2019 Yellow Mount | 5-Day Picturesque Mount+Idyllic Village Tour

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2019 Yellow Mount | 5-Day Best HuangShan+HongCun+Xidi Tour

Escape to China's Picturesque Mountain and Idyllic Villages

"No mountain near or far is comparable to Yellow Mountain, and after a visit to it, no other mountain is worth visiting". This is an old Chinese saying which has been proved by millions of travelers who had visited the Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Of all the notable mountains in China, the Yellow Mountain, is probably the most famous and can be found in the south of Anhui Province. 

The fairyland-like Huangshan national park occupying an area of 160.6 square kms boasts not only attractive scenery but also abundant resources and a great variety of zoological species, for which it has been listed as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site. In different seasons around a year the mount has various and unique beauty, such as the wild spring flowers, specular summer waterfalls, colorful autumn leaves and white winter rime. 

Huangshan scenic area mainly consists of six particular areas. Inside the Jade Screen, you can catch sight of lofty mountains, precipitous slopes and antiquated stone carvings.The distinguished Guest-Greeting Pine can be found here, too. From North Sea to Pine Valley, not only the jungle-like steep mountains, but also the lush and verdant pines and cypresses would leave you with a deep impression. The gurgling spring water and imposing waterfalls in Hot Springs and White Cloud will feast your eyes on their distinct beauty and magnificence. With quiet environment and relatively flat paths, the secluded Cloud Valley is suitable for an easier Huangshan hiking. 

Most tourists visit Yellow Mountain Scenic Area which is well-known for its four wonders of spectacular peaks, odd-shaped pines, hot springs and seas of cloud. It is one of the famous mountains symbolizing the Chinese nation. Yellow Mountain abounds in miraculous scenic spots including peaks, rocks, pines, clouds, waterfalls, springs and historical sites.

There are hundreds of rare pine trees in Huangshan. As one of the landmarks of Huangshan, the most famous Guest-Greeting Pine stretches out for about 10 meters (33 feet) from the sheer cliffs, like an usher in a respectful greeting gesture. 

The absurd stones can be seen almost on every peak of Huangshan Mountain. From different viewing angles, the stones look like human beings, animals or other objects. Accordingly, they are given different vivid names such as Monkey Stone and Flying over Stone. 

Sea of Clouds is known for its beauty, scarcity, marvelousness, and flexibility. You would be lucky to see this rarely seen scenery as it only occurs around 50 days in a year. The whole mountain is as pretty as a huge ink-wash painting when enveloped in the misty clouds. Looking at the floating clouds pouring down from mountaintops will highlight your Huangshan trip. 

As one of the four wonders, the Hot springs keep an average temperature of around 42.5℃ (108.5℉) averagely all year round. Taking a bath in hot spring while appreciating the wonderful natural landscapes will not only refresh your body and mind, but also help get away from the fatigue after a tiring Huangshan hiking.

The winter days of Huangshan Mountain are actually very beautiful as one of the best time for photography. You can still see the pleasant shapes of the peaks, pine trees, gorges clearly even when the snows are strong. The chances to see the Clouds Sea are also much bigger than other seasons. Besides, there are usually not as many tourists and groups as in other seasons. You can also enjoy better rates of hotels and other tour services if you travelling to Huangshan in winter days.

Beside Yellow Mount, you will also visit Xidi (a cymbiform village) and Hongcun (a cattle-like village) , which were ancient settlements in southern Anhui Province listed as world cultural heritage sites by UNESCO in 2000. Xidi and Hongcun Ancient Villages retain much of the appearance of the last century. The style of the street, architecture, and the development of a complete water supply are notable. Elegant residences from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the soul of Chinese traditional residences, created a logical, spicy living environment. The water system in Hongcun especially demonstrates advanced thinking.

Highlights of this Tour

You will have a leisure tour on the mountain to admire its archetypal granite peaks, twisted pines, beautiful cloud sea and fabulous sunrise in good-weather days. After the memorable Huangshan Mountain tour, you will be taken to visit two remarkable ancient villages, best examples of ancient Huizhou-style architecture, which are listed in UESCO World Heritage Sites - Hongcun and Xidi.

