I spent two nights on Mt Huangshan (staying at the decent Shilin Hotel) and would recommend. Would also recommend avoiding busy holiday seasons and weekdays, as even mid-week in October the top of the mountain was rammed with tour groups. I chose to walk up (the Eastern Steps) and down (Western) and did the West Sea Canyon on my day in between. It took me somewhat less time than advertised, with distances also shorter than advertised on the signs around the place, but all walks are strenuous as it's basically all stone steps. The scenery is spectacular though and it's worth the time and effort, and even the crowds! Lotus Peak was especially busy - if you want to do that, go early. I was up there by 9.30am and still queued for about 40 minutes to reach the summit from just underneath it, and going down the queues ran well down the mountain. Food on the mountain is passable but limited and pricey. There's no hot water for instant noodles (to deter people from bringing them) so self-heating meals are popular, although I believe these are also technically discouraged. I got to Huangshan by train from Hangzhou; caught the onward bus from Huangshan North train station to Tangkou; and then, after leaving my bag in the bus station (15 RMB per day) another bus up to the mountain. It was all fairly straightforward but there is limited English signage.

I just spent 1.5 days in Huangshan City, so I seized this opportunity to pay a visit to Mt.Huangshan and an ancient water town - Hong Cun Village. To be honest, it is not enough to visit Mt. Huangshan but you can just enjoy the highlight of this magnificent place. We took Yungusi Cablecar up the mountain and Yuping Cablecar down, Locus Peak is the highest mountain, the steps are so steep that you should be caution when you climb up. The sceneries are so amazing , I lost my words for such a beautiful place. There are several hotels on the top of Mt. Huangshan, maybe is a good choice to stay for one night to enjoy the sunrise in the morning, but the price is not friendly. It takes approximately 40 - 60 minutes from Mt. Huangshan to Hong Cun village, just a typical water town in China, half day will be enough. One of the most famous dish in Anhui is called stinky fish, be careful to taste it, I don't like it at all.

Upcloud Shuguangli Villa(雲亼·曙光里) is a hidden gem located near the Yungu cable car station up on Huangshan China. It's a small boutique hotel with rustic villas fully equipped with modern in room facilities like automated Japanese toilet seat and floor heating. It was was like staying in a serene and luxurious mountain village. The staff were very helpful and gave us good tips on what to do and where to hike. Highly recommended for a quiet retreat.