Audio Guide of Xihai Grand Canyon

Generally, access to the canyon is open from 08:00 to 17:00, although it usually closes in winter due to maintenance and ice. To get there, you must first enter the scenic area of Huangshan Mountain (Yellow Mountain) and head toward the Paiyun Pavilion area.

Entry to the canyon is included in the general ticket for Huangshan Mountain (about 190 CNY in high season). However, if you choose to use the famous tourist monorail to come up from the bottom, you will need to pay about 100 CNY extra per ride.

If you are adventurous and do the full circuit on foot, allow at least 4 to 5 hours of intense hiking. If you choose to walk down and come back up by funicular, the ideal visit will take between 2 and 3 hours to enjoy the views.

More than a religious temple, it is a natural sanctuary known as the 'Magic Scenic Area' for its granite peaks and the mystique of its 'Sea of Clouds.' It is the wildest and most geologically spectacular part of Huangshan, evoking landscapes that seem taken from the film Avatar.

I recommend avoiding winter (December to March), as access to the bottom of the canyon is often closed for safety. The best months are from April to November, especially after rainy days when you can see low clouds dancing among the peaks.

Honestly, it is not accessible. The route consists of steep stairs and narrow suspended walkways, known as 'skywalks,' which require good physical condition and strong knees; it is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Right at the north entrance is Paiyun Pavilion, one of the best places to watch sunsets. You are also close to the famous Flying Rock, another essential icon of the mountain.

The winning strategy is to use gravity in your favor: walk the downhill route from the north entrance to the bottom of the valley and pay for the monorail ticket to come back up. You will save hours of exhausting climbing and enjoy the scenery with much less physical strain.