#Hundred-step Cloud Ladder Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Mountains
Address:
On the cliffs of the northwestern peak of the Lotus Peak in Huangshan Scenic Area, Huangshan District, Huangshan City
Opening times:
Open year round, 24/7Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1 hour
Anhui - Huangshan
Day 1: Free pick-up → Check into hotel → Free time in the evening, free visit to Tunxi Old Street;
Day 2: Head to Huangshan Scenic Area → Visit Yupinglou → Welcoming Pine → Distant view of Tiandu Peak → Hundred Steps Cloud Ladder → Sea of Clouds → Guangming Summit, etc. → Stay on top of Huangshan Mountain;
Day 3: Experience Huangshan sunrise → Then visit Hundred Steps Cloud Ladder, One-Line-Sky → Close view of Feilai Stone of the West Sea → Enjoy the West Sea Grand Canyon, etc., return to the city area around 4 pm, check into a hotel in Huangshan city area;
Day 4: Taiping Lake → Huizhou Ancient City → Hongcun;
Day 5: Tour the ancient villages of Hui-style architecture and the ink painting-like Hongcun, learn about the Hui cultural heritage, experience the local customs of Huizhou countryside, the afternoon itinerary ends, return trip.
JulianGreen
Save time and effort! The most comprehensive guide to exploring Huangshan is right here!
Xu Xiake said: "Among all the famous mountains inside and outside the sea, none can compare to Huangshan in Huizhou. Once you ascend Huangshan, you see no other mountains; it is the ultimate view!"
In the early 20th century, Wang Juyong from Shexian County, Huangshan City, Anhui, based on this, deduced the famous saying that has influenced both China and abroad, timeless and ageless: "After returning from the Five Great Mountains, one does not look at other mountains; after returning from Huangshan, one does not look at the Five Great Mountains."
Overview:
There are three gates to the Huangshan Scenic Area: the South Gate (Tangkou), the West Gate (Jiaocun), and the North Gate (Taiping). Among them, the Tangkou South Gate is the main tourist center, about an hour's drive from the Huangshan North High-Speed Railway Station, and has the most convenient transportation.
Ways to Ascend:
1. Cableway
There are three cableways in the Huangshan Scenic Area: the Yungu Cableway and Yuping Cableway in the south, and the Taiping Cableway in the north. From the Tangkou Tourist Center, you can take the scenic area shuttle bus to reach the lower stations of the two southern cableways. In addition, there is a monorail sightseeing cable car in the West Sea Grand Canyon, which can take you from the bottom of the valley to the Tianhai Scenic Area.
2. Hiking
There are four hiking routes to ascend the mountain: Songguan in the north, Baiyunan in the west, Ciguangge and Yungu Temple in the south. You can reach the entrances of Ciguangge and Yungu Temple by taking the scenic area shuttle bus from the Tangkou Tourist Center. To reach the entrances of the northern and western routes, you need to drive or charter a car. It takes about 2-3 hours of hiking to reach the core scenic area. There are few supplies along the way, and the scenery is average.
Accommodation and Dining on the Mountain:
The Huangshan Scenic Area is vast with many attractions. To thoroughly enjoy the experience, it is necessary to stay overnight on the mountain. However, accommodation and dining on the mountain are very expensive, with standard room prices reaching four digits. Most tourists opt for dormitory beds or rent tents. Accommodations are mainly concentrated in areas such as Tianhai, Beihai, Xihai, Baie Ridge, and Guangming Summit.
Must-See Attractions:
Welcoming Pine The iconic landscape of Huangshan
Lotus Peak The summit of Huangshan
Celestial Capital Peak The name 'back of the carp' is well-deserved
Flying Stone A marvel as if it flew in from beyond the heavens
Monkey Gazing at the Sea A vivid and amusing sight
Optimal Tour Sequence:
Day 1 Enter through Huangshan South Gate → Ascend via Yungu Cableway → Shisun Pavilion → Begin-to-Believe Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Dream Pen Flower → Dawn Pavilion → Cooling Terrace → Monkey Gazing at the Sea → Lion Peak → Danxia Peak (sunset) → Overnight stay on the mountain summit
Day 2 Baie Ridge (sunrise) → Flying Stone → Guangming Summit → Aoyu Peak → Hundred Steps Cloud Ladder → (Lotus Peak) → Welcoming Pine → (Celestial Capital Peak) Descend via Yuping Cableway → Exit through Huangshan South Gate
Travel Tips:
During the annual holiday periods, especially the summer vacation, the Huangshan Scenic Area is overcrowded, with long queues and a poor touring experience. It is recommended to visit during off-peak times.
