Best Time to Visit Huangshan
Peak Season: March to November
Many tourists visit Huangshan in Mar. to Nov, because it looks better against luxuriant vegetation and the weather is pleasant. As a result, the cost on transportation, accommodation and attraction entrance is higher than usual. Also, when touring the scenic area, people might spend longer time waiting in line for cable cars on Huangshan Mountain. If you are okay with that and plan to come here in the peak season, remember to book hotel in advance, and bring an umbrella or raincoat, for this period coincides with Huangshan’s rainy season.
Slack Season: December to February
Although it is kind of cold to visit Huangshan in Dec. to Feb., the natural wonder of rime and silver thaw on Huangshan Mountain will make ones’ trip worthwhile. What is more, the traveling expense in the slack season is lowest of the year, for discounts of plane ticket, hotel, entrance ticket and cable car are easily available. However, please be noted that the Heavenly Capital Peak, Lotus Peak and the West Sea Valley inside the Huangshan Mountain Scenic Area are closed from Dec. 1st to Mar. 31st, for fear that road accident or landslide may happen after snow.
Times to Avoid Travel
Overseas tourists might avoid coming here during several big public holidays in China, including the Chinese New Year in late Jan. to middle Feb., Qingming Festival in early April, May Day, Dragon Boat Festival in June, and the National Day holiday from Oct. 1-7. Otherwise, overcrowded attractions, hotel room shortage and expensive cost may keep overseas from having a quality Huangshan Mountain tour.
More details about Public Holidays in China.
Travel to Huangshan in Four Seasons
Spring: March to May
Spring in Huangshan is mild, pleasantly fresh and humid.
Average temperature: 4 – 10℃ (40 – 50℉)
Clothes: overcoat, windbreaker, sweater
Recommended tour destinations:
Spring is one of the best times to visit Huangshan Mountain, for blooming azaleas, sprouting branches and singing birds add interest to one’s tour. Tourists may go for hiking at the West Sea Valley to breathe fresh air and enjoy mysterious caves. Also, watching sunrise or sunset at the Bright Peak Summit should be on your list.
Another place good for a spring tour is the Hongcun Ancient Village, where tourists will be impressed with colorful flowers, peaceful waterscape and delicate Hui residences. Likewise, Xin’an River Landscape Gallery is worth seeing, and it is very relaxing to paddle a boat or go fishing in the breeze.
Summer: June to August
Summer in Huangshan features warm temperature, abundant rainfall and many foggy days.
Average temperature: 15 – 19℃ (59 - 66℉)
Clothes: T-shirt, long sleeve shirt, jacket
Recommended tour destinations:
Frequent rains from Jun. to Aug. makes waterfall a major highlight of Huangshan Mountain. Since the water level raises a lot, Renzi Waterfall, Jiulong Waterfall and Baizhang Waterfall look mighty and impressive more than ever.
Mukeng Bamboo Forest is another famous summer resort in Huangshan city. When wandering through the shady bamboos, everyone could not feel the summer heat but a sense of serenity. In the evening, why not take a walk along the Tunxi Old Street? You may taste traditional food, buy some souvenirs, or take nice photos as the whole street is lit up by red lanterns.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn in Huangshan is cool and dry.
Average temperature: 6 – 13℃ (43 - 55℉)
Clothes: hoodie, thick jacket, sweatpants, sneakers
Recommended tour destinations:
It seems that autumn casts spell on Huangshan Mountain and turns its vegetation from dark green to bright red and yellow. Cliffs, rocks and waterfalls look much more splendid against such colorful background, and the best viewing period lasts from late Sep. to early Nov. It is worth mentioning that several scenic areas provide tourists with better autumn landscape, including the Hot Springs, White Cloud, Cloud Valley and Pine Valley.
Other than that, it is equally important to know more about Hui culture during your Huangshan tour, and the most representative historical site is the Huizhou Ancient City. One may feast their eyes on the waterside archways, ancestral halls and pavilions of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911). Besides, tourists could experience Chinese calligraphy and ink painting, and taste palatable Hui Foods.
Winter: December to February
Winter in Huangshan is cold and snowy.
Average temperature: -4 – 2℃ (25 - 36℉)
Clothes: down jacket, sweater, thermal underwear, scarf, gloves
Recommended tour destinations:
Though slack season it is, Dec. to Feb. is the best time to visit Huangshan Mountain’s snow covered landscape. Rime, silver thaw and icicles on the rocks bring everyone into a winter fairyland. What is more, whenever snow stops, the Sea of Clouds may occur, and tourists could enjoy the perfect view at the Jade Screen Pavilion, Refreshing Platform or White Goose Ridge. Another must-try in winter is Hot Springs, one of the Four Wonders of Huangshan Mountain.
If time permits, tourists may consider touring an ancient village near Huangshan Mountain. Xidi Ancient Village, Chengkan Village and Tangmo Ancient Village are recommended. During the sightseeing, tourists could get to know more about Hui culture through local people’s architecture, food and art such as embroidery and carving.