popular attractions such as South Lake Academy, Chengzhi Hall, Wang Family Ancestral Hall, and ancient trees; if you arrive late, don't miss Hongcun's night view. Among them, Moon Pond is the essence of Hongcun's night view. The moon, lanterns, houses, and water surface are all covered with a faint blue light, appearing quiet and peaceful. On South Lake, the ancient bridge casts a winding beautiful shadow under the interweaving of light and moonlight. The water surface sparkles like scattered silver. The outlines of ancient Huizhou-style buildings on the shore become deeper in the night, contrasting with the reflections in the water, outlining a dreamlike ink-wash night scene.

Early this morning, you will see the breathtaking Hongcun dawn, a scene not of this world. When the first ray of sunlight pierces the mist and shines on the black tiles and white walls, the entire Hongcun seems to be gilded with a layer of golden light. The distant mountains are shrouded in clouds and mist, the lake surface is calm as a mirror, and the white walls and black tiles are reflected in the water, forming an elegant and timeless ink-wash painting. At this time, there are fewer people, making it more tranquil, an excellent time for sightseeing and photography. You can leisurely stroll through the ancient streets and alleys, glimpse the real local life atmosphere, and perhaps see elderly people practicing Tai Chi or women washing clothes by the river; you can also go to Moon Pond or South Lake to photograph reflections in the water, morning mist, sunrise, and other beautiful scenes. Afterwards, visit [Bishan Village], known as "China's Most Beautiful Literary Village". This is a small, literary ancient village hidden deep in Huizhou where the Wang family has lived for generations. It has a history of over 1,600 years and well preserves the ancient village style of Huizhou. It is one of the last remaining places of Chinese Han agricultural civilization. Here, there are not only simple Huizhou-style buildings but also beautiful pastoral scenery, an excellent place to escape the city's hustle and bustle and return to nature. You can leisurely stroll or cycle in Bishan Village, immersively appreciate the beauty of white walls and black tiles contrasting with green mountains and clear waters, the pastoral scenery formed by endless rice fields and rapeseed flowers and the faintly visible mountains in the distance, and closely observe the village's rich historical buildings and literary designs. Bishan Village Recommendations 1. Bishan Bookstore: This bookstore, converted from an ancient family shrine, retains the original architectural features of the shrine, very simple and exquisite. It was praised by CNN as "China's Most Beautiful Rural Bookstore" and is the most unmissable attraction in Bishan Village. 2. Yunmen Pagoda: Commonly known as "Sandu Pagoda", it is the symbol of Bishan Village and the only pagoda in Yixian County. It looks very elegant against the distant mountains and nearby bamboo. 3. Bishan Crafts Cooperative: This is an important cultural landmark of Bishan Village, integrating publishing, exhibitions, retail, dining, accommodation, artist residencies, handicrafts, and many other experiences. It is a good place for literary youth to experience the simple and tranquil village life and traditional handicrafts. 4. Dog's Bistro: This is where China's first rural craft beer was born. The brewed Bishan craft beer is very distinctive, with a taste different from ordinary beer, very worth tasting. 5. Pig's Inns: Originally an old oil factory in Bishan Village, it was later transformed by a poet couple from Shanghai into a unique leisure place. The environment is quiet, the architecture is simple, and it not only provides accommodation but is also a good place for drinking, eating, and taking photos. After the tour, this wonderful and unforgettable 4-day Huangshan Leisure Tour will come to an end. Our driver will take you to the airport/train station. If you wish to extend this trip and explore more destinations in China, such as Hangzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou, Beijing, Harbin, Yunnan, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Tibet, Guilin, Xinjiang, etc., you can also contact our customer service to arrange it for you.