Fifth Timezone Travel
Huizhou Ink Wash · Hongcun Village & Yellow Mountain 4-Day Tour
水墨徽州 · 黄山宏村 4 日
Ride the cable car up Yellow Mountain, explore the Xihai Grand Canyon's sea of clouds and unique pines, and enjoy sunrise and sunset from your mountain-top hotel. Then, descend to Hongcun Village's Moon Pond and South Lake—the filming location of 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'—for an overnight stay, and conclude your journey with a taste of Huizhou cuisine in Tunxi.
Experience the real-life inspiration of Chinese landscape paintings: Day 1 begins with an 8-minute cable car ride up to Yungu Temple. Visit Shixin Peak to see the Black Tiger Pine and Lianli Pine, then descend into the Xihai Grand Canyon—Yellow Mountain's most thrilling and photogenic valley trail. Stay overnight at a mountain-top hotel to witness both sunset and sunrise. On Day 2, hike to Guangming Peak, Flying Rock, and the Hundred Steps Cloud Ladder to greet the Guest Pine, then descend via Yuping Cable Car. Day 3 transfers to Hongcun Village, where the Moon Pond and South Lake's reflections of Huizhou architecture were featured in 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.' The Chengzhi Hall's woodcarvings are hailed as the 'Forbidden City of Folk Art.' In the evening, explore Tunxi Old Street and Liyang In Alley. Day 4 concludes with a Huizhou cooking class (stinky mandarin fish or hairy tofu) before departure.
This package includes Yellow Mountain tickets, two cable car rides, and guaranteed mountain-top accommodation. Perfect for photography enthusiasts, light hikers, and travelers seeking to experience the ethereal beauty of Chinese ink wash painting.
Tour highlights行程亮点
- Xihai Grand Canyon valley trail
- Sunrise and sunset from mountain-top hotel
- Guangming Peak and Flying Rock
- Guest Pine and Yuping Pavilion
- Hongcun's Moon Pond and South Lake reflections ('Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' filming location)
- Tunxi Old Street and Huizhou cooking class
Day-by-day itinerary每日行程
D1Cable Car Ascent · Shixin Peak · Xihai Grand Canyon
A 40-minute transfer from Huangshan North Railway Station brings you to Yungu Temple Cable Car Station for an 8-minute ride up the mountain. Begin at Shixin Peak, where the Black Tiger Pine, Lianli Pine, and Harp Pine await—the saying 'No Shixin Peak, no Yellow Mountain pines' is well-earned. Explore for about 1.5 hours before lunch at your mountain-top hotel's buffet. Afternoon descent into the Xihai Grand Canyon: The first and second ring valley trails wind along vertical cliffs, creating an otherworldly scene when shrouded in clouds and mist. Allow about 3 hours (or take the popular mini train back up if you prefer less physical exertion). Watch the sunset from Danxia Peak or Paiyun Terrace. Practical tips: Temperatures on the mountain are 6-8°C lower than at the base—windproof jacket is essential. The steps on the trails are numerous; walking sticks can be purchased at the base. Accommodation: Huangshan mountain-top hotel.
D2Guangming Peak · Guest Pine · Descent to Hongcun
Wake early for the sunrise at the time and location advised by your guide the previous evening (Guangming Peak or Shuguang Pavilion, depending on season and cloud cover). After breakfast, hike the front mountain route: Guangming Peak (1,860m, dividing front and back mountains) — Flying Rock — Ao Fish Peak — One Line Sky — Hundred Steps Cloud Ladder. This takes about 4 hours; pace yourself as the trail is undulating. In the afternoon, visit Yuping Pavilion to see the millennia-old Guest Pine, with Tiantou Peak and Lotus Peak as backdrop. Descend via Yuping Cable Car and drive approximately 1 hour to check into your hotel near Hongcun. Dinner features Huizhou's stinky mandarin fish with stone ear chicken stew. Practical tips: Cloud seas often appear after rain, so check with your guide the evening before about the next morning's weather. Shopping options on the mountain are limited, so bring snacks and water. Accommodation: Hongcun or Tangkou.
D3Hongcun Village · Tunxi Old Street Night Tour
Morning tour of Hongcun (a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000): South Lake's arched bridge is where Li Mu Bai led his horse in 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.' The Moon Pond's 'cow's stomach' design with its four-in-one courtyard reflections, paired with the horse-head walls, creates a classic Huizhou scene. The woodcarved beams of Chengzhi Hall are known as the 'Forbidden City of Folk Art.' Explore the entire village for about 3 hours. Lunch features Huizhou cuisine—hairy tofu and stone frog. Afternoon drive (approx. 1 hour) to Tunxi to stroll the 1,272-meter Tunxi Old Street: Ink sticks, She inkstones, and bakeries line the street, earning it the nickname 'Living Along the River During Qingming Festival.' At night, head next door to Liyang In Alley to see the blend of old and new in its evening ambiance. Practical tips: The old street is ideal for purchasing stationery and tea souvenirs—haggling is acceptable. Accommodation: Tunxi.
D4Huizhou Cooking Class · Departure Transfer
Morning cooking class (approx. 2 hours): Under a local master's guidance, prepare and cook a stinky mandarin fish (or pan-fry a portion of hairy tofu), served with Huizhou meatballs and stone ear soup. Enjoy your creation for lunch and receive a handwritten recipe as a souvenir. Afterward, you can revisit Liyang In Alley for any last-minute souvenirs. Afternoon transfer to Huangshan North Railway Station (20-minute drive) or Huangshan Tunxi International Airport (15-minute drive) according to your departure schedule. Practical tips: It's recommended to book flights or trains departing after 14:00. Recommended souvenirs include ink pastry, Huangshan Maofeng tea, and tribute chrysanthemums. If time permits, an optional visit to Xiong Village or Chengkan can be arranged (additional cost). Accommodation: None (departing the same evening).
What's included费用包含
- 3 nights accommodation (1 mountain-top + 2山下/Hongcun)
- Breakfast + 3 lunches
- Yellow Mountain tickets and Yungu & Yuping cable car rides
- Hongcun Village tickets
- Huizhou cooking class (ingredients included)
- Private guide and private car throughout
- Transfer from Huangshan North Railway Station/Airport
Photos from the road实拍照片
