If you’re looking for a perfect 3-day getaway that combines breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and unique experiences, then this guide to Qiyun Mountain (齐云山) and Hongcun Village (宏村) is ideal. Located in the Huangshan (黄山) region, these two destinations offer stunning natural beauty and a glimpse into traditional Chinese village life. This itinerary takes you on a memorable journey through both the majestic mountain and the charming ancient village, with plenty of opportunities for exploration, photography, and cultural immersion.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Qiyun Mountain
My journey began with an early morning departure from Shanghai Hongqiao (上海虹桥) at 8:05 AM, and I arrived at Huangshan North Station (黄山北站) around 11:26 AM. Once I left the station, I quickly caught the Xiu Ning Line 1 bus (about 300 meters to the left of the station exit), which took me directly to Qiyun Mountain in about an hour. I checked into Xiang Fu Rui Hotel (祥福瑞酒店), which would be my base for the next two nights.
In the afternoon, I wandered through the small town near the base of the mountain. There were various intangible cultural heritage (ICH) activities to explore, giving me a chance to experience the local traditions. As evening approached, I headed out for a bamboo raft drifting experience. The boat ride offered an incredible opportunity for photos, especially at the front of the boat. The setting sun cast a beautiful orange glow over the water, creating the perfect atmosphere.
Later, I enjoyed the evening performances, including the fire-breathing show, fire dance, golden dragon dance, and the impressive iron flower show. I was most impressed by the Iron Flower performance, which was definitely the highlight. While the other performances were entertaining, I found the fireworks display a bit underwhelming.
Day 2: Hiking Qiyun Mountain and Journey to Hongcun
I started the day with breakfast at my hotel at 8:00 AM, before heading out for an adventure. I had purchased a combined ticket for the cable car and bamboo raft ride for ¥138, as well as tickets for Qiyun Mountain and Hongcun Village for ¥103. These tickets were valid for 3 days, so I made sure to keep track of their validity.
At 9:00 AM, I took the cable car up to Qiyun Mountain. Initially, I planned to take the small loop hike, but my adventurous side kicked in, and I decided to climb to the highest peak instead. Unfortunately, that decision led to my poor companion carrying my backpack and dragging me up the mountain, both of us sweating buckets. Looking back, the small loop would have been just fine. Along the way, I heard a guide mention that certain spots offered great views of Lotus Peak in Huangshan Mountain.
By 1:30 PM, I took the cable car back down the mountain. After lunch, I caught a taxi to Hongcun Village, which cost about ¥80. My hotel also offered a shuttle service, but since it was fully booked during National Day, I opted for the taxi. The drive took around 40 minutes, and I checked into a chain hotel just outside the scenic area. The hotel was conveniently close to the bus station, and the accommodations inside the village were quite expensive. The West Gate of Hongcun was only a 5-minute walk away.
As I entered Hongcun Village, I noticed gliders and skydivers soaring above – a thrilling sight, but I didn’t have time to join in. After a short rest, I ventured into the village. The evening atmosphere was much busier than during the day, with narrow lanes and plenty of hustle and bustle. I bought some local specialties, like Graphite Red Tea (石墨红茶) (which, though pricey, had a smooth and delightful taste, even though it lacked the fragrance of Qimen Tea).
Day 3: Exploring Hongcun Village and Return
On my final day, I enjoyed a traditional breakfast at one of the many local shops near the entrance to the Hongcun Scenic Area. After eating, I entered the village and spent the day taking photos of the picturesque surroundings. Hongcun is truly a photographer’s dream, with its charming ancient architecture and scenic landscapes.
The village isn’t very large, and I managed to stroll through it in about 2 to 3 hours. Along the way, I bought a fan-shaped fridge magnet and some freshly baked sesame flatbread, which were perfect souvenirs.
In the afternoon, I headed to Yixian Travel to purchase a bus ticket for my return journey. The trip to Huangshan North Station took about 1.5 hours, and I caught the 17:41 train back to Shanghai, bringing my 3-day adventure to a close.