Yi County

Introducing Yi County

Yi County is the smallest county in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, and also one of its oldest. Nestled between Huangshan Mountain to the north and Baiyue Mountain to the south, Yi County is surrounded by mountains on all sides, earning it the ancient reputation of a "Little Peach Blossom Spring." The continuous peaks within Yi County, woven together with Huangshan Mountain, have historically hindered ancient Yi's interaction with the outside world, but they have also fostered its idyllic ecological environment.

Yi County, with its distinct seasons, mild climate, and charming rural scenery, attracted Tao Yuanming to visit and compose his immortal poem "Peach Blossom Spring." Li Bai praised it in a poem: "Yi County is a small Peach Blossom Spring, with mist and haze covering a hundred miles, the land is rich in luxuriant plants, and the people still dress in ancient ways." The county is renowned for its ancient Ming and Qing dynasty dwellings, and its representative Hui-style architecture, with its soaring horse-head walls, clear lotus-filled lakes, and arched bridges resembling rainbows, has become a picture that has etched itself into the hearts of many.

Climate and best time to travel

The climate is mild and rainfall is abundant;

It is a good place to visit in all seasons, with peach and rape blossoms in full bloom from March to April, chrysanthemums covering the ground from October to November, and autumn leaves burning red;

The most beautiful hours of the day are before 7:00 in the morning and in the evening. After the tour groups leave, the entire village falls silent, its pink walls and black tiles reflected in the water, revealing the picturesque beauty of the village.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Hongcun Scenic Area

Hongcun, the most representative of the 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 over which Li Mubai led his horse; the Yuezhao within the village is where Yu Jiaolong passed by. From its exterior, Hongcun is a unique ancient village shaped like an ox. Its slender and winding canal is nicknamed the "ox intestine," while the Nanhu Lake represents the ox's stomach and the Yuezhao the ox's tail. These three iconic features of the village are its three iconic landscapes.

Xidi

Xidi Village boasts a history of nearly a thousand years. Named a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2000, it is known as "the world's most beautiful village" and a "treasure trove of ancient residential architecture." Hundreds of Ming and Qing dynasty dwellings remain within the village, with buildings and pavements paved with marble. Two clear springs flow through the village, and 99 high walls and deep alleys create a labyrinthine experience. A landmark is the three-room, four-pillar, five-story bluestone archway at the entrance. Built in 1578, its majestic and intricate structure symbolizes the Hu family's prominent status.

Tachuan

Considered one of China's three most beautiful autumn scenery spots by photography enthusiasts, Tachuan Village, also known as Tashang, is a breathtaking sight, ablaze with vibrant colors. Enter the village by walking through the ancient forest at its entrance and ascending stone steps along a clear stream. Early mornings in Tachuan are at their most beautiful, with a thin mist shrouding the trees, making the farmhouses appear and disappear. In autumn, the mountains are bathed in a vibrant riot of color, from yellow and light red to fiery crimson. Furthermore, April, often overlooked, sees the blooming of azaleas and rapeseed flowers, creating a breathtaking paradise of color. The whitewashed walls and black tiles of Hui-style buildings nestle amidst the scenery, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

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Most Popular FAQs for Yi County

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

Yi County, located in Huangshan, Anhui, is renowned for its ancient villages, traditional Huizhou architecture, and rich cultural heritage. It has been an important cultural and economic center since the Ming and Qing dynasties and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical villages like Xidi and Hongcun.

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

Yi County is in southern Anhui province, near Huangshan City. Visitors can take a train or bus to Huangshan City and then a local bus or taxi to Yi County. Walking is recommended for exploring the villages themselves.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The villages and tourist areas are generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for mild weather and beautiful scenery.

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

Entrance fees vary by village. For example, Xidi and Hongcun charge around 104–140 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased online through official sites or offline at the entrance.

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

Booking in advance is recommended during peak seasons (holidays or weekends). Online booking 1–2 weeks ahead ensures availability and convenience.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

1–2 days are sufficient to explore the main villages and nearby scenic spots thoroughly.

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

• Xidi Ancient Village
• Hongcun Village
• Chengkan Village
• Scenic spots along rivers, bridges, and ancient streets

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

Guided tours are available in Mandarin; some tours may offer English guides if booked in advance. Audio guides are limited.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Overhead views of Hongcun Village from Moon Pond
• Traditional arch bridges and waterways in Xidi
• Village streets lined with Huizhou-style architecture
• Nearby hills for panoramic views of the villages and surrounding mountains

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at Xidi Village, explore streets, houses, and temples, then move to Hongcun Village to see Moon Pond and ancestral halls. Conclude with a short hike to nearby viewpoints.

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

Night visits are limited; some villages offer evening cultural performances during festivals. Regular light shows are not available.

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

Weekdays and off-season months are less crowded. Weekends and public holidays can be very busy.

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

Basic facilities include public toilets, small restaurants, tea houses, souvenir shops, and rest areas in or near the villages.

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

Villages are walkable for children and the elderly, though uneven paths may challenge some disabled visitors. Limited wheelchair access is available.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted; small cash is recommended for minor purchases.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Local eateries serve Anhui cuisine, including stewed dishes, bamboo shoots, and local snacks. Tea houses and small cafes are available in village centers.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available in most restaurants. Halal options are limited; prior inquiry is recommended.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Guesthouses, boutique hotels, and inns are available near Xidi and Hongcun Villages, offering convenient access to the main attractions.

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

• Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
• Ancient streets and townscapes of Tunxi
• Scenic spots around Shexian County

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenirs include ink rubbings, Huizhou-style wooden carvings, local tea, paper cuttings, and postcards.

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

Taxis, private cars, and local buses connect visitors to Huangshan City, Tunxi, and nearby scenic areas. Arranging a private car for day trips is convenient for visiting multiple villages.