Huangshan Mountain (黄山) is a famous destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. While many visitors choose to explore its scenic beauty during the day, night hiking has become increasingly popular for those looking to avoid the crowds and experience a sunrise atop the mountain. However, night hikes in Huangshan require thorough preparation and precise timing. In this guide, we’ll take you through the key steps for a successful night hike, specifically focusing on the Yu Ping Peak (玉屏峰) route. From timing your departure to essential supplies and potential overnight options, this guide ensures you’re well-equipped for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Key Timing for the Hike
If you’re planning to hike Huangshan (黄山) at night, the latest time to start your journey is 4:00 PM from the South Gate bus terminal (南门客运点). Missing this deadline will likely result in not being able to enter the mountain. Unlike Mount Emei (峨眉山), where enforcement is more lenient, Huangshan’s ticket checkpoints close strictly at 5:30 PM. If you don’t reach the checkpoint at the base of the mountain by this time, you will be unable to proceed.
- 4:10 PM: Depart from your hotel at the South Gate (南大门).
- 4:10 – 5:10 PM: Take the bus from the South Gate to the ticket office at the foot of the mountain.
- 5:10 PM: Arrive at the ticket office, exit the bus, and begin the hike.
- 5:35 PM: Reach the mountain checkpoint. The checkpoint closes at 5:40 PM, so ensure you arrive before this time to avoid being turned away.
Essential Supplies for Night Hiking
Clothing: Bring a short-sleeve shirt, long sleeves, and long pants. It’s crucial that your outer layer is windproof. The wind is extremely strong on the mountain at night, and wearing breathable fabrics without wind protection will leave you feeling cold.
Hat and Gloves: A warm hat is essential for keeping yourself comfortable during the colder hours.
Flashlight: A reliable headlamp or handheld flashlight is a must to navigate safely in the dark.
Power Bank: Ensure your phone and flashlight stay charged throughout the hike by bringing a fully charged power bank.
Heat Packs: Carry hand warmers or heat packs to keep yourself warm, especially if you plan to rest outdoors.
Thermal Blanket: A thermal (emergency) blanket will help keep you warm if you decide to sleep near the summit. Many hikers use these to wrap themselves up while waiting for the sunrise.
Along the Way: Supply Points
Be sure to stock up on food and drinks before you leave the South Gate (南大门). From there to the mountain checkpoint, there are no stores available for purchasing provisions.
If you begin your hike around 5:30 PM, all shops below the Halfway Temple (半山寺) will likely be closed, meaning no supply points will be available.
Halfway Temple (半山寺): This spot has a security booth with a public restroom where you can purchase instant noodles for RMB 15 and Red Bull for RMB 15. The helpful guard will even prepare the noodles for you! I ate two bowls here and grabbed a bottle of water before continuing my ascent.
From Halfway Temple (半山寺) to Bright Summit (光明顶), there are no other supply points. Once you reach Bright Summit, food and drinks are available, but they are expensive. After Bright Summit, I didn’t encounter any more shops.
Temperature and Weather Conditions
Before Halfway Temple (before 7:10 PM): It’s quite hot, and you’ll be sweating even in just a short-sleeve shirt.
From Halfway Temple onwards: You’ll start to feel the wind, so it’s a good time to add more layers of clothing.
Halfway Temple to Bright Summit: As you continue, the wind becomes stronger, especially in narrow areas. The higher you go, the windier it gets.
At the Summit (Bright Summit): It’s extremely windy throughout the night. If you don’t plan on staying in a mountain hotel, ensure your clothing is fully windproof to keep warm.
Accommodation: Spending the Night on the Mountain
Hotels: Hotels at the summit are quite expensive, with rates often exceeding RMB 1,000. Additionally, they do not allow guests to rest in the lobby.
Sleeping Bags and Coats: I didn’t encounter any places renting sleeping bags or coats at Bright Summit (光明顶), so if you’re planning to sleep outdoors, you’ll need to bring your own.
Public Toilets: Continuing past Bright Summit, there are two public toilets, but they were locked when I arrived, making them unavailable for overnight use.
ATM Machine: Near the Lion Forest Hotel (狮林大酒店), there’s an ATM machine. While it’s lit and has continuous noise from the machine, it’s not an ideal place for sleeping.
Overnight Options
Bring Your Own Tent or Sleeping Bag: The most common option is to bring a tent or sleeping bag. Find a sheltered spot to rest and wait for the sunrise. The downside is having to carry extra gear up the mountain.
Thermal Blanket: Many hikers I saw used silver thermal blankets to wrap themselves up in corners or small pavilions. While I didn’t personally try this, it seemed like a viable option for some.
Public Toilets Near Yungu Cableway (云谷索道站): On the descent, I discovered a three-story public restroom near the Yungu Cableway entrance. The doors weren’t locked, making it a possible option for sleeping, though I found this out after the hike.