Nestled at the foot of Huangshan Mountain, Emerald Valley (翡翠谷) is a hidden gem offering a perfect escape for families seeking adventure and tranquility. During a weekend getaway, you can enjoy a range of activities from creek tracing and river rafting to off-road motorbiking. This 3-day, 2-night self-driving trip provides the ideal opportunity to experience the natural beauty of this scenic area, all while bonding with family and creating unforgettable memories. Here’s a detailed journal of our experience in Huangshan’s Emerald Valley, with recommendations and tips for planning a similar adventure.
Travel Overview
- Travel Date: August 2024
- Travelers: 2 adults + 1 child (4.5 years old)
- Travel Plan: Friday to Sunday; Self-drive
- Total Cost: Approx. ¥2500+ for 3 days (for 3 people)
Pre-trip Preparation
1. Booking Accommodation:
- Guesthouse: Mushan Mushui Homestay (黄山慕山慕水民宿)
- Location Details:
- Creek tracing (100m from the guesthouse)
- Emerald Valley scenic area (200m)
- Off-road motorbike & Xiangxi River Rafting (2km)
- Charging stations (500m)
- Phoenix Source Scenic Area (4km – ideal for swimming)
- Hongcun (40km), Chengkan (50km)
2. Packing List:
- Clothing: Long-sleeve swimwear for the child, extra change of clothes
- For Creek Tracing: Swimming ring or float arm bands, dry and wet bags, creek tracing shoes, water gun, fish-catching net, water bucket
- Other Essentials: Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, backup medications
Itinerary
Friday:
- 10:00 AM: Depart from home
- Lunch Stop: Quick break due to traffic
- 3:00 PM: Arrive at the guesthouse
- 4:00 PM: Off-road motorbiking (3-minute drive from the homestay)
- 5:30 PM: Change and freshen up
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the guesthouse
Saturday:
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast
- 9:30 AM: Head to Emerald Valley (翡翠谷)
- 10:30 AM: Exit the scenic area
- 11:00 AM: Creek tracing right at the guesthouse entrance
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at the guesthouse
- 1:30 PM: Afternoon nap
- 4:00 PM: Xiangxi River Rafting (香溪漂流)
- 5:00 PM: Return to the guesthouse
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at the guesthouse
Sunday:
- Morning: Breakfast and departure
Detailed Experience
Guesthouse & Environment: The homestay is located at the base of Huangshan Mountain, offering cool and refreshing air, especially in the summer. The area is dotted with numerous streams, making it a great base for exploring the outdoors. The homestay itself is cozy, and the owner is incredibly kind, offering a warm welcome. Breakfast is complimentary and includes a variety of local dishes. For lunch and dinner, meals can be pre-ordered at the guesthouse, and the food is delicious. They also offer laundry services and outdoor drying racks.
Creek Tracing at the Guesthouse: The creek tracing experience is just a short walk from the guesthouse (about 100 meters). The path is small, and a guide from the homestay is recommended. There are deeper sections of the creek where you can swim, and the water temperature is just right when visited around noon. The homestay provides camping chairs for relaxation by the water.
Off-road Motorbiking: A thrilling activity just 3 minutes from the homestay, off-road motorbiking is a great way to explore the rugged terrain. The two-seater motorbike ride costs ¥288 per vehicle, and our child enjoyed the experience while holding on to us. The ride lasts for about an hour and includes a mix of water paths and mountain roads, offering a thrilling yet safe adventure. There’s a short break midway for water play, which adds to the fun.
Emerald Valley (翡翠谷): Known for its lush scenery and crystal-clear waters, Emerald Valley is a serene escape. The valley was also a filming location for the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. After entering the park, a 200-meter walk leads you to the ticketing checkpoint, and along the way, you’ll encounter small creeks perfect for splashing around. There are also aerial performances along the route. You’ll ascend the mountain to reach the exit, and you have the option to either hike back down or take the high-altitude zip line, which costs an additional ¥40 per person. The zip line is a fun way to descend at a steady pace without feeling the weightlessness.
Xiangxi River Rafting (香溪漂流): Rafting on the Xiangxi River is another exhilarating activity. Located near the off-road motorbike site, rafting tickets are ¥100 for adults and ¥70 for children over 1.2 meters. The journey, which lasts about an hour, includes some playful water battles, so don’t forget to bring water guns and water scoops to defend yourself against the incoming splashes! The homestay offers shuttle services to and from the rafting site.