EVA Air’s direct flights to Huangshan officially launch on January 18

Text by Wei Ruyu, reporting

In the past, Taiwanese travelers planning to visit Huangshan on the mainland usually had to first arrive in Hangzhou or Hefei, then spend about two and a half hours by car to reach Huangshan. However, starting January 18 this year (2012), EVA Air will begin operating three weekly direct flights (Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays) to Tunxi Airport in Huangshan, saving travelers at least one hour in transit and making the trip to Huangshan much more convenient.

Huangshan is also known as “the No. 1 Fantastic Mountain under Heaven” and is regarded as one of the symbols of the Chinese nation, along with the Yangtze River, the Great Wall, and the Yellow River. The “Four Wonders” of Huangshan are its uniquely shaped pines, fantastic rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs. There are 72 named peaks, among which Tiandu Peak, Lotus Peak, and Bright Summit Peak are the three main peaks, all exceeding an altitude of 1,800 meters.

Currently, travel agencies offering packages that include EVA Air’s direct flights to Huangshan include Southeast, Lion, Kangfu, Wufu, Sifang, and Shibang. Most itineraries range from 5 to 8 days, with Southeast, Lion, Kangfu, Sifang, and Shibang emphasizing 2–3 nights’ stay on the mountain, allowing travelers to fully explore at a relaxed pace. Huang Guoxuan, deputy manager of Southeast Travel Service, said, “There are only about 1,000 guest rooms in total on the front and back sides of Huangshan. We advise the public to seize the opportunity to stay longer on the mountain and fully appreciate this rare natural heritage.” Additionally, Wufu Travel Service highlights consideration for older travelers who may not be suited to very cold weather or budget constraints, offering itineraries with just one night on the mountain alongside other key sites, and featuring exclusive arrangements such as performances of Huangmei folk tunes and complimentary small servings of Huangmei opera liquor.

Travel packages offered by agencies not only cover the front and back sides of Huangshan but also include Anhui’s famous “Tunxi Old Street,” the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient Hongcun village with its cow-shaped architecture, as well as Qiandao Lake... and more. EVA Air’s direct flights also come with special promotional packages, and flower-viewing tours will be added in spring.