Hongcun's Moon Pond, stepped horse-head gables and white-walled houses make Huangshan more than a mountain trip.
Moon Pond, South Lake and the white-walled houses deserve more than one group photo. An early or late walk shows why the village works.
On the 3-day route Hongcun goes on the descent day, before your train or flight; shorten the stop if the departure is early.
If crowds bother you, Xidi's lanes and ancestral halls may suit you better. You do not need both villages unless the schedule allows, so choose one by time.
Tunxi Old Street suits tea, a simple dinner and small gifts. It is not the highlight, but it smooths the pace after the mountain, especially on the last night.
Two days on the mountain, one day for a Hui village and the journey home. Settle in Tangkou for the climb, go up on day two, then come down, visit Hongcun and leave according to your train or flight.
After the villages, return to the mountain, continue with the local table, or see how the 3-day route orders it all.