Huangshan Mountain is renowned for its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, making it a dream destination for photography lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Planning a trip to catch these magical moments requires careful timing and choosing the right viewing spot, as Huangshan offers several scenic locations to experience these stunning natural phenomena. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top spots to view the sunrise and sunset at Huangshan, along with nearby accommodation options, pros and cons of each location, and essential tips to make the most of your trip.
1. Yingke Pine Viewing Point (迎客松观景点)
Sunrise/Sunset: Both
Nearby Hotels: Yupinglou Hotel (玉屏楼宾馆)
Pros: Located close to Tiandu Peak (天都峰), after watching the sunrise, you can head directly to Tiandu Peak to start exploring. Since the spot is near the hotel, it’s mostly visited by guests, so the crowd is relatively small. The famous “Welcoming Pine” tree (迎客松) nearby provides a great photo opportunity.
Cons: This point is relatively far from other scenic areas, so it may require more time if you plan to explore multiple spots.
2. Aoyu Peak Viewing Point (鳌鱼峰观景点)
Sunrise/Sunset: Both
Nearby Hotels: Baiyun Hotel (白云宾馆), Guangmingding Mountain Lodge (光明顶山庄)
Pros: With fewer crowds, this spot offers wide, open views, making it easy to capture stunning silhouettes during both sunrise and sunset.
Cons: It’s located a bit further from the hotels, so you’ll need to bring some lighting for walking the trails early in the morning or after sunset.
3. Guangmingding (Bright Summit) Viewing Point (光明顶观景点)
Sunrise/Sunset: Both
Nearby Hotels: Baiyun Hotel (白云宾馆), Guangmingding Mountain Lodge (光明顶山庄)
Pros: Guangmingding (光明顶) is one of the most popular spots for both sunrise and sunset due to its vast, flat terrain and panoramic views. Its proximity to the hotels makes it convenient for an early start or a late return.
Cons: It’s a very popular spot, so it can get crowded, especially during sunrise and sunset. You’ll need to arrive early to secure a good spot.
4. Bai’e (White Goose) Mountain Lodge Viewing Point (白鹅山庄观景点)
Sunrise/Sunset: Both
Nearby Hotels: Bai’e Mountain Lodge (白鹅山庄), 701 Hotel (701宾馆)
Pros: Less crowded than other spots, and it’s located very close to the hotels, making it convenient for early morning hikes.
Cons: Its elevation is slightly lower, which can affect the panoramic view.
5. Paiyun Pavilion (排云亭观景点)
Sunrise/Sunset: Sunset only
Nearby Hotels: Paiyun Hotel (排云型旅)
Pros: Paiyun Pavilion (排云亭) is known for its stunning sunset views, offering one of the best panoramic scenes in Huangshan (黄山).
Cons: The space is quite small, so you may need to arrive early to find a good vantage point.
6. Danxia Peak (丹霞峰观景点)
Sunrise/Sunset: Both
Nearby Hotels: Paiyun Hotel (排云型旅)
Pros: Danxia Peak (丹霞峰) offers fantastic views and tends to have fewer visitors than other spots.
Cons: You can only see the sunrise and sunset here during the warmer months, as views are obstructed in spring and winter.
7. Monkey Watching the Sea (Houzi Guanhai) Trail (猴子观海沿线观景点)
Sunrise/Sunset: Both
Nearby Hotels: Xihai Hotel (西海饭店), Shilin Hotel (狮林大酒店)
Pros: This scenic trail offers beautiful views along the way, and the Monkey Watching the Sea point (猴子观海), along with other spots like Qingliangtai (清凉台) and Lion Peak (狮子峰), make for stunning sunrise and sunset watching.
Cons: It requires about a 30-minute hike to reach, and the space at the top is limited, so it’s not ideal for large groups.
8. Shixin Peak (始信峰观景点)
Sunrise/Sunset: Both
Nearby Hotels: Beihai Hotel (北海宾馆), Shilin Hotel (狮林大酒店)
Pros: Shixin Peak (始信峰) is dramatic, with sheer cliffs on three sides, giving it a majestic and awe-inspiring setting. From May 18-22 and July 24-28, you can catch a rare sight known as “Hongyun Dangtou” (鸿运当头), a unique yellow mountain phenomenon where the rising sun casts a red glow over the peak.
Cons: It’s a bit far from the nearby hotels, requiring a more substantial walk to reach.