Live Your Best Lives
Explore the ancient streets of Huizhou, admire the traditional Huizhou-style architecture, visit the local temples, and experience the serene atmosphere of the surrounding natural beauty. You can also shop for local handicrafts like Huizhou ink stones and tea leaves.
Huizhou Ancient City, also known as Shexian Ancient City, was formerly known as Xin'an Commandery. Located in Huicheng Town, Shexian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, it covers a total area of 24.7 square kilometers. Founded during the Qin Dynasty, the ancient city has served as the seat of Huizhou Commandery, prefecture, and prefectural government since the Tang Dynasty. The county and prefectural governments were co-located within the same city, creating a unique "city within a city" style. Huizhou Ancient City is the birthplace of Huixue, one of China's three major local schools of thought, and is known as the "Zou and Lu of Southeast China, the State of Etiquette and Rites."
The ancient city of Huizhou consists of an inner city and an outer city, with four gates in the east, west, south, and north directions. It also retains its ancient city walls, city gates, ancient streets, and alleys. Seven scenic spots within the city include Hui Garden, Yuliang Dam, Xuguo Stone Archway, Doushan Street, the Tao Xingzhi Memorial Hall, Xin'an Stele Garden, and Taibai Tower. Huizhou culture is reflected in Xin'an Neo-Confucianism, Huizhou School of Traditional Chinese Learning, Xin'an Medicine, Xin'an School of Painting, Huizhou Woodblock Prints, Huizhou Seal Carving, Huizhou Opera, Huizhou Merchants, Huizhou Architecture, the "Four Sculptures" of Huizhou, Huizhou Cuisine, Huizhou Tea Ceremony, and the Huizhou Dialect.
Huizhou Ancient City is one of the four best-preserved ancient cities in China. In 1986, it was listed as a national historical and cultural city by the State Council. In 2014, it was included in the National 5A-level scenic spot, the Ancient Huizhou Cultural Tourism Zone.
Huizhou Ancient City has a subtropical monsoon climate and is located in the transition zone between the mid-subtropical and northern subtropical regions. The average annual temperature is 16.3°C. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 3.8°C and an extreme low of -12.7°C.
July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 27.9℃ and an extreme maximum temperature of 40.8℃.
Suitable for travel in spring and autumn.
Huiyuan
Huiyuan is an antique tourist area built in She County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, in the area of the former Huizhou government office.
Xuguo Stone Archway
Xuguo Stone Archway, also known as the Grand Secretary Archway and commonly known as the "Eight-legged Archway", is located on the east side of Yanghe Gate in She County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, and stands across the street.
Huizhou Prefecture Government Office
The Huizhou government office was built in the late Yuan Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty. During the Sui Dynasty's Yining reign (617-618), Duke Wang Hua of Yue relocated here. During the Song Dynasty's Shaoxi reign (1191-1194), the government office was destroyed by fire and subsequently rebuilt.
Two days of play are recommended
80.00 yuan/person
07:00~20:00
Huizhou Ancient City, located in Anhui Province, is famous for its rich cultural heritage, ancient architecture, and role as a historical center of commerce and education. The city showcases the unique style of Huizhou architecture, which has influenced Chinese building designs for centuries.
Huizhou Ancient City is located in Huangshan, Anhui Province. It can be accessed via bus or taxi from Huangshan Railway Station, or a direct bus from Huangshan Tunxi Airport. There is no metro service in the area, but walking within the city itself is easy and enjoyable.
The city is open for visitors year-round. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn, when the weather is mild. It is generally open from 8 AM to 6 PM.
The entrance fee for Huizhou Ancient City is around ¥40, and tickets can be purchased on-site. Some tours may also offer combined tickets that include other local attractions.
No, booking tickets in advance is not necessary. You can purchase tickets upon arrival, though booking for guided tours or during peak seasons might be recommended.
A visit to Huizhou Ancient City typically takes around 2-4 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring the architecture, shops, and museums.
Must-see highlights include the ancient streets lined with traditional Huizhou-style houses, local temples, and the Huizhou Museum, which offers insight into the city’s history and culture. Don’t miss the picturesque old city walls and watchtower.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may offer services in English. Audio guides may be available for rent, but availability can vary.
The best photography spots include the ancient city gates, the picturesque Huizhou-style streets, and the elevated views from the old city walls, where you can capture panoramic shots of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Start by exploring the ancient streets and local markets, then visit the Huizhou Museum to learn about the city’s history. End your visit by climbing the old city walls for stunning views of the area.
While there are no regular night visits or light shows, the city is beautifully lit at night, and you can enjoy a peaceful walk through the streets under the lights. Special night tours may be available during festivals or peak seasons.
Huizhou Ancient City can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The best times to visit are on weekdays or during off-peak seasons, particularly in spring and autumn.
Facilities include public toilets, rest areas, cafes, and food stalls. There are also local shops selling souvenirs and traditional handicrafts like inkstones and teas.
Huizhou Ancient City is mostly accessible for elderly and children, though some areas may involve stairs or uneven paths. It may not be fully accessible for disabled visitors due to the city’s ancient architecture.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are commonly accepted. It’s still a good idea to carry cash for small purchases or in case mobile payment options are unavailable at certain stalls.
Nearby restaurants serve local Anhui cuisine, including dishes like Anhui-style hotpot and traditional rice noodles. There are also small cafes offering tea and snacks.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available in some restaurants. Halal food options may be more limited but can be found in specialized restaurants.
There are several accommodations near Huizhou Ancient City, including mid-range hotels and guesthouses. Some options include the Huizhou International Hotel and local inns offering a more traditional experience.
Other nearby attractions include Huangshan Mountain, the Xidi and Hongcun Ancient Villages (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), and the Tunxi Old Street in Huangshan City.
Souvenir shops around Huizhou Ancient City sell traditional Huizhou handicrafts, including inkstones, tea, silk products, and wood carvings. Local snacks are also popular to take home.
From Huizhou Ancient City, you can take a taxi or bus to nearby Huangshan City or other attractions such as Xidi or Hongcun. The Huangshan Railway Station is easily accessible for further travel by train.
