In the ink-wash wonderland of Huangshan, encounter the magnificent winter snow scenery of the "Number One Marvelous Mountain Under Heaven" in 5 days

Deep in southern Anhui, Huangshan is the pinnacle of Chinese landscape art. When winter snow covers the strange peaks, bizarre rocks, ancient pines, and sea of clouds, it transforms into a fairyland straight out of an ink painting. If you want to unlock Huangshan’s "frozen wonders" this winter, be sure to save this 5-day, 4-night in-depth travel guide—covering route planning, secret spots, hiking gear, and accommodation tips, all based on the practical experience of seasoned Huangshan travelers, immersing you in the breathtaking feeling of "After visiting the Five Great Mountains, no other mountain compares; after visiting Huangshan, no other peak compares." 🚗 Route Plan · 5 Days Connecting Huangshan + Huizhou Secret Spots D1 Various locations → Huangshan City → Liyang in Alley → Stay in Huangshan City - After arriving at Huangshan Tunxi International Airport or Huangshan North Station, head to the city for check-in (recommended near Tunxi Old Street for convenient dining and shopping). - In the afternoon, explore Liyang in Alley: a street blending Huizhou-style architecture with modern commerce, white walls and black tiles under the winter sun, perfect for Huizhou-style photos; watch the sunset by the riverbank in the evening and experience the slow pace of the ancient Huizhou city. D2 Huangshan City → Hongcun → Tachuan → Mukeng Bamboo Sea → Stay in Hongcun - Depart from the city in the morning, about 1.5 hours by car to Hongcun (ticket 104 RMB/person, valid for three days). This "village in a painting" is quieter in winter, with black tiles and white walls dusted with light snow, like an ink and wash painting. - Check-in spots: Moon Pond Lake (early morning mist on the lake surface, perfect for photographing reflections of Huizhou architecture), Chengzhi Hall (a Huizhou merchant mansion with exquisite wood and brick carvings). - In the afternoon, visit Tachuan (though no autumn maple in winter, the snow-covered village offers a unique tranquility), and Mukeng Bamboo Sea (filming location of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," where the bamboo forest’s green and white after snow create a serene and elegant hiking experience). D3 Hongcun → Huangshan Scenic Area → Yungu Cableway → Shixin Peak → Beihai Scenic Area → Stay at Mountain Hotel - About 1 hour by car from Hongcun to the South Gate of Huangshan Scenic Area. Take the Yungu Cableway (80 RMB/person, winter operating hours 7:30-16:00) up the mountain to start exploring Huangshan’s core area. - Check-in spots: - Shixin Peak: "Huangshan’s Shixin Peak, no mountain compares," where the "Harp Pine" black tiger pine looks even more vigorous after snow, a classic spot for photographing Huangshan pines and strange rocks. - Beihai Scenic Area: Watch the sunset at Lion Peak in the evening, with sea of clouds and snowy mountains in one frame; if lucky, you might encounter the "Buddha’s Light." - Accommodation recommendation: Beihai Hotel or Shilin Hotel (mountain hotels require booking one month in advance; winter standard rooms cost 800-1200 RMB/person/night, including breakfast and dinner; rooms with heating are recommended). D4 Huangshan Scenic Area → Bright Summit Peak → Welcoming Pine → Yuping Cableway → Stay in Huangshan City - Arrive at Bright Summit Peak (the second highest peak of Huangshan, 1860 meters above sea level) before 5 a.m. to watch the sunrise. The sunrise after snow dyes the sea of clouds golden-red, creating a stunning scene with Lotus Peak and Tiandu Peak in the distance. - Then visit Welcoming Pine (Huangshan’s iconic landmark, the snow-laden pine branches are especially spectacular; avoid crowds when taking photos) and take the Yuping Cableway (90 RMB/person) down the mountain, returning to the city. D5 Huangshan City → Chengkan → Return Journey - In the morning, visit Chengkan ("China’s Number One Feng Shui Village"), where winter sees fewer tourists, allowing quiet appreciation of Huizhou ancient architecture details, such as the exquisite wood carvings of Baolun Pavilion. Return in the afternoon to end the trip. 📸 Photo Spots · Unlock All Stunning Locations - Hongcun Moon Pond Lake: Arrive before 7 a.m., when mist still lingers on the lake surface, to capture reflections of Huizhou architecture. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the village’s symmetrical beauty. - Huangshan Shixin Peak: Use the black tiger pine as the foreground to photograph the stone pillar peaks behind. After snow, the jagged rocks resemble wolf teeth, creating a powerful visual impact. - Bright Summit Peak Sunrise: Check sunrise time in advance, stand on the east side of the Bright Summit platform, set up a tripod, and wait for the first sunlight to shine on the sea of clouds. - Welcoming Pine: Photograph from the side of Yuping Building to avoid crowds in front, highlighting the pine’s posture and the snowy Tiandu Peak in the background. 🎒 Practical Tips · Complete Guide for Hiking & Huizhou Tour 🔹 Clothing Suggestions (Winter hiking requires warmth + anti-slip) - Upper wear: quick-dry base layer + fleece + shell jacket (windproof and waterproof, bright orange recommended for better photos in snow); add a down liner if sensitive to cold. - Lower wear: fleece-lined hiking pants + thermal leggings, paired with gaiters (to prevent snow from entering shoes). - Shoes & bag: high-top hiking boots (with anti-slip soles, Vibram soles recommended) + wool socks (bring 2 extra pairs). Backpack around 30L for water, snacks, and camera. - Accessories: ear-covering hat + windproof gloves (with touchscreen function) + goggles (to protect eyes from snow glare) + trekking poles (available for rent in the scenic area, 2 RMB each, saves energy). 🔹 Accommodation Recommendations (Balance cost-effectiveness and experience) - Huangshan City: Huangshan International Hotel, Huizhou style, 5-minute walk to Tunxi Old Street, 300-500 RMB/person/night. - Hongcun: Hongcun Qingmei Xueshe Shilili Hotel, renovated from a Huizhou old residence, elegant courtyard snow scenes, 600-1000 RMB/person/night. - On Huangshan Mountain: Beihai Hotel, prime location right by Shixin Peak, heated rooms in winter, 800-1200 RMB/person/night (meals included). 🔹 Food List (Huizhou flavors + hiking energy) - Huangshan City: Stinky Mandarin Fish (famous Huizhou dish, recommended "Yangjiazai" restaurant, flavorful and not fishy), Mao Tofu (pan-fried golden, eaten with chili sauce), Huangshan Sesame Cake (with preserved vegetable and meat filling, buy "Chaogang" brand as souvenirs). - Mountain dining: hotel buffet breakfast (noodles, steamed buns, porridge to fill you up), bring energy bars, chocolate, beef jerky (for energy replenishment). 🔹 Notes - Huangshan Cableways: Yungu and Yuping cableways operate normally in winter; Xihai Grand Canyon cable car is closed in winter, plan your route accordingly. - Anti-slip and warmth: Mountain temperatures are 8-10°C lower than the base; wear anti-slip shoes on icy paths and walk slowly. - Photography gear: Keep cameras warm; batteries drain quickly in cold, bring extra batteries; use anti-fog sheets on lenses. - Ticket reservation: Huangshan Scenic Area tickets (190 RMB/person) and tickets for ancient villages like Hongcun and Chengkan must be booked in advance on the "Huangshan Tourism Official Platform." The beauty of Huangshan lies in the ink-wash streets of Hongcun, the pine and rock sea of clouds at Shixin Peak, and the snowy sunrise at Bright Summit Peak. This guide thoroughly breaks down routes, activities, and pitfalls, waiting for you this winter to step onto Huangshan’s stone steps and personally measure the poetic ink-wash charm of the "Number One Marvelous Mountain Under Heaven."