Through China’s Ancient Paths and Living Landscapes

Day 1: Arrival to Huangshan from Shanghai

Day 2: Huangshan (B)

Meet and transfer to the Huangshan Scenic Area
Ascend the mountain by Yungu Cable Car
Visit Beginning-to-Believe Peak (Shixin Peak), Black Tiger Pine, Lion Peak and Monkey Watching the Sea
Hiking distance: approx. 10–20 km
Overnight at a hotel within Huangshan National Park

Upon arrival at the Huangshan Scenic Area, begin your ascent into one of China’s most iconic mountain landscapes. A scenic ride on the Yungu Cable Car lifts you above dense forests into a world of dramatic granite peaks, ancient pine trees and ever-changing seas of clouds. Enjoy a rewarding hike through this breathtaking mountain paradise, visiting famous landmarks such as Beginning-to-Believe Peak, the remarkable Black Tiger Pine, Lion Peak and the spectacular Monkey Watching the Sea viewpoint. Depending on weather conditions and the group's pace, the day’s hike covers approximately 10–20 km. This unforgettable day concludes with an overnight stay high within Huangshan National Park, surrounded by the serenity of the mountains.

Day 3: Huangshan (B)

Ride the Valley Funicular in the West Sea Scenic Area
Explore the Xihai Grand Canyon
Visit Paiyun Pavilion in the West Sea of Clouds
Admire the Xihai Peaks and the Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder (Baibu Yunti)
Visit Yuping Pavilion (Jade Screen Pavilion) and descend by Yuping Cable Car
Transfer to Hongcun Village

Today’s adventure leads deeper into the spectacular landscapes of Huangshan. After a ride on the Valley Funicular, descend into the breathtaking Xihai Grand Canyon, one of the most dramatic and scenic areas of the Yellow Mountains. Follow winding trails through a maze of towering granite formations, steep cliffs and mist-shrouded valleys that have inspired Chinese painters and poets for centuries.

Continue to Paiyun Pavilion, beautifully situated above the famous West Sea of Clouds, where sweeping panoramas reveal an endless sea of peaks rising from the mist. Along the way, admire the extraordinary Xihai Peaks and tackle the renowned Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder, a remarkable stone staircase carved into the mountainside. The journey concludes at the elegant Yuping Pavilion, offering magnificent views of Huangshan’s iconic scenery, before descending comfortably by cable car. Afterwards, transfer to the historic village of Hongcun, where traditional white-walled houses and tranquil waterways provide a charming contrast to the grandeur of the mountains.

Day 4: Hongcun (B)

Visit the historic UNESCO-listed village of Hongcun
Easy hikes through the surrounding hills
Walk through Hengduan and Tachuan Villages (approx. 6 km)
Transfer to Qiyun Town

Leaving the dramatic peaks of Huangshan behind, today’s journey explores the cultural heart of rural Anhui Province. Begin with a visit to the UNESCO-listed village of Hongcun, a beautifully preserved settlement renowned for its traditional whitewashed houses, elegant courtyards and tranquil canals. Often described as a living painting, Hongcun offers a fascinating glimpse into China’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

From the village, set out on an easy walk through the picturesque countryside, passing rolling hills, ancient trees and peaceful farmland. Continue on foot to the charming villages of Hengduan and Tachuan, covering approximately 6 km along quiet country paths. Especially in autumn, Tachuan is celebrated for its vibrant colors and idyllic rural scenery. After the hike, transfer to Qiyun Town, gateway to one of China’s most important Daoist mountain regions.

Day 5: Qiyun Shan (B)

Explore one of China's lesser-known mountain destinations
Visit Daoist temples and scenic hiking trails
Ascend Qiyun Mountain by cable car
Hike via Wangxian Pavilion, Dongtian Fudi, First Gate, Yuehua Tianjie (Moonlight Heavenly Street), Taisu Temple, Yuxu Palace and Mengzhen Bridge before returning to Wangxian Pavilion
Transfer to Huangshan City
Evening stroll along Tunxi Ancient Street

Today, discover the enchanting landscapes of Qiyun Shan, one of China’s most sacred Daoist mountains and a hidden gem far less visited than nearby Huangshan. Surrounded by dramatic red sandstone cliffs, ancient forests and peaceful valleys, this mountain has long been a place of pilgrimage, meditation and spiritual retreat. Ascend by cable car and begin a rewarding hike through a landscape dotted with historic temples, shrines and pavilions.

Follow scenic trails from Wangxian Pavilion to Dongtian Fudi, known as one of the most revered Daoist grotto-heavens, before continuing through the First Gate and along Yuehua Tianjie, the picturesque “Moonlight Heavenly Street.” Along the way, visit the centuries-old Taisu Temple, the elegant Yuxu Palace and the charming Mengzhen Bridge, all set amidst breathtaking mountain scenery.

After returning to Wangxian Pavilion, transfer to Huangshan City. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll along Tunxi Ancient Street, where traditional architecture, lantern-lit storefronts and local delicacies create a wonderful atmosphere and provide a fitting conclusion to the day.

Day 6: Hangzhou (B)

Departure via Hangzhou or Shanghai

Included services:

Transfers as specified in the itinerary, in air-conditioned vehicles typical of the country or by public transport, as per the itinerary
Sightseeing tours, including admission fees
Hotel accommodation in the specified hotels in a twin room with bath/shower and WC, including breakfast
Meals as per the programme: B = Breakfast, D = Dinner
Local English-speaking tour guides as per the itinerary
High-speed train journeys in 2nd class

Recommended travel period:

February - November

Excluded services:

International flights
Tips for tour guides, drivers, porters, etc.
Any services not mentioned in the programme
Personal expenses
China visa (under current regulations, the trip is visa-free for German, Austrian and Swiss nationals, as well as nationals of many other countries)

Image source: LCC Shanghai CITS
Image source: LCC Shanghai CITS
Image source: LCC Shanghai CITS
Image source: LCC Shanghai CITS
Image source: LCC Shanghai CITS
Image source: LCC Shanghai CITS