4-Day Huangshan Tour from Shanghai: Explore Yellow Mountain and Ancient Villages

Day 1 Huangshan Arrival

Pick up service is arranged at your hotel in Shanghai (based on your requirement), you will find a welcome sign "Your Way Holiday". Drive you to Shanghai train station to catch the train to Huangshan. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the exit of the train station with the same sign.

Your private driver will be happy to help you put away your luggage. What you need to do is sitting back and relaxing in the car. Your guide will help you check in the hotel in the downtown Huangshan City and provide information you need. If time permits, visit Tunxi Old Street, an ancient commercial street in center of Tunxi Town.

Day 2. Mt.Huangshan

After breakfast at your hotel, check out and deposit your suitcases in the hotel. You can collect it on your way back. Take your valuables, passport and a small bag or backpack for your overnight stay on the mountain.

First, we'll embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive along Huangshan Expressway to reach Huangshan Mountain. Upon arrival, you'll switch to the local green bus for a 15-minute journey along the winding mountain road to the Yungu bus station. From there, we'll continue with a breathtaking cable car ride from Yungu Station to the summit of the mountain. Throughout the journey, our knowledgeable guide will handle all arrangements, ensuring a seamless experience, and share fascinating insights about Huangshan's natural history and cultural significance.

Next, we'll tour Begin-to-Believe Peak, located east of the North Sea in Huangshan Mountain at an elevation of 1,668 meters. According to legend, a man once doubted the tales of Huangshan's beauty until he reached this peak, where he finally believed the stories. This peak is renowned for its ancient twisted pine trees, uniquely shaped rocks, and stunning panoramic views. As our guide explains the lore and natural beauty, you'll understand why "The beauty of Huangshan is not fulfilled until you reach this peak." After soaking in the views at Begin-to-Believe Peak, you will trek for about 40 minutes to your mountaintop hotel for a well-deserved break.

After lunch, prepare to experience the grandeur of the West Sea Grand Canyon. Entering the Xihai Grand Canyon feels like immersing yourself in a living Chinese ink painting, where peculiar rocks and towering stones greet your gaze. The scenery is breathtaking, with Huangshan pines clinging to cliffs in various captivating poses. Customize your hike according to your energy and schedule: a round-trip to the 1st ring takes about 2 hours, while venturing to the 2nd ring extends the expedition to approximately 2.5 hours. As you traverse the canyon, your guide will point out notable landmarks and provide insights into the geological formations and ecological diversity of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afterward, you have several options to enjoy the sunset: either from the Cloud-Dispelling Pavilion or the higher-altitude Bright Summit. The Cloud-Dispelling Pavilion earns its name because clouds tend to disperse upon reaching this spot. It offers a splendid vantage point to admire the sunset, sea of clouds, unique peaks, and deep valleys. For those with time and energy, consider extending your trek by an hour to visit the Sky Sea Scenic Area and witness the awe-inspiring Flying-over Rock. This massive boulder, weighing approximately 360 tons and towering 12 meters high, seemingly balances on a narrow base atop another rock. Experience the sunset from the majestic Bright Summit, the second highest peak at 1840 meters. After sunset, enjoy a 40-minute hike back to your hotel.

Stay overnight at the summit, where our guide will assist with your check-in and ensure you're comfortable for the night.

Day 3. Huangshan And Tunxi Street

In the early morning, take the chance to photograph the sunrise on the Yellow Mountain. In good-weather days, you can see clearly the golden light of the sun piercing the mists, and rocky peaks rising above the frothy, ever-changing sea of white clouds. After the sunrise, get back to your hotel for breakfast. Then, go down the mountain by cable car and drive to Shexian County. you can enjoy the ancient Hui Style architecture, one type of traditional Chinese architecture and the breathtaking landscape.

Next, continue your journey to Lion Peak (1690m) to visit the Dawn Pavilion, Refreshing Terrace, and observe various unique shapes of pines and rocks along the trail. True to its name, Lion Peak resembles a crouching lion, offering a striking natural spectacle. The "Monkey Gazing at the Sea" rock formation presents a captivating sight, where a monkey appears to contemplate the vast sea of clouds below, providing a picturesque scene and ideal photo opportunity. After exploring, head towards the White Goose Ridge Cable Station to descend via the Yungu cableway. Your driver awaits at the mountain base to transport you back to Huangshan City in time for lunch.

After enjoying a leisurely lunch, take a stroll along Tunxi Ancient Street, a historic thoroughfare that dates back 900 years. This charming street is lined with maroon flagstones, stretching over 1,000 meters and featuring a main street, three cross streets, and 18 alleys. The architecture showcases the distinctive Huizhou style, characterized by white walls, black tiles, and intricate carvings.

