Huangshan Scenic Area

Nature · 安徽省 · 黄山风景区

Huangshan Scenic Area

Huangshan

Huangshan Scenic Area · ChinaMazing

Discover

Core Sights

The essential sights — what they are, and when to go.

Welcome Pine

Sight 1

Welcome Pine

迎客松

The Greeting Pine. As one of Huangshan's most iconic landmarks, the Greeting Pine stands on a sheer cliff at an elevation of approximately 1,600 meters. This ancient pine, over a millennium old, extends one of its branches outward like a welcoming arm, which is exactly how it earned its name. More than just a symbol of Huangshan, it embodies the Chinese cultural tradition of hospitality. Visitors here can marvel at the spectacular scenery of the pine set against towering peaks and seas of clouds, experiencing nature's extraordinary craftsmanship. As part of the dual World Heritage site for both natural and cultural significance, the Greeting Pine draws countless travelers from home and abroad, serving as a perfect window into China's landscape culture and aesthetic ideals.

Lotus Peak

Sight 2

Lotus Peak

莲花峰

Lotus Peak is the highest peak of Mount Huangshan, standing at an elevation of over 1,800 meters. It earns its name from its striking resemblance to a lotus flower in shape. The ascent is steep and thrilling, with unique pines and grotesque rocks lining the way. Upon reaching the summit, one is rewarded with rolling seas of clouds and panoramic views of surrounding peaks, making it an unparalleled spot to experience the grandeur of Mount Huangshan. This peak stands in distant correspondence with Tiandu Peak, and together they are celebrated as the two most perilous peaks of Huangshan, drawing countless mountaineering enthusiasts to take on the challenge. The scenery varies beautifully across the seasons—spring azaleas, summer coolness, autumn red leaves, and winter snowscapes—each leaving visitors in awe.

Bright Summit

Sight 3

Bright Summit

光明顶

Bright Peak. Bright Peak is one of the three main peaks of Mount Huangshan, named for its high, open terrain and abundant sunlight. With expansive views, it is an excellent spot for watching sunrises, seas of clouds, and the remarkable pines and odd-shaped rocks. The summit is flat and hosts the Mount Huangshan Meteorological Station, which provides visitors with a viewing platform. From here, one can gaze afar at the West Sea Grand Canyon and admire nearby wonders such as the Flying Rock. As one of the essential scenic areas of Mount Huangshan, Bright Peak is a must-visit destination for mountain climbers, offering distinct scenery in every season, with its most breathtaking moment occurring at dawn when the first rays of morning light appear.

West Sea Grand Canyon

Sight 4

West Sea Grand Canyon

西海大峡谷

Xihai Grand Canyon. The Xihai Grand Canyon is a deep and magnificent canyon landscape within the Huangshan Scenic Area, renowned for its peculiar pines, bizarre rocks, sea of clouds, and precipitous trails. Visitors can descend along suspended plank roads, threading through steep cliffs while taking in the layered peaks and clear springs hidden in the serene valley. When shrouded in mist, the canyon feels like a fairyland, while on clear days the clustered peaks reveal their breathtaking splendor. The canyon trails, built along the mountain contours, offer a thrilling yet exciting experience and stand as an excellent choice for experiencing the majesty and ruggedness of Huangshan. Given the complex terrain, it is advisable to plan your energy wisely and keep an eye on weather changes to ensure a safe visit.

Celestial Capital Peak

Sight 5

Celestial Capital Peak

天都峰

Tiandu Peak. Tiandu Peak is one of the three main peaks of Huangshan, renowned for its steepness and perilous terrain. In ancient times, it was known as "the celestial capital where immortals gather." Reaching the summit requires climbing the nearly vertical "Heavenly Ladder," passing along the famous "Carp's Back"—a narrow ridge flanked by deep valleys on both sides, offering a thrilling and breathtaking experience. The summit offers expansive views, where you can gaze into the distance at seas of clouds, strangely shaped pines, and curious rock formations. On clear days, all the surrounding peaks come into full view. Due to regular maintenance rotations, please refer to the scenic area's official announcements for opening times. The hike demands considerable physical exertion, so it is recommended to wear slip-resistant shoes and allow ample time for the journey.

Monkey Gazing at the Sea

Sight 6

Monkey Gazing at the Sea

猴子观海

Monkey Gazing at the Sea. In the North Sea Scenic Area of Huangshan, there is a peculiar rock shaped like a squatting monkey gazing into the distant sea of clouds, hence the name "Monkey Gazing at the Sea." When mist rises, the stone monkey seems to sit at the edge of a vast ocean, overlooking the ever-changing clouds with profound artistic conception. On clear days, the view extends to Taiping Lake and the surrounding peaks, offering a broad and expansive vista. This is a classic spot in Huangshan for admiring the sea of clouds and peculiar rocks, especially beautiful in the early morning or just after rain. Visitors are advised to watch their steps and stay safe.

Flying Rock

Sight 7

Flying Rock

飞来石

Flying Rock. Located in the Huangshan Scenic Area, the Flying Rock is a massive stone about 12 meters high, perched atop a mountain platform. Its contact area with the bedrock beneath is minimal, making it appear as though it descended from the heavens—hence its name. It is not only a quintessential example of Huangshan's remarkable rocks but also an exceptional vantage point for admiring the sea of clouds, sunset glow, and sweeping views of surrounding peaks. Visitors can follow the pathway to closely observe its unique formation and marvel at the wonders of nature's craftsmanship.

Eat

Local Eats

The local dishes worth crossing town for.

Huizhou Hairy Tofu
Eat 1

Huizhou Hairy Tofu

徽州毛豆腐

Huizhou Hairy Tofu. Huizhou Hairy Tofu is a traditional fermented soybean product from the Yellow Mountain area, covered with a layer of fine white mycelium that gives it a fuzzy appearance, hence its name. Made from locally sourced soybeans and naturally fermented, it boasts a unique texture, soft and creamy inside like cheese. Typically pan-fried until golden brown and served with chili sauce or soy sauce, it is crispy on the outside and糯 on the inside, carrying a subtle fermented aroma. This snack embodies the wisdom of Huizhou locals in transforming ingredients, serving both as a street-side delicacy and a common dish on local tables, making it an excellent choice for experiencing the customs and culture of Yellow Mountain.

Huangshan Sesame Cake
Eat 2

Huangshan Sesame Cake

黄山烧饼

Huangshan Sesame Cakes. A traditional snack with centuries of history in the Huangshan region, these cakes are made from flour, preserved mustard greens, and pork, coated in sesame seeds, and baked over charcoal fire. The finished cakes are golden in color and shaped like crab shells. One bite delivers a crisp, flaky crunch, with a savory and slightly spicy filling where the rich depth of preserved mustard greens mingles with the flavor of meat, creating layered complexity. This delicacy is often carried by hikers as an energy boost for mountain climbs, and it also makes a thoughtful souvenir. The craft behind it is meticulous, requiring repeated kneading of the dough, careful stuffing, and oven-side baking—each piece carries the unmistakable aroma of charcoal. If you visit Huangshan, it's well worth stopping at the foot of the mountain to taste one fresh from the oven and experience the rustic yet vibrant flavors of local cuisine.

Stinky Mandarin Fish
Eat 3

Stinky Mandarin Fish

臭鳜鱼

Stinky Mandarin Fish. Stinky mandarin fish is a traditional delicacy of Huizhou, the region where Mount Huangshan is located, renowned for being "pungent to the nose but savory on the palate." Made from fresh mandarin fish that is salted and fermented, the fish develops a subtle odour, yet once cooked, its flesh turns firm and flaky, resembling garlic cloves—tender, flavourful, and infused with a distinctive salty, fermented taste. This dish embodies the wisdom of the ancient Huizhou people, originally created to preserve ingredients, and has since become a signature of Huizhou cuisine. First-timers are encouraged to set aside their reservations—one bite will reveal its rich, mellow depth, making it an unforgettable culinary adventure when experiencing the local culture and customs of Mount Huangshan.

Huizhou Yipin Pot
Eat 4

Huizhou Yipin Pot

徽州一品锅

Huizhou Yipin Pot. Huizhou Yipin Pot is a traditional famous dish in the Huangshan region, prepared by slow-cooking layers of ingredients. The bottom layer features radish and dried bamboo shoots, the middle layer holds pork and chicken pieces, and the top is adorned with egg dumplings and fried tofu puffs, all simmered gently in rich broth over low heat. The flavors of all ingredients blend together, resulting in a savory and hearty soup with a rich, multi-layered taste. It is said that the dish earned its name after a Qing Dynasty emperor praised it with great admiration. Today, it is a staple at local banquets, showcasing the Huizhou cuisine's signature salty freshness and mastery of heat control. Enjoyed around a steaming pot in winter, it brings warmth and comfort, making it especially delightful.

Tunxi Drunken Crab
Eat 5

Tunxi Drunken Crab

屯溪醉蟹

Tunxi Drunken Crab. Tunxi Drunken Crab is a traditional delicacy of the Huangshan region, made by marinating fresh stream crabs in aged yellow wine along with a variety of spices. The finished dish features a greenish-brown shell, translucent crab meat, and a rich aroma of wine; it tastes tender, fresh, and pleasantly sweet. This dish not only demands the freshness of the ingredients but also emphasizes the balance between marinating time and seasoning, making it a highly representative cold dish in Hui cuisine. When tasting it, one can both appreciate the mellow depth of the yellow wine and savor the clean sweetness of the crab meat, offering a unique way to explore local flavors. For first-time visitors, it is recommended to try a small amount to fully experience its distinctive "drunken" charm.