Huizhou

What are the most recommended things to do in Huizhou?

  • Visit the famous Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its breathtaking scenery and ancient pine trees.
  • Explore the ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi, famous for their traditional Anhui architecture and beautiful surroundings.
  • Take a walk along the Tunxi Old Street, a well-preserved ancient street filled with traditional shops, teahouses, and restaurants.
  • Hike through the scenic Jiuhua Mountain, one of China's four Buddhist sacred mountains, known for its temples and stunning views.
  • Visit the Huizhou Ancient City, where you can learn about the region's rich cultural heritage.

Introducing Huizhou

Huizhou was originally a part of Liangzhe Dao, the earliest prototype of Zhejiang Province in the late Tang Dynasty. The original scope of Huizhou is now jointly occupied by Jiangxi Province and Anhui Province, with the main parts being Huangshan City, Jixi County (Xuancheng City) and Wuyuan County (Shangrao City).

Huizhou boasts towering peaks, cascading hills, and crisscrossing ridges and valleys. The region boasts deep mountains, valleys, basins, and plains, boasting stunning natural beauty and a rich history. As one of China's three major regional cultures, Huizhou culture possesses a vast range of connotations.

Climate and best time to travel

Humid monsoon climate, mild and rainy, with distinct four seasons, spring, summer and autumn are suitable for going out

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Huangshan Scenic Area

Huangshan has long been one of China's most renowned mountains. Its unique pines, grotesque rocks, sea of ​​clouds, and hot springs are known as its "Four Wonders." Furthermore, rime, snow, and sunrises are also must-see attractions. The ancients said, "After visiting the Five Sacred Mountains, you won't want to see any other mountains; after visiting Huangshan, you won't want to see any other mountains."


Hongcun Scenic Area

Hongcun, the most representative of Hui-style residential villages, is known as the "village in Chinese paintings." The Oscar-winning foreign language film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" was filmed here. The Nanhu Bridge outside the village is the bridge Li Mubai crossed with his horse, and the Yuezhao in the village is where Yu Jiaolong passed by.


Jiangling

Jiangling, in the northeast corner of Wuyuan County, is Wuyuan's flagship attraction. The so-called Wuyuan rapeseed flowers are located here. Here, the rapeseed flowers spread across the mountains in terraced fields, spreading from the mountaintops to the valley floor. From here, you can overlook the layers of rapeseed terraces.


Recommended 2-day tour


Most Popular FAQs for Huizhou

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Huizhou, located in Anhui Province, is historically significant for its role in the Huizhou culture, famous for its architecture, philosophy, and business acumen. It is also home to the Hui merchants, one of the most prosperous merchant groups in Chinese history.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Huizhou is located in the southern part of Anhui Province. It can be reached by train or bus from major cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, or Nanjing. In the city, taxis and buses are common modes of transport.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The best time to visit Huizhou is from March to May or September to November when the weather is mild. Major attractions typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though times may vary based on specific sites.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entrance fees vary by site. For example, Huangshan charges around 230-290 RMB for entry, while village entries like Hongcun and Xidi charge about 104 RMB. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance of most attractions.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

It's advisable to book tickets in advance for popular destinations like Huangshan, especially during peak tourist seasons (April to October). Booking 1-2 days ahead should suffice, but during holidays, booking 1-2 weeks in advance is recommended.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

For Huangshan, 2-3 days are recommended to fully explore the mountain and its surroundings. For Huizhou Ancient City and nearby villages, 1-2 days should be sufficient.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Huangshan Mountain, known for its "four wonders" — strange pines, grotesque rocks, seas of clouds, and hot springs.
  • The ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi, with their beautiful traditional Anhui-style architecture.
  • The scenic Tunxi Old Street, which offers a taste of ancient Chinese culture and architecture.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in most major attractions, and audio guides are offered in several languages, including English, Chinese, and sometimes French. Local guides are also available for more in-depth tours.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Huangshan, particularly at the Cloud-Dispelling Pavilion for panoramic views of the mountains.
  • The ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi, offering picturesque scenes of traditional buildings and rivers.
  • The Tunxi Old Street, especially at sunset when the street is bathed in golden light.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A recommended itinerary would start with a visit to the Huangshan Mountain, followed by a day trip to Hongcun and Xidi villages. End with a visit to the Tunxi Old Street for an evening stroll.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not common for most attractions, but some villages like Hongcun are beautifully lit at night. Certain temples or scenic spots may offer evening performances or festivals during peak tourist seasons.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Huizhou can get crowded during holidays, especially around Chinese New Year and national holidays. To avoid crowds, visit during the weekdays in the shoulder seasons, from March to May or September to November.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Most attractions in Huizhou offer basic facilities like toilets, food stalls, water, and rest areas. More developed spots like Huangshan have restaurants, souvenir shops, and hotels for convenience.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

While many sites like Huangshan have cable cars for easier access, some parts of the mountain may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. However, villages like Hongcun and Xidi are generally accessible for all visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is commonly used, but most hotels, restaurants, and major attractions accept mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and credit cards, especially in larger cities.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Within the cities and around the major attractions, you'll find a variety of Chinese restaurants, offering both local Anhui cuisine and national dishes. Many cafes in Tunxi and the villages offer tea and snacks.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan food options are available, especially in more tourist-oriented areas. Halal food may be found in larger cities like Tunxi, though it's less common in rural areas.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are numerous hotels and guesthouses in Tunxi, ranging from budget to luxury options. For a more scenic experience, some hotels near Huangshan offer breathtaking mountain views.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • The ancient city of Shexian, known for its well-preserved Hui-style architecture.
  • The scenic Jiuhua Mountain, a Buddhist holy site that is just a short trip from Huizhou.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops are common in areas like Tunxi Old Street and around Huangshan. Popular items include local tea, ink stones, Huizhou carvings, and traditional textiles.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Huizhou, the best options to continue the trip are by train or bus to other cities like Hangzhou, Shanghai, or Nanjing. Taxis or local buses are available for nearby attractions.