Tongling Ancient Road

Introducing Tongling Ancient Trail

The Tongling Ancient Road, located at the junction of Qiankou Town and Chengkan Town in Huizhou District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, stretches approximately 7,200 meters and served as a vital commercial and cultural route in ancient Huizhou. Built during the Tang and Song dynasties, it was once a crucial route for Huizhou merchants traveling between Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui. Connecting numerous ancient Huizhou villages along the route, it is known as a "living fossil of Huizhou history." Verdant mountains and gurgling streams flank the ancient road. In spring, fields of rapeseed blossoms blend beautifully with the whitewashed, black-tiled villages, creating a picturesque natural landscape.

Core Features:

Rich in history: The ancient road retains the stone roads, ancient bridges and post station ruins from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Pavilions where caravans rested can still be seen on some sections of the road.

Natural wildness: The vegetation along the way is dense, with rhododendrons and rape flowers blooming in spring and red leaves covering the mountains in autumn. The scenery varies with each season.

Cultural Experience: Connecting Shuyuan Village, Lingshan Village and other ancient Huizhou villages, you can deeply experience the Huizhou architecture and farming culture.

Climate and best time to travel

Recommended season:

Spring (March-April): Rapeseed flowers are in full bloom, and the ancient village and the sea of ​​flowers complement each other beautifully. It is the golden season for photography and hiking.

Autumn (October-November): Red leaves adorn the mountains, and the climate is cool, making it suitable for long-distance hiking.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Classic Hiking Route (1-day itinerary)

Route: Qiankou Town (starting point) → Shuyuan Village → Lingshan Village → Chengkan Town (end point).

Distance: approximately 7 km, with a cumulative ascent of 300 meters and a duration of 4-5 hours.

Highlights:

Shuyuan Village: Huizhou's "Little Peach Blossom Land", famous for the Lingjin River running through the village and the rapeseed terraces. The Hui-style houses in the village are well-preserved, and you can take pictures of the classic composition of white walls, black tiles and a sea of ​​flowers.

Lingshan Village: Surrounded by thousands of acres of terraced fields, rape flowers are like golden waves in spring and rice is golden in autumn. The ancient water system and stone roads in the village retain their original appearance, making it suitable for humanistic photography.

2. In-depth cultural tour (2-day itinerary)

Day 1: Qiankou Town → Shuyuan Village → Lingshan Village (stay at Lingshan Village B&B).

Day 2: Lingshan Village → Huizhou Ancient City → Shitan Village.

Huizhou Ancient City: One of the four ancient cities in China, the iconic buildings include the Xuguo Stone Archway and the ancient alleys of Doushan Street, which show the vicissitudes of history under the lights at night.

Shitan Village: Surrounded by clouds and mist in spring, the rape flowers in the mountains and the ancient village form the ultimate picture of "Ink Huizhou".

---

Most Popular FAQs for Tongling Ancient Road

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

Tongling Ancient Road is a historic trade and transportation route in Huangshan, Anhui. It has been used for centuries to connect villages and facilitate cultural and economic exchange, preserving traditional architecture and historical landmarks along its path.

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

Located in Huangshan, Anhui Province, Tongling Ancient Road can be accessed by local buses or taxis from Huangshan city center. Walking or guided tours are recommended for exploring the route itself.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The road is open year-round. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit for mild weather and scenic natural beauty.

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

Some sections of the road and nearby attractions may charge a small entrance fee, usually available for purchase on-site. Online booking may be possible for guided tours or special events.

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

Advance booking is not typically required unless joining a guided tour or visiting during peak holiday seasons. Booking a few days ahead is recommended for special activities.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

2–4 hours to walk and explore the main sections of the road. A full day is recommended if including nearby villages and cultural sites.

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

• Historic stone paths and bridges
• Traditional villages along the route
• Ancient temples and shrines
• Scenic viewpoints overlooking mountains and rivers

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

Guided tours are available in Chinese; some private operators may offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides are less common.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Mountain overlook points along the route
• Old stone bridges and cobblestone paths
• Traditional village streets and courtyards
• Riverside views and seasonal landscapes

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start from the main entrance → hike through historic sections → visit key temples → explore traditional villages → return via scenic viewpoint areas.

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

Night visits are generally not available due to safety concerns. Special cultural events may occasionally be held during festivals.

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

Weekdays are less crowded than weekends or public holidays. Early morning visits provide a quieter experience.

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

Basic facilities are available at entry points and nearby villages, including toilets, small food stalls, and rest areas. Shops for snacks and drinks are limited along the path.

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

Some sections involve uneven paths and steps, making accessibility challenging for the elderly or disabled. Children can walk with supervision.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is recommended, though some nearby shops may accept mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Small local eateries and tea houses are available near the entrance or along nearby villages, serving Anhui-style cuisine and snacks.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available in local eateries. Halal food may be limited and require prior inquiry.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Guesthouses, small hotels, and inns are available in Huangshan city and nearby villages, providing convenient access to the road.

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

• Huangshan Scenic Area (Yellow Mountain)
• Hongcun and Xidi Ancient Villages
• Ancient Tunxi Old Street

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenirs include local handicrafts, traditional teas, small stone carvings, and Anhui-style artwork, available in nearby villages and entry points.

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

Local buses or taxis to Huangshan city center, then high-speed rail or long-distance buses to other Anhui destinations. Rental cars are also convenient for exploring surrounding areas.