Huangshan District Travel, Huangshan City, Anhui Province

Huangshan District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province — the location of Huangshan Scenic Area, known as the "Gateway to Huangshan, by the side of Taiping Lake". It is a dual UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site and a Global Geopark, home to top attractions such as Huangshan Scenic Area, Taiping Lake, and Emerald Valley. Experience the magnificent scenery of "the most fantastic mountain under heaven" in 1-2 days.

1669
square kilometers of regional area
160,000+
permanent population
30+
characteristic cultural and tourism attractions
1200 square kilometers
water area of Taiping Lake
Huangshan Scenic Area Landscape in Huangshan District
Huangshan Scenic Area - Core Landscape of Huangshan District
A dual UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, famous for its "Five Wonders": exotic pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, hot springs, and winter snow. Known as "Having visited the Five Great Mountains, one need not see other mountains; having visited Huangshan, one need not see the Five Great Mountains", it is an outstanding representative of China's magnificent mountains and rivers.

2-Day Essence Tour of Mountains and Waters in Huangshan District

Climb the fantastic mountain, boat on the beautiful lake, explore the canyon, and view the waterfall scenery

Trip Duration
2 Days
Main Destinations
Huangshan Scenic Area, Taiping Lake, Emerald Valley, Furong Valley, Jiulong Waterfall
Suitable for
Mountaineering enthusiasts, nature explorers, photography lovers, family travelers, vacationers
Per Capita Budget
¥400-¥1200
Day 1
In-depth Tour of Huangshan's Wonders
Huangshan Scenic Area · Furong Valley · Jiulong Waterfall
Trip Highlights

Spend the whole day visiting Huangshan Scenic Area, take the Taiping Cableway up the mountain from the North Gate, and visit key attractions such as West Sea Grand Canyon, Paiyun Pavilion, Feilai Stone, and Bright Summit; in the afternoon, choose to visit Furong Valley or Jiulong Waterfall to experience the charm of mountains and waters at the foot of Huangshan.

Attraction Arrangement
Huangshan Scenic Area
A dual UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, one of China's Top Ten Famous Mountains, famous for its "Five Wonders": exotic pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, hot springs, and winter snow. The scenic area is divided into nine management districts: Hot Spring, Yungu, Yuping, North Sea, Songgu, Diaoqiao, Fuxi, Yanghu, and Fugu, with 88 peaks over 1,000 meters above sea level. Lianhua Peak, Bright Summit, and Tiandu Peak are the three main peaks.
Furong Valley
A mysterious canyon at the northern foot of Huangshan, also known as Spring Valley, with a total length of 10 kilometers. The valley is lined with towering peaks, grotesque rocks, and dense primeval forests. The water scenery formed by numerous colorful pool groups is either as green as jade or as clear as crystal, shining brightly all year round, with waterfalls and flowing springs offering endless pleasure.
Jiulong Waterfall
The largest waterfall in Huangshan, with a total length of 600 meters and a drop of 300 meters. It has nine bends and nine pools, forming a magnificent spectacle of nine waterfalls and nine pools. The waterfall rushes down from the cliff between Xianglu and Luohan Peaks, with a majestic momentum, like nine white dragons dancing in the sky.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • The North Gate of Huangshan is located in Huangshan District, and you can take the Taiping Cableway up the mountain
  • Sightseeing buses connect various cableway stations and attractions in the scenic area
  • It is recommended to book scenic area tickets and cableway tickets in advance
  • Visiting Huangshan Scenic Area requires walking, please wear comfortable mountaineering shoes
Ticket Information
  • Huangshan Scenic Area: ¥190 (peak season), ¥150 (off season)
  • Taiping Cableway: ¥80 (one way)
  • Furong Valley: ¥98
  • Jiulong Waterfall: ¥62
  • Scenic Area Sightseeing Bus: ¥19
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Hotels on Huangshan Mountain: North Sea Hotel, West Sea Hotel, Paiyun Xinglv
  • At the foot of Huangshan: Various homestays and hotels in Tangkou Town
  • By Taiping Lake: Taiping Lake Resort Hotel
  • Huangshan District urban area: Various business hotels
Day 2
Leisure Tour of Taiping Lake and Emerald Valley
Taiping Lake · Emerald Valley · Farmhouse Experience
Trip Highlights

In the morning, take a boat tour of Taiping Lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery and visit the islands; in the afternoon, explore Emerald Valley (Valley of Lovers), walk along the stream and canyon to experience the spirit of mountains and waters; in the evening, experience local farmhouses and taste authentic Huizhou cuisine.

