Huangshan is a mountain range in southern Anhui province, known for its granite peaks, pine trees, hot springs and the views of clouds from above that gather below the summits. Visitors come to walk the stone-step footpaths, watch the sunrise and sunset, and see the scenery that has shaped Chinese ink painting and poetry for centuries.
For a visitor, the practical question is not where the scenery is but where to sleep in relation to it. The mountain itself has a small cluster of accommodation at the top, while the gateway towns at the foot of the range serve as cheaper bases with transport links onward. This guide covers the areas named in the source material so you can choose a base that matches how you plan to see the mountain.
Best areas to stay in Huangshan
1. Beihai region, on the mountain
The Beihai region sits on the mountain itself and is the area most visitors choose for an overnight stay. Staying up here puts you within reach of many of the sights and makes it convenient to watch both the sunset and the sunrise without descending and climbing again.
This suits travellers whose priority is seeing the mountain at dawn and dusk, including photographers. Accommodation on the mountain is limited to hotels, and it is expensive: a bed in a shared dorm is likely to cost more than ¥300 per night, and several places close in winter. Be aware that there is a well-staffed police station on the mountain, and checking in without your identity documents in perfect order can mean a long wait while you explain yourself.
2. Tangkou
Tangkou is the town at the base of the mountain, where buses from Huangshan City arrive and from which visitors take a cable car or hike to the summit. It has a lot of cheap hotels, with rooms available for around ¥80, which makes it the practical choice for budget travellers and for anyone who would rather not pay mountain prices.
Basing yourself here means you are at the foot of the range rather than among the peaks, so sunrise and sunset viewing requires being on the mountain at those hours. It works well if you plan to hike up or take the cable car early and are content with a simple room before and after.
3. Tunxi
Tunxi is the older name of Huangshan City, which was renamed in 1987 to promote tourism, and it remains a base with some accommodation options. It is the city end of the journey: the city is linked by rail and by air to Shanghai and is accessible from cities such as Hangzhou and Wuhu, with buses connecting it to the base of the mountain.
This area suits travellers arriving or departing by train or plane, or those who want a city base with transport onward to the mountain rather than a stay at the foot of the range. From here you travel to the mountain base before taking the cable car or hiking to the summit.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Cheap hotels in Tangkou, with rooms around ¥80, and shared dorm beds on the mountain, which are likely to cost more than ¥300 per night.
- Mid-range: Doubles at the mountain hotels, which generally run from a few hundred yuan upward depending on the property and season.
- Splurge: The upper range of doubles at the mountain hotels, where prices can reach several thousand yuan, and where some properties close in winter.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the Beihai region on the mountain. It is central to many of the sights and convenient for sunrise, which is considered a mandatory part of visiting the area, and staying overnight lets you see the sunset and sunrise without making the climb twice. Expect to pay mountain prices for the privilege, and bring your identity documents in order.
Frequently asked questions
Why do most visitors stay overnight on the mountain?
To watch the sunset and sunrise, which are a central part of the visit. Staying in the Beihai region puts you close to many of the sights and saves you descending and climbing again.
Is staying on the mountain expensive?
Yes. All hotels on the mountain are extremely expensive, with a shared dorm bed likely to cost more than ¥300 per night, and several properties close in winter.
Where can I stay cheaply near Huangshan?
Tangkou, at the base of the mountain, has a lot of cheap hotels available for around ¥80. There are also some options in Tunxi.
How do I get from the city to the mountain?
Buses connect Huangshan City to the base of the mountain, where you can take a cable car or hike to the summit. The city is linked by rail and air to Shanghai and is accessible from cities such as Hangzhou and Wuhu.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.