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Huangshan (Yellow Mountains)

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Huangshan, also known as the Yellow Mountains, is a mountain range in southern Anhui Province in eastern China and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. The region is world-famous for its spectacular scenery, characterized by bizarrely shaped granite peaks, ancient gnarled pine trees, and the frequently occurring sea of clouds. The highest peaks, such as Lotus Peak at 1,864 meters, offer panoramic views over the rugged cliff faces. Geologically, the mountains were formed about 100 million years ago during the Mesozoic era when an ancient sea receded and tectonic uplifts exposed granite intrusions. Huangshan has significantly influenced Chinese art and literature for centuries, particularly the Shanshui style of landscape painting. Today, the area is accessible through a well-developed system of hiking trails and cable cars, remaining one of the most important symbols of China's natural beauty.

Location: China
Top sights: Shisun Gang · Nine Dragon Waterfalls · Storm Pool
Nearby: Mount Sanqing (63 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	3	5	10	15	20	23	26	26	22	16	11	4
Rain mm	83	117	154	199	234	340	271	189	114	74	86	62

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Huangshan Mountains are a vast natural area open year-round. The famous granite peaks and pines are accessible via hiking trails, with cable cars easing the ascent.

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Typical hours

The area is typically open from 6:00 to 18:00 depending on the season. Cable cars have their own operating hours, which vary seasonally; check locally.

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Photography

Photography is allowed everywhere, especially sunrises and sunsets over the sea of clouds are legendary. A tripod is recommended for long exposures, but it can be windy on the peaks.

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Time needed

Most visitors spend two to three days in the mountains to see the main attractions. A day trip is possible, but then you usually use the cable cars.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with nearby traditional villages like Hongcun and Xidi, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The city of Huangshan also has cultural attractions.

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Getting there

The mountains are reachable by high-speed train from Shanghai or Hangzhou; the nearest station is Huangshan North. From there, buses go to the foot of the mountain.

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Insider tip

Stay overnight on the mountain to experience the sunrise from the peaks. Book accommodation well in advance as hotels fill up quickly.

Geography

Coordinates

30.13300, 118.16600

Facts

Lotus Peak is the highest point of the Huangshan range at 1,864 meters.
The mountain range was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990.
The famous 'Guest-Greeting Pine' is estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
There are more than 60,000 stone steps carved directly into the mountain rock.
The sea of clouds phenomenon occurs on average about 200 days per year.
The region is home to 145 plant species categorized as living fossils.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Huangshan Mountains2 km · WExplore →

Tunxi & Hongcun22 km · SExplore →

Hongcun Village24 km · SEExplore →

Wuyuan58 km · SEExplore →

Mount Sanqing63 km · EExplore →

Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall119 km · NWExplore →

TSMC Fab Nanjing123 km · NWExplore →

Wuyi Mountains137 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Huangshan (Yellow Mountains) (6)

Shisun Gang 🌿 nature

A prominent viewpoint in the Huangshan mountains offering clear sights of stone pillars resembling bamboo shoots.

Nine Dragon Waterfalls🌿 nature

An impressive waterfall in the Huangshan range that cascades down nine distinct rocky drops into deep pools.

Storm Pool📍 landmark

A natural water pool in the Huangshan mountains, surrounded by steep granite walls and lush vegetation.

Black Tiger Pine 🌿 nature

A famous ancient pine tree in Huangshan with dark, sprawling branches that resemble a crouching black tiger.

White Goose Ridge 📍 landmark

A high mountain ridge in Huangshan providing sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding sea of clouds and jagged peaks.

Entrance to Old Trail 📍 landmark

The starting point for hiking a historic stone trail that winds deep into the rugged Huangshan mountains.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you get up the mountain?

You can either hike up or take one of the three cable cars.

What is the 'Sea of Clouds'?

A weather phenomenon where mountain peaks emerge from a dense layer of clouds.

Is it worth staying overnight at the top?

Yes, staying overnight allows you to experience the spectacular sunrise.

When is the best time to visit?

Every season has its charm, but spring and autumn have the most stable weather.

Are the paths difficult?

The paths are well-paved but consist almost entirely of steep stone stairs.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountains): where is it located?

Huangshan (Yellow Mountains) is located in China.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountains): what is there to see?

Highlights include Shisun Gang, Nine Dragon Waterfalls, Storm Pool.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountains): when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountains): why is it worth visiting?

Huangshan, also known as the Yellow Mountains, is a mountain range in southern Anhui Province in eastern China and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Huangshan (Yellow Mountains)

Best time to visit & climate