Is Huangshan Mountain Fun in Winter? Winter Travel Precautions for Huangshan

Huangshan Mountain is one of the ten most famous mountains in China and a paradise for hiking and mountaineering enthusiasts. When visiting Huangshan, you must climb to the top of Huangshan Mountain to see the beautiful scenery of the sea of clouds. So, what’s fun about Huangshan in winter? What should you pay attention to when visiting Huangshan in winter?

Huangshan in winter is still very fun. The winter snow in Huangshan is very unique and soul-stirring. Huangshan is beautiful in all four seasons, and the winter snow is the most enchanting. As the winter beauty of Huangshan is continuously discovered and recognized by the world, people now call the winter snow the “Fifth Wonder” of Huangshan. Every winter, the snow covers the peaks. “A cold wind rises overnight, and ten thousand trees are covered in silver flowers,” everywhere is covered in silver, ice sculptures, and jade, being in it is like entering a mysterious fairytale world. Pan Dan, a Ming Dynasty scholar, once praised after his visit: “Jade pillars support the sky, and jade flowers cover the trees, it’s like being in an ice chamber, I don’t know where the human world is.” Modern people also sigh after their winter visit: “Everywhere you go, you reach the world of glazed tiles, and at all times, you are in a crystal palace.

1、Winter Snow

Winter snow, as one of the five wonders of Huangshan, is definitely something you can’t miss. Winter snow is also the theme of winter travel to Huangshan. Huangshan has snow for about two months every year. When the Siberian cold current reaches Huangshan, snowflakes will cover the entire mountain, making the peaks even more beautiful. After the snow falls on Huangshan, you can see even more beautiful scenery.

2、Sea of Clouds

Huangshan has frequent snowfall in winter, and snow is often followed by the spectacle of the sea of clouds. All the big and small peaks and ravines of Huangshan are submerged in the snow-covered waves of clouds, vast and boundless. Through layers of obstacles, you can vaguely see the rugged rocks and majestic ancient pines, and Tiandu Peak and Guangmingding become solitary islands in the vast sea of clouds. Just a little secret, every year from November to the following May is the ideal season to see the sea of clouds at Huangshan.

3、Rime

A cold wind rises overnight, and ten thousand trees are covered in silver flowers. Rime is a major attraction of winter travel to Huangshan. Rime is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the mist in the air condenses on tree branches and other objects due to the wind. The light and white rime hangs on the trees, like jade trees and silver flowers, and the whole Huangshan is covered in silver. Especially on sunny days, the beautiful ice flowers are particularly beautiful.

4、Hot Springs

Huangshan Hot Springs are located at the south foot of Zishi Peak and the north bank of Tangquan Creek. The water temperature varies with the temperature and rainfall. The water quality of Huangshan Hot Springs is mainly bicarbonate, the spring water is extremely clear, colorless and odorless, and it tastes sweet and can be drunk and bathed. What’s it like to soak in a hot spring on top of Huangshan, where the snow is flying? You’ll have to experience it yourself to understand!

Precautions:

1、The steps are icy after snowfall, so it is strongly recommended to buy a pair of simple ice grippers (that you wear on your shoes). They are about 10-15 yuan per pair at the foot of the mountain. Don’t worry too much, the main road will be cleared of snow.

2、Food and goods are extremely expensive on the mountain, about 3 times the price at the foot of the mountain: fast food 50 yuan, biscuits 10 yuan/bag, it is recommended to buy enough food at the foot of the mountain: instant noodles, instant rice, biscuits, chocolate, etc.

3、Temperature and clothing: One of the winter travel precautions for Huangshan is that the local temperature can go as low as -10 degrees Celsius. You need fleece pants, thermal underwear, thick sweaters, and preferably a down jacket. If you don’t have a down jacket, the standard rooms at the mountain provide down jackets and cotton coats for free. Those staying in cheaper accommodation can rent them; it’s best to wear moisture-wicking underwear, if you don’t have it, prepare spare underwear; a windproof hat and gloves are also a must, and walking sticks can help you climb.

Generally speaking, it won’t be cold when climbing during the day, but you’ll feel the cold when you stop, so pay attention to keeping warm.

4、About the snow scene: Since the resort doesn’t have snow every day in winter, it is recommended to pay attention to the weather forecast.

5、You should also bring some common medications, such as cold medicine.

6、You must pay special attention to safety. Do not venture into areas that are off-limits.

7、During the winter tourism period in Huangshan (from December 1st to the end of February of the following year), the Yubei Cableway, the West Sea Grand Canyon Sightseeing Cableway, and the Yubei Lou Hotel will be closed for maintenance and repair. Tiandu Peak and the West Sea Grand Canyon will also be closed for maintenance.

8、You should choose appropriate shoes for climbing to avoid fatigue and blisters. Sneakers, hiking shoes, cloth shoes, and travel shoes are all acceptable. Do not wear high heels, slippers, or leather shoes, to avoid slipping and falling, which will make climbing inconvenient;

9、The weather is fickle, changing from sunny to rainy and back again. It is also windy at high altitudes, so it is not advisable to use an umbrella, as it could blow you away. If the weather is bad before you climb, prepare a raincoat or buy one at the foot of the mountain. If you wait until it rains on the mountain to buy a raincoat, the price will definitely surprise you.

10、Huangshan Mountain has steep and rugged trails, with many stone steps and dangerous sections. When climbing, you should lean forward and not move too fast. Remember “Don’t walk while looking at the scenery, and don’t look at the scenery while walking.” Especially when going down, you should walk slowly. You can take a “Z” shape, which is both energy-saving and comfortable.

11、Do not climb to the top during thunderstorms. Do not touch the iron chains of the railings, and do not take shelter under trees to avoid lightning strikes. It is best to take shelter indoors or in low-lying areas. Do not climb Tiandu Peak or Lianhua Peak during this time.

12、When heavy rain falls, flash floods are very fierce and fast. It is not advisable to wash clothes or play in the river before heavy rain falls, to avoid accidents.
5、When climbing, your body consumes a lot of energy, and your lungs expand dramatically. For the sake of your health, it is best not to smoke outdoors. If you really can’t resist, please smoke in designated areas along the way, and extinguish cigarette butts and matchsticks yourself, do not throw them away, to avoid accidents.

Now you know the precautions for winter tourism in Huangshan, remember these things when you go up the mountain!