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You are here: Home » China Tours by Destination » Huangshan Tours » 3 Days Huangshan Classic Hiking Tour

3 Days Huangshan Brief Hiking Tour

Front Mountain + Back Mountain

Why should you hike the Front Mountain + Back Mountain together?

Unlike some other mountains in the world, Huangshan is a mountain which consists of over 36 peaks of different sizes and heights. Basically they are divided into Front Mountain and Back Mountain. The Front Mountain features dominating peaks, beautiful stone paths and far-reaching views. The Back Mountain is famous for idyllic smaller peaks and shapely pine trees.

This tour will take you to explore the best highlights of both Front Mountain and Back Mountain in 2 full days. The hiking pace is neither too tight nor too relaxing. Park bus and cable cars will save you from unnecessary walking, and directly bring you to the sightseeing areas with stunning landscapes and enjoyable hiking experience.

2025 Huangshan Travel Promotion: 1) 50% discount on entry fees to all scenic areas, Yellow Mountain and old villages and more. 2) Nanping, Pingshan, Daguling, Luchuan, and Tachuan Villages for free all year round; 3) the earlier you book, the better price you can get!

  • Type : Private Tour
  • Tour Code : CD-HHT-03
  • Price : from $407
    1. 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
    2. 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
  • Theme : Hiking / Landscape
  • Physical Demands :

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

  • Enjoy the leisure hike to Begin-to-Believe Peak and Lion Peak, the two most beautiful peaks in Front Mountain;
  • Explore the Dream Land - West Sea Grand Canyon, and decide on your own to hike how far to the 1st Ring and 2nd Ring;
  • Walk from Flying-over Rock to the Bright Summit to enjoy a panoramic view of Lotus Peak, Turtle Fish Peak and Celestial Capital Peak;
  • Take a memorable photo with Greeting-guests Pine, the landmark sight of Huangshan;
  • Park bus and scenic cables are covered to save your precious time only for the highlighting part;
  • Use helpful and experienced hiking guide to take you to go the right way and get the right experience.
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Itinerary Day by Day (Can Be Customized)
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Day 1 Huangshan Arrival

Airport or railway station pick up and check in hotel

Welcome to Huangshan! Upon arrival at Huangshan Tunxi Airport or Huangshan North Railway Station, you will be warmly greeted by our local tour guide holding a sign with your name in the Arrival Hall. A comfortable, non-smoking vehicle with an experienced driver will then take you directly to your hotel in downtown Huangshan. Your guide will assist you with the check-in process. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and unwind at your own pace.

Recommended Acitivities: Take a relaxing stroll along the 900-year-old Tunxi Ancient Street to admire the authentic Huizhou-style architecture. 2) Explore the nearby newly-built Liyang Water Street, known for its clean and scenic environment with koi ponds, mini waterfalls, charming shops, street food, and local vendors.

Arrival ideas: Currently, there are non-stop flights to Huangshan from Beijing, Guangzhou, Xian and Xiamen, etc., usually 2 daily flights from each city. You can also take high speed trains from Shanghai (2.5~3.5hrs), Hangzhou (1.5~2hrs), Beijing (5.5~7hrs), and Guangzhou (7hrs), etc.

  • Tunxi Ancient Street Tunxi Ancient Street

Day 2 Mt. Huangshan Hiking (B)

Route: Greeting Guest Pine - One-Line-Sky - Bright Summit - Flying-over Rock

Walking Distance: about 11km/6 hrs

Today after breakfast, our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel, then drive about 80 kilometers (1.5 hours) to the foot of Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the most beautiful mountains in China. Your memorable Huangshan hiking starts!

To save more time and energy to explore the highlighting mountain top area, you will directly transfer by park bus from the mountain foot to Mercy Light Pavilion to take a cableway to upper Jade Screen Scenic Area (Yuping Scenic Area), also known as the Front Mountain. After a few minutes’ ascending walking from the upper cableway station, you will reach the symbol of Mount Huangshan - Greeting-guests Pine where you can spend some time taking pictures with this most famous pine trees in China, and enjoying the beautiful view of the grandiose Celestial Capital Peak (1810m). The big stone by the side of the Pine is the best sightseeing location. From the Greeting Pine, walk about 40mins on the up-and-down stone steps Lotus Pavilion. Leave the Lotus Pavilion and walk down along the One Hundred Cloud Ladder to a lower valley, then climb up the steeping path of One-Line-Sky to get to Turtle Fish Peak. From the peak, an even path leads you to the middle way of today - Baiyun Hotel.

