3-Day Huangshan Tour: Hongcun, Tunxi & Yellow Mountain Adventure

Day 1: Arrival – Huangshan Airport Pickup → Hongcun & Tunxi Ancient Street

1. Hongcun Ancient Village

• Stop Duration: 60 minutes (Admission included)
• Travel to Hongcun, a UNESCO-listed “village in Chinese paintings” and iconic filming location for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Wander its cobblestone lanes lined with well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty Huizhou-style architecture—think gray-tiled roofs, white walls, and carved wooden windows. Pause by the tranquil Moon Pond, where the village’s reflection shimmers like a mirror, and soak in the timeless charm of this historic settlement.

2. Tunxi Ancient Street

• Stop Duration: 60 minutes
• Next, explore Tunxi Ancient Street, a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare often called a “living museum of Song, Ming, and Qing architecture.” Lined with traditional shops, tea houses, and snack stalls, it’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in local life. Browse handcrafted Huizhou ink stones, sample savory local snacks like sesame cakes, or simply wander and admire the street’s classic architecture.

Day 2: Full-Day Yellow Mountain (Huangshan) Exploration

1. Huangshan UNESCO Global Geopark

• Stop Duration: 8 hours (Admission included)
• Begin with a scenic drive to the foot of Yellow Mountain. Upon arrival, your guide will accompany you to board the cable car, which glides gently upward through misty valleys and lush forests. As you ascend, feast your eyes on panoramic views of jagged granite peaks, ancient pines clinging to cliffs, and ethereal wispy clouds—setting the tone for the day’s wonders.
• Disembark the cable car and embark on a guided hike to Huangshan’s most iconic spots. Visit Shixin Peak (Beginning-to-Believe Peak), where sweeping vistas of the East Sea of Clouds will make you understand why the mountain is hailed as “China’s Loveliest.” Admire the delicate beauty of Peach Blossom Peak, the rugged silhouette of Lion Peak, the whimsical Feilai Stone (Flying Stone) perched precariously on a cliff, and Guangmingding (Bright Summit)—Huangshan’s second-highest peak, offering 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks and cloud seas.

Day 3: Xihai Great Canyon → Departure from Huangshan

1. Xihai Great Canyon (West Sea Grand Canyon)

• Stop Duration: 4 hours (Admission included)
• Begin with a visit to Yunxia Pavilion (Cloud-Dispersing Pavilion), a prime viewpoint renowned for its views of bizarre rock formations, rolling cloud seas, towering peaks, and deep, misty valleys. The pavilion lives up to its name—on clear days, the wind scatters clouds to reveal breathtaking vistas.
• Next, venture into Xihai Great Canyon, also known as the “Illusory Scenic Area” for its otherworldly beauty. Hike along winding trails carved into cliffs, surrounded by sheer rock faces, lush vegetation, and cascading streams. The canyon’s dramatic landscapes—sharp peaks, narrow gorges, and ever-shifting cloud formations—create a scene straight out of a Chinese ink painting.
• After a leisurely lunch, board the cable car for a scenic descent back to the foot of the mountain. Your guide will then escort you to Huangshan Airport, ensuring a smooth transfer for your connecting or return flight.