Just returned from a 3-day trip to Huangshan with all the pitfalls experienced – sincerely recommend visiting during the off-season from July to September!!!

In-depth 3-day & 2-night Huangshan travel guide: This is how to experience it best If you're planning a 3-day trip to Huangshan and want to avoid detours while catching all the highlights, this carefully crafted guide is for you. From ancient town alleys to ink-wash villages and the iconic pines-and-rocks landscape of Huangshan's main scenic area, this well-paced itinerary showcases the diverse charm of Huangshan. Day 1: Tracing Ancient Rhythms – Unveiling Huizhou's Lively Spirit Itinerary: - Morning: Upon arrival, start with a stroll through Huizhou Ancient Town. As one of China's four great ancient towns, its well-preserved city walls and watchtowers stand alongside flagstone paths where Huizhou hams dry between white-walled houses. You might encounter elderly vendors carrying hairy tofu on shoulder poles around corners – pure local flavor. - Afternoon: Visit Yuliang Dam, a Tang Dynasty hydraulic marvel. The time-worn flagstones and panoramic view of the flowing Lianjiang River offer serene tranquility compared to crowded old streets. - Evening: Head to Tunxi Old Street at dusk when lanterns illuminate Hui-style architecture. Browse century-old stationery shops and teahouses, then enjoy Huangshan Maofeng tea by the river, watching modern Liyang In Lane across the water contrast with the ancient street. - Night: Don't miss Liyang In Lane's nightscape, where restored mansions blend with artsy cafes, perfect for experiencing old and new Huizhou. Tips: - Hanfu rental shops in Huizhou Ancient Town offer elegant outfits perfect for photos – remember to bargain. - Tunxi Old Street and Liyang In Lane are just 10 minutes apart on foot. - Stay in Tunxi District for convenient dining/shopping and easy next-day transport to villages. Day 2: Ink-Wash Villages – Poetic Encounters in Southern Anhui Itinerary: - Morning: Explore Xidi, the "Museum of Ming-Qing Residential Architecture." Highlights include the Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway and historic mansions like "Da Fu Di," where sunlight filters beautifully through courtyards adorned with intricate stone carvings. - Afternoon: Discover Hongcun's unique water systems. Walk around South Lake for iconic reflections of willow trees and Hui architecture, then visit Moon Pond – the village's "heart" where locals wash vegetables at dusk. - Evening: Explore Hongcun's quieter ancient houses like Deyi Hall, featuring exquisite gardens and woodcarvings. Tips: - Xidi to Hongcun takes 40 minutes by car. Stay overnight in Hongcun for peaceful rural nights. - Hongcun tickets allow multiple entries for 3 days – return at dawn for crowd-free South Lake views. - Try authentic farmhouse meals in converted ancestral homes. Day 3: Huangshan Summit – Marvels of Pines and Boulders Itinerary: - Morning: Enter via the South Gate, take the cable car to Shixin Peak (epicenter of Huangshan pines like "Black Tiger Pine") for panoramic views. See the "Flower Blooming on Magic Brush" rock formation – a pine-topped pillar resembling an inked brush tip. - Noon: Explore the "Dreamland" of West Sea Grand Canyon via thrilling cliffside plank paths (or take the funicular to conserve energy). - Afternoon: Hike to Bright Summit (Huangshan's second peak) for five-sea views, pass Aoyu Peak (resembling a gaping turtle), then visit the welcoming Guest-Greeting Pine. - Evening: Descend via Yuping Cableway. Tips: - Wear comfortable shoes and pack light – the summit area is vast. - Mountain weather changes rapidly; bring layers and rain gear (expensive on-site). - Stay in Tangkou Town (foot of mountain) or summit hotels for sunrise (check viewing spots like Bright Summit in advance). Must-Try Huizhou Cuisine: - Stinky Mandarin Fish: Fermented fish with firm texture and subtle wine aroma - Hairy Tofu: Golden-fried fermented tofu with chili dip - Huangshan Maofeng Tea: Fragrant local tea – sample before buying - Crab Shell Baked Cake: Crispy portable snacks with plum vegetable or scallion fillings - Hu Shi Stew Pot: Layered pork, tofu puffs, and dried beans simmered to perfection - Wucheng Tea-Dried Tofu: Chewy, savory souvenir from Xiuning County Transport Guide: - Flight: Huangshan Tunxi International Airport (5km from downtown, 20min taxi) - Train: Huangshan North Station (15km from downtown) with shuttle buses to Tunxi (40min) or direct buses to Tangkou (hourly) - Local Transit: Scan QR codes for city buses; take tourist shuttles to villages - Inter-Site Transport: Frequent minibuses connect Huizhou Ancient Town, Xidi, and Hongcun (check schedules at Tunxi Bus Station) Huangshan's beauty blends majestic landscapes with gentle village charm. Follow this guide to fall in love with this poetic land.