If you’re looking for a perfect blend of stunning natural landscapes and traditional Chinese village charm, a two-day trip to Huangshan Mountain and Hongcun Village should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient architecture, breathtaking mountain views, or immersive cultural experiences, this guide covers everything you need to know to make the most out of your visit.
Day 1: Exploring Hongcun Village
Getting to Hongcun from Hangzhou:
Your journey begins by boarding a high-speed train from Hangzhou to Huangshan North, which takes about 1.5 hours and costs approximately 120 yuan. Once you arrive at Huangshan North station, head to the tourism center, located just a short walk to the right. There, you can purchase a bus ticket to Huangshan South Gate (黄山南大门) for about 30 yuan. The bus ride takes around one hour.
Once at South Gate, check into your accommodation and leave your luggage. Most accommodations in Huangshan offer transfer services to Hongcun Village. I arranged a shared ride for 30 yuan per person, which took about 30 minutes to reach the village.
Exploring Hongcun Village:
Hongcun is often considered the quintessential image of a Huizhou-style water town, resembling an ancient Chinese ink painting. The village is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful Hui-style architecture, with its meandering rivers, curved bridges, and white-washed walls.
I spent around two hours exploring the village, and I highly recommend taking your time to stroll through the alleyways, over the picturesque bridges, and around the tranquil ponds. If you need help with directions, the staff at the village entrance can guide you to the best spots. My personal advice is to slow down and immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of the village, as the slower pace really enhances the experience. Although Hongcun does have some commercialization, it is still a delightful place to visit.
Popular photo spots in Hongcun include the South Lake (南湖) and Moon Pond (月沼). Both offer great photo opportunities with their stunning reflections of the traditional architecture. The South Lake is right at the entrance of the village, and you’ll find many artists sketching the view, making it a must-visit. For the best photos of the Hui-style architecture reflected in the water, head to Moon Pond during the late afternoon or early evening when the lighting is perfect.
Dining and Accommodation:
For meals, there are a number of restaurants that serve local specialties. The food in Hongcun is relatively affordable, and I highly recommend trying the famous “stinky mandarin fish” (臭鳜鱼). It may not sound appetizing at first, but it is surprisingly delicious!
Accommodation in Hongcun varies from traditional guesthouses to more modern hotels, with a lot of options near the West Gate of the village. The experience of staying in a traditional Hui-style building is quite unique, and many guesthouses offer a local feel with beautiful garden views.
Day 2: Hiking Huangshan Mountain
Preparation for the Hike:
Before heading to Huangshan Mountain, make sure to bring the following essentials:
- Power bank (charging points are limited on the mountain)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (the sun can be intense, even on cloudy days)
- Raincoat (Huangshan weather is unpredictable, and umbrellas are not allowed on the mountain)
- Snacks and instant rice meals (food on the mountain is expensive, with bottled water costing about 8 yuan and drinks 15 yuan)
Ticketing and Transportation:
The Huangshan mountain ticket costs around 190 yuan, and Hongcun entry is 94 yuan. Tickets can be booked in advance through the official Huangshan tourism platform. For transportation, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus to get up and down the mountain, costing 19 yuan each way. The cable car ride for the first section is 80 yuan, and there are two sections of cable cars to reach the peak.
Hiking Huangshan:
There are two main routes to the mountain: the front mountain (慈光寺) and the back mountain (云谷寺). I chose to ascend from the back mountain via the Yun Gu Si Cable Car, which takes about 10 minutes. From the cable car station, I made my way to the Guangming Peak (光明顶), passing by scenic spots such as the Monkey Viewing Sea (猴子观海) and Shixin Peak (始信峰) along the way. I didn’t visit the West Sea Grand Canyon (西海大峡谷), but it’s another spectacular spot worth considering.
I arrived at Guangming Peak at around 11 AM and spent some time taking in the views and snapping photos. Afterward, I walked to the famous Welcome Pine (迎客松) which is known for its unique shape and is one of the most photographed spots on Huangshan. Be cautious as it can get crowded, especially around midday.
By 2 PM, I began my descent and passed by Tian Du Peak (天都峰). Keep in mind that Tian Du Peak is restricted to 3,000 visitors per day, so if you want to visit it, plan accordingly. I slowly made my way down and reached the Ci Guang Pavilion (慈光阁) by 4 PM. I then took the shuttle bus down to the base of the mountain.
Alternative to Hiking:
While I personally enjoy hiking, I do not recommend trekking the entire way down by foot, especially from the front mountain. The stairs are steep, and the views are often obstructed by trees. Hiking can be physically exhausting, and you may miss out on the best scenery. The cable cars offer spectacular views, and the majority of the stunning landscapes are visible from the top.
Final Tips and Recommendations:
- Weather: Make sure to check the weather forecast before your hike. The views on Huangshan are best when it’s sunny, as rainy weather can significantly reduce visibility.
- Suggested Itinerary: I recommend starting with Hongcun and then heading to Huangshan. After hiking, you’ll likely be exhausted and prefer to rest rather than explore more.
- Avoid Tourist Traps: Don’t trust hotel staff who may suggest alternate routes or additional fees. Most of the scenic spots on Huangshan are located on the front mountain, so choose your route accordingly.
Total Costs:
Here’s a breakdown of my expenses:
- High-speed train from Hangzhou: 120 yuan
- Shuttle bus to Hongcun: 30 yuan
- Accommodation (2 nights): 240 yuan
- Hongcun entrance fee: 94 yuan
- Transportation fees (to and from Huangshan): 60 yuan
- Huangshan entrance fee: 190 yuan
- Shuttle buses up and down the mountain: 38 yuan
Total spent: 582 yuan (Note: If you visit on a Wednesday, Hongcun’s entrance fee is waived, saving you 190 yuan.)