• Step into the lovely snow world of Huangshan - grotesque rocks, stunning rime, snow-covered peaks, amazing clouds sea…
  

• Enjoy breathtaking landscapes of peaks, clouds sea and beautiful pine trees around Begin-to-Believe Peak and Lion Peak;

• Get up early to find a good location to enjoy and take some great photos of the fantanstic sunrise on the mountain;

• Enjoy a healing Hot Spring retreat at the foot area of Huangshan Mountain, also stay a nice night at Mount Huang;

• Explore Ming and Qing residences stand in Xidi and Hongcun Ancient Village, Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

• Get a glimpse of ancient Chinese life in the beautifully preserved Hongcun Village;

• Find the most traditional architecture esp of Huizhou style which are incredibly ornate in decoration at Xidi Village, ;

• Wander leisurely on the exotic Tunxi Old Street to explore ancient Huizhou-style culture before departure;

• Use helpful and experienced hiking guide to take you to go the right way and get the right experience.

It’s strongly recommended to enjoy a comfortable Hot Spring after Huangshan mountain walking trip. The Hot Springs of Huangshan with nationwide fame has been in use as a resort and health spa for over a thousand years. After that, you will also have an interesting visit to Hongcun and Xidi Village which is regarded as the most beautiful ancient Chinese village in China.

Trip Overview

Climbing the fairyland Huangshan Mountain to appreciate the poetic and picturesque sceneries of course is the most exciting thing when travelling in Huangshan region. After the energy- consuming trip to the mountain, relax yourself with a leisure time spent at the most beautiful ancient villages in the nearby

• Day1 Beijing-Huangshan City by Berth Train, overnight in the train.

• Day2 Huangshang City-Yellow Mount: Yungu Cable Way-Begin-to-believe Peak-Dispelling Cloud Pavilion-Bright Summit-Flying-over Rock, Overnight at Mount Yellow.

• Day3 Hike Route: Sunrise-Lion Peak-Yungu Cable Way-Huangshan Hot Spring-Tunxi Ancient Street, Overnight at Tunxi Ancient Street

• Day4 Tunxi Ancient Town-Hongcun Village-Xidi Village-Beijing Overnight in the train.

• Day5 Arrive at Beijing around 12:35am

This tour is suitable for all kinds of travellers - family with kids, seniors, honeymooners, photographers, etc. It can also be customized to meet your days, interests, accommodation preference, etc.

Basic Tour Information

Activity Place: Huangshan City, Anhui Province

Activity Date:  Private Tour provided if you want to go with your family or friends!

• 1st Tour: Feb.6th-10th
  

• 2nd Tour: Mar.8th-12th
  

• 3rd Tour: Mar.22th-Mar.26th

• 4th Tour: Apr.4th-Apr.8th

• 5th Tour: Apr.19th-Apr.23th
  

• 6th Tour: May.1st-May.5th

• 7th Tour: May.24th-May.28th

• 8th Tour: Jun.7th-Jun.11th

• 9th Tour: Jun.21th-Jun.25th

• 10th Tour: July.12th-July.16th

• 11th Tour: July.26th-July.30th

• 12th Tour: Aug.16th-Aug.20th

• 13th Tour: Aug.30th-Sep.3rd

• Please Note: the first day of our trip date is matched with D1 of our trip schedule. D0 is one day ahead of our trip date. For people who are not in Beijing, if you are interested in our trip as well, feel free to contact us Monica 18514204169.

Meeting point: Beijing Train Station，at the Flag Tower of Beijing Train Xi Station (Find CET Green Flag)

Meeting time: 1.5 hours before the leaving time of your train tickets

Trip fee: Round Berth Train Tickets+Local Tourist Bus+Accommodation+Meals+CET English Guide

• Normal Price: 1895RMB/pax, pay the deposit 395RMB/pax when you book the trip.

• Group Discount: 1865RMB/pax if 3 or more than 3 seats booked together, pay the deposite 365RMB/pax when you book the trip.

• VIP Price: 1865RMB  ( Buy CET VIP on our wechat offical Menu), pay the deposit fee 365RMB/pax when you book the trip.

• Note: The left 1500RMB trip fee will be collected when this trip is confirmed. 

