Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a hiker‘s paradise, with over 50 kilometers of stone-paved trails connecting its legendary granite peaks, ancient pines, and cloud-filled valleys. The trail network is divided into two main hiking arteries — the Eastern Steps and the Western Steps — each offering a distinctly different experience. This guide covers both routes in detail, along with 2026 updates on peak openings, the new East Gate, and practical tips for your trek.

2026 Key Updates at a Glance:

     • Lotus Peak (莲花峰) – OPEN (reopened March 20, 2026 after 5-year closure)

     • Tiandu Peak (天都峰) – OPEN with reservation (reopened April 7, 2026; max 3,000/day)

     • West Sea Grand Canyon – OPEN (March–November); closed December–March

     • East Gate (东大门) – NEW (opened June 11, 2026) — first time all four gates are open simultaneously

     • Hiking entrance closes at 15:00 — after 3:00 PM, only exit is allowed

Overview: Two Main Trails, One Connected Network

The Eastern and Western Steps are the two classic hiking routes that traverse Mount Huangshan. They are connected at the summit via the Peak Circuit, allowing hikers to create loop routes that cover the mountain‘s highlights without backtracking.

The Eastern Steps (云谷寺步道 / 东大门步道) – The Gentler Approach

The Eastern Steps begin at Yungu Temple (Cloud Valley Temple) , at an elevation of approximately 730 meters. The trail ascends northward past Bai‘e Ridge (White Goose Ridge) , continues to Shixin Peak (Beginning‑to‑Believe Peak) , and eventually reaches the mist‑filled valleys of Beihai (North Sea Scenic Area) .

What You‘ll See Along the Way

Jade Valley (翡翠谷): One of the route’s highlights, this valley receives alpine runoff from Liandan Peak and Shixin Peak. It features scores of small, colorful crystalline pools that shimmer in shades of emerald and jade — a favorite spot for photographers.

Shixin Peak (Beginning‑to‑Believe Peak): The name comes from a famous legend: a skeptical visitor who doubted the tales of Huangshan‘s beauty climbed this peak and was instantly converted. Today, it’s renowned for its ancient, twisted pines — locals say “without seeing Shixin Peak, you haven‘t truly seen Huangshan’s pines.”

Black Tiger Pine (黑虎松): One of Huangshan‘s most famous ancient pines, located along the trail near Shixin Peak.

Beihai Scenic Area: The trail ends at the North Sea area, where you can continue to Lion Peak (“Monkey Watching the Sea”), Paiyun Pavilion, and Bright Summit.

Eastern Steps Practical Notes

The Western Steps (慈光阁步道) – The Dramatic Challenge

The Western Steps pass through some of China‘s most jaw‑droppingly beautiful scenery. The trail meanders past a series of iconic peaks — Celestial Capital (Tiandu), Jade Screen (Yuping), Lotus Flower (Lianhua), and Bright Summit (Guangming Ding) — en route to the distinctive Flying‑over Rock (Feilai Shi) and the West Sea (Xihai) , with its early morning views of clouds filling rugged valleys.

What You‘ll See Along the Way

The Iconic Peaks: The Western Steps take you past Huangshan’s most famous summits. Lotus Peak (1,864 m) — the highest point on the mountain — is open in 2026 after a five‑year closure. Tiandu Peak (1,810 m) — the steepest and most thrilling peak — is also open with reservation (max 3,000 visitors per day).

Flying‑over Rock (飞来石): A massive stone block balancing precariously on an outcropping — one of Huangshan‘s most photographed “strange rocks.”

Love Locks: Along the way, you‘ll encounter countless engraved padlocks fastened to railings by lovers who have followed the custom of consecrating their attachment by leaving a symbol hanging in the mists of one of China’s most romantic landscapes. You can purchase locks on site if so inclined.

West Sea Grand Canyon: Near the northern end of the trail, you can detour into the West Sea Grand Canyon — a fantastical scenic area with cliff‑hanging plank walkways, deep ravines, and the popular “Little Train” (canyon rail) that carries visitors back up from the valley floor.

Western Steps Practical Notes

The Peak Circuit – Connecting the Two Trails

At the summit, the Eastern and Western Steps connect via the Peak Circuit, a relatively flat ridge‑top trail that allows you to hike from one side of the mountain to the other without descending. This is the route used by most hikers doing a one‑day traverse: ascend one side, cross the summit, and descend the other.

Key junctions on the Peak Circuit:

The West Sea Grand Canyon – A Must‑See Detour

The West Sea Grand Canyon (西海大峡谷) is often described as Huangshan‘s most梦幻 (fantastical) scenic area. It features cliff‑hanging plank walkways that offer vertigo‑inducing views of deep ravines, strange rock formations, and ever‑changing cloudscapes.

How to experience it:

2026 Opening Status: The West Sea Grand Canyon is open from March to November and closes for winter maintenance from December to mid‑March. In 2026, it reopened on March 14.

* Warning: Hiking the entire canyon floor involves over ten thousand steps and can easily exhaust your energy. The “Little Train” is highly recommended for the return trip.

The New East Gate (2026) – A Brand‑New Entry Point

On June 11, 2026, Huangshan‘s East Gate (东大门) officially opened, marking the first time in the mountain’s history that all four gates — South, North, West, and East — are simultaneously accessible.

Key facts about the East Gate:

Why choose the East Gate?

     • No shuttle bus required — unlike the South Gate, you don‘t need to transfer from a parking lot to a cable car station

     • Brand‑new scenery — the East Sea Scenic Area features low mountains, valleys, streams, and waterfalls

     • Crowd relief — helps distribute visitor flow away from the often‑congested South Gate

Sample Itineraries Using the Steps

One‑Day Classic Traverse (Most Popular)

Route: South Gate → Shuttle to Yungu Temple → Eastern Steps up (or Yungu Cableway) → Bai‘e Ridge → Shixin Peak → Beihai → Paiyun Pavilion → Bright Summit → Yupinglou → Western Steps down (or Yuping Cableway) → Shuttle back to South Gate

Total hiking time: ~5–6 hours (plus cable car options)

Two‑Day Itinerary (Sunrise & Sunset)

Day 1: South Gate → Shuttle to Yungu Temple → Eastern Steps up (or cableway) → Shixin Peak → Lion Peak → Beihai → Paiyun Pavilion → West Sea Grand Canyon (descend loops) → “Little Train” up → Bright Summit (sunset) → Overnight at summit hotel

Day 2: Sunrise at Bright Summit → Flying‑over Rock → Yupinglou → Welcoming Pine → Western Steps down (or cableway) → Shuttle back to South Gate

Practical Hiking Tips for 2026

Summary: Which Route Should You Choose?

Whether you choose the gentler Eastern Steps, the dramatic Western Steps, or the brand‑new East Gate route, hiking Mount Huangshan is an experience that will stay with you forever. The mountain‘s ancient stone stairways have welcomed pilgrims, poets, and travelers for over a thousand years — and in 2026, with new routes and reopened peaks, there’s never been a better time to walk in their footsteps.