5 Days Huangshan & Jiuhuashan Mountain Tour from Shanghai

Your journey begins in Shanghai. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the high-speed rail station—no stress, no navigating public transport.

Board your comfortable bullet train for the 2.5-hour ride to Huangshan. Sit back and watch the cityscape fade into green farmland and rolling hills. The train glides smoothly, giving you time to relax, sip tea, and anticipate the natural wonders ahead.

Upon arrival in Huangshan, our local guide will greet you and take you to your accommodation at the foot of the mountain. Settle in, then spend the evening at your leisure—savor local Huangshan delicacies like braised bamboo shoots or fresh river fish at a nearby restaurant, or simply unwind with the sound of mountain streams in the distance.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel lobby. You will have a full day to explore Yellow Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous and beautiful mountain in China. Yellow Mountain is well known for its “Five Natural Wonders” - peculiarly-shaped granite peaks, imaginatively-named pine trees, winter snow, sea of clouds and hot springs.

Drive about 80 kilometers (about 1.5 hours) from Huangshan city to the mountain area and then transfer by sightseeing bus from the mountain foot to Yungu Temple. From here, take a cable car up to the North Sea Scenic Area where you can appreciate precipitous peaks and stunning scenery. Take a walk to majestic Begin-to-Believe Peak, where has lots of odd-shaped pine trees standing on the peaks and then hike about another 40 minutes to Cloud Dispelling Pavilion, an ideal point for enjoying the scenery of West Sea Scenic Area. As the clouds flow through in the wind, tier upon tier of mountains appear and disappear, looking like numerous islands on a boundless sea. Move your steps to visit Flying-over Rock, a 12-meter standing stone tilting slightly on a flat rock platform. The rock has got its name for it looks like a rock that has just fallen from the sky. If your physical strength allows, you can also hike to Bright Summit, which is the second-highest peak of Yellow Mountain. Last, take a cable car down the mountain. Have a good rest in your hotel.

Start your day with breakfast before we head to Hongcun Village - a 40-minute drive from Huangshan. This 900-year-old village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's most beautiful ancient villages.

Wander through Hongcun's cobblestone lanes, lined with traditional Hui-style houses with white walls and black tiled roofs. The village is built around a clever water system that flows from a central pond (Moon Pond) through every household - used for drinking, washing, and irrigation for centuries.

Pause at Moon Pond, where the reflection of surrounding houses shimmers in the calm water - this is the spot that inspired scenes from famous Chinese movies. Visit the Chengzhi Hall, a grand mansion built in the 19th century, with intricate wood carvings and courtyard gardens that showcase ancient Chinese craftsmanship.

As you walk, you'll smell the scent of osmanthus flowers (in autumn) or fresh bamboo (in spring), and hear the chatter of local villagers going about their daily lives. It's a peaceful, timeless place that feels far removed from the modern world.

After lunch in Hongcun, we board our private transfer for the 2.5-hour drive to Jiuhuashan. The route takes us through rural Anhui, with views of rice fields and small villages. Arrive in Jiuhuashan in the late afternoon, check into your accommodation in Jiuhua Street (the heart of the mountain's temple area), and settle in for the night. Spend the evening exploring Jiuhua Street's quiet lanes, lit by soft temple lanterns, and breathe in the faint scent of incense in the air.

Today is dedicated to exploring Jiuhuashan's sacred temples and seeking spiritual peace. Start with breakfast in Jiuhua Street, then meet your guide for a day of pilgrimage.

We begin at Qiyuan Temple (祇园寺), the starting point of our temple tour. Step through its red wooden gates and into a world of calm—serene courtyards, the sound of monks chanting softly, and the sweet smell of sandalwood incense. This working monastery gives you a taste of daily Buddhist life on the mountain.

Next, we ascend to the Longevity Palace (百岁宫) to witness one of Jiuhuashan’s most profound miracles: the incorruptible body of Monk Wu Xia. Having lived to the age of 126, Wu Xia spent decades in a nearby cave, subsisting on wild fruits and dedicating every breath to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. His body, which has remained naturally intact for centuries, is revered as a physical sign of his extreme devotion and spiritual achievement. Standing before this sacred relic, you can feel the quiet, powerful energy of a life entirely dedicated to faith—a deeply moving highlight of any Buddhism tour.

From Longevity Palace, we walk to Dongya Chan Temple (东崖禅寺), perched on a cliff with open views of the mountains. The temple's wooden corridors creak gently underfoot, and the only sounds are wind through pines and distant temple bells. It's a perfect spot to pause, close your eyes, and meditate for a few minutes.

We then head to Huixiang Pavilion (回香阁), a quiet spot where pilgrims often stop to "return incense" and offer prayers. The pavilion overlooks a valley, and the air is fresh and crisp. Continue to Tonghui Chan Monastery (通慧禅林), a hidden gem with ancient ginkgo trees and peaceful courtyards - you may see monks copying scriptures or meditating, their focus unshakable.

Next, we visit Small Tiantai (小天台), a temple known for its beautiful views and serene energy. Climb a few steps to the main hall, where a statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva sits calmly. Many visitors come here to make wishes for peace and happiness.

The highlight of the day is the Incarnation Grand Hall (月身宝殿)  - Jiuhuashan's spiritual core. This hall honors Kim Gyo-gak, a Korean monk believed to be the incarnation of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (who vowed to relieve suffering for all). As you approach, you'll feel the reverence of pilgrims bowing and offering incense. Inside, the dim light illuminates the monk's preserved body, and the quiet devotion of those around you creates a powerful, unforgettable moment.

We end the day at Huacheng Temple (化城寺), Jiuhua Mountain's oldest temple, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Walk through its ancient halls, and feel the weight of over a thousand years of Buddhist history. Return to your accommodation in Jiuhua Street for a peaceful night's rest, with the mountain's silence wrapping around you.

Start your day with breakfast before we board a shuttle bus to Fenghuang Pine Station. From here, we take a 15-minute cable car up to Tiantai Scenic Area – Jiuhuashan's "roof", where heaven and earth seem to meet. The cable car ride offers sweeping views of misty mountains and valleys, and on clear mornings, you may see the sunrise painting the peaks pink.

Once off the cable car, we hike 800-900 stone steps up to Tiantai Temple (天台寺) – the highest temple on Jiuhuashan, perched at 1,306 meters above sea level. The path winds through pine forests and past stone inscriptions of Buddhist sutras, and pilgrims often climb the steps on their knees as an act of devotion. At the top, the view is worth the effort: rolling mountains stretch as far as the eye can see, and the temple's red walls and golden roof stand out against the blue sky. Inside, the main hall houses a statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and many visitors sit in the courtyard to meditate, absorbing the temple's calm energy.

On the way down, we stop at Ancient Prayer Platform (古拜经台), where Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is said to have prayed for sentient beings. The platform overlooks a steep valley, and the wind carries the sound of distant temple bells – a moment of pure serenity.

Next, we ride the cable car back down and visit the Phoenix Ancient Pine (凤凰古松). This 1,400-year-old tree is a symbol of Jiuhuashan, with its gnarled trunk and spreading branches resembling a phoenix spreading its wings. According to legend, the tree grew from a branch Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva carried to the mountain, and touching its bark is said to bring good fortune. Pilgrims often tie red ribbons to its branches, making wishes for peace and happiness.

Afterward, we head to the scenic area exit, where our driver will transfer you to the nearby airport or high-speed rail station for your next journey.