Huangshan and Sanqingshan have similar geomorphological types and landscapes; they can be considered sister mountains.
Lotus Peak and Celestial Capital Peak are alternately open, switching every five years. In winter, both Lotus Peak (Celestial Capital Peak) and the West Sea Grand Canyon are closed, and Huangshan enters the off-season, with reduced ticket prices.
In mid-to-late May, the mountain is covered with blooming alpine rhododendrons, creating a spectacular sea of flowers that is very beautiful. Huangshan rhododendrons are widely distributed in areas such as Yuping Tower, Beihai, Xihai, and Begin-to-Believe Peak, and are the main companion species to Huangshan pines.
From Paiyun Pavilion, you can see most of the scenery of the West Sea Grand Canyon without the need to hike down to the valley floor.
Prices on the mountain are very high, so if you have the capacity, bring as many supplies as possible.
If it rains on the mountain, there will be heavy fog with poor visibility. After the rain clears, it will be the best time to view the sea of clouds.
At the foot of the mountain, there are two scenic areas with nice water features, Emerald Valley and Jiulong Waterfall, which are also worth visiting if you have time.
BOBBY JACOBS
The Ancient Wenchang Path in the Clouds.
【Introduction】:
Walking through ancient villages in the mountains,
Standing on the ridge with a broad view,
Distant mountains, villages, roads, rivers, and flower fields are all in sight.
The Huizhou-style horse-head walls, solid earth buildings, and flower fields are reflected,
In the season of blooming spring,
The ancient path is as flat as a whetstone,
Walking on it, steps are light,
On both sides, the sea of rapeseed flowers is like a tide (during the rapeseed flower season),
The fragrant wind brushes against the sleeves.
Those hidden in the mountains and waters,
The unknown ancient Huizhou.
🕘【Opening Hours】: Open all day
💴【Ticket Price】: Currently free
⛺【Activities】:
The Ancient Wenchang Path, located within Shexian County, is about 42 kilometers from the ancient city of Huizhou, centered around Wenshan Village in Chakou Town, connecting the three towns of Chakou, Wuyang, and Changxi in Shexian County. It is 6 kilometers long and 1.8 meters wide, entirely paved with fine bluestone slabs. The bluestone slabs along the road are well-preserved, winding and secluded, with an ancient charm.
The Ancient Wenchang Path connects two mountain ridges over 600 meters above sea level, Wenshan Ridge and Ba Ridge, with a 2000-meter-long horizontal road in between. Six pavilions were built along the way for mountain people to rest while working or visiting relatives. The Ancient Wenchang Path was once the main passage for the people of Dazhouyuan to the outside world. The people of Dazhouyuan used this path to carry rice to Jingde, study in the county town, and do business in Zhejiang.
The ancient path from Chakou Village to Wenshan Village is about 2.5 kilometers long, with 1736 stone steps. Wenshan Village is a true mountain village, with almost no flat land. The houses are built on the mountainside at an altitude of about 600 meters.
There is a place called "Hundred-Step Ladder" in the middle of the ancient path, with more than a hundred steps built along the cliff, curving around the mountain pass. The people of Wenshan Village say that the stonemason who built this place boasted that if any stone slab became loose decades later, he would use silver dollars to level it. Nearly a hundred years have passed, and the "Hundred-Step Ladder" is still firm and neat.
After passing the Hundred-Step Ladder and walking for another three to five minutes, you will reach the three-way intersection of the ancient path: left to Chengfuyuan Village in Wuyang Township, right to the foot of Ba Ridge in Bayuan Village, Changxi Township. Standing at the three-way intersection, looking around at the ancient path winding through the mountain ridges, the hurried figures of Huizhou merchants from a hundred years ago seem to reappear in the morning mist.
🚌【Transportation Guide】: (Recommended to drive)
1: Hangrui Expressway/G56 (Huihang Expressway) Shexian Jinshan Exit: 30 kilometers to Chakou (entrance of the Ancient Wenchang Path), about 45 minutes by car, passing through S324 and X012 lines; 32 kilometers to the middle section of the ancient path (Wenshan Village), about 50 minutes by car.
