Back from Huangshan with sore legs from all the climbing!

Day 1: Ink Painting Hongcun Village - A Leisurely Tour ✅ South Lake at Dawn: Early morning reflections of white walls and dark tiles on Hongcun's South Lake create an ink painting scene. Arrive before 6:30am to avoid crowds. The lake bridge offers stunning reflection photos! ✅ Moon Pond at Night: Evening lights gradually illuminate around Moon Pond, with stone paths gleaming! ✅ Hui-style Architecture Spots: Must-visit South Lake Academy and Chengzhi Hall. Every photo under the horse-head walls is Instagram-worthy. Don't miss the guide's explanation of merchant culture behind the couplets. Day 2: Huangshan's Wonders - Walking in the Clouds ⛰ Welcome Pine + Lotus Peak: Take Yuping cable car up, head straight to Welcome Pine for photos, climb Lotus Peak for cloud sea views (not for those afraid of heights). 🌄 Bright Summit Peak Sunset: Secure your spot early! Golden-rimmed clouds at sunset. Recommended mountain-top hotel: "Bai Yun Hotel" with stargazing rooms for viewing the Milky Way. 🌉 West Sea Grand Canyon: Must-ride tourist train, clifftop walkway is steep but views are breathtaking. Wear non-slip shoes + bring hiking poles. Day 3: Xidi Village Life - Ancient Village Exploration 🏮 Archways and Ancestral Halls: Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway is the landmark. Chengzhi Hall features intricate woodcarvings - listen to the guide's family history tales. 🍵 Countryside Afternoon Tea: Try sweet rice wine and soul-warming chicken soup at "Hui Niang's Home Cooking" by the village entrance. Sunbathing in the courtyard is therapeutic. 🛍 Souvenir Shopping: Huangshan pancakes and Hui ink cookies are cheaper at Tunxi Old Street, with home delivery available. 🌟Must-Try Food 🐟 Stinky Mandarin Fish: Smells strong but tastes delicious, most authentic at "Deyue Lou" in Hongcun! 🍢 Hairy Tofu: Crispy outside, soft inside, perfect with chili sauce! 🍵 Huangshan Maofeng Tea: Freshly roasted by village tea farmers, fragrant with lasting sweetness. 🏠Accommodation Recommendations ▫Hongcun: Choose lakeside guesthouses overlooking South Lake. ▫Huangshan: Book mountain-top hotels 1 month ahead! Bright Summit Peak Hotel has the best sunrise views. 💡Useful Tips 1⃣ Off-peak Travel: Huangshan is most beautiful but crowded June-September. Visit on working days + early mornings to avoid 80% of crowds. 2⃣ Pack Light: Bring thermos and energy bars. Bottled water costs 15 yuan on the mountain! 3️⃣Ticket Reservations: Get free tickets through "Hui Huang You" mini program. Hongcun/Xidi combined ticket for 104 yuan is more economical. ⚡Special Reminder: If you're not physically fit, definitely take the cable car up and down Huangshan, or you'll have sore legs the next day!!!