As you wander, you'll encounter shops that have been family-owned for generations, offering a fascinating array of goods from inkstones and brushes to local teas and Mao badges. Indulge in local culinary delights such as Mao Tofu, Shaobing, and the renowned Smelly Mandarin Fish. Your guide will provide insights into the street's rich history, including its role as a commercial center and cultural hub in ancient Huizhou. They'll point out significant landmarks and share stories about the traditional craftsmanship and daily life that define Tunxi Ancient Street, offering a deeper appreciation for its enduring charm and cultural significance.

Continuing your cultural journey, visit the Hu Kaiwen Ink-stick Factory nearby, renowned for crafting top-quality Huizhou Inksticks. Witness the meticulous process of creating inksticks, which includes traditional techniques like hand-operated soot collection. The factory also houses an impressive collection of 7,800 precious inkstick molds designed by renowned artists across dynasties.

Your guide will offer detailed explanations about the historical significance of inksticks in Chinese calligraphy and painting, highlighting their role in preserving traditional arts. You'll have the opportunity to observe artisans at work, shaping raw materials into refined inksticks using age-old methods. Learn about the different types of inksticks and their symbolic meanings in Chinese culture, gaining insight into their artistic and practical applications.

Whether you're interested in Chinese art, culture, or traditional crafts, this experience promises to be both unique and enlightening. Conclude your day with an overnight stay at a hotel in Huangshan City, reflecting on the day's discoveries amidst the cultural richness of Huizhou's heritage.

Day 4. Huangshan Departure

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel to embark on a journey through history. Today, accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, you'll explore two of China's most iconic ancient villages: Hongcun and Xidi, immersing yourself in the rich culture of ancient Huizhou.

These villages are prime examples of traditional Huizhou architecture and were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000 as part of the "Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui" ensemble.

Distinctive for their Huizhou architectural style, these villages feature intricate wood carvings, pristine white walls, and contrasting black-tiled roofs. The "Horsehead" walls, named for their shape, add to the picturesque scenes reminiscent of traditional Chinese ink paintings—serene, timeless, and profoundly beautiful.

Hongcun Village, established in the Song Dynasty over 900 years ago, exemplifies this architectural style with its well-preserved layout from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Often referred to as a "village in a Chinese painting," Hongcun attracts photographers and artists eager to capture its idyllic scenery and architectural elegance.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of southern Anhui, Hongcun Village is meticulously planned according to feng shui principles, harmoniously blending with its natural surroundings. Leigang Hill serves as its majestic "head," adorned with ancient trees as "horns," while Moon Pond forms its "heart" and South Lake its "belly." Bridges spanning the tranquil Jiyin stream symbolize its "feet," and a meandering canal represents its "intestines," contributing to the village's organic flow and feng shui balance.

As you explore, you'll discover how Huizhou merchants, prominent during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, contributed to the architectural and cultural richness of these villages with their lavish mansions, ancestral halls, and archways. It's a journey through time that unveils the deep-rooted heritage and enduring beauty of ancient Huizhou culture. Your guide will narrate tales of prosperity and artistic patronage, offering insights into the craftsmanship and symbolism imbued in each architectural detail.

Next on your itinerary is Xidi Village, situated near Hongcun but offering a more tranquil and authentically preserved experience. With a rich history spanning 970 years, Xidi is even older than Hongcun. The village is renowned for its collection of over 300 ancient residences, three ancestral halls, and a beautifully ornate archway, making it a true "Living Museum of Ming and Qing Residential Houses."

Your guide will lead you through the narrow alleys and quiet courtyards of Xidi, unveiling stories of its prosperous merchant families and the architectural splendor that defines Huizhou culture. You'll have the opportunity to admire the intricate wood carvings, traditional courtyards, and well-preserved ancient buildings that showcase the craftsmanship and lifestyle of past centuries. Capture the essence of this historical gem through your camera lens and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere that has captivated visitors for generations.

Xidi's rise to prominence is deeply intertwined with the Hu family's fortunes. Established in AD 1047, the village has been a stronghold for the Hu clan for generations. The Hu family lineage traces back to the eldest son of the last Tang Emperor, who sought refuge here during the decline of the Tang Dynasty. At the village entrance stands the grand Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway, a magnificent three-tiered Ming Dynasty structure that symbolizes Xidi's historical significance.

For enthusiasts of Chinese architecture and history, particularly the unique Huizhou style, Xidi is an essential stop on your journey, offering a captivating blend of history, culture, and timeless beauty. Your guide will delve into the intricate details of the Hu clan's legacy and the architectural marvels that characterize Xidi, providing insights into how this village has preserved its heritage through centuries of cultural evolution. Explore the tranquil lanes, visit ancestral halls, and appreciate the delicate craftsmanship of the ancient residences that define Xidi's status as a "Living Museum of Ming and Qing Residential Houses."

After the tour, drive you to the Huangshan train station to catch your train to Shanghai. Your will be escorted to your hotel when your hotel in Shanghai (based on your requirement).

Price Per Person in US Dollars