2: Jingtai Expressway/G3 (Hetonghuang Expressway) Huizhou District Exit: 59 kilometers to Chakou (entrance of the Ancient Wenchang Path), about 1 hour and 25 minutes by car, passing through S324 and X012 lines; 61 kilometers to the middle section of the ancient path (Wenshan Village), about 1 hour and 31 minutes by car.
👉【Itinerary】:
3 days and 2 nights itinerary
D1 Departure → Shitan | Chakou Town - (Ancient Wenchang Path hike - about 6 kilometers) - Changxi Xiabayuan Village - (1 hour) - Shitan Village [Stay in Shitan Village]
D2 Shitan → Shendu | Shitan Village - (Shitan Loop - Xiatian - Hushan - Beishan 3-5 hours) - Yangchan Earth Building (2 hours) [Stay in Shendu or Yangchan]
D3 Shendu → Departure | Xin'an River Landscape Gallery Cruise (2 hours) - Huizhou Ancient Town (3 hours) - Return
4 days and 3 nights itinerary
D1 Departure → Shitan | Chakou Town - (Ancient Wenchang Path hike - about 6 kilometers) - Changxi Xiabayuan Village - (1 hour) - Shitan Village [Stay in Shitan Village]
D2 Shitan → Shendu | Shitan Village - (Shitan Loop - Xiatian - Hushan - Beishan 3-5 hours) - Yangchan Earth Building (2 hours) [Stay in Shendu or Yangchan]
D3 Shendu → Huangshan City | Xin'an River Landscape Gallery Cruise (2 hours) - Huizhou Ancient Town (3 hours) - Tunxi Old Street
D4 Huangshan City → Departure | Tangyue Archway Complex and Bao Family Garden - Tangmo Ancient Town - Return
Shitan Village Yangchan Earth Building Xin'an River Landscape Gallery Huizhou Ancient City Tangmo Tangyue Archway Complex and Bao Family Garden
🧡【Preparation】:
1. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as some sections of the ancient path may be steep.
2. Bring enough water and food, as there are few shops along the ancient path, and choices may be limited.
3. Please respect local customs and do not graffiti on ancient bridges, pavilions, and other relics.
4. Pay attention to sun protection and warmth, and be prepared according to the weather.
凱撒世嘉
A trip to Mount Huang is definitely worth the while
Mount Huang has a rich and profound cultural heritage. There are more than 100 ancient buildings such as pavilions, terraces, and bridges, nearly 300 cliff carvings from different dynasties, and over 20,000 historical relics including paintings, calligraphy, poetry, and travel notes, which contribute to its deep cultural accumulation, making it a mountain of culture. In December 1990, Mount Huang was listed in the World Cultural and Natural Heritage for its unique aesthetic value.
1. One-Line-Sky
One-Line-Sky
Located below the Wenshu Cave of Mount Huang, it is a narrow stone alley. The widest part is no more than 2 meters, and the narrowest part is only 0.5 meters. There are more than 80 steps in the middle of the path, which can only allow one person to pass through. Standing in it, one can only see a sliver of blue sky, and if it is not at midnight or noon, one will not be able to see the moon or the sun. It should be noted that the narrow part of One-Line-Sky has slow traffic, and when there are many people, the waiting time in line can be long.
2. Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder
Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder
The Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder is located on the cliff at the northwest foot of the Lotus Peak. Not far from the 'Lotus Stalk', there are two huge rocks, one shaped like a turtle and the other like a snake, both parallel to each other. A perilous and steep path with more than a hundred steps is carved into the cliff between the two rocks, descending downwards. Viewed from the opposite Aoyu Cave, the path is next to a deep abyss, resembling a long ladder leaning against the cliff, often shrouded in mist, which is very dangerous. This is the 'Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder'. The turtle and snake rocks are just at the entrance of the ladder, as if guarding it, hence the name 'Turtle Snake Guarding the Cloud Ladder'.
3. Lotus Peak
Lotus Peak
Lotus Peak is the highest peak within the Mount Huang scenic area and the leader of the 36 major peaks, with an altitude of 1864.8 meters. The main peak stands out with smaller peaks clustered around it, resembling a newly bloomed lotus, proudly blooming towards the sky, hence the name 'Lotus Peak'. The Lotus Peak is steep and majestic, with extraordinary scenery along the way. There are two paths to climb Lotus Peak: one is the north route, which is taken by those who tour from the back mountain to the front mountain. After descending from Aoyu Peak, when one reaches Lotus Pavilion, the path to Lotus Peak is on the left side. The other is the south route, which goes directly to Lotus Peak from the Yuping cableway, following the Hero Slope. Compared to the south route, the north route is shorter, has a gentler slope, fewer visitors, and takes less time. After climbing the mountain via the north route, one can return to the Lotus Pavilion and then proceed to visit the Welcoming Guests Pine, or continue along the south route to experience the challenges of the south route in reverse.
NICHOLAS WASHINGTON
Welcoming Pine, Huangshan Scenery
Climbing Huangshan, there is no mountain in the world that is not a false name. Finally, there is a strategy map
Going up the mountain by Yuping Cableway
Welcoming Pine: When you get to the Welcoming Pine, take a few pictures and hurry up to queue for Lotus Peak
Lotus Peak: I went there that day and there were a lot of people. I queued for two or three hours to reach Lotus Peak. There is a staff member there who everyone calls 'Three Second Brother'. He only gives you three seconds to take pictures. 123 walk, next one. So be sure to let your companions take a few shots for you in a hurry.
Hundred Step Cloud Ladder, A Line of Sky: From Lotus Peak, walk towards Bright Summit, you will pass Hundred Step Cloud Ladder, A Line of Sky. I didn't go to A Line of Sky because there were too many people and it was blocked. I couldn't walk at all. I chose the road next to it. If there are fewer tourists, you can walk A Line of Sky. The scenery is also good, but it is steeper than the road next to it. But it's closer.
Turtle Fish Peak: Picture 8 This place is also very good, but if you want to take pictures, pay attention to safety. Bright Summit: The scenery here is also very good.
Flying Stone: I went to touch the Flying Stone, touch it four times, once for peach blossom luck, twice for wealth luck, and then I don't know what it is.
West Sea Grand Canyon: It's a pity that I didn't go there. I was afraid that I wouldn't have time to go directly to the cableway to go down the mountain. The cableway closes at 16.40.
I took the Taiping District cableway down the mountain, which can accommodate 100 people.
Addison.Foster.28
Four-day travel guide to Huangshan, Anhui
If you plan to tour Huangshan, Anhui, here is a four-day travel guide for your reference:
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive in Huangshan City, Anhui, check into the hotel, and then head to Huangshan Scenic Area. Huangshan is one of China's famous tourist destinations, known for its unique pines, strange rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs. The unique and beautiful natural landscape of Huangshan is a place you can't miss.
- Afternoon: Visit the attractions of Huangshan, such as Lion Peak, Hundred-step Cloud Ladder, etc. Lion Peak is one of the representative attractions of Huangshan, with majestic buildings and spectacular natural landscapes; Hundred-step Cloud Ladder is one of the famous trails in Huangshan, clinging to the cliff, thrilling and exciting.
Day 2:
- Morning: Continue to visit Huangshan Scenic Area. You can admire different sceneries at different attractions, such as Welcoming Pine, Lotus Peak, etc. Each attraction in Huangshan has its own unique scenery and legends.
- Afternoon: Explore other attractions in Huangshan, such as Beihai Scenic Area, Songgu An Scenic Area, etc. Beihai Scenic Area is an ancient attraction in Huangshan, with beautiful lakes and spectacular plank roads; Songgu An Scenic Area is a cultural attraction in Huangshan, with a long history and a strong cultural atmosphere.
Day 3:
- Morning: Take the scenic area transportation to Yuping Scenic Area. Yuping Scenic Area is another major attraction in Huangshan, with huge scenic resources such as cliffs, peaks, scenic rocks, and Buddha's light.
- Afternoon: Visit the attractions of Yuping Scenic Area, such as Black Tiger Pine, Yuping Apartment, etc. Black Tiger Pine is one of the most famous attractions in Yuping Scenic Area, with its unique style and towering posture; Yuping Apartment is an ancient spacious building, perfectly combined with the natural scenery of Huangshan.
Day 4:
- Morning: Visit the attractions in Huangshan City, such as Tunxi Old Street, Huangshan Painting Academy, etc. Tunxi Old Street is a business card of the tourism economy in Huangshan City, with a strong cultural heritage and unique architectural style; Huangshan Painting Academy is an art and culture exhibition venue in Huangshan City, showing the development, changes, and style characteristics of Huangshan landscape painting.
- Afternoon: End the trip and prepare to leave Huangshan. You can buy some local specialties and souvenirs as a memento of the trip.
The above is a four-day travel guide to Huangshan, Anhui. You can make reasonable arrangements according to your own time and interests. Hope you have a pleasant journey in Huangshan!