Huangshan Xihai Hotel

Huangshan Xihai Hotel is a summit hotel in the Xihai (West Sea) scenic area of Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), Anhui Province, China. It stands at the foot of Danxia Peak next to Lion Peak, about 500 metres from the north entrance of the Xihai Grand Canyon, one of the most dramatic hiking routes on the mountain. Staying here lets hikers begin the canyon walk early, before the day-trip crowds arrive by cable car. As with all summit hotels on Huangshan, there is no road access, so guests reach the property on foot or by cable car and stone stairways, and supplies are carried up by porters. The hotel is a mid-range mountain lodge rather than a resort, with Standard Twin, Superior and Mountain-View room types. Views toward the surrounding granite peaks and sea of clouds are the main attraction on clear mornings. Listed amenities are a restaurant, heating, luggage storage and access to the canyon trail. The restaurant serves set meals for guests and hikers, with limited variety and higher prices than in the valley because of the difficulty of supplying the summit. Heating is important in shoulder seasons and winter, when temperatures at this altitude drop sharply and snow can cover the trails. The Xihai area connects with the Beihai hub and with viewpoints such as Cloud Dispelling Pavilion and the sunset spots, so guests can plan sunrise and sunset walks without long transfers. Service is practical, with staff used to hikers, photographers and tour groups, and they can advise on trail conditions. Rates of about CNY 800 to 1,500 per night are steep for the standard of rooms, but reflect the summit location and the limited number of beds. Booking well ahead is advisable, especially for weekends, national holidays and the autumn season, when clear weather and colour draw the biggest crowds to Huangshan.