Huangshan · Tianhai to the Xihai Gorge
The quietest stretch of Huangshan. Steep, but worth it when the sea of clouds sits below you.
The route
Tianhai station → Buxian Bridge → north entrance of the Xihai Gorge → gorge floor → Paiyun Pavilion. Stone steps the whole way: mostly down, but plenty of up. Not for knees that complain.
Timing
- Start at 06:30 from Tianhai. Be at Buxian Bridge before 08:00 — fewer people, better light.
- There is a small kiosk at the bottom; water is CNY 10 a bottle. Don’t count on hot food.
- Be back at Paiyun Pavilion by 15:00, or you won’t get down before dark.
Risks
Closed in thunderstorms — wet steps and no shelter. Closed in winter ice. Almost no signal at the bottom; tell someone your route.