Huangshan with fear of heights

Question

Hi! What routes are the best to hike with a fear of heights? Thanks!

Answer

If you have a fear of heights, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can still be enjoyed with careful planning, as some routes are less exposed than the famous cliffside paths. Most of the steep or “skywalk” sections can be avoided if you choose your hiking routes wisely.

Here are some tips and recommendations:

Use the cable cars: Take the Yungu, Yuping, or Taiping cable cars to reach the higher scenic areas without steep climbs. This allows you to enjoy the mountain views while avoiding vertical climbs and narrow ledges.
Stick to main paved paths: The main paths connecting major peaks like Lotus Peak, Bright Summit, and Xihai Grand Canyon have well-constructed stairs with railings. These are safer and less exposed, though you may still encounter some sections with drop-offs on one side.
Avoid “skywalk” trails: Some famous routes such as the “Flying-over Rock” trail or steep plank paths are designed for thrill seekers and should be avoided if heights are an issue.
Start early: Early mornings are less crowded, reducing anxiety from passing hikers on narrow paths.

Recommended routes for those with fear of heights:

Yungu Cable Car → Lotus Peak → Bright Summit Peak → walk along the main paved trails and return via Yuping Cable Car.
Taiping Cable Car → Xihai Grand Canyon (stick to flatter trails, avoid exposed cliff edges) → continue to Bright Summit or Refreshing Terrace → descend by cable car.
Focus on viewing points with railings, such as Refreshing Terrace, Cloud Dispelling Pavilion, and the scenic cable car arrival areas.

Additional advice:

Wear good walking shoes with grip to reduce fear on uneven steps.
Carry a walking stick if it helps with balance.
Plan for shorter hikes or breaks at scenic spots to avoid overexertion and anxiety.

With these routes and precautions, you can enjoy Huangshan’s spectacular scenery without confronting extreme heights directly.