Got a couple of PM with regards to Huangshan. I thought I will post some pointers here to help out folks who are planning to go there.
General Precautions:
1. Watch where you step. Get good foot-hold before taking the next step on dangerous areas. Most of the hike will be very safe on solid walkways so no worries there.
2. Some rock slab steps are loose, so be careful and do not be surprised. Some metal railings are also loose, so be careful not to assume it will hold your weight. Test railings first.
4. Lower your body when climbing steeper inclines. Do not be ashamed to go on all fours. Many do.
5. Bring enough water but not too much to weigh yourself down. You can find stores frequently along the way. Water will be 8-10 rmb each.
6. Do not try to be a hero by crossing set barriers to get a better pose/shot.
7. Some very dangerous spots are not blocked off. So use your own discretion. Eg. Railing on Turtle peak was only done last year, after numerous deaths over the years.
8. Weather is very unpredictable on Huangshan. It can be totally contrary to weather reports. Pack at least a light raincoat. Advise against using umbrellas.
9. Pack torchlights. Those new LED ones work well.
10. Wear very comfortable shoes with good traction. Say no to heels. This is not a joke, I've seen some ladies with 2-3 inch heels climbing huangshan. One sexy lady even paired her heels to a very very short mini skirt.
11. Focus on your climb, especially for guys, do not keep looking at the girl in the very very short mini skirt infront of you when going up a steep incline. *laffs*. Ya, I saw an uncle nearly fall coz he was climbing uphill behind the mini skirt girl and he was definitely staring.
12. Last but not least, travel as light as possible.
Enjoy yourself but not at the expense of safety. Safety first.
One thing to remember about huangshan weather. It is very unpredictable. It can be raining at the foot, but sunny as hell up there, or vice-versa. There is no guarantee of perfect weather for hiking or phototaking. You just have to prepare as much as you can and PRAY. My first day up there was beautiful but 2nd day was foggy and cloudy. Another CSer (bro Tachyon, you can find his
thread here)went up the day after I came down, and he told me it was raining up there. So remember to have something to protect your gear if they matter to you.
The perfect weather you should pray for: Sunny with low clouds below you, so you feel as if you are on the mountains amid a sea of clouds.
Costs and prices:
Huangshan Scenic Area Ticket - 230 RMB (per pax per entry). Check for promotions. I rmbr Koreans get 1/2 off, pls check.
Cable Car Rides - 80 RMB (per pax each way)
Taxi ride from between Tangkou and Cable Car Station - 50-60 RMB (each way per car, agree on price before getting in)
Bus ride between Tangkou and Cable Car Station - 13 RMB (each way per pax)
Lousy wood walking stick - 10 RMB (each. We bought 3, broke one, lost one, left with one.)
For sticks found, and those thrown after their owners complete the tour, the sticks will be recycled and sold again to the next customers. Best to bring your own walking sticks (those retractable aluminum ones) since the wooden ones are a little short.
Hotel accomodation - 780-1200 RMB per night (4-star), 120 RMB per bed (communal rooms, 10-20 per room, shared toilet), prices standard on all hotels since all owned by same holding company.
Eating and drinking on the mountain:
- Bottle drinking water - 8-10 RMB (per bottle anywhere on mountain)
- There are restaurants at every hotel area. Most people eat at Xihai 西海饭店 (East Sea Hotel) or 排云楼 Paiyunlou Hotel.
- Some hotels have Chinese fast food like in 白云宾馆. Chinese fast food is similar to our mass cooked economical vege rice. These joints are usually located beside the communal halls 招待所. Away from the hotel's main building.
- There are also mini-marts at every hotel location. They are expensive. But you do not have a choice if you need something.
Dinner in one of the mountain hotels will cost you:
Cheap simple dishes 49 RMB and up
Good Meat dishes 99 RMB and up
Specialty dishes 160 RMB and up (all the way up to 300+)
Rice is all you can eat (luckily, and you will eat a lot after a full day climb)
Breakfast is buffet style and cost 60 RMB iirc. (did not try).
What's in my bag
This is what I packed in my bag for my trip in July (summer). It was heavy. Could have traveled lighter if I stayed in Tangkou for one night and check in part of my stuff. But made the decision to rush up due to the coming bad weather.
Bag: Lowepro Compu Primus AW without the computer sleeve.
Camera gear:
Nikon D40x, with N18-55, N55-200, N50 f/1.8, SB600, blower,
C-PL filter, extra Nikon battery, lens cleaning kit.
Clothing and other stuff:
2x LED torchlights
2x Raincoat (I was carrying my wife's too). Those light poncho type.
1x Sweater (it was around 12degC at the peak in summer!)
1x Wide Rim bush hat (sun is very glaring on top)
1x set extra change of clothing.
1x small bag of medication (just in case)
3x aluminum carabinders to attach stuff to my bag.
Food:
6x small bread buns
5x single packed chinese corn sausage
2x normal sized bottles of drinking water
1x disposable bowl instant noodle. (uncooked of course)
In addition:
1x aluminum tripod (3 section, 1.65m full extension, cheapo china made) in a sling carrying bag (my brother-in-law carrying this for me).
PLease post more. Thanks for sharing.
Small Dreamscape
