Discover the Exclusive Beauties of the Yellow Mountain
4-Day Trekking in the Yellow Mountains
The Yellow Mountains are some of the most magnificent mountains in China. A trekking tour will allow you to hike down to the less-traveled paths to appreciate the undisturbed beauty away from the tourists. You will know why "climbing Huangshan" is on most Chinese people's bucket list.
Highlights
- Hike up and down the mountains to admire the all-inclusive beauty
- Explore the off-the-beaten track in West Sea Grand Canyon
- Watch the sunset and sunrise from the best positions on the mountains
- Stroll on Tunxi Ancient Street to search and bargain for trinkets
What Our Customers Said
4 Day Yellow Mountain Trip
Tony was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, who skillfully dealt with any issues as they arose to make sure the days passed seamlessly and enjoyably. moreSep 2022, Paul
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4 Day Yellow Mountain Trip
Travelling in China as a foreigner during covid is not easy, but China Highlights in general and Tony in particular made it easy and stress free, and meant I could focus on the natural beauty and rich history of this amazing country. moreSep 2022, Paul
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5-Day Dynamic Huangshan Tour is a must!
My husband and I were in awe of the natural beauty of the Yellow Mountain. Our guide Phillip Tong, with China Highlights, gave us an exceptional experience at our pace. (As an older couple this was greatly appreciated.) He shared his vast knowledge of history and cultural significance as we trekked over and around the mountain, touring Bishan, and Hongcun. We concluded our trip by making fish lanterns. China Highlights has once again provided us with great memories. moreAug 2022, Catherine C
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I did a 4 day trekking in the Yellow…
I did a 4 day trekking in the Yellow Mountains with China Highlights and it was even more stunning than I thought it would be. Spend two nights in the mountains and one in Huangshan, totally worth is. This is a place you must visit and according to my guide every season had it’s own beauty. I will definitely come back! Coco planned the whole trip according to my wishes and Tony was a perfect guide being very knowledgeable and supportive. If you don’t have 4 days I’m sure a three, or even two, day trip will be very nice as well! moreAug 2022, Elizabeth
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We had a memorable experience hiking
We had a memorable experience hiking the Yellow Mountain in Huangshan. Our trip was complicated by the typhoon that hit the area and we had to have a flexible itinerary, China Highlights helped with this. Once we arrived, Tony was very helpful & was able to tailor the experience for the different fitness levels in the group. moreSep 2021, Leigh Smith
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Fantastic tour and guide
Our guide for the 3 days was Tony, who was very knowledgeable, friendly, polite and spoke good english. Tony even went out of his was last minute to organize a birthday cake for my wife. He was a terrific guide. --Travel 73002 moreDec 2019, Travel 73002
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Fantastic and memorable trip to Xi’an with Rocky as our guide
We reached Xi’an by G436 bullet train from Beijing. Ricky greeted us at the station with a big smile and we were off to a memorable adventure. On the way to the Terracota Warriors site, Rocky briefed us on Xi’an history. We learnt about its past as the first capital of unified China under the Qin emperor. We peppered him with questions about the people, culture and economy. At the Terracota Warriors site, we had a quick lunch at a KFC and then headed for the exhibit. Rocky told us about how farmers found the Terracota pieces while digging a well in 1974. There are three pits and a chariots museum at the site now. We toured pits 1, 3 and 2 before we went into the museum. The sight of the Terracota Warriors is something to behold .. Rocky regaled us with stories about the Emperor and how he had artisans from all over China build the army for him. We headed into the city for our night stay at the Sheraton Xi’an. Next day, we started our day at the Ancient Wall and the visited the Shaanxi History Museum where Ricky showed us precious relics and antiques from 1.6million years to present times. It was fascinating to see the artifacts from Zhou, Qin, Tung dynasties. We then visited the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, built at the direction of Huan Tsang, the famous 7th century traveller and scholar who went to India and brought back precious scriptures and relics. The Buddha temple is a tranquil site to visit and the artifacts fascinating. We had lunch at a nearby Ganges restaurant .. sumptuous Indian meal! We then went to the Muslim Quarter to see the Great Mosque, taste some local snacks and shop for souvenirs. Overall, a fantastic and memorable visit to Xi’an. Rocky is a gem of a person and made us feel like his family. We couldn’t have dreamt of finding a better guide. He also lived in Tibet for 10yrs so we are looking forward to touring Tibet with him in the future. Thank you China Highlights for a memorable visit to Xi’an. --Jai Mitra,Tampa, Florida moreDec 2019, jaimitra
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Suggested Itinerary
Once you arrive, you will receive a warm welcome from your personal guide outside the luggage claim area. Your professional private driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. They will go the extra mile, making sure you have everything you need. Have a good rest and prepare for the following adventure.
Good to know:
Travel light! Please take a small bag or backpack for your overnight stay on the mountain. Your guide will assist you to store big suitcase in your hotel in Tunxi for free. You can collect it on your way back. You can also store the luggage at the foot of the mountains. The cost is about CNY20 (US$4) for each piece.
Accommodation
One night in Tunxi: Huangshan International Hotel (4-star)/Crowne Plaza Huangshan Yucheng (5-star).
Today's trek is about 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles) and takes approximately five hours.
After breakfast, you will be driven to the foot of the Yellow Mountains and start your trek from the Yungu Temple. Ascend the mountains via the Eastern Steps and you will trek pass several natural peculiarly-shaped rocks, especially the Stone Table and the peak of the Immortal Pointing the Way. It takes about three hours to arrive at the White Goose Ridge. After a rest and a buffet lunch in a hotel, you will continue on to the Flying-over Rock and the Bright Top for approximately three hours in the afternoon. The sunset at the Cloud-dispelling Pavilion is a highlight. Enjoy a buffet dinner at your hotel to regain some strength.
Accommodation
One night on the mountain: Beihai Hotel (4-star)/Xihai Hotel — South Wing/New Wing (5-star).
Good to know:
To save time and strength, you can take Yungu Cable Car to go up (10 minutes) and Yuping Cable Car to go down (15 minutes). The cost is CNY80 (US$13) per person for Yungu and CNY90 (US$14) per person for Yuping.

Today's trek is about 12.5 kilometers (7.8 miles) and takes approximately six hours.
After watching the sunrise at the Refreshing Terrace, hike to the Cloud-dispelling Pavilion and then down to the West Sea Grand Canyon. The hiking trip covers the most essential parts — the 1st ring, 2nd ring, Button, Plunk Way, and Fairy-Walking Bridge — taking about five hours to finish the circuit. Lunch will be arranged flexibly by your guide. It takes about one hour to hike to Baiyun Hotel. Enjoy buffet dinner at the hotel.
Good to know:
Short Cut. From the Cloud-dispelling Pavilion to the button of West Sea Crand Canyon, it's down stairs all the way and some sections are very narrow and steep. Therefore, trekking in the West Sea Grand Canyon can be a big challenge, especially to your knees. A monorail is available to help you save time and strength. It runs between the bottom of the Canyon and the main peak area, which is about 300 meters (0.2 miles) from the Baiyun Hotel. The 893 meters (0.6 miles) takes less than five minutes and the cost is CNY80 (US$13) per person.
Accommodation
One night on the mountains: Baiyun/Tianhai Hotel (4-star).

You will trek about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) which takes about six hours.
After watching the sunrise at the Bright Top, you will hike to the One Hundred Ladders for one hour and then to the Jade Screen Pavilion to see the famous Greeting-guests Pine. Then hike to the steepest peak of the mountains, Celestial Capital Peak, for about two hours and then down to the base at Lima Temple for approximately two hours.
After the physically demanding adventure, it's time to relax and have a nice lunch at Tunxi Ancient Street.
Your private guide and driver will accompany you to your station or the airport for your next destination.

Trip Notes
1. Tailoring Your Tour
This tour is very flexible. You can alter the itinerary, extend or shorten it to suit your price, interest, and schedule. If you would like to book the hotels on your own, we can remove the hotel cost from quotation. Please inform your travel advisor about your preference.
Simple fun to enrich your itinerary:
Overnight trains from Shanghai arrive in the morning. Flights from Shanghai and buses from Hangzhou usually arrive in the afternoon. Flights to Shanghai and Xian depart in the late evening. Here are some additional options to fill in the possible gap:
- Huangshan Hot Spring
Duration: about 2-3 hours
Huangshan Hot Spring is at the foot of the Yellow Mountains. There are various pools with different scents and healing properties: rose, lavender, jasmine, green tea, and coffee, among others. It’s a perfect way to refresh and recover after hiking on the mountains and a wonderful treat to experience in winter. (You will be supplied with towels, shower gel, shampoo, hair dryers, brushes, flip flops, and lockers at the hot spring. All you need to take is your swimsuit). - Xidi-Hongcun Ancient Pathway
Duration: about 3 hours
This pathway was newly developed at the end of 2014 between Huangshan’s prettiest two ancient villages. With a length of 8 kilometers (5 miles), this route allows you to hike through the most rural areas to see quiet villages, paddy fields, mulberry fields, tea plantations, and bamboo forests. Since Hongcun Village is on a higher terrain than Xidi Village, it's recommended to walk from Hongcun to Xidi to make the hiking more relaxing. - Rural Experience in Xuanyuan Farm
Duration: about 3-4 hours
Harvest fresh vegetables from the fields, see how rapeseed oil is squeezed in the traditional way, grind soybeans on a stone mill to make tofu with you own hands, and taste the fruits of your labor for lunch. It will be a unique and fun experience for both children and adults.
Options to further extend your tour:
- Enjoy more scenic hiking
If trekking in the Yellow Mountains can’t quench your thirst for natural beauty, one day of Xin’an River Hiking will satisfy you perfectly. Xin’an River is renowned for its elegant riverside scenery on both sides. You will hike for about 10 kilometers (6 miles) and the hike will take 4–5 hours. During the hike, you will stop off at a primary school and a local family’s home in the countryside, which will enable you to learn more about the local people’s life in the region. We can also arrange biking along the riverbank for you, which is more relaxing and takes about two hours.
Recommended months: April is the perfect time to see yellow rape flowers in full bloom; May is the harvest time for ripe loquats; September and October are the best times to taste tangerines along the way and admire the chrysanthemums. - Discover some cultural vibes
There are many beautiful ancient villages around Huangshan.
Hongcun
With a history of over 800 years, this charming village will show you the original Hui style architecture (a type of traditional Chinese architecture) and everlasting stories left behind.
Xidi:
As a World Cultural Heritage site, Xidi was first built 900 years ago in the Song Dynasty. Its traditional architectures are well preserved.
Tachuan:
The autumn scene at Tachuan Village is one of the most picturesque places imaginable with the leaves of its ancient old trees turning red and yellow. Tachuan is only 10 minutes away by car from Hongcun. Remember to arrange it together with Hongcun if you are arriving in November.
Chengkan:
Chengkan is a living historical document of the application of feng shui principles into architecture. From a bird’s-eye view, twisted lanes, ancient drainage systems, and high walls create a maze-like layout.
Shexian Tangyue Memorial Arches:
Known as the "Town of Arches", Shexian is a must-see for fine examples of residential architecture and memorial arches from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Bao Family Garden was a private garden, once owned by successful businessman Bao. It blends perfectly with the Tangyue Memorial Arches, and is a fascinating way to spend a few hours.
Feel free to tell us your requirements and interests, and we will be happy to help you arrange a trip with our professional knowledge and experience.
2. Reminder:
West Sea Grand Canyon, Celestial Capital Peak and Lotus Peak usually close from December to March of the following year due to the snowy weather. Guide will adjust the itinerary to cover other highlights to make most of your time.
Tour Price
Price includes:
Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.