Huangshi Village

Huangshi Village, located in Wulingyuan Scenic Area in Zhangjiajie, is one of the top 5 highlight travel itineraries of China. It is said that during the Han Dunasty, Zhang Liang (a politician) quitted from the political field and started his round tour. When he came to this area, he was blocked by officials. And finally, his teacher named Huang Shi Gong helped him to ran away. From then on, this place was called Huangshi Village.

 

Huangshi Fort, named after a hermit Huangshi, is 1080m above sea level. It is higher on the south and elevated by stiff cliffs, covering an area of 16.5 hectors. It provides the largest collection of marvelous spectacles and also provides the larges sightseeing terrace above sea level in Zhangjiajie. The chief scenic spots include Treasure Box of Heavenly Books, the Magic Sea-suppressing Needle, the South Pillar of Heaven, the Golden Tortoise Watching the Sea and so on.

What to See in Huangshi Village

On the eastern peak, there is a platform strengthening from the cliff. Platform Base which is 5 meters (16 feet) high with an area of 20 meters (24 square yards), and the other one is piling up on the base which is 10 meters (33 feet) high with a diameter of 5 meters (5.4 yards) on the top of the rock. 10 people can stand on the platform at the same time. When standing here, people will have a feeling in the sky. Looking around, wind rolls clouds. Looking down, river flows in forest, waterfall pours down to valleys.

 

 

Near the Peak of Huangshi Village, a natural wall painting can be seen when look back on the road. Washing marks on the cliff in the Yaozi Village form an unbelievable natural wall painting. Typical hanging buildings hide behind green trees. Children with battles walk along the route. Bridges across river, sunlight shines the ancient road. A poetic picture is represented for you.

After hundreds of stone steps from the front mountain in Huangshi Village, a large area of virgin forest with fir trees will be presented to visitors. Along the road, fir trees bring fresh air and breeze for people.

 

In the west part of Huangshi Village, there is an oval rock that is in the shape of a huge turtle, and it is abut 5 meters (5.4 yards) long, 2 meters (2.2 yards) wide and 2 meters (6.6 feet) high crouching on the top of the peak. The head of the turtle is bulging forward with the tail rising slightly and the claws twisting together, which seems to be creeping slowly when the weather is cloudy and misty, and it is very fascinating to watch the scenery in an aesthetic way, so the rock is called the Immortal Turtle in the Mist by the later generation.

 

How to Get to and Climb Huangshi Village

Huangshi Village is located in the central part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, not far from the East Gate (Wulingyuan Ticket Station). From the East Gate, you can walk past Golden Whip Stream and the Oxygen Square; after about 20 minutes, you will arrive at the entrance of Huangshi Village. Visitors can either hike up the mountain or take a cable car.

Hiking to the top takes around 2 hours, depending on personal fitness levels. The trail is steep and time-consuming, but it allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way.

Alternatively, you can take the cable car. From the Wulingyuan Ticket Station, turn left and transfer to the free shuttle bus. Get off at the Huangshi Village Cableway Station and take the cable car to the top. The Huangshi Village cableway is about 1,000 meters long, and the one-way ride takes around 10 minutes. A single trip costs about 65 RMB. The cable car ride is highly recommended, as it offers spectacular views of stone pillars and rolling seas of clouds. Hiking, in comparison, is more exhausting and less efficient, with wild monkeys occasionally blocking the path and snatching food.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Huangshi Village is from April to October, with June and September–October being the peak seasons.

April–May: Best for seeing rhododendrons in bloom and waterfalls.

June–August: Cool temperatures (average 23–26°C); after rain, seas of clouds are common.

September–October: Clear skies, colorful autumn landscapes, and fewer crowds compared with summer.

⚠️ On rainy or foggy days, visibility on the mountain is poor, and the scenery may be hidden, so it is not recommended to visit.

Travel Tips

• Cable car up, hike down: This is the most recommended way to enjoy different views at each step.
• Wildlife: Along the trail, you may encounter squirrels, toads, and especially monkeys. There are around 6,000–7,000 wild macaques in Huangshi Village, most of them near the top. They are not aggressive, but avoid feeding them to prevent trouble.
• Prepare for hiking: Food and drinks on the mountain are expensive, and it can be windy at the summit, so bring your own supplies and an extra jacket.
• Navigation: The mountain paths have many forks, and some signs may be unclear. Visitors might accidentally wander into less scenic routes. Hiring a local guide is recommended.
• Comparison with other areas: If you have already visited Yangjiajie or Yuanjiajie, Huangshi Village may feel less essential, since it overlooks the same sandstone peak forest. However, Huangshi offers a closer and more vivid perspective of the landscape.
• Alternative itinerary: If you start your day later and want to avoid long queues at other attractions, combining Huangshi Village with Golden Whip Stream is an excellent option.