A Complete 2-Day Guide to Watching the Sunrise at Huangshan Mountain

A Complete 2 Day Guide To Watching The Sunrise At Huangshan Mountain

Huangshan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including its dramatic granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and mesmerizing sea of clouds. For those looking to capture the sunrise in all its glory, Huangshan offers some of the best vantage points to witness this breathtaking natural phenomenon. This 2-day guide will take you on an unforgettable journey through the most iconic spots on Huangshan Mountain, ensuring you make the most of your sunrise experience.


Day 1: Scenic Routes and Sunrise Preparation

1. Yun Gu Temple (云谷寺) ⏱ 0.5h

Begin your adventure at the Yun Gu Temple (云谷寺), located at the foot of Huangshan. To reach this scenic starting point, take a bus from the airport or train station to Huangshan South Gate, and then transfer to the scenic area bus. Here, you can purchase both the entrance ticket and the cable car ticket. Yun Gu Temple was built during the Ming Dynasty and is now home to Yun Gu Mountain Villa (云谷山庄), a beautiful architectural representation of Huizhou culture. The surrounding landscape is picturesque, with undulating hills, winding streams, and misty clouds rising and falling between the peaks. The area is rich in natural beauty, featuring towering pine trees, tea plants, and bamboo groves, offering plenty of photo opportunities.

  • Ticket Prices: The full-price ticket for Huangshan is 190 RMB during peak season (March to November), and 150 RMB during the off-season (Winter).
  • Luggage Storage: The South Gate transfer center provides luggage storage, so you can travel light.

2. Yun Gu Cable Car (云谷索道) ⏱ 10min

From Yun Gu Temple, board the Yun Gu Cable Car to ascend the mountain. This cable car offers stunning panoramic views, allowing you to admire famous peaks like Tiandu Peak (天都峰), Lotus Peak (莲花峰), Buddha’s Palm Peak (佛掌峰), and many others. As you glide above the clouds and through the mist, it feels like entering a fairyland.

  • Ticket Prices: During peak season (March to November), a one-way ticket costs 80 RMB. In the off-season (January, February, and December), it is 65 RMB.

3. Shixin Peak (始信峰) ⏱ 0.5h

Upon reaching the summit, the first place to visit is Shixin Peak, which is known for its steepness and dramatic views. The peak is surrounded by cliffs on three sides, and standing on uneven rocks while gripping the railings can make even seasoned travelers feel the height. The view is awe-inspiring, with bizarre rock formations and steep cliffs stretching out before you.

4. Monkey Watching the Sea of Clouds (猴子观海) ⏱ 0.2h

The next stop is Monkey Watching the Sea of Clouds, a famous rock formation shaped like a monkey sitting in quiet contemplation of the rising clouds. A poem describes this view perfectly: “The monkey watches the sea of clouds, unaware of the passing years, as red clouds fill the sky and blue heavens stretch endlessly.”

5. Paiyun Pavilion (排云亭) ⏱ 0.5h

Paiyun Pavilion, named after the clouds that roll through the valley and dissipate upon reaching the pavilion, is one of the best spots on the mountain to view the sea of clouds. From here, you can also see a breathtaking view of the West Sea Grand Canyon (西海大峡谷).

6. West Sea Grand Canyon (西海大峡谷) ⏱ 3h

Also known as Baiyun Valley (白云谷), the West Sea Grand Canyon is a hidden gem and a perfect location for hiking enthusiasts. The canyon features sharp cliffs, mysterious caves, and a range of unique rock formations. You can also opt for the West Sea Grand Canyon Cable Car, which offers an unparalleled view of the canyon, dense forests, and sheer rock faces. The cable car ride is a thrilling experience, especially when traveling in a transparent glass cabin that lets you enjoy the full scale of this natural wonder.

  • Tips: Make sure to bring sufficient food and water before entering the canyon, as there are limited food stands along the way. There are small shops at Paiyun Pavilion and the canyon’s base for replenishment.

7. Aoyu Peak (鳌鱼峰) ⏱ 0.5h

Located in the center of Huangshan, Aoyu Peak is named after its resemblance to a fish waiting to be fed. The peak features a triangular cave called “Aoyu Cave” (鳌鱼洞) that is inscribed with the words “Heavenly Creation” (天造). Inside the cave, a pathway leads visitors in and out like the mouth of a fish. The peak offers great views of surrounding peaks and is an excellent spot for sunset viewing. It is recommended to stay here or nearby to catch the sunset.


Day 2: Sunrise Viewing and Iconic Sights

1. Guangming Ding (光明顶) ⏱ 0.5h

Start your second day early, as Guangming Ding (光明顶/Brightness Peak) is one of the best spots to catch the sunrise at Huangshan. It is the second-highest peak of the mountain and offers a clear view of the sun rising over the majestic landscape. The first light of day spreads across Huangshan, bathing the entire mountain range in a golden glow, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

  • Tips: The early morning temperatures at Guangming Ding can be quite cold, so be sure to wear warm clothing.

2. Hundred Steps Cloud Ladder (百步云梯) ⏱ 0.5h

After watching the sunrise, take a short walk to the Hundred Steps Cloud Ladder, located on the northwest side of Lotus Peak (莲花峰). This steep and narrow staircase is carved into the cliffs, and the path seems to ascend directly toward the sky. From a distance, it looks like a long ladder suspended above the clouds. The scene is surreal, especially when mist surrounds the mountain, adding an element of mystery to the hike.

3. One-Line Sky (一线天) ⏱ 0.2h

Next, head to One-Line Sky, a narrow passage formed between two towering cliffs that barely leave room for a single person to pass. The narrow space, no wider than one meter in places, allows you to look up and see only a thin strip of blue sky above.

4. Lotus Peak (莲花峰) ⏱ 1h

The highest peak of Huangshan is Lotus Peak (1864.8 meters), and it is an essential stop on your journey. The peak offers a striking view of the surrounding mountain range and is named for its resemblance to a blooming lotus flower. When the weather conditions are right, you may also catch a glimpse of the sea of clouds, which adds an ethereal quality to the already breathtaking scenery.

5. Welcome Pine (迎客松) ⏱ 1h

Welcome Pine is one of the most famous and iconic symbols of Huangshan. The pine tree, which is over 800 years old, stands near the Yuping Building (玉屏楼) and appears to stretch out its branches in a welcoming gesture. The tree is a symbol of hospitality and endurance, standing strong against the harsh mountain weather. It’s an excellent spot for photographs and a moment of reflection.

6. Ciguang Pavilion (慈光阁) ⏱ 0.5h

To conclude your Huangshan experience, take a trip to Ciguang Pavilion, located near the Yuping Cable Car station. Now functioning as the Huangshan Museum (黄山博物馆), this pavilion offers a quiet and scenic environment, surrounded by peaks and valleys. After exploring the museum, you can exit Huangshan through the South Gate.

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Feel free to ask any question about this place ^_^x
enjoy the same discount as a Chinese