Huangshan is famous for its breathtaking Yellow Mountains landscape of granite peaks, charismatic pine trees, and cloud-sea vistas. Huangshan is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Discover the best duration for your Huangshan adventure from these itineraries, ranging from a quick 2-day trip to a deeper 5-day exploration — allowing you to make the most of your time and have the best experiences in this majestic region.
How Long to Spend in Huangshan
Generally speaking, a typical Huangshan trip takes about 3–4 days. Within 3–4 days, you can cover the main highlights of Huangshan and the surrounding ancient village at a comfortable pace.
If you only have 2 days, you can still visit Huangshan and explore the major Yellow Mountains highlights such as Beginning-to-Believe Peak and West Sea Grand Canyon, as long as you plan your itinerary well. If you would like some help with the planning, you could have an experienced local travel expert, like us, maximize your travel experience.
If you want to have a deep exploration of the mountains and the idyllic and culture-filled surrounding areas, we recommend that you spend about 5 days enjoying your Huangshan adventure. An extended stay would give you the opportunity to hike all the major trails, witness sunrises, and sunsets from a number of awesome viewpoints, explore the ancient villages at a leisurely pace, and possibly visit the attractive neighboring areas of Tunxi and Wuyuan.
Huangshan in 3 Days — Essence of Huangshan
A 3-day Huangshan itinerary would allow you to enjoy the main highlights of the Yellow Mountains and visit a medieval village and street — Hongcun and Tunxi Old Street — at a relaxed pace.
See below for a sample 3-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival, visit Tunxi Ancient Street and Hongcun
- Day 2: Yellow Mountains tour
- Day 3: Yellow Mountains sunrise, departure
Enjoy a comfortable stroll through Hongcun — a quiet (except for the seasonal tourist droves) and artistically charming tiny village nestling at the foot of the Yellow Mountains. Our guide could help take some awesome memorial photos for you there.
You would spend a day and a night on the Yellow Mountains to enjoy their highlights including a captivating sunset and sunrise. With our tailored guidance, you can choose the level of exploration that suits you best. Our guide would customize the best route according to your preference and fitness level, whether you are an energetic hiker who wants to explore off-the-beaten-path or beginners, a family with children, or senior citizens.
Sunset and sunrise on the Yellow Mountains would definitely be highlights of your tour (with good weather). Our experienced guide would lead you to the best vantage points for these awe-inspiring moments. The weather plays a significant role in this experience. We recommend consulting your travel advisor when planning your trip to inquire about the potential for favorable weather conditions, increasing your chances of watching enchanting sunset or sunrise panoramas.
Huangshan in 4 Days — In-Depth Trekking Experience
If you want a deep exploration of the Yellow Mountains, we can help you arrange a trekking route on less-traveled paths, allowing you to appreciate undisturbed beauty away from the tourists.
Here's a sample itinerary for your consideration:
- Day 1: Huangshan arrival
- Day 2: Trek up the Yellow Mountains, sunset among the peaks
- Day 3: Trek in West Sea Grand Canyon
- Day 4: Trek down the mountainside
During this itinerary, you would have a great adventure exploring the legendary mountain area on foot. You would uncover hidden gems that normal travelers never have a chance to see.
Your guide would accompany you every step of the way. You would trek at your own pace, savor the picturesque landscapes, and capture stunning photographs without the usual tour-group disruptions. You would hike up and down the mountain on different paths, ensuring that you experience a diverse range of views and trails.
Recommended tour: 4-Day Trekking in the Yellow Mountains
Huangshan in 2 Days — a Quick Explore
With a 2-day tour, we recommend you focus on the main highlights of the Yellow Mountains. To make the most of your short trip, we recommend the following well-planned 2-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Yellow Mountain tour
- Day 2: Yellow Mountain sunrise, Hongcun village, departure
To have a full 2 days for your Yellow Mountains tour, you would need to arrive a day earlier. You would take a cable car up the mountain and explore key attractions, such as Beginning-to-Believe Peak, Bright Summit Peak, and the West Sea Grand Canyon. You would also catch a sunrise and/or sunset during your stay if the weather permits.
However, with a 2-day tour, you would probably miss the beautiful surrounding villages. We recommend leaving at least 3 days to explore both the Yellow Mountains and the old-style villages at the mountains' foot.
If your goal is to experience the essence of Huangshan within a limited time, a well-planned 2-day trip can undoubtedly be a rewarding and memorable adventure.
Yellow Mountains Itineraries from Shanghai/Hangzhou
The Yellow Mountains are somewhat conveniently located near Shanghai and Hangzhou (2½/1½ hours by bullet train + 1 hour by car), making an excellent extension to your trip from either city.
A typical well-planned Huangshan itinerary from Shanghai or Hangzhou is as follows:
- Day 1: Huangshan arrival, Bishan Village
- Day 2: The Yellow Mountains
- Day 3: Sunrise on the Yellow Mountains, departure
Relax in picturesque and serene Bishan Village, explore its traditional Hui-style architecture, and observe local artists at work. Enjoy fantastic rocks, seas of clouds, sunset, and sunrise on the Yellow Mountains.
Recommended tour: Escape to Huangshan from Shanghai or Hangzhou
Visit the Yellow Mountains with China Highlights
Below are our most popular Huangshan tours. All our itineraries can be customized according to your preferences. Alternatively, we can create a new personalized Yellow Mountains itinerary just for you, tailored to your interests and needs.