Huangshan Mountain (黄山), renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. When planning your trip, choosing the right accommodation is crucial for enhancing your experience. This guide will explore the four main areas for lodging around Huangshan, including the mountaintop, downtown Huangshan City (屯溪区), Tangkou Town (汤口镇), and the scenic Hongcun area (宏村), helping you find the best place to stay based on your travel plans.
Staying at Tangkou Town or Mountaintop
If your plan is to explore only Huangshan, staying in Tangkou Town (汤口镇) or at the mountaintop is generally the best option. Tangkou Town is located at the South Gate of Huangshan and serves as a vital access point for both the front mountain (Ciguang Pavilion) and the back mountain (Yungu Temple) entry gates. This makes Tangkou Town an essential stop for visitors heading to Huangshan.
Exploring Nearby Attractions
If you also wish to visit nearby attractions like Hongcun (宏村), Xidi (西递), the ancient town of Huizhou (徽州古城), Tunxi Old Street (屯溪老街), Wuyuan (婺源), Qi Yun Mountain (齐云山), and the Xin’an River (新安江), you may want to choose your accommodations based on your travel itinerary. For instance, if you plan to spend four days exploring Huangshan, a well-balanced arrangement could be one night on the mountain to catch the sunrise and sunset, one night in Hongcun for picturesque morning and evening scenes, and one night in Tunxi to explore the old street and enjoy authentic Huizhou cuisine. This approach is ideal for travelers seeking an immersive experience in diverse landscapes.
Staying in Tunxi District (屯溪区)
For those who prefer not to switch hotels daily, staying in Tunxi District (屯溪区) is a suitable option. Centrally located in Huangshan City, this area boasts a fan-shaped distribution of famous attractions, making transportation very convenient with travel times ranging from 30 to 80 minutes to key sites. Tunxi offers a vibrant nightlife, and the cost of living is relatively low, providing a better dining and lodging experience. By staying on Tunxi Old Street (屯溪老街) or Liyang Old Street (黎阳老街), you can enjoy the beautiful night views of the Xin’an River (新安江) and indulge in various local delicacies just steps away from your accommodation.
Watching the Sunrise on Huangshan Mountain
If witnessing the spectacular sunrise on Huangshan is a priority, staying at the mountaintop is essential. However, it’s worth noting that there are only about ten hotels on the mountain, providing around 4,000 beds. During peak seasons, over 20,000 people typically hike up each day, meaning at least 15,000 visitors will not have the opportunity to stay overnight and will need to opt for a day trip.
These day-trippers often rise early to queue for entry, especially on holidays, with some starting as early as 4:00 AM. Staying overnight at the mountaintop allows for a more leisurely schedule and ample time for exploration. It’s advisable to avoid the peak entry times from 7:00 to 9:30 AM to prevent long waiting times, which can detract from your experience. Instead, consider sleeping in a little longer or exploring other nearby sites before ascending the mountain for a more relaxed vacation.