Anhui Sheng Travel Forum

Hi,
I plan a trip to Huangshan for mid october; brobably I will come direct from Shanghai or from Hangzhou, if I decide to stay also for one or two nights in Hangzhou.
After Huangshan I want to continue to Hongcun and Xidi and than further down to Wuyuan, afterwards continue to Wuyi shan (if transport available) or back to Tunxi and by Train down til Yongding (Hakka area).

I plan to arrive in Tangkou before lunchtime, leave my big lugguage somewhere and go up to the top (or take the cable car). Then I would like to walk on top til evening for sunset and stay on top in a dorm for the first night. Next day I would like to hike west sea canyon and stay another night in a dorm-room. On day 3 I would got down the western steps and take the 2 o'clock bus to Hongcun.

I plan 2 nights on the mountain to have enough time for photography and also I don't want to hurry since I think Huangshan will be the top-highlight of the trip. I plan to avoid the weekend and go between monday to friday.

My questions:
1) Like I already mentioned: Is Tangkou a good base for leaving the luguage (probably I won't stay a night in Tangkou because after the mountain I want to continue to Hongcun)?
2) I want to go up the eastern steps, but I also think about the option to take the cable car, because then it would be easier to transport more water. Would I miss a lot skipping the eastern steps?
3) Another option going up would be the Taiping cable car: Is it very difficult to go to Taiping from Tangkou, is there public transport?
4) Where to book the dorm-bed for 2 nights, how many days in advance?

By the way, I already stayed on Huashan (near Xi'an) in a dorm for 80 (without shower). This time for 2 nights in a dorm a shower would be essential!

5) How much is a bed in a dorm with shower?

Well, thanks for your info.

i am going to huangshan in beginning of sept. wandering how is the weather there...
do i really need windbreaker or anything thick over there???

Anyone has an information on what Xihai hotel north wing is? i've tried to do a search but only see South wing. The travel agent has booked me into the north wing so i'm wondering what to expect. So far reviews for Xihai have not been encouraging :(

thanks

Hello,

My parents are coming to China and we (4 people) are planning one weekend in Huangshan.

I have already been there but to be honest, I just got up, walked around and went down to other places (it was part of a tour).

This time I have lots of imperatives and I want it to be great for them! So here it comes!

- We want to spend only one weekend there (coming from Shanghai) so we're thinking night train in order to not loose to much of the saturday.
- We are thinking of taking the cable car, wich one is best and how to get there?
- Can somebody tell me what is the best scenic route up there for non great walkers?
- We wanna stay on top for the night but don't have a huge budget, what do you think is best?
- Where is the best spot for sunset?
- What time should we get down if we still want to have time to go to train station or airport to catch a return back?
- My boyfriend needs to be at work on time on monday morning, is there night buses because the train arrive at 10am... Will the flight tickets cost a lot in peak season?
- We are going the 5 and 6 of septembre, at those dates do we still need to reserve a lot in advance?

I know it's a lot but I want to make sure they experience the best of it, it will be their first and only time in China... For the other cities I feel more confident but Huangshan in 2 days is a tight shift!!

Thanks a lot!
Virginie

I've heard that this 'newly'-developed area is quite incredible to view. If we stay at the Beihai Hotel, and begin our descent after sunrise, is it much of a detour to take this path before doubling-back to go down to the Yuping cablecar? I heard there are some lovely fairy bridges and other interesting sites along this route, but we only wanted to go as far as the bridge (is there more than one?) and then go back to the western steps to continue going down.

My mother (72) and I (41) will be experiencing Huangshan mountain this September. After some extensive research, we have decided to take the Yungu cablecar up the mountain, and stay at the Beihai Hotel at the top for 1 night. For our descent, we have decided on the Western Steps. We heard they are the most strenuous going up, but how about if we go down? Where would be the 'trouble-spots' to watch out for on the way down? Will we miss much scenery if we decided to walk down only until we reached the Yuping cablecar and took it down the rest of the way? At the top, once we start going down, is the 'easiest' path clearly marked? I have this foreboding image in my mind of clinging to the wall of the mountain as we struggle to go downward--that's not on the western steps but a side-path to one of the peaks, right? I've read many stories of the upward and downward journey but since I'm only interested in the SIMPLEST, SAFEST, downward journey on the WESTERN steps, can someone who has fumbled their way down these steps give some insight? We may be older ladies but we can still tackle a mountain, as long as it's not terribly strenuous. thanks!

Hi all,

I'm planning on going to Huangshan from Hangzhou around the 16th-18th of July. I'm thinking of following Ellyse's oft-recommended route up via Taiping, West Sea Canyon, down by the West side the next day, and have a couple of questions.

