Damingshan: Little Huangshan
Damingshan (大明山) is a scenic mountain area in Lin'an County, Zhejiang Province, often called "Little Huangshan". Just 3.5–4 hours from Shanghai, you will find magnificent granite peaks, whimsical pines growing on cliffs, seas of clouds and breathtaking hanging trails built right into sheer rock faces.
The main attractions are the 300‑meter glass bridge "Cloud Bridge" at a height of 150 meters, a cable car with stunning views, the hanging trail "Heavenly Staircase" and the "Whimsical Pines" peak. It is an ideal place for a one‑day trek amid spectacular mountain scenery.
Hanging trails
Glass bridge 300 m
Cable car
Pines on cliffs
Sea of clouds
Attractions of Damingshan
What awaits you
- Departure from Shanghai (07:00) — meeting at Xinzhuang metro station, drive ~3.5–4 hours (260 km) with one stop.
- Arrival at Damingshan (~10:30) — ticket purchase, restroom, briefing by the guide.
- Cable car ascent (10:45) — scenic ride up to the main peaks (about 15 minutes).
- Hanging trail "Heavenly Staircase" (11:00–12:00) — walk along a trail built into sheer cliffs, panoramic views.
- Glass bridge "Cloud Bridge" (12:00–12:45) — 300‑meter bridge at a height of 150 m, a sensation of flying over the gorge, photo session.
- Peak of "Whimsical Pines" and viewing platforms (12:45–13:30) — see the famous pines growing directly on the rocks.
- Lunch (13:30–14:30) — traditional Chinese lunch at a restaurant at the foot of the mountain.
- Walk along the lower trails and waterfalls (14:30–15:30) — visit Jiulong Waterfall, rest in the shade of bamboo groves.
- Return to Shanghai (15:30–19:30) — approximate arrival at Xinzhuang metro station around 19:30.
Sample tour itinerary (1 day)
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Departure from Shanghai (Xinzhuang metro) | 260 km drive, ~3.5–4 hours, one 15‑min stop. |
| 10:30 | Arrival at Damingshan Park | Restroom, ticket purchase (included in economy package). |
| 10:45 | Cable car ascent | Scenic ride to the peaks (paid separately). |
| 11:00–12:00 | Hanging trail "Heavenly Staircase" | Walk along the trail built into cliffs, breathtaking views. |
| 12:00–12:45 | Glass bridge "Cloud Bridge" | 300 m, height 150 m, transparent floor, photo session. |
| 12:45–13:30 | Peak of "Whimsical Pines" | Viewing platforms, famous pines on rocks. |
| 13:30–14:30 | Lunch | Restaurant at the foot. Local dishes, rice, vegetables, tea. |
| 14:30–15:30 | Jiulong Waterfall and lower trails | Walk to the waterfall, bamboo groves. |
| 15:30 | Meeting and departure for Shanghai | Approximate departure time. |
| ~19:30 | Arrival in Shanghai | Drop‑off at Xinzhuang metro station. (Time may vary due to traffic.) |
💡 Important notes:
- Be sure to bring comfortable non‑slip shoes and a light jacket (it is windy at the top).
- Passport, cash (cards are not accepted everywhere), water, snack, camera.
- Damingshan is an ideal place for nature lovers and panoramic views.
- If you are afraid of heights, you can skip the glass bridge – there are regular bypass trails.
Price and conditions
💰
Tour cost
Train + taxi
EconomyGuide meets you at the entrance, help with tickets. Transfer to the station on your own.
300$per group 1–3 pers.
Train tickets, entrance, lunch – extra
By car
ComfortGuide services, transfer from Shanghai by sedan/minivan.
400$per group 1–3 pers.
Entrance tickets, lunch – extra
🎫
Additional expenses per person
- Damingshan entrance ticket88¥ (~12$)
- Glass bridge + hanging trail (combo)60¥ (~8$)
- Cable car (round trip)70¥ (~10$)
- Lunch at a restaurant60¥ (~8$)
- Train Shanghai–Lin'an (round trip, 2nd class)~200¥ (~28$)
- Taxi from station to park (round trip, per group)~50¥ (~7$)
*2026 prices, exchange rate approximate. Children under 1.2 m – discount on entry.
⏱️
Duration
~12–13 hours
departure 07:00, return ~19:30
✨
Additional services
🚗
Minivan rental
+70$
🏨
Overnight in Lin'an
+110$
📷
Photo session
+70$
✈️
Airport transfer (to/from airport)
+100$
📍
What else can be visited
🏯 Ancient city of Lin'an (临安古城)10 km
💧 Jiulong Waterfall (九龙瀑布)5 km
🎋 Lin'an Bamboo Sea15 km
🍵 Tianmu Tea Village20 km
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the climb difficult?
The route is of moderate difficulty. The cable car takes you up to the height, followed by hanging trails and the bridge. The total walking distance is about 5‑6 km. Suitable for people with good physical fitness.
Is the tour suitable for children?
For children aged 10 and over under adult supervision – yes. Young children might find the route too long and challenging.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes (trainers or hiking boots), a light jacket (it is cooler and windier at the top), water, passport, cash for lunch, camera.
Is the glass bridge scary?
The bridge is completely safe, but due to the height (150 m) and the transparent floor, it can be nerve‑wracking. There are regular bypass trails.
Are the hanging trails safe?
Yes, they are regularly inspected and have reliable railings. Walking on them is quite comfortable, but not recommended for those with a strong fear of heights.
How long does the walk take?
About 2–2.5 hours to see the main attractions. The cable car saves energy and time.
Important information
Prices are valid for 2026. A 100% deposit is required for booking (PayPal, card). If canceled 48 hours in advance – full refund, less than 48 hours – 50% refund (train tickets are purchased in advance). The organizer reserves the right to change the program due to weather conditions or force majeure.