Attraction Arrangement
Taiping Lake
A national 4A-level scenic area, known as the "Lover of Huangshan" and "Jade Pearl of the South of the Yangtze River". The lake water is clear and transparent, with rolling green mountains and scattered islands like pearls. The lake area has attractions such as Egret Island, Golden Island, Taiping Bay, and Monkey Island, making it an ideal place for leisure vacation and water sports.
Emerald Valley
Also known as the "Valley of Lovers", the canyon is about 6 kilometers long, with more than 100 colorful pools of various shapes. The pool water is either crystal clear or emerald green, colorful, like countless jadeite scattered in the valley. The valley has attractions such as Lover's Bridge and Love Stone, making it a romantic place for couples to visit.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Taiping Lake is about 20 kilometers from Huangshan District urban area, accessible by self-driving or shuttle bus
  • Emerald Valley is near the South Gate of Huangshan, with convenient transportation
  • Taiping Lake cruise ships have fixed schedules, it is recommended to check the timetable in advance
  • The distance between attractions is relatively far, it is recommended to charter a car or drive by yourself
Ticket Information
  • Taiping Lake: ¥65 (including boat ticket)
  • Emerald Valley: ¥90
  • Taiping Lake Cruise Ship: ¥50-80 (different routes)
  • Farmhouse Experience: ¥80-150 per person
Food Recommendations
  • Taiping Lake Organic Fish Head
  • Huangshan Stone Frog
  • Huangshan Stone Ear
  • Smelly Mandarin Fish
  • Fermented Tofu
  • Farmhouse Native Chicken Soup

Must-Try Foods in Huangshan District

Taiping Lake Organic Fish Head

Selected wild organic bighead carp heads from Taiping Lake, stewed slowly over low heat with ingredients such as tofu and shiitake mushrooms. The soup is milky white, the fish meat is tender, and it is rich in nutrition, making it a signature dish in the Taiping Lake area.

Huangshan Stone Frog

A specialty of Huangshan, a type of frog living in the crevices of mountain streams. It is large in size, tender in meat, and rich in protein. It can be stewed in soup or braised, with a delicious taste, and is a traditional mountain delicacy in the Huangshan area.

Huangshan Stone Ear

A lichen plant growing on the cliffs of Huangshan, similar in appearance to black fungus but thicker. It is high in nutritional value and when stewed with chicken or pork, the soup is delicious, making it an important ingredient in traditional famous Huizhou dishes.

Smelly Mandarin Fish

A traditional famous Huizhou dish. Selected fresh mandarin fish are marinated in light salt water and naturally fermented to produce a special flavor. It smells slightly smelly but tastes fragrant and fresh with firm meat, and is one of the representative works of Huizhou cuisine.

Huangshan District Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Blooming flowers, pleasant climate, best time to watch the sea of clouds
  • Summer (June-August): Summer resort, abundant waterfall water volume, swimming in Taiping Lake
  • Autumn (September-November): Clear sky and light clouds, red leaves all over the mountains, golden season for photography
  • Winter (December-February): Rime and snow scenery, hot spring experience, relatively fewer tourists
Must-Experience Activities
  • Watch the sunrise and sea of clouds on Huangshan, admire the exotic pines and grotesque rocks
  • Take a boat tour of Taiping Lake and visit the islands
  • Make a wish at Lover's Bridge in Emerald Valley and take photos by the colorful pools
  • Taste Taiping Lake organic fish head and local farmhouse dishes
  • Experience Huangshan hot springs to relieve fatigue from mountaineering
Budget Reference
  • Tickets and Cableway: About ¥300-500
  • Accommodation: ¥150-600 per night
  • Catering: ¥100-300 per day
  • Transportation: ¥100-300
  • Total: ¥400-1200 (2 days)
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Which gate is better to enter Huangshan for sightseeing? → The North Gate has fewer people and faster cableway, while the South Gate has more classic routes
  • How long does a Taiping Lake cruise take? → About 2-3 hours, including island sightseeing
  • Why is Emerald Valley called the Valley of Lovers? → It got its name because many couples who visited here eventually got married
  • What local specialties can be bought in Huangshan District? → Huangshan Maofeng tea, Taiping Houkui tea, Huangshan stone ear, shiitake mushrooms, etc.

Explore Travel in Each District and County of Huangshan City