1. Is it possible to leave Hangzhou for Taiping by bus that morning, and still have time to get up the mountain, do the West Sea circuit and get to the hotel?

2. Do you have to do the circuit en route to the hotel or is it possible to check in first, as going up one side and down the other doesn't seem to leave much leeway for left luggage.

3. How do you book a dorm bed at Baiyun Hotel? I saw the phone number, but am reluctant to test my horrendous mandarin over the phone.

4. How easy is it to find your way around once you get off the cable car? Have seen a few maps, like this one here: http://www.huangshantour.com/gallery/display.asp?id=498, could someone give me an idea of where the west sea canyon is on that map? Am going on my own, and am a little worried that I'll get hopelessly lost.

TIA for any help! :)

Getting to Mt Huangshan is no drama, bus from Hangzhou then bus/cab to Tangkou hotel; next day to Xihai Hotel for over night on mountain. BUT can I get down and on to Suzhou in one day?

So, after considering the 2 comfortable options of how to get to Huangshan from Beijing (Air China has 1 flight @ 2hrs, or overnight train @ 19hrs), we have decided to take the plane and arrive in Huangshan (Tunxi) around 8pm. Ideally, I'd like to stay at the Taoyuan Hotel at the mountain base so that we have a decent head-start going up the eastern steps in the morning, however I need to know if they have a website or if they provide a shuttle service all the way from the airport? If the cost is too high for a shuttle or taxi, I'm willing to stay in a decent hotel near the train station so that once we come back down the next morning, we can take the late night train overnight to Shanghai. Does anyone have a website for the Taoyuan? I've been googling all night until my eyes bled!

I'll be coming from Shanghai, and I just want to check if this route is correcT:
From Shanghai, train to Tunxi. From Tunxi, bus to TangKou. From TangKou, I can either start at Upper TangKou (where the Taiping Cable Car is located) or at South TangKou (is this where the other gate of Huangshan is?)

Another question, what is the difference of eastern steps and western steps? I prefer a less crowded route. I'm thinking of following Ellyse's route (go up via taiping cable, hike at west sea then go down via western steps)
, but since I'm not an expert when it comes to hiking, I don't think I can manage a very difficult trail. The only hiking I've tried before was in Emeishan, and that was 2 years ago.

I will be traveling from Shanghai to Tunxi on 22/4/09 in the morning around 9:00am. and plan to stay at Tunxi for 2 days only.

I need some expert advice on the following before I finalise on my trip:
1)How long the bus or train will take me from Shanghai to Tunxi?
2)As I understand that there are a few Bus Stations as well as Railway-stations in Shanghai, where do I board the bus or train?
3)Will it be too late to hike the mountain when I reach Tunxi?
4)Is it advisable to engage the local tour agent to handle the 1-day tour in Huangshan?
5)If I stay a night on the mountain, what is the earliest time I would be back to Tunxi if I take the cable-car down the next day?
6)What are the names of 3 to 4-star-hotels on the Old Street(Lao Jie), Tunxi?

7)What are the bus/train time-tables from Tunxi to Hangzhou?

Thanks for the great help!

yellowmont

And now a question for the avid Huangshan photographer! If you were taking the eastern steps up Huangshan (in early September!), staying the night at the top, and descending via the Western steps (avoiding the Heavenly Peak), where is your favorite spot to shoot photos from to capture the Sea of Clouds, sunsets, sunrises, even rainy spots? I heard it's pretty crowded at the top 'Dawn Pavillion' for the sunrise photos, so any tips where to go where it might be less crowded?

I'm having a disagreement with my sister regarding whether my mother and I will suffer any ill effects from attempting the climb up Huangshan mountain. She insists that my 72 year old mother, who is an avid smoker, will not be able to get to the top so why bother anyway? I believe that we can never know what we are capable of if we don't even try. I intend to take the eastern cable car up, and then take the last bit of stairs (approx 1-2 hrs climb) to the summit (with PLENTY of rest stops along the way). My mother understands that she may not be able to have smoke breaks until we get to the top and inside our hotel room. My mother seems to shine in the face of adversity--she may huff and puff (and me too! I'm 41 and a little chunky) all the way, but I believe we can do it. We will come down the western steps the next morning. I do not smoke, but my right foot suffered a multi-metarsil fracture 2 years ago and has not fully healed but I am still an avid walking fan. Will we suffer any air sickness (?) or pass out or brain aneurisms (my sister's theory)? I think we can do it if we go very very slowly?

