Guangming Peak 光明顶
One of Huangshan's main summits and the best wide-open spot for sunrise and sunset over the peaks.

Guangming Peak is one of the three main peaks of Huangshan and the second highest, rising 1,860 meters in the central part of the mountain. It stands alongside Lianhua Peak and Tiandu Peak. Unlike a sharp spire, its top is broad, open and gently sloping, a plateau of about 60,000 square meters that serves as a natural viewing platform and a place to rest.
The name is tied to the summit’s openness and long exposure to sunlight. The Ming monk Pumen created the Dabei Temple here, and the site later became home to the Huangshan Meteorological Station, now a landmark visible from far away. From the top, views open toward the East Sea, the West Sea peaks, and the shapes of Lianhua, Tiandu, Yuping and Aoyu peaks.
The flat summit is known as one of Huangshan’s best places for sunrise, sunset and cloud sea views. It also marks the boundary between the front and back mountains. Poets, painters and photographers have long been drawn to Huangshan, and the peak remains a central stop for visitors seeking a wide, calm prospect over the surrounding ranges.
Don't miss
- Sunrise, sunset and cloud sea from the flat summit
- Views of Lianhua, Tiandu, Yuping and Aoyu peaks
- East Sea and West Sea views from the top
- Huangshan Meteorological Station, a summit landmark
- The broad 60,000-square-meter summit platform
Visiting tips
Guangming Peak lies in the center of the Huangshan scenic area. From the north, front south and back south gates, routes combine cableways with walks of about one to two hours. The broad top has space to rest and enjoy the views.
Arrive 40 minutes before sunrise; the viewing platform fills quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book Guangming Peak in advance?
Yes — real-name timed-slot reservation is compulsory and there is no ticket window on site (unbooked visitors are turned away). Only channel: WeChat mini-program '黄山旅游官方平台' (Huangshan Tourism Official Platform). Book 1–3 days ahead (earliest 3 days before, at the latest the day before entry); Wednesday free tickets are usually released Monday 09:00 and are limited to one per ID. Whether a passport can be used for foreigners is not stated.
What are the opening hours of Guangming Peak?
Park gates currently 08:00–16:40
How much is a ticket to Guangming Peak?
About ¥190. Guangming Peak has no separate ticket: it is included in the Mount Huangshan park admission (Baidu Baike: 'included in the scenic area, valid for the scenic area ticket'). Park admission: peak season 1 Mar–30 Nov ¥190/adult, off-season 1 Dec–end Feb ¥150; ticket valid 3 days with re-entry on a second visit. Discounts: students and 60–64 half price, 65+ and children under 6 free (still need a reservation). Wednesdays: 5,000 free tickets released for grabbing. Not included and charged separately: shuttle bus from Tangkou ¥19 one-way (¥38 return), cable cars ¥80–100 one-way (Yungu 80, Yuping 90, Taiping/Donghai 100), West Sea Grand Canyon funicular ¥100; mountain-top hotels ¥1,200–2,000/night.
How long do I need at Guangming Peak?
Plan about 0.5 hours.
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