Participants: If less than 8 participants, this trip will be cancelled

Travel Advisor:  Monica 18514204169  (English & Mandarin)

Book Your Tickets Online

Press this QR Code and Extract it to book your seat.

If this booking link is available for you to book it means Seats are available!

Notice about booking online

• If you pay by Alipay: after you finish the payment, then go back to wechat page, wait for a second, you will see our wechat group QR code.

• If you pay by wechat: after you finish the payment, then click "Done"or  完成，then you will see our wechat group QR code.

• If you failed to join in this trip wechat group, please scan the QR code again and you will see our trip leaders contacts, contact him/her to join our activity group.

Statement about the Trip Fee

What is includes in the cost?

• Round Train tickets for this trip, both are hard sleeping bed train tickets.

• Accommodation:  One night in 3-Star hotel of Tunxi Ancient Town; One Night in the hostel of Yellow Mount, 8-10 ppl share one room .

• Meals during this trip: D3 and D4 Breakfast

• CET English Guide for the whole trip.

• Local travelling bus with experienced driver.

• 5 Days outdoor insurance.

What is not included in the cost?

• Huangshan Mountain scenic spot entrance tickets: 230RMB（115RMB for student）

• Hong Village entrance ticket: 104RMB (54RMB for student）

• Xidi Village entrance ticket: 94RMB (49RMB for student)

• Hot spring on Mount Huang 180RMB
  

• Eco-car or Cable Car fee inside of the scenic spots

• Additional personal consumption

• Please Note: We want to have a positive effect everywhere we go, we don’t take commissions or kickbacks, and we don’t take you on detours for shopping.

Statement about the Refund

• If you cancel this trip more than 10 days before depature, we will fully refund but we will deduct the train ticket booking fee: 65RMB/ticket.

• If you cancel this trip 7 days before depature, we will refund 50% trip fee to you and we will deduct the train ticket booking fee: 65RMB/ticket.

• If you cancel this trip within 7 days before depature, no refund.

Quick Weather Info:Located in the subtropics, Huangshan has a wet mild monsoon climate. Heaviest rainfall occurs from May to August; average annual temperature ranges from 15C (59F)-16C (60.8F). Most areas are free of severe winter cold. The comfortable weather affords good opportunities to travel throughout the year in the city and its stunning environs.

About the Local Food: Hui cuisine with more than a hundred year's history is one of the Eight Major Cuisines of China. Hui, unlike others, features wild game. Cooking methods feature braising in soy sauce, stewing and steaming. It is strict about choosing materials, and making sure of freshness and tenderness.

Statement about the Train Ticket

• CET will buy hard sleeping bed train tickets for you, once we get your tickets, we will inform you in our group or text you.

• The train from Beijing to Huangshan is K45 leaving at 10:38 and arrive at 07:32 on the next day

• The train back to beijing is K1110 leaving at 16:28 and will arrive at beijing 12:35 on the next day.

• We will try to arrange all of the participants in the same train firstly, but if there is no tickets available, we have to take different train.

• All the train tickets are sold randomly, so it is a little difficult to get the sequential tickets during holiday, hope you can understand and book the trip in advance.

Statement about China Train Ticket

• All of the train tickets will start to be sold online 30 days before the train starts, and if you have special needs of the train tickets, please inform us 30 days before the tickets are sold online.

• All of the train tickets are sold randomly once it is sold online, so it is difficult to get the sequential tickets, hope you can understand and book the trip in advance.

• All of the hard sleeping bed tickets will be sold out soon once it is put online to sell, especial for some hot tourist cities like harbin, Xian, Luoyang, and so on.

• If you want to travel during the holiday, you would better to book the train tickets as eariler as you can, becasue almost all of the sleeping bed tickets will be sold out in seconds once it is put online.

• It doesnt mean you couldnt get the sleeping bed ticket when it is sold out online, CET has train ticket cooperater who can help us to book the sleeping bed train ticket (when the others cancel theirs), the service charge is 65RMB/ticket.

• If you cancel your tickets 48hours before the train depature, you can get 95% of your ticket fee, the train ticket booking service fee is non-refund. If you cancel your tickets 24hours-48hours you can get 90% refund, and within 24hours, you can get 80% refund.

