Which Itinerary Should You Choose?
2 Days
Choose Yellow Mountain first. Add one village only if your arrival and departure times are generous.
3 Days
Best first-time balance: Yellow Mountain plus Hongcun or Xidi.
4 Days
Best cultural route: Yellow Mountain, Hongcun, Xidi, Tunxi Old Street and one deeper Huizhou site.
2-Day Huangshan Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Huangshan, transfer to Tangkou or mountain hotel
Arrive at Huangshan North Railway Station. If time allows, enter Yellow Mountain in the afternoon and stay on the mountain for sunset and sunrise. If you arrive late, stay in Tangkou and start early the next morning.
Day 2: Yellow Mountain highlights, then depart
Use cable cars and selected walking routes to cover key viewpoints. Descend in the afternoon and transfer to Huangshan North Railway Station.
3-Day Huangshan + Hongcun or Xidi Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and stay in Tangkou or on Yellow Mountain
Transfer from Huangshan North Railway Station. If weather is good, go up the mountain for sunset.
Day 2: Yellow Mountain full day
See the major mountain viewpoints. Choose a route based on weather, fitness and whether West Sea Grand Canyon is open.
Day 3: Hongcun or Xidi, then departure
Hongcun is more famous for water views and photography. Xidi is excellent for old architecture, lanes and ancestral culture.
4-Day Huangshan + Hongcun + Xidi Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Huangshan, Tunxi Old Street
Stay in Tunxi if arriving by train or flight. Walk Tunxi Old Street in the evening for food, tea, ink-stick shops and local atmosphere.
Day 2: Yellow Mountain
Transfer to Tangkou and visit Yellow Mountain. Stay on the mountain if sunrise is important; otherwise stay in Tangkou.
Day 3: Hongcun and Xidi
Visit both UNESCO-listed villages with a guide who can explain Huizhou architecture, clan culture, water systems and local life.
Day 4: Huizhou culture or departure
Add Chengkan, Huizhou Ancient City, Tangyue Memorial Archways, a tea experience or ink-stick culture before departing.
Local Planning Notes
- Do not overload the mountain day.
- Hongcun and Xidi are more meaningful with cultural interpretation, not just photo stops.
- Families and senior travelers should choose fewer scenic points and smoother transfers.