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Explore the ancient streets of Shuidong Ancient Town, where you can admire traditional Anhui architecture and enjoy local handicrafts. Visit the historic temples and ancient wells, and take a boat ride along the town's picturesque rivers. Don’t miss sampling local Anhui cuisine at the town's traditional eateries.
Xuanzhou's Shuidong Ancient Town was founded in the Sui and Tang dynasties and flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its old streets are built along the waterfront, with the main thoroughfare, Main Street, stretching approximately 1,200 meters. Five other main lanes connect more than a dozen alleyways, both large and small. The old streets were once so famous that they even surpassed the county seat, creating a scene like "small Ningguo County, vast Heli Creek."
The Old Street now covers approximately 230,000 square meters (excluding the new district) and has a population of 4,000 (including the new district). It comprises Shangjie, Zhengjie, Hengjie, Pawnshop Street, Wangzi Street, and a network of alleyways interwoven throughout. The main streets are paved entirely with bluestone and cobblestone slabs, ranging in width from 3.5 to 5 meters, and stretch over 1,000 meters. Houses are constructed of blue brick and black tiles, all with shared horse-head walls. They feature wooden trough doors, small buildings, shops in front, and workshops in the back, with two or three entrances, a central courtyard, and water flowing into the main hall. The architecture, steeped in Anhui tradition, is simple and elegant, with faint traces of wheel ruts visible in the back alleys. The area boasts karst caves dating back three million years, villages dating back over a thousand years, and old streets dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties, where Chinese and Western religions coexist. For a small town in southern Anhui, this rich tourism resource is truly unique. The area can be divided into three main sections: the Old Street, the North, and the East. The impression it gives is "a stone road with five water gates, a small building with a courtyard and a horse-head wall. The wooden combs and bamboo utensils are of strange colors, and the fragrance of dates is subtle.
The subtropical monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Leisure, vacation, architecture, culture, water
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
8:00-17:00
Shuidong Ancient Town is a historical town dating back over 1,000 years, and it was a major trade and cultural hub in the region. The town preserves traditional Hui-style architecture and is a showcase of ancient Chinese culture and craftsmanship. Its history as a place for tea and silk trade makes it a key cultural landmark in Anhui Province.
Shuidong Ancient Town is located in Hefei, Anhui Province. It can be reached by taxi or private car from Hefei city center. Public buses are also available, but using a taxi or ride-sharing service may be more convenient for first-time visitors.
The town is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the town is less crowded.
The entrance fee to Shuidong Ancient Town is approximately 30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance or through local tourism websites.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it may be a good idea during peak tourist seasons (such as national holidays). Tickets can be bought on the day of the visit.
It typically takes around 2-3 hours to fully explore Shuidong Ancient Town, including a leisurely walk through its streets, a visit to historical sites, and time for shopping or dining.
Key highlights include the ancient water systems, traditional wooden architecture, the old market street, and temples. The riverside area is also very scenic and ideal for a peaceful walk or boat ride.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in Chinese and English are also offered for a self-paced tour of the town.
The best photography spots include the town's old market street, the riverside, and the ancient bridges. The picturesque alleyways and traditional houses also provide great photo opportunities.
Start by exploring the town's entrance and main street, visit the ancient temples and wells, then head to the riverside area for a boat ride. Finish by walking through the local artisan shops before departing.
Shuidong Ancient Town is mostly visited during the day. While there are no specific light shows, the town is beautifully lit in the evening, offering a peaceful ambiance for an evening stroll.
The town can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The best times to visit are weekdays, especially in the morning before the crowds arrive.
There are public restrooms, local eateries serving Anhui cuisine, and shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. Water is available in most restaurants and kiosks.
The ancient town’s terrain may be challenging for people with mobility issues due to its cobbled streets and stairs. However, it is suitable for elderly visitors with some assistance, and children will enjoy the area’s open spaces and historical sites.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are more widely used in the town, especially in shops and restaurants.
There are a variety of restaurants offering local Anhui cuisine, such as stews, fresh river fish, and noodles. Several small cafes also serve snacks and drinks along the main street.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in the local restaurants, especially dishes made with tofu, vegetables, and rice. Halal food may be available in some eateries catering to Muslim visitors.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Hefei city center, which is about 20-30 minutes away by taxi from Shuidong Ancient Town. Options range from budget to mid-range hotels.
Nearby attractions include Hefei's historical sites, such as the Anhui Museum, Hefei Swan Lake, and the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao. These can be combined with a visit to Shuidong Ancient Town in a day trip.
Souvenir shops in the town sell traditional Anhui crafts, local tea, handmade pottery, and wooden carvings. Popular souvenirs include silk items and local snacks.
From Shuidong Ancient Town, taxis, buses, or ride-sharing services are the best options to continue your trip. Hefei Railway Station and Hefei Xinqiao International Airport are easily accessible by taxi or bus from the town.