Full Itinerary Day by Day

Day1 Beijing-Huangshan City by Berth Train, overnight in the train.

Transfer: By train, berth train tickets.

Meals: None, prepare some snacks before you get on the train.

Accommodation: Overnight on the train.

Please Note: Dont forget to take your passport and student book if you are student. Cold-proof clothing is needed if you dont want to frostbite.

Leaving from Beijing to Huangshan City, Find our trip leader at the Flag Tower of Beijing Train Station (Find CET Green Flag)  to get your train ticket. and then get together to check inside and take the train. It will take 24 hours on the train. So remember to bring some food with you.

Transport ideas: Actually most of CETtrips are planed for foreign students, so in order to make our trips more affordable, most transports of our trips are by normal train. But in fact, there are many flights and high speed train available for this trip, So if you need, please feel free to consult our travel advisor Monica.

Day2 Huangshang City-Yellow Mount: Yungu Cable Way-Begin-to-believe Peak-Dispelling Cloud Pavilion-Bright Summit-Flying-over Rock, Overnight at Mount Yellow.

Transfer: Local travelling bus

Meals: None meals on the Mount, please prepare some food before you get inside.

Accommodation: Hostel on Yellow Mout, 8-10 ppl share one room. 

Please Note:  If you want to update your room to Standard Room, which is more than 1500RMB, please inform us when you book this trip

Welcome to Huangshan! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our tour guide in the train station who is holding a sign on which CETtrip. A comfortable vehicle (non-smoking) with experienced driver will transfer you directly to Yellow Mount.  Then after driving about 80 kilometers (1.5 hours) to the foot of Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the most beautiful mountains in China. Your memorable Huangshan trip starts!

To save energy and time, you will directly transfer by park bus from the mountain foot to Yungu Temple to take a cableway to upper beautiful sightseeing area of Huangshan Mountain – North Sea Scenic Area which is famous for marvelous precipitous peaks, beautiful giant pine trees and far-reaching vision. Walk to lofty Begin-to-Believe Peak (1668m) to stretch your eyesight over cloud seas to far distance, and then hike about 40 minutes to Dispelling Cloud Pavilion to look down the Dreamland - West Sea Grand Canyon. Walk down along the stone steps to the bottom of the canyon while enjoying the Avatar-like rising rock peaks, unfathomable cliffs, bizarre stones and tenacious pine trees. 

Generally speaking, it takes about 3 hours for energetic hiker to hike from the Dispelling Cloud Pavilion, via 1st Ring and 2nd Ring to the bottom and return to the starting point. For beginners, children, and senior travelers, you can decide the hiking length on your own according to your physical condition, usually 2 hours for the 1st Ring and 2.5hrs for the 2nd Ring. In the bottom of the canyon, there is also a monorail cable trains for those who don’t want to return by walking to transfer back to the peak area. 

If time and energy allow, you can spend about one hour to explore the Sky Sea Scenic Area where you can enjoy the sunset from the second highest peak-Bright Summit (1840m), visit the incredible Flying-over Rock, then return back your hostel and have a good rest.

Please Note: West Sea Grand Canyon is usually closed for the cold weather and heavy snow. If it is closed, Please cooperate with our guide to adjust our itinerary.

Day3 Hike Route: Sunrise-Lion Peak-Yungu Cable Way-Huangshan Hot Spring-Tunxi Ancient Street, Overnight at Tunxi Ancient Street

Transfer: By train, berth train tickets.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch will be on the mount on your own expense, you can explore your dinner on Tunxi Ancient Street.

Accommodation: Overnight in Tunxi Ancient Street, 3 star hotel.

Please Note:  If you want  do hotspring, please inform us when you book this trip.

Get up early (usually around 5-6am) to enjoy the magnificent sunrise from Huangshan. We suggest you watch the sunrise from the Refreshing Terrance which is only a few minutes’ walking from Beihai Hotel. In good-weather days, you can see clearly the golden light of the sun piercing the mists, and rocky peaks rising above the frothy, ever-changing sea of white clouds. After the sunrise, get back to your hostel for breakfast.