After a short rest, keep on hiking about 500 meters to the Bright Top (1860m), the second highest peak on the mountain as well as the central location of the mountain. Walk around for sightseeing and photography for a while. Then you will walk about 20mins down to the Peaks Top where you can look down upon the deep West Sea Grand Canyon, and walk 20 more minutes to get to the famous Flying-over Rock. It's very interesting to see how a 12 meters high giant rock standing still on a flat but small stage of stone for millions of years. Lastly, keep walking about 40mins to check in your hotel on the mountain.

(Please Note: from December to the middle March of next year, the Lotus Peak is usually closed for the heavy snow. Please feel free to contact us to adjust your itinerary)

  • Greeting Pine in Yellow Mountain - Jack and Emily from UK Jack and Emily from UK visited Greeting Pine, Yellow Mountain in October 2019
  • Murray from UK - Yellow Mountain, Huangshan Murray's family from UK hiked on Yellow Mountain in 2019
  • Flying-over-Rock - Andreas' group from Swedan Flying-over-Rock on Yellow Mountain Taken by Our Customer Andreas

Day 3 Mt. Huangshan Departure (B)

Route: West Sea Grand Canyon - Lion Peak - Begin-to-Believe Peak - Yungu Cableway

Walking Distance: about 7km/5 hrs

Get up early (usually around 5am to 6am) to enjoy the magnificent sunrise from Huangshan. In good-weather days, you can see clearly the golden light of the sun piercing the mists, and rocky peaks rising above the frothy, ever-changing sea of white clouds. After the sunrise, get back to your hotel for breakfast.

Today, you will go to explore the Dream Land - West Sea Grand Canyon. Walk for a short while to start your hiking from the Dispelling Cloud Pavilion. Generally speaking, it takes about 3 hours for an energetic hiker to hike down from the Dispelling Cloud Pavilion, via 1st Ring and 2nd Ring, and return to the Dispelling Cloud Pavilion. For beginners, children, and senior travelers, you can decide the hiking length on your own according to your physical condition, usually 2 hours for the 1st Ring + return and 2.5hrs for the 1st Ring + 2nd Ring + Return. If you continue all the way to the bottom of the canyon, which requires more time and effort, you can choose to take the optional monorail (CNY 100/Person) back up.

Continue on your wonderful hiking on the Yellow Mountain to see the famous Dawn Pavilion, Stone Monkey Watching the Sea on the Lion Peak (1690m). Then walk to another legendary peak - Beginning-to-Believe Peak (how the name come - an ancient traveler began to believe that Mount Huangshan was the most beautiful mountain after seeing the stunning landscapes on the Beginning-to-Believe Peak). The famous Black Tiger Pine locates along the road to the Beginning-to-Believe Peak.

Lastly, you will descend the mountain by cable car from the White Goose Station to Yungu Temple. After reaching the Yungu Temple, the park bus will transfer you to the Tangkou Town where your driver is ready to pick you up and transfer you to catch your flight/train to the next destination. Tour ends!

Please Note: 1) You will be climbing many stone steps so pack lightly and wear comfortable hiking shoes. 2) Your guide will tailor the hiking route based on your fitness level and pace—please communicate any concerns beforehand. 3) The West Sea Grand Canyon is closed annually from December to late March due to heavy snowfall and hazardous icy conditions.

  • Marvellous Natural Beauty of Lion Peak in Mt. Huang Marvellous Natural Beauty of Lion Peak in Mt. Huang
  • Stone Monkey Watching the Sea (on Lion Peak) Stone Monkey Watching the Sea (on Lion Peak)
  • Yellow Mountain Sunrise Yellow Mountain Sunrise
  • Beautiful Yellow Mountain in Bright Day Beautiful Yellow Mountain in Bright Day

The quotation for this trip is from $407 Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. It will drop greatly if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month and date. There may be huge price increasing during public Chinese holidays, school summer vacations, tourism peak seasons or some special dates. (China Public Holiday 2025 Schedule Released)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include group size, hotel class, tour activities, fluctuation of currency exchange rate, etc.
4. This price is based on exchange rate USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid to March 31, 2026.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the confirmation letter sent to you by the travel consultant.

What's included?

  • Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
  • Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard);
  • Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary;
  • Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
  • All meals as listed ("B" for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; "L" for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; "D" for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
  • Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What's excluded?

  • China visa;
  • Personal expenses;
  • Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
  • Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
  • Recommended optional activities;
  • Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
  • Excess Baggage Charges;
  • Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.

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Dear Phoebe,

I was want say thanks for my tour. My guide and the driver are a lovely people. They were very careful. The guide is very professional and prepared. Both of them very helpful.

We'll see soon.

Best Regards

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Simona‚ Italy, September 15, 2025

Hi Rita,

Picked up arld by Tommy and Yang taking us to the hotel.

Thank you.

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Hi Rita,

Thank you for arranging my entire trip. It went smoothly, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I also received your souvenirs. I will leave you and your company a positive review on TripAdvisor when I get back home.

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Victor ‚ Malaysia, September 12, 2025

Hi Rita,

Happy for you to post the following review on your website.

5-Day Chengdu and JiuZhaiGou

I came across China Discovery while searching online for a reliable tour operator in China and decided to proceed with them based on the many positive reviews from past travelers — and I’m so glad I did! We had a fantastic experience with China Discovery on our recent 5-day private tour to Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou.

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During the tour, we were accompanied by two wonderful guides – Sandy in Chengdu and Jing in Jiuzhaigou. Both were extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating. They shared insightful local information and made sure we were comfortable throughout the journey.

Overall, this was a well-organized and memorable trip. I would definitely recommend China Discovery to anyone looking for a stress-free and personalized travel experience in China.

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JC‚ Malaysia, September 10, 2025

Phoebe, Hi,

Yes. You are right.

On the other hand, I just came back from Chongqing and I want to underline the excellent service the guide Romy and the driver gave. Super professionals. Romy, prepared, smart, excellent English.

Thank you,

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Flavia‚ Argentina, September 2, 2025
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Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

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The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

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Meals & Dining

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We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Photo gallery of this trip

  • Tunxi Ancient Street Tunxi Ancient Street
  • Greeting Pine in Yellow Mountain - Jack and Emily from UK Greeting Pine in Yellow Mountain - Jack and Emily from UK
  • Murray from UK - Yellow Mountain, Huangshan Murray from UK - Yellow Mountain, Huangshan
  • Flying-over-Rock - Andreas' group from Swedan Flying-over-Rock - Andreas' group from Swedan
  • Marvellous Natural Beauty of Lion Peak in Mt. Huang Marvellous Natural Beauty of Lion Peak in Mt. Huang
  • Stone Monkey Watching the Sea (on Lion Peak) Stone Monkey Watching the Sea (on Lion Peak)
  • Yellow Mountain Sunrise Yellow Mountain Sunrise
  • Beautiful Yellow Mountain in Bright Day Beautiful Yellow Mountain in Bright Day

Most Important Huangshan Travel Notes

1. What is Huangshan hiking like? What to pack and wear?

What is Huangshan hiking like

Hiking Huangshan Mountain can be a rewarding yet physically demanding experience. The trails vary from relatively flat paths to steep, challenging ascents. The stone-paved paths, while adding to the mountain's charm, can be tough on your knees. If you're looking for a less strenuous visit, consider following the classic route on the Back Mountain. However, for those seeking a more adventurous and rugged experience, venturing into the West Sea Grand Canyon and Front Mountain areas is an option, but be prepared for steep and challenging terrain. Thankfully, there are cableways available at certain sections to help conserve your energy and time.

Traveling light is essential. Before ascending the mountain, pack a small backpack with important travel documents, valuables, and overnight necessities. You can leave your larger, heavier luggage in your hotel in Tunxi (Huangshan City) or arrange storage with your tour guide at a hotel located at the mountain's base. For a comfortable and enjoyable hike, consider packing the following essentials: breathable and comfortable clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, trekking poles, sunscreen, a raincoat (especially from May to October), a small bag, and some cash. With these preparations, you'll be better equipped to make the most of your Huangshan Mountain hiking adventure.

2. Hiking routes and distances on Huangshan

Huangshan Hiking Route Maps

The hiking routes on Huangshan can be customized according to your days, energy condition and interest, basically for one day, two days or three days. It doesn't matter a lot to start your hiking from the Front Mountain or the Back Mountain.

1.5 Days Back Mountain + West Sea Grand Canyon Leisure Hiking:

- Day 1: Yungu Cableway - Begin-to-Believe Peak - Lion Peak - West Sea Grand Canyon (hiking around 9km/6hrs)
- Day 2: Sunrise - Flying-over Rock - Bright Top (hiking around 7km/3hrs)

2 Days Front Mountain + Back Mountain + West Sea Grand Canyon Full Highlights Hiking:

- Day 1: Yuping Cableway - Greeting-guests Pine - One-line Skye - Bright Top - Flying-over Rock (hiking around 11km/6hrs)
- Day 2: Sunrise, West Sea Grand Canyon, Lion Peak, Begin-to-Believe Peak, Yungu Cableway (hiking around 7km/5hrs)

3 Days In-depth Hiking:

- Day 1: Mercy Light Pavilion - Half Way Temple - Greeting-guests Pine - One-line Skye - Baiyun Hotel (hiking around 14km/7.5hrs)
- Day 2: White Cloud Stream, Fairy Walking Bridge, Sanxi Bridge, 2nd Ring, 1st Ring, Dispelling Cloud Pavilion (hiking around 11km/7hrs)
- Day 3: Sunrise, Flying-over Rock, Bright Top, Lion Peak, Begin-to-Believe Peak, Yungu Cableway (hiking around 9km/4hrs)

Please feel free to let us know your idea if you have no idea where to start.

3. Accommodation on the mountain

To stay one night or more on the mountain is very worth doing as you will have more time to enjoy as much as landscape of Huangshan especially the amazing sunset and sunrise. There are only 6 hotels on the mountain - 2 hotels (Yupinglou Hotel and Baiyun Hotel) in the Front Mountain, and 4 hotels (Beihai Hotel, Xihai Hotel, Shilin Hotel, Paiyunlou Hotel) in the Back Mountain. The South Building of Xihai Hotel is the only 5-star hotel on the mountain. Beihai, Shilin, Baiyun are 4-star, while Paiyunlou and Yupinglou are 3-star. Our guests usually accommodate at Xihai Hotel, Beihai Hotel and Baiyun Hotel as they have better rooms, facilities and foods. Please kindly know the hotels on the mountain are not as good as the 4-star and 5-star hotels in the big cities while the prices are sometimes higher because there is no vehicle road can be built to the top area of the mountain, which made these hotels cost much longer time and much more money during their constructions. Besides, the supplies of the hotels basically rely on porters who usually walk for many hours to carry the foods, drinks, vegetables, eggs, bedding from the foot of the mountain.

4. Food on the mountain

Only hotels provide foods on the mountain, usually Chinese dishes of local Hui-style Cuisine cooked by seasonal vegetables, pork, chicken, beef, fish, etc. Beihai Hotel and Xihai Hotel's buffets are most popular. Western food is usually not provided, but if you ask, Beihai Hotel and Xihai Hotel can arrange. Basic western breakfasts, such as breads, jam and coffee, can be offered in Beihai Hotel and Xihai Hotel.

5. Best time to hike Huangshan

Huangshan mountain area features a humid subtropical monsoon climate. Summers and Winters are longer than Springs and Autumns. There are plenty of rainfalls, usually more than 180 rainy days through the whole year. It often snows in the Winter days, usually around 50 days per year. Clouds and fogs occur easily, and go fast sometimes. The average temperature in Summer is around 20°C. In winter days, it will drop to below 10°C. Basically speaking, Huangshan can be visited all year around. But Lotus Peak, Celestial Capital Peak and West Sea Grand Canyon are not open during Winter days (December to March). The best time to visit is from March to October. If you want to escape from crazy crowds, you can avoid travelling to Huangshan during Chinese holidays and School summer holidays (July~August).

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