Hi all,

I have read much about the eastern and western steps. Can anyone tell me more about hiking up Huangshan from the Taiping/Songgu Scenic area? I am planning to spend 2-3 nights at the summit area of Huangshan (perhaps one night each at Beihai, Paiyunlou and Baiyun)

If luck is on my side, I will be able to purchase a sleeper train ticket from Guilin to Huangshan mid-week in early September (hopefully my hotel can help me out once I arrive in Guilin a few days earlier). If this works out, I'll be arriving at the Huangshan train station around 4am. What's the easiest way to get from the train station to the first cable car? (I want the one that takes us up to the hotels on the mountain). Also, has anyone tried any of the hotels up there? Any preference if my main idea is to take early morning photos and sunset photos? Lastly, what is the likelihood of purchasing a seat (or sleeper berth) on the train to Shanghai afterwards (2 trains Huangshan the next day around 9pm)? Thanks!

Will there be any scenic cloud cover in September? I have heard that April is best for scenic clouds, however we can only go in september. Also, I will be travelling with a 73 year old lady who is still fairly active. Which path & which cable car to take if I am the lazy one? I don't mind taking the cable car each way, or some easy steps down. Best route to follow? We will likely book one of the hotels up at the top. Also, which waterfall(s) should be attempt to view & photograph if we wanted to see perhaps 2 or 3 of the most scenic ones at this time of year?

Hi all

I've read that the West Sea Canyon is closed until 1st April 2009. A BIG disappointment for me as I can't change my flight schedule :(

As I will be in Huangshan in late March, is the any chance that the authority will reopened it earlier? Is the any chance I can sneek in to the canyon?

Lastly, if it is really close, are there any alternative, or recommendation how to spend 2D/1N on the summit?

Thanks in advance.

We are planning on a quick trip to Mt Huangshan next week ( December 27th) and have the following itinerary planned.


1. dec 27th morning - leave shanghai south railway station by bus for Tunxi.
2 dec 27th noon Arrive in tunxi. If we arrive early, go to Hongcun or xidi depending on time.
3. dec 27th afternoon. Go to hotel in tangkou and stay overnight. When is the last bus to tangkou ?
4. dec 28th morning. take cable car and stay in beihai. site seeing and overnight there
5. dec 29th climb down and head back to tunxi and return to shanghai by bus.

My questions :

1. Is it easy to catch a bus from Shanghai to Tunxi if you dont know chinese ?
2. Is it advisable to stay in tunxi or head up to tangkou?
3. The weather: any idea how the weather will be? I know it'll be cold. but will we get the fantastic snow sceneries? and is it advisable walking down hill in the cold ?
4. Getting back to shanghai : what time is the last bus to shanghai ?

Thanks!!

Hi all
I would like to know what is the weather like in Huangshan in late March. Will it be very cloudy and misty in March? Is it rainy season in March?

Can someone from Hefei help me find an opera schedule in English or a schedule to the local acrobatic troupe.

thanks

Wondering how safe to hike these beautiful trails. Traveling w/spouse & with an energetic 7 yr old in June, 2 days/1 night on summit, what & where should we avoid, bring, carry, bug situation, hiking stick, rain ponchos? 40's & not v. atheletic but healthy, but worry some hikes are too strenuous for family. Any advice is good, thanks.

Will be Huangshan and would like to get from Huangshan to Wuzi direct. Is there a bus or train from Huangshan to Wuzi? Is not, is there one from Huangshan to Suzhou? (Schedule of transport and fare would be good). Plan is such :Hangzhou ->Huangshan ->Wuzi ->Suzhou -> Shanghai ->Hangzhou.

Any other suggestion would be appreciated. Thanks.

..feejin

Hi there,
I will be at Huangshan and would like to cover Hongcun and Xidi also spend a night at Huangshan. Here's my intended plan.

Day 1: Arrival at Tunxi from Hangzhou either early a.m. (if there's a night bus from HZ to Tunxi) or afternoon (if no night bus)
If arrival a.m. proceed to visit Hongcun and Xidi
If arrive late, visit either Hongcun or Xidi
Day 2 : From Tunxi bus to Tangkou for Huangshan. Overnight at Huangshan summit
Day 3 : Huangshan back to Tangkou. Night bus to Nanjing.

Questions
1) To cover Hongcun and Xidi, how many hours do we need reasonably - taking into account i will be taking the either the minibus or the taxi. Or is it better if i just hire a driver (there are 4 of us) to cover the usual 4villages ie Hongcun/Xidi/Nanping/Guanlu. How much does this tour costs?
2) Any suggestion on budget lodge at Huangshan summit?
3) Heard that it's better to go up by the Eastern steps and come down from the Western steps. True?
4) Is there a night bus from Tangkou to Nanjing? The fare and arrival time at Nanjing.

Thanks

rgds...feejin from Malaysia

Hi all,

Is that true there is a direct bus from Hangzhou West Bus Station to Tangkou 3- 4 times a day? Anyone has idea?

I have been searching through but can't find the bus schedule online, anyone here can help me?

I will be staying three nights at Xin Song Feng Hotel and busing to the mountain. I'm looking for someone who will be in the same area and would like to join me and perhaps share expenses to rent a private bus for either the 29th or 30th so that we can arrive at the mountain early enough to see the sunrise. Thanks!

Hi
I would like to spend one night inside the Hongcu village.
Is there any recommendation with reasonable price (RMB 50- 100/ person)?
Also, I heard that foreigners are not allowed to stay in the village and must stay in at least 3-star hotel out of the village. Is that correct?

Seeking travel companion, possibly share hotel & car expenses. Purpose is photography. Arrive Huangshan City from Shanghai 2150hrs 16 Nov. Have booked low-cost private room with extra bed in Huangshan City on 16 & 17 Nov and (not-so-low cost) Hotel on Yellow Mtn 18 Nov. Dorm rooms on mtn. not suitable for me as smoking is allowed in the dorm. Visiting Xidi and Hongcun villages by car 17 Nov. Bus to Yellow Mtn early on 18th, return to Huangshan on 19th, fly to Shanghai 2240hrs on 19th. Retired, non smoker.

My itinerary to Huangshan as follows:
day 1 ,arrival in Tunxi at 22:30pm in airport,then go to Huangshan International youth hostel
day 2, Aug.1 in the morning ,take bus from Tunxi to Tangkou,then start climbing up,then to the GUANGMING PEAK,have a night there in Guangming Hotel.
day 2, Aug.2 afternoon,finish all the sightseeing,then go to EAST INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HOSTEL for staying a night.
day 3, from TANGJIAQIAO to Huncun ,then go to Yixian,then go back to Tunxi for staying one night in YHA
day 4,sightseeing in Tunxi,Then go home......

If you can join with me,that is great for me.

Many thanks for your kind read and any responses back to me.

THX
Have a good day and good trip!

I would appreciate some information before I fix the following itinerary:

My plan is to arrive to Tunxi from Hangzhou early morning. Leaving at 7:20 I would expect to arrive to Tunxi arround 10:20 or so. Question 1: Should I book in advance the ticket to the bus from Hangzhou to Tunxi?

Then I would like to take a bus to Yixian, ir order to visit Hongcun. Are there schedules available? Searching around I read that the last bus from Yixian to Tunxi is around 5 pm, while the last bus from Tunxi to Tangkou is around 5:30 pm. But I also know there are direct buses from Tangkou-Yixian, so I wonder if there is a direct bus (and when does the last one depart) from Yixian to Tangkou. I couldn't find any infomation in English and I don't read Chinese. My plan is to spend the night at the East Huangshan Youth Hostel in Tanjiaqiao if it is possible to get there.

The alternative plan would be to spend the night in Tunxi and then do the whole Huangshan treck in a single day, since I plan to take the night train to Shanghai the same day. But this is quite tough from what I read, specially since the cable cars and the public transportation stops so early.

Finally there is another possibility. To use taxis. But how much could it cost to go from Tunxi to Tanjiaquiao or from Tankou to Tunxi by taxi? Any one has the experience?

Thanks in advance!

Hello all,

I will arrive to Shanghai (Pudong) the 13th of July, and plan to go directly to Hangzhou, overstay the night there, and move on early morning to Huangshan. I was thinking in staying the 14th at the East Huangshan Youth Hostel in order to ascend Huangshan via Taiping and descend through the west side, following Ellyse suggestions weather permiting. My question is at what time do you think that one can expect to start the climbing by the north side coming from Huangzhou early morning? Is is reasonable to attempt the climbing the first day arriving from Hangzhou? A different -perhaps more realistic- alternative would be to overstay night at Tunxi (perhaps even visiting Hongcun) and then hike on the mountain the 15th. The night of the 15th I plan to take the night train (should I arrange the tickets before my departure to Pudong?) and step out at Suzhou and then take a late train to Shanghai, where I will stay the 16th and 17th before leaving the 18th to Yanji. Some days can be moved if you think that the plan is overambitious and some shortcuts are worthy.

Thanks in advance for any tip. I have read from many helpful people on this forum!