Continue on your wonderful sightseeing on the Yellow Mountain to see the famous Dawn Pavilion, Stone Monkey Watching the Sea on the Lion Peak (1690m).  Then if you want to experience Hotspring, you can follow our guide to the Hotspring for 3 hours, if not, you can feel free to explore this beautiful mount by yourself.

When we finish the hotspring, then walk along the wood path to the cable station to take a cable car to exit the mountain. Our driver is ready at the mountain foot to transfer you back to Tunxi Ancient street to have your dinner.

Along the Tunxi Ancient Street there are many shops that have existed for over one hundred years. Curios and knick-knacks including inkstones, brushes, local teas, and Mao badges can also be found. It is a paradise for tourists to buy souvenirs rich in Chinese culture with comparatively lower prices and is a must-see when you are traveling in Huangshan City.

After Dinner, go for a relaxing stroll on the 900-year-old Tunxi Ancient Street to appreciate authentic old Huizhou-style architectures. The rest of night is free for you to relax and have a good rest.

Day4 Tunxi Ancient Town-Hongcun Village-Xidi Village-Beijing Overnight in the train.

Transfer: By Local bus

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch will be in the Village on your own expense,

Accommodation: Overnight on the train.

Please Note:  If you want to take the high speed train to go back, you need to stay one more night in Huangshan city and leave on Day5 morning.

Today, you are going to visit two remarkable ancient villages, best examples of ancient Huizhou-style architecture, which are listed in UESCO World Heritage Sites – Hongcun and Xidi. Quite different from other traditional ancient villages in China, the layout, landscape, architectural form, decoration, and construction techniques all retain the original features Hongcun and Xidi are much more exquisite and grandiose, because they were built by successful officials or merchants returning home from official appointments and business.

Hongcun, originated during Song Dynasty (960-1276), is praised as the most beautiful village in China. It is famous as the ancient village in the Chinese painting. The most beautiful sites are the Moon Lake, the crescent-like pond surrounded by several grand dwellings, and Southern Lake Academy, a private ancient school served for the village. One interesting fact is that the whole village is arranged in the shape of an ox. The famous Oscar-winner film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed in Hongcun.

Xidi Village is only about 10km from Hongcun. Its well-spaced houses with white walls, elegant decorations and black tiles are surrounded by mountains, which makes Xidi an ideal place for paint from life. Xidi is a magnificent villager of imperial officers. It contributed about 130 government officials, some of whom were dignitaries in the imperial courts, during Ming and Qing Dynasties. Currently, there are still 124 well-preserved ancient dwelling with unique style in the village. 

After the sightseeing, it’s time for departure. Our tour guide and driver will escort you to catch your train to next destination. Our service ends.

Day5 Arrive at Beijing around 12:35am

Additional Information:

• Please be advised that there will be approximately 10-45 travelers per group

• The above itinerary is for reference only, and is subject to change due to the weather conditions

• Please inform us of any dietary restrictions and allergies if you booked our tour. Please remember to bring any medication that you need with you

• Pregnant women, guests with heart attacks, high blood pressure, respiratory diseases, severe colds, and those who are not suitable for outdoor hiking are advised to carefully decide whether or not to travel according to their own conditions or doctor's advice

• We will contact you between 8:00pm-10:00pm a day before you travel to reconfirm the pick up time and place. Please keep your contact lines or channels available. If you have not received any confirmation after 10:00pm, please contact customer service.

• In case of severe inclement weather or other environmental problems beyond control that causes the tour to be unable to proceed, participants can opt for a reschedule.

Things to bring

• Passport/ID card.

• Comfortable, sturdy shoes, and a spare pair of shoes to change into at the end of the day. 

• Bring a few changes of clothes, including something warm for night time.

• It's highly recommended you bring a waterproof outer layer and rain jacket.

• Bring a book or pack of cards in case you get bored during the driving between the villages. (We don't think you'll get bored!)

• Bring you camera and chargers for all your electronics.

• Bring a backpack to hold water and food for the hiking. Bring a duffle bag or suitcase for the rest of your things – we can leave that at the hotel or on the bus.

• Meals, water and snacks arenot all provided; bring extra snacks if you like!

• Bring personal toiletries (shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste etc) and small towel.

• Bring any personal medicine you might need. Your guide will have a basic first aid kit.

CETtrip to Anhui 2018-4-28