Three Sacred Mountains: Jiuhua, Huangshan, and Qiyun

Begin with Buddhist sites at Jiuhua Mountain, cross Taiping Lake to climb Huangshan and stay at the summit, then visit Hongcun, Xidi, and Taoist Qiyun Mountain.

With the Chizhou–Huangshan high-speed railway now open, Jiuhua Mountain and Huangshan are easier to combine. On day one, stay in Jiuhua Street. The next day, pass Taiping Lake to Tangkou, climb Huangshan, and stay at the summit. After descending, spend a night in Hongcun, then continue through Xidi to Qiyun Mountain. The trip ends in Tunxi. This route covers a Buddhist mountain, peaks and sea of clouds, Huizhou ancient villages, and a Taoist mountain. Mountain days are demanding, so this itinerary suits travelers in good physical condition.

Book rooms early for Huangshan's summit and Jiuhua Street during holidays and ahead of the Dizang Temple Fair.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive at Jiuhua Mountain and Huacheng Temple

Mount Jiuhua（Jiuhua Dayuan (Great Vow) Culture Park、Huacheng Temple、Roushen Hall (Yueshen Hall)、Zhiyuan Temple）

From Jiuhua Mountain Station, take a bus to Dayuan Cultural Park in about 20 minutes. Then take a scenic-area shuttle to Jiuhua Street in about 30 minutes. The temple is within walking distance.

Dress modestly when visiting the temple. Photography is banned in some halls.

Stay: Jiuhua Street

Day 2 · Tiantai Peak, Then Taiping Lake to Tangkou

Mount Jiuhua（Tiantai Peak & Tiantai Temple） → Huangshan & Huizhou（Taiping Lake）

In the morning, take the cable car to Tiantai Peak and back. In the afternoon, charter a car or drive via Taiping Lake to Tangkou in about 2 hours.

At Taiping Lake, you can walk the free boardwalk and skip the boat ride.

Stay: Tangkou Town

Day 3 · Up Huangshan via the Back Mountain, Xihai Grand Canyon

Huangshan & Huizhou（Shixin Peak、Lion Peak & Qingliang Terrace、Xihai Grand Canyon (West Sea Canyon)、Flying-over Rock）

At Tangkou, transfer to a scenic-area shuttle to Yungu Temple. Take the Yungu cable car up the mountain, then walk to Beihai and the Xihai Grand Canyon.

Book tickets online in advance. Summit accommodation should be reserved early.

Stay: Huangshan Summit (Guangming Peak · Baiyun)

Day 4 · Sunrise at Guangming Peak, Descent via the Front Mountain

Huangshan & Huizhou（Huangshan Scenic Area、Lotus Peak、Huangshan Hot Springs）

Watch the sunrise at Guangming Peak, then walk past Lotus Peak to Yuping Tower. Take the Yuping cable car down to Tangkou. In the evening, you can enjoy a hot spring.

Stay: Tangkou Town

Day 5 · Hongcun and Tachuan, Staying One Night in the Ancient Village

Huangshan & Huizhou（Hongcun Village、Tachuan Village）

From Tangkou, take a tourist coach or taxi to Hongcun in about 1 hour. Tachuan is about 10 minutes away on foot or by taxi.

Hongcun has fewer visitors in the early morning and evening. Moon Pool and South Lake are ideal for photos.

Stay: Hongcun

Day 6 · Xidi and Taoist Qiyun Mountain

Huangshan & Huizhou（Xidi Village、Mount Qiyun）

From Hongcun, take a taxi to Xidi in about 20 minutes. Then charter a car to Qiyun Mountain in about 1 hour. After descending, travel about 40 minutes to Tunxi.

Take the cable car up Qiyun Mountain to save energy.

Stay: Tunxi Old Street Area

Day 7 · Tunxi Old Street Before Departure

Huangshan & Huizhou（Tunxi Old Street、Huangshan Museum）

In the morning, stroll along Old Street on foot. Then take a taxi to Huangshan North Railway Station in about 30 minutes.