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Mountains surround the city, clear streams flow around it, white clouds and green peaks are hard to paint. Everywhere, pavilions and terraces hide the beauty of the countryside, and every house is lit with lights and the sound of reading. — Zhao Shixiu, "Huizhou"
Huangshan, located at the junction of Anhui, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi provinces, was formerly known as Huizhou. It is the hometown of renowned Huizhou merchants and a key birthplace of Hui culture. The area boasts numerous historical sites, with Huangshan and the ancient villages of Xidi and Hongcun in southern Anhui being the most renowned.
Huangshancheck the details
Huangshan City, formerly known as Huizhou, is located in the upper reaches of the Xin'an River and was formerly known as Xin'an. It boasts renowned attractions such as the Huangshan Scenic Area, a national key scenic spot; Qiyun Mountain, one of the four famous Taoist mountains; and Tunxi Old Street, a "moving painting of the Qingming River." Huangshan is a world-renowned modern international tourist city, a major tourist hub in the Yangtze River Delta, an interprovincial hub for Anhui, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi, and a regional secondary transportation hub in East China. Huangshan, formerly known as Huizhou, is both the hometown of Huizhou merchants and a key birthplace of Hui culture. The Xin'an School of Painting, Xin'an Medicine, Huizhou Architecture, the Four Types of Huizhou Sculpture, and Huizhou Bonsai are among its most influential works. Hui Opera is the forerunner of Peking Opera, and Hui Cuisine is one of China's eight major cuisines. Huangshan, located within Huangshan City, is a World Heritage Site, both natural and cultural. The ancient villages of Xidi and Hongcun in southern Anhui are World Cultural Heritage sites.
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Huangshan City, a prefecture-level city in Anhui Province, is a vibrant and vibrant tourist destination. It governs three districts: Tunxi, Huangshan, and Huizhou, and four counties: She, Xiuning, Qimen, and Yi.
Huangshan District is one of the three districts of Huangshan City. It encompasses the entire Huangshan Scenic Area, with the central urban area located north of the scenic area. Huangshan District comprises nine towns and five townships, and is closely connected to Huangshan. The north gate of the Huangshan Scenic Area is located in Gengcheng Town, part of Huangshan District; the east gate is located in Tanjiaqiao Town; the south gate is located in Tangkou Town; and the west gate is located in Jiaocun Town.
Huangshan Scenic Area is located in Huangshan City in southern Anhui Province. Originally known as Yishan, it was later renamed Huangshan due to the legend that Emperor Huangdi once refined elixir here. When we refer to Huangshan, we usually refer to this mountain, one of the ten most famous mountains in China.
Huangshan Tunxi International Airport
Address: No. 8 Longjing, Yiqi Town, Tunxi District, Huangshan City
It is about 5 km to Tunxi Old Street and costs about 20 yuan by taxi; it is about 60 km to Tangkou and costs about 150 yuan by taxi.
Bus route: No. 18/No. 19
Airport shuttle bus: Airport - Downtown
Operating time: Follows flights.
Route: Airport (starting point) → International Hotel → Civil Aviation Ticket Office → First Road [Yan'an Road] → Second Road [Yan'an Road] → Third Road [Yan'an Road] → Hengjiang Bridge [Xihai Road] → Commercial City → Yuzhong Garden (terminal point) Return by the original route
Huangshan North Station
Address: Xixi South Town, Tunxi District, Huangshan City
It is about 15 km to Tunxi Old Street and costs about 45 yuan by taxi. High-speed Rail Express Line 2 is recommended. It is about 50 km to Tangkou and costs about 140 yuan by taxi.
High-speed rail from Huangshan North Station to Huangshan Scenic Area South Gate Transfer Center: Daily from 8:00 AM to 8:20 PM, with trains departing every 30 minutes. (Ticket price: 20 yuan, approximately 50 minutes)
From the Huangshan Scenic Area South Gate Transfer Center to the Huangshan North High-Speed Railway Station: every day from 7:30 to 18:00, there is a train every 30 minutes (during peak passenger flow periods, the train will depart when it is full).
Huangshan Railway Station
Address: Qianyuan North Road, Tunxi District, Huangshan City
It is about 3.5 kilometers to Tunxi Old Street and costs about 8 yuan by taxi; it is about 60 kilometers to Tangkou and costs about 150 yuan by taxi.
Huangshan Bus Terminal (Huangshan Tunxi)
Address: No. 31 Qiyun Avenue, Tunxi District, Huangshan City
Tel: 0559-2566666
It's about 4 km to Tunxi Old Street, and a taxi costs about 11 yuan. It's about 50 km to Tangkou, and a taxi costs about 160 yuan. It takes about 100 minutes to reach the foot of Huangshan Mountain.
Huangshan Scenic Area (Tangkou) Bus Station
Address: Tangchuan Road, National Highway 205, Huangshan City (Tangchuan Transfer Center)
Tel: 0559-5572610
It is about 60km to Tunxi Old Street and the taxi fare is about 160 yuan.
The station offers shuttle buses to Hefei, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Qiandao Lake, Anqing, Jiuhua Mountain, the North High-Speed Railway Station, Huangshan City (Tunxi), Hongcun, and other destinations. (For specific bus schedules, please refer to the real-time information released on the WeChat public account "Huangshan Scenic Area Bus Station" or call 0559-5572602.)
① Get to know Huangshan in one minute
Huangshan is one of the ten most famous mountains in China and the most unique mountain in the world. It has 72 peaks, and the main peak, Lotus Peak, is 1,864 meters above sea level. It is one of the three main peaks of Huangshan together with Guangmingding and Tiandu Peak, and is one of the 36 major peaks.
② Recommended travel time
Huangshan's scenery varies throughout the year, with more rainy and foggy days. April to November is the best time to visit, but it's best to avoid the busiest months of July and August. While winter is Huangshan's most beautiful season, with the most sea of clouds, Lotus Peak and Tiandu Peak are generally closed, so there are some trade-offs.
③ Tickets and transportation within the scenic area
(For details on half-price or free ticket policies, please visit the Huangshan Scenic Area Administration http://hsgwh.huangshan.gov.cn/)
The New National Line Huangshan Scenic Area Tourist Distribution Center Co., Ltd. currently has seven transfer points: Zhaixi, Dongling, South Gate, Hot Springs, Taohua Peak (cable car entrance), Ciguang Pavilion (walking entrance), and Yungu Temple. The ticket prices are as follows:
The round-trip ticket price from Zhaixi, Dongling, and Nanmen to the hot springs is 11 yuan each
The round-trip ticket price between Hot Springs, Yungu Temple and Ciguang Pavilion is 8 yuan each.
The round-trip ticket price from Zhaixi, Dongling, Nanmen to Ciguang Pavilion and Yungu Temple is 19 yuan
Arrive at the transfer point at the south gate of Huangshan Scenic Area and take the scenic shuttle bus to the upper entrance of the mountain. If you have large items that are inconvenient to carry, you can store them at the transfer center.
④ Classic Mountaineering Route
<Essence of One Day>
Take the Yungu Cableway on the back mountain and walk along the route to the bottom of the Xihai Grand Canyon
Transfer station (19 yuan) - 25 minutes to Yungu Temple - Yungu Cableway - Baieling Station - Toward Shixin Peak - Little Dream - Phoenix Pine - Eighteen Arhats Facing the South China Sea - Lingzhi Pavilion - Harp Pine - Exploring the Sea Pine - Shixin Peak - Twin Pine - Black Tiger Pine - Beihai Hotel - Dream Brush - Shilin Hotel - Qingliang Terrace - Monkeys Watching the Sea - Return and go up the stairs - Turn right towards Xihai Grand Canyon - Great King Pine - Unity Pine - Xihai Hotel - Go straight after Paiyunlou Hotel - Paiyun Pavilion - North Entrance of Xihai Grand Canyon - First and Second Ring Roads - Valley Bottom - Xihai Cable Car — Tianhai Station — Baiyun Hotel — Turn left and go up the stairs — Guangmingding — Go down the stairs to the right of the Guangmingding elevation monument — Tianhai Food — Haixin Pavilion — Turn left at the fork in the road — Aoyu Peak — Aoyu Cave — Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder — Lotus Pavilion — Golden Turtle Exploring the Sea — Lianrui Peak — Happiness Avenue — Dolphin Stone — Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate — Cross the Haohanpo Bridge — Farewell Pine — Yuping Tower (Sleeping Buddha) — Welcoming Pine — Accompanying Pine — Return to Farewell Pine — Turn left at the bottom of Haohanpo Bridge — Futon Pine — Yuping Cableway Station — Yuping Cableway — Hot Spring Station — Scenic Area Bus — 20 minutes to the transfer station
<Two Leisure Days>
Day 1
Take the scenic bus from Zhaixi Transfer Center in Tangkou Town to Yungu Temple on the back of Huangshan Mountain to start climbing.
Yungu Temple (it is recommended to take the cable car) - Baie Ridge - Shixin Peak - Beihai - Shizi Peak - return to Beihai - Xihai - Paiyun Tower - Paiyun Pavilion - Xihai Grand Canyon North Entrance - First and Second Ring Roads - Valley Bottom - Sanxi Bridge - Buxian Bridge - Woshi Piyun - Xihai Yaotai (now renamed Baiyunxi Observation Deck) - check in at the mountaintop hotel. In the evening, you can go to Guangmingding or Aoyu Peak to watch the sunset.
Day 2
Get up early to watch the sunrise at Guangmingding (Bright Summit), then visit Tianhai (Sea of Heaven), Aoyu Peak (Aoyu Peak), Lianhua Peak (Lotus Peak), Yuping Tower (Yuping Tower), and Welcoming Pine (take the cable car or walk down the mountain). Then, visit the foot of Tiandu Peak, Banshan Temple, and Ciguang Pavilion. Return to Tangkou Town by scenic bus.
⑤ Viewing spot
⑥ Accommodation
Accommodation on the mountain is relatively expensive, and many inns and hotels are limited in terms of facilities. However, you can enjoy superb views and beautiful mountain sunrises. Outside the scenic area, there are more options at the foot of the mountain, offering better accommodations and a good value. For a one-day trip, Tangkou Town is the best choice. For a two-day trip, you can choose to spend one day in the mountains and the other in Tangkou or Tunxi.
Recommended accommodation on the mountain
Huangshan Baiyun Hotel (four-star)
Reference price: 350-1600 yuan/room
Located at the foot of Guangmingding, in front of Lianhua Peak, and between Aoyu Peak and the peaks of the Xihai Grand Canyon, this hotel offers a prime location, beautiful scenery, and excellent service. It offers both upscale standard rooms and bunk beds suitable for backpackers. If you're looking to watch the sunset from Guangmingding, this is a great choice.
Huangshan Xihai Hotel (upscale)
Reference price: 1300-9000 yuan/room
Located in a prime location atop Huangshan Mountain, approximately 500 meters from the north entrance to the Xihai Grand Canyon (Paiyun Pavilion), this hotel is an ideal choice for scenic views and a relaxing getaway. Its facilities and environment are among the best on Huangshan Mountain, making it a truly exceptional hotel.
Huangshan Yupinglou Hotel (four-star)
Reference price: 1300-1700 yuan/room
Huangshan Yupinglou Hotel is located next to the Welcoming Pine in Huangshan Scenic Area, adjacent to the Yuping Cableway and backed by Yuping Peak. It is known as the "Jade Screen in the Sky" and the "Hotel on the Top of the Ladder to Heaven".
Huangshan Shilin Hotel (four-star)
Reference price: 1300-3000 yuan/room
Located in the Beihai Scenic Area, the heart of Huangshan Mountain, it is adjacent to the entrance to the Xihai Grand Canyon. It is just three minutes away from Qingliangtai, the best sunrise viewing spot and one of Huangshan City's top 100 photography spots.
Tips:
Accommodation: Huangshan is very crowded from April to October, and accommodation is very limited. It is recommended to book accommodations in advance through travel agencies or hotel service companies.
Food: Eating and shopping are very expensive in Huangshan Scenic Area. Bring snacks like bread and biscuits, as well as a small amount of mineral water, to Tunxi. Water is in short supply on the mountain, and a bottle of mineral water can cost 5-15 yuan.
Safety: When hiking, wear flat-heeled rubber saddle shoes, cloth shoes, or hiking shoes; avoid high-heeled leather shoes for the sake of appearance. On rainy days, you can buy a disposable raincoat locally for a few yuan; it's much more convenient and safer than carrying an umbrella. When photographing Huangshan, never retreat without warning, as there may be a cliff behind you. Always look back to see if there's room to retreat to avoid a fall. Huangshan's mountain paths are steep and treacherous. Those with high blood pressure or heart disease should not hike alone, in addition to carrying essential emergency medications.
The canyon stretches for six miles and is dotted with over a hundred colorful pools of varying shapes and sizes. These pools change color, from crystal clear to emerald green, depending on the surrounding scenery, the angle of the sun, and the brightness of the light. The ever-changing colors create a myriad of vibrant colors, resembling emeralds scattered throughout the valley, hence the name Emerald Valley. Also known as "Lover's Valley," the area gained fame after the filming of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
Location: Located in Shancha Village, Tangkou Town, the southern gate of Huangshan Scenic Area
Transportation: Take a bus from Tangkou to the north for about 8 kilometers
Opening hours: 7:30-17:00
Tickets: 60 yuan/person if purchased online
Recommended season: Summer, summer resort
Tips:
It is recommended to visit Emerald Valley first and then visit Huangshan, otherwise you will feel tired and lose interest in playing after climbing Huangshan.
Yi County, one of the six ancient counties of Huizhou, has been known as a "small paradise" since ancient times. It boasts a large number of Ming and Qing dynasty dwellings, ancestral halls, memorial archways, and gardens.
① First impression of Hongcun
Hongcun is one of the first 12 historical and cultural villages in the country, a national key cultural relic protection unit, a patriotic education base in Anhui Province, a national 5A scenic spot, and a world cultural heritage.
Known as a "village in a painting," Hongcun boasts over 140 well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty dwellings as of 2014. Key attractions include: Spring Dawn on South Lake, Reading in the Academy, Lotuses in the Moon Pond, Niuchang Canal, Twin Creeks Reflecting the Greenery, Ancient Trees in Front of the Pavilion, and Sunset on Leigang Hill. Hongcun, known for its "mist and rain blanketing the south of the Yangtze River, where one discusses the past and present with a clear conscience," is the birthplace of Hui culture and a key gathering place for ancient Hui merchants.
② Recommended visiting time
Spring and autumn are best.
Because March to April is the season when rape flowers are in full bloom, with pink walls and black tiles, green mountains and green waters, and yellow flowers everywhere. In November, the autumn colors are in full swing, and the combination of red leaves all over the mountains and the black and white ancient Huizhou buildings will bring people a special visual enjoyment.
③ Basic Information
Tickets: 104 yuan/person (10 yuan cheaper if you book online)
Valid for three days (enter and exit freely within three days, and you can go to the surrounding area to play, but remember to bring your ID card and ticket when entering and leaving)
Opening hours: All day
Transportation: Take a bus from Yi County to Hongcun, 2 yuan per person, and it takes 15 minutes to arrive. There is a bus from the south gate of Huangshan Scenic Area that goes directly to Hongcun, the ticket is 13 yuan per person, and the journey takes about 40 minutes.
④ Must-experience
Hongcun Panorama Sunset
When visiting Hongcun, you must not miss the opportunity to appreciate the overall picture of the village. There are two places where you can view it.
One is on Leigang Mountain behind Chengzhi Hall, but the mountain is not high enough and there are obstructions, so the photography effect is average. The other is at the entrance of the village, an inn called Photography House. Non-staying guests can take photos on the rooftop for 10 yuan per person. The viewing platform of this inn is in an excellent position. If you catch it at dusk, you can see the stunning panoramic sunset of Hongcun.
Morning Mist over Nanhu Lake
South Lake, located at the southern end of Hongcun, was built in the Dingwei year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty. It is modeled after the Autumn Moon over the West Lake. The most beautiful bridge on South Lake is the Painting Bridge, a delicate and exquisite bridge that resembles a jade belt across the water. If you arrive in the morning mist, the entire Hongcun village appears to be hidden in a landscape painting.
If you stay in the village at night, you can get up early the next day, sit by the South Lake and feel the quiet time.
Moon Swamp Night
The "Moon Pond," as the locals call it, is also known as the "cow's stomach." Its waters are perpetually emerald green, its surface as smooth as a mirror. Bluestones pave the perimeter, and whitewashed walls and tiles line the pond in an orderly fashion. Blue sky and white clouds cascade down into the water. In the evening, as the crowds gradually disperse and strings of lanterns light up, you can enjoy a hearty dinner and join the villagers in enjoying the nighttime beauty of this ancient village.
Autumn scenery of Qishu Lake
Qishu Lake, located 3 kilometers southwest of Hongcun, is little known. The lake boasts stunning scenery, with fields of wildflowers dotting its shores. In autumn, the Metasequoia trees turn a vibrant red, reflected in the water and shrouded in swirling mist, creating a fairyland-like scene.
⑤ Accommodation
Hongcun, a well-developed scenic area, offers a wide range of accommodations. Accommodation is generally divided into two areas: inside the scenic area and outside. The inner area offers beautiful scenery and a bustling atmosphere, while the outer area is more affordable and suitable for those seeking a quieter environment. I personally recommend staying inside the scenic area, as it's convenient for dining and sightseeing, and you can also enjoy the stunning views of the lake.
⑥ Entertainment
Cycling
Bicycles are available for rent at the entrance of Hongcun Village and at some guesthouses. You can spend your time aimlessly riding around, or you can ride to nearby attractions such as Lucun and Mukeng.
Watch a performance
Hongcun Village regularly presents the large-scale live cultural performance "Hongcun Aju," located in a 45-mu theater with a 17,000-square-meter building. Set against the backdrop of ancient Huizhou culture, "Hongcun Aju" recreates the stories of Huizhou women who were virtuous, hardworking, managed households, raised children, worked in the fields, and remained loyal and protective of their homes.
Tickets: Ordinary seats 180 yuan, VIP seats 280 yuan, VIP boxes 680 yuan
Time: 7:30 pm
Although both Xidi and Hongcun are ancient villages in Huizhou and both are listed as World Cultural Heritage, Xidi is far less popular than Hongcun. Some say that "Hongcun is a painting, and Xidi is a book," which is a very appropriate metaphor.
Hongcun is stunningly beautiful but has a more commercial feel. Xidi, on the other hand, is better preserved and boasts a richer cultural atmosphere. If you're looking for a less crowded and more authentic cultural experience, Xidi is the place to go. Upon entering the Xidi Scenic Area, the first thing you'll see is the Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway in Xidi Village, a unique and distinctive attraction.
Xidi Scenic Area has its own free guides, offering a guided tour of the area, each lasting about an hour, while you listen to stories about its history and culture. Because Xidi is a living ancient village, many residents still live in its old houses. While following the guide, take photos of the furnishings. Afterward, take a closer look and snap some pictures in the crowded alleys and buildings.
On the hill on the south side of the village, there is an observation deck from which you can overlook the entire village.
Transportation: Take the tourist bus to Xidi from Yixian Bus Station. The fare is 4 yuan per person.
Ticket price: 104 yuan/person
Time: 08:00-18:00 (Tickets available)
Tachuan seems to be just one of the many beautiful and prosperous natural villages in Yi County, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years and has become a base for many painters and photographers to create works, all because the autumn colors here are known as one of the four major autumn colors in the country.
Every autumn, the leaves of the tallow trees scattered across the village fields turn red, forming a charming pastoral landscape painting, which is why the autumn scenery of Takamatsu is famous.
However, Tachuan has unique seasonal characteristics. If you're not here to see the red leaves, it's not much different from other surrounding villages and isn't worth a special trip. Be sure to plan ahead and be mentally prepared to avoid leaving with high hopes and returning disappointed.
Best season: mid to late November
Transportation: Rent a bicycle or electric bike from Hongcun, or share a ride for around 10 yuan.
Tickets: 40 yuan per person (30 yuan per person if purchased online)
Bishan Village is only a few miles from Yi County, nestled among renowned destinations like Hongcun and Xidi. Perhaps it's the brilliance of these places that overshadows Bishan, giving it the aura of being "hidden within the city." Bishan Village's greatest characteristic is its pristine environment, with few visitors, allowing it to maintain its agricultural civilization, natural ecology, and simple folk customs.
After the establishment of Bishan Bookstore, the eighth branch of Nanjing's internet-famous Pioneer Bookstore, Bishan Bookstore has attracted a large number of visitors, bringing this hidden mountain village back to the public's attention. Here, you can enjoy a classic book, a cup of Huangshan tea, and a few of the bookstore's Hui ink pastries, where time seems to have stood still.
In addition to Bishan Bookstore, there are two inns here, the Pigpen Bar and the Bishan Industrial and Commercial Society, where you can stay for a few days and enjoy the real pastoral life.
Mukeng Bamboo Sea is located 1.5 kilometers southeast of Tachuan and 4 kilometers from Hongcun. The bamboo forest covers the mountain and is lush and green. However, the area is not crowded with tourists, making it very quiet and refreshing.
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
Ticket price: 30 yuan/person
She County, under the jurisdiction of Huangshan City, Anhui Province, was formerly known as Shezhou. Located at the southernmost tip of Anhui Province, it rests on Huangshan Mountain to the north, borders Hangzhou to the east, and borders Qiandao Lake to the south. It was the seat of the ancient Huizhou Prefecture and has been awarded honorary titles such as "China's Capital of Huizhou Ink," "Hometown of She Inkstones," "Hometown of Hui Opera," "Hometown of Hui Culture," and "Hometown of Memorial Archways."
Located in Shendu Town, She County, Huangshan City, the Xin'an River Landscape Gallery Scenic Area stretches approximately 100 miles. The ecological landscape along its banks presents a three-dimensional landscape of "high mountain forests, mid-mountain tea, low mountain fruit, and aquatic fish." Ancient Hui-style dwellings are dotted among the lush mountains and clear waters, earning it the nickname "the Danube of the East." The scenery changes throughout the year, resembling a flowing landscape painting.
The scenic area passes through She County, Xiong Village, Taohuaba (or Yuliang), Pukou, Nanyuankou, Kengkou, Zhangtan, Miantan, and Yuetan to Shendu Town. Scenic spots along the way include Jiusha Folk Houses, Santan Loquat Garden, Miantan Hui Opera, Fishing Eagles, Zhangtan Millennium Camphor Tree, and the Huizhou Shili Hongzhuang Pavilion.
Recommended season: The most beautiful time is when the rape flowers bloom in March and April
Tickets: 50 yuan/person for tickets, 51 yuan/person for boat tours
Transportation: Take a bus from Shexian Bus Station to Shendu Port, where there are boat trips to visit the landscape gallery.
Huizhou Ancient City, also known as Shexian Ancient City, was formerly known as Xin'an County. Founded in the Qin Dynasty, it has served as the seat of Huizhou County, prefecture, and government since the Tang Dynasty. The county and government seats coexisted within the same city, creating a unique "city within a city" style.
The ancient city of Huizhou is the birthplace of "Huixue", one of the three major local schools of thought in China. It is known as the "Zou and Lu of the Southeast, the State of Etiquette" and is one of the four major ancient cities in China. In 2014, it was listed as a part of the Ancient Huizhou Cultural Tourism Zone, a national 5A-level scenic spot.
The Xuguo Stone Archway, also known as the Grand Secretary Archway, is the only one of its kind in China. It was erected in feudal society to honor meritorious service, academic achievement, virtuous governance, and loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and righteousness. It is the most representative vehicle for interpreting ancient Chinese history and culture.
Ticket price: 80 yuan/person
Opening hours: 8:00-17:00
Transportation: Take bus No. 4 from Shexian Bus Station
Tips:
I've been fortunate enough to visit three of the legendary Four Great Ancient Cities of China, but I personally feel that Huizhou Ancient City is the least worthy of its reputation. The planning and management are rather chaotic, and the interior of the scenic area is not well preserved. Compared to the relatively expensive entrance fee, the value for money is poor. Overall, I can only say that my recommendation is average, but it's a matter of opinion.
Shitan Village, located in the southern part of She County, a renowned historical and cultural city in China, is one of Huangshan's top 100 photography destinations. The further you go from Shitan Village, the more beautiful the scenery becomes, and the more wild and charming it becomes. The villages are connected only by narrow paths. In spring, the mountains are covered in a riot of rapeseed and pear blossoms, creating a true paradise. Furthermore, due to its inconvenient transportation, it is less crowded, making it a perfect spot for photography and sketching.
Transportation: Take a minibus from Shexian Bus Station to Xiakeng Town for 6 yuan. After arriving at Xiakeng, change to a minibus to Shitan Village for 2 yuan.
Accommodation: There are many families in Shitan Village who provide accommodation services, which cost about 100 yuan a day, including three meals. The surrounding accommodation conditions are average.
Tunxi District, the central urban area of Huangshan City, has fewer famous attractions, but convenient transportation and a large number of restaurants and hotels. It's a great place to spend a half day or an evening enjoying snacks and shopping.
The streets are composed of over 300 Hui-style buildings built in different eras, arranged in a fish-skeleton pattern, narrow in the west and wider in the east. Because Tunxi Old Street sits at the confluence of the Hengjiang, Lushui, and Xin'an Rivers, it's also known as the "Flowing Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival." It's the most complete ancient street market in China, showcasing the architectural styles of the Southern Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Liyang In Lane Scenic Area consists of three main blocks: the Riverside Bar and Leisure Block, the Specialty Food Block, and the Hui Culture Experience Block. Facing Tunxi Old Street across the river, this scenic area is a new tourist landmark, combining ancient and youthful charm, retro and fashionable, and both Huizhou and international elements.
Stinky mandarin fish is a famous Anhui dish that smells stinky but tastes delicious. Its meat is tender, smooth, and refreshing, preserving the original flavor of the mandarin fish. Stinky mandarin fish is a must-try dish in Huangshan. If you haven't tried it, you haven't been to Huangshan.
Mao tofu is a representative dish of Anhui cuisine and a must-try when visiting Huangshan. It is usually pan-fried until golden brown on both sides, then dipped in a special sauce and smeared with chili sauce. It tastes both delicious and unique.
Huangshan sesame cakes, after being baked, resemble crab shells and are the color of crab roe, earning them the nickname "crab shell yellow sesame cakes." You'll find them in many stalls on Tunxi Old Street. They're also easy to carry and preserve, making them perfect as souvenirs.
Yipintang is a type of hot pot commonly eaten by Huangshan people in winter. It is made with great care. The bottom layer is filled with dried bamboo shoots and other vegetables, and on top are meat cubes, tofu, meatballs, vermicelli and enoki mushrooms. It is then stewed with appropriate seasonings and water for three or four hours, with soup constantly poured in from top to bottom with a spoon. The finished product is delicious in color and mellow in taste.
① Dasha Hui Vegetable Garden
Address: No. 37, Laojiexia Road, Tunxi District
Recommended dishes: Guhui stinky mandarin fish, braised spareribs, diving fish, tofu balls with bean curd
Reference price: 67 yuan per person
② Huimeng Restaurant
Address: No. 56, Laojiexia Road, Tunxi District
Recommended dishes: dried bamboo shoots and local pork, iron plate hairy tofu, Xin'an River fish
Reference price: 51 yuan per person
③ First Floor Food Business·Riverside First Floor
Address: No. 18, Lushui Road, Tunxi District
Recommended dishes: Mao tofu, Huizhou's three unique dishes, golden snowflake beef, and chilled fermented rice wine
Reference price: 98 yuan per person
④ First floor of the special food section
Address: No. 8 Feicui Road, Huangshan Scenic Area, Tangkou Town
Recommended dishes: Bamboo shoots and pork pot, open oven fish, Huangshan unique, Huangshan two stones
Reference price: 75 yuan per person
⑤ Tiandeng Canteen
Address: No. 23, Qianjie, Hongcun Scenic Area, Yi County
Recommended dishes: Chicken soup with stone ear mushrooms, fried eggs with acanthopanax bark, scalloped glutinous rice with three delicacies
Reference price: 71 yuan per person
"Huiyun", the masterpiece of the famous director Mr. Duan Jianping, has become the "cultural business card" of Anhui. "Huiyun" includes the magnificent Huangshan Mountain with its changing seasons and the beautiful love legend of Dong Yong and the Seven Fairies; it also interprets the historical reasons why the "Hui merchants" have dominated the Chinese business world for nearly 400 years after going through ups and downs; it also reflects the real historical stories that the national quintessence "Peking Opera" evolved from the "Hui troupe entering Beijing".
The whole play is divided into five acts, including music, dance, acrobatics, modern Hui opera, Peking opera, flower drum lantern, folk song medley, singing and dancing and other performance methods.
Price: 160-380 yuan (discounts available for online purchases, and free tickets for guests staying at Xiangming Hotel)
Time: Every night at 8:00 (Closed every Monday for equipment maintenance)
Established in May 2010, the Old Street Huangmei Opera Hall boasts convenient transportation and an elegant environment. The hall is divided into two sections: the front section is a public art exhibition hall displaying a large number of old photos related to Huangmei Opera.
The center of the guild hall is a theater performance hall. On both sides of the small stage dedicated to performances are hung couplets with Huizhou characteristics. The lobby draws on the art of ancient teahouses and can accommodate more than one hundred spectators at a time.
Address: Deyang Building, 2nd Road, Tunxi Old Street, Huangshan City (2nd Floor, Tianfang Tea Garden)
Price: 118 yuan/person
Opening hours: 19:30-20:30
Huangshan is a world-renowned tea town. Its Qihong and Tunlu teas have won international gold and silver awards many times; Huangshan Maofeng and Dinggu Dafang are both among the top ten finest teas in China; four varieties, including Huangshan Yin Gou and Qihong Gongfu tea, have been selected as national diplomatic teas.
She County produces over 10,000 tons of tea annually. Among the most famous and popular teas are Huangshan Maofeng, Keemun black tea, and Taiping Houkui. However, for most tourists who don't know much about tea, distinguishing genuine tea from fake and good quality is difficult.
Tips:
Although there are many places selling tea in the scenic area and the old street, it is best not to buy it there. There is a tea city in Tunxi, Huangshan City, or you can go to some large tea shops to buy it.
Hui ink, a specialty of Huangshan City and Xuancheng City in Anhui Province, is renowned for its lightness when picked up, clearness when ground, fragrant aroma, hardness like jade, silent grinding, lacquer-like texture, and enduring authenticity. Hui ink integrates painting, calligraphy, sculpture, and modeling, making it a comprehensive artistic treasure.
The She inkstone, also known as the Shezhou inkstone, is one of China's four famous inkstones and has been praised by scholars throughout the ages. Li Yu, the last emperor of the Southern Tang Dynasty, declared it "the best in the world." Su Dongpo commented on its "gritty texture, which doesn't hold the brush, smooth enough to resist ink, with the texture of melon skin and the sound of gold and the virtue of jade." Mi Fu also said, "The Song inkstone has a golden star, its texture is firm and beautiful, its breath creates clouds, and it can store water without drying up."
Ancient Huizhou embroidery, often called bead embroidery or "dazi embroidery," is a traditional Huizhou folk craft. Originating in the Tang Dynasty, it reached its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its exquisite designs, exquisite craftsmanship, and striking color contrasts combine practicality and aesthetic appeal, making it a must-learn for the young ladies of ancient Huizhou.
Huizhou's "Three Carvings" is a traditional local carving art form, referring to the Huizhou-style woodcarving, stonecarving, and brickcarving techniques practiced in the ancient Huizhou region. These three carvings boast a long history, exquisite craftsmanship, and a comprehensive process, passed down through generations. They enjoy a high reputation both domestically and internationally, and were selected as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage sites.
Since brick carvings and stone carvings are not easy to sell and carry, Huizhou wood carvings and bamboo carvings are more suitable to buy.
It is a place with towering cliffs and uneven horse-head walls; it has colorful colors like oil paintings and the freehand style of landscape paintings. In ancient times, this place was called Huizhou.
I wish you had stayed here, letting the white clouds pass by and listening to the silent passage of time.
