About Mt Huangshan

I am visiting the mountain in 3 wks time. Is it possible to set off about 7am in Tunxi, ascend via Taiping cable car, hike west sea canyon for 4 to 5 hrs and arrive at Baiyun Hotel in time to see sunset? (What is the latest check in Baiyun allow?) What are the chances of Taiping cable car being closed this mid-Dec? Alternatively for the first day, is it possible instead to set off about 7am in Tunxi, ascend via Yuping cable car, hike to Lotus peak, Fairy bridge, then check into Baiyun hotel and after lunch hike to White Goose Ridge and back to summit peak for sunset? (Is this a good place to see sunset?) Also, is it ok to put on jogging shoes with crampons when hiking?