High-speed rail access. I want to find a quiet place to be alone!

Xixinan Ancient Village, located in Huizhou District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, is a well-preserved Hui-style ancient village featuring a blend of natural ecology and cultural history. Here's a detailed travel guide to help you experience this "Wizard of Oz"-like wonderland:

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### **1. Basic Information**
- **Address**: Xixinan Town, Huizhou District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
- **Tickets**: Free (some homestays or experience projects require additional fees)
- **Best time to visit**: Suitable for all seasons. Spring and summer (Apr–Oct) offer lush greenery, autumn (Nov) features red leaves, and winter (Dec–Feb) showcases a tranquil, ancient charm.
- **Transportation**:
- **High-speed rail**: Get off at Huangshan North Station. Take a taxi for about 10 mins (approx. CNY 15) or take the Huizhou Bus No. 13.
- **Car**: Navigate to "Xixinan Ancient Village". There is a parking lot at the village entrance.

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### **2. Must-See Highlights**
1. **Sweetgum Forest Wetland**
- A natural wetland next to the village, with hundreds of sweetgum trees forming a dense forest. It resembles a fairy tale world in summer, perfect for taking photos and having picnics. It's especially dreamy in the morning mist.
- **Instagrammable spots**: Wooden bridges, shoals, forest trails.

2. **Hui-style Ancient Architecture Complex**
- **Laowu Pavilion**: A Ming Dynasty building with exquisite brick and wood carvings, a typical Huizhou courtyard.
- **Lvrao Pavilion**: A Qing Dynasty pavilion built by the water, with picturesque reflections.
- **Strolling through the streets and alleys**: Bluestone paths connect houses, with horse head walls and stone-carved gates everywhere.

3. **Fengle River**
- The river is crystal clear. You can walk or cycle along the river. There's a viewing platform on the riverbank, offering stunning views at sunset.

4. **Niche Cultural Experiences**
- **Turen School**: A cultural and creative space that often hosts art exhibitions and craft workshops.
- **Shirley Homestay**: Renovated from an old house, suitable for tea tasting and taking photos.

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### **3. Special Experiences**
- **Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicrafts**: Experience Huimo ink and She inkstone making (reservations required).
- **Local Cuisine**: Try Huizhou dishes such as stinky mandarin fish, hairy tofu, and braised pork with dried bamboo shoots at the local restaurants in the village.
- **Night Tour of the Ancient Village**: Some homestays offer lantern night tours to experience the tranquil Huizhou night.

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### **4. Itinerary Suggestions**
- **Half-day tour**: Sweetgum Forest Wetland (1.5 hrs) → Ancient Village Core Area (Laowu Pavilion, Lvrao Pavilion, 1 hr) → Walk along the Fengle River (0.5 hr).
- **One-day tour**: Take photos in the wetland and visit the ancient village