China in September for 15 days - advice on where to visit

[virago]

Brave man for going there during CNY. One of the most memorable things was seeing Chinese tourists walking on an icy mountain wearing their regular outfit of a suit and those little black shoes they like. No joke - the paths may be covered by inches of ice this time of year as it was when we were there. Saw quite a few injuries from falls. You can buy ice cleats up on the mountain, but if you plan on walking up instead of taking the gondola it may be a good idea to buy them beforehand.

Thanks for that. Used to the China tourist crowds. Not sure if we get the gondola up and then walk down, not sure. Depends on the weather at the time. We will stay overnight on the mountain. I was told there is a 4 star hotel there but don't trust the rating system in China. LOL

[drumbrake]

There are several hotels on the summit. Expensive for what you get. This thorntree thread is a little dated, but still useful: Huangshan summit accommodation . For next week, make sure you book in advance.

You might also find this thread useful: trails on Huangshan. In Winter, some places such as the West Sea Canyon might be closed.

Here is a map of the mountain.

Nearby are villages such as Xidi and Hongcun which are worth visiting.

[Char Siu King]

Thanks for that. Used to the China tourist crowds. Not sure if we get the gondola up and then walk down, not sure. Depends on the weather at the time. We will stay overnight on the mountain. I was told there is a 4 star hotel there but don't trust the rating system in China. LOL

Good idea. That way you can get up early and admire the views before the hordes arrive. If possible it may be a good idea to have tire chains in case of snowstorms and variations in temperature. We witnessed groups of people stuck there unable to get down the hill as their buses and taxis were stuck due to ‘unexpected’ ice and snow. Not sure how they figure the ‘unexpected’ part – it was winter after all. China mayhem all around then but a gorgeous place that's for sure.

[virago]

Good idea. That way you can get up early and admire the views before the hordes arrive. If possible it may be a good idea to have tire chains in case of snowstorms and variations in temperature. We witnessed groups of people stuck there unable to get down the hill as their buses and taxis were stuck due to ‘unexpected’ ice and snow. Not sure how they figure the ‘unexpected’ part – it was winter after all. China mayhem all around then but a gorgeous place that's for sure.

It's snowing there today. Should be good. Looking forward to it. The hotel is fully booked, just checked so booked through a travel agent. 1000 Yuan a night! Normally around 600 or so.

We will also stay down the mountain too in one of the spa hotels as apparently there are hot springs there.

Thanks for your help.

[virago]

There are several hotels on the summit. Expensive for what you get. This thorntree thread is a little dated, but still useful: Huangshan summit accommodation . For next week, make sure you book in advance.

You might also find this thread useful: trails on Huangshan. In Winter, some places such as the West Sea Canyon might be closed.

Here is a map of the mountain.

Nearby are villages such as Xidi and Hongcun which are worth visiting.

Thanks for that. Great map, just printed it out.

[virago]

Sorry to the OP I sort of taken over the thread.

But another location which I highly recommend for scenery is Jiangjajie. In all the locations I have been in China this would have to be the most scenic and the place is huge. You could spend 3-4 days there easy if you like trekking.

zhangjiajie - Google 搜尋

We stayed in a home there overnight in a local home which they rent out rooms for 100 a night I think it was. It was also full moon and the view was spectacular.

The only downside was it was May holiday week and was super busy. I mean super busy!!!!

[katiem84]

The other area which I recommend is Mutianyu. it's also relatively untouched but more dramatic and very steep. A number of hotels are around now and can stay close by. We rode a horse up to the bottom of the wall.

mutianyu - Google 搜尋

How did you arrange that? My friends and i would love to do the horse ride...any information you can pass on would be great.

Thanks!

[virago]

How did you arrange that? My friends and i would love to do the horse ride...any information you can pass on would be great.

Thanks!

We stayed near by overnight in one of the hotels and the guys with the horses are just hanging around waiting for people in traditional Chinese style. The horses are pretty placid and work horses but remember these guys don't have insurance and just farmers or locals. We did have some type of helmet from what I can remember. I can't remember the cost but don't think it was more than 50 Yuan for an hour ride. They will probably want to charge triple that when they see a westerner coming.

There are also groups in Beijing that offer their services for free to talk and learn English with westerners and act as guides. As long as you pay for their way they can be useful. I've never used them as I speak a bit of Mandarin and my wife is Chinese so obviously no need to have someone around. But in saying this you don't know them so it might be worth to go through your hotel for a real guide which shouldn't be more than 300-500 Yuan a day or better still, organise a couple a days with a guide and vehicle if you have a group and it shouldn't be more than 600 Yuan a day.