Huangshan Travel Forum

Thinking about going to Huangshan this July by train from Nanjing with wife and 9 y/o child.

Can we store our unneeded suitcases at Tunxi train station?

How far in advance should I book a summit hotel? Should I go through CITS?

Has anyone used an online reservation services for summitt hotels?

Is it worthwhile to spend 2 nights at the summit for extra hiking, etc.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of having a guide or joining a tour group.

How is the overnight sleeper train to Shangahai?


Thanks for any info you can provide. I'm hoping to post some spectacular photos upon return.

Houche Hockey

Hotel reservation: use either of below (NO need to go through CITS):
1) www.ctrip.com
2) www.elong.com

Both have the SAME rates for the same properties, but they have slightly different list of properties.

If you are experienced traveler, hiking in the Huangshan area really would not need any guide. Do some home work online first, there are plenty of 'legend' stories about many peaks etc. Disavantage of joining a group(I could only imagine from what I saw): being herded and always on the path with crowds (especially in July); Advantage: you may not need to worry about logistics.

For a good strategy, I personally do NOT like to stay in ONE hotel, it is much better stay in hotel A, hike AB, then stay at hotel B, then hike BC, then stay at hotel C (if still necessary), so that you will NOT repeat any segment. Details see my Huangshang page:http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/18aef/f0686/

Be aware the safety code in the area does NOT match that of USA: Keep a very close eye on your 9-year old. The hiking could be very straneous for many: thousands of steps instead of smoother trails in USA. Many places are rather steep.

You will definitely get spectacular photos!

I went to Huangshan in May last year with about 15 members of my extended family. We hired a guide to bring us around there, it just worked better for the logistics. Since we were family we managed to tell the guide what WE wanted to do and at what pace we wanted to go at, so it worked out quite well. I'd say that while the climbing itself wasn't that much of a strain (and I am not super fit), it was pretty dangerous in places. Especially when the crowds got quite heavy and there was a risk that you'd be pushed. Also, many places didn't have railings to prevent you falling off. As it is constantly misty and foggy there, it is pretty humid and the ground is slippery (most of the trail is a granite path), so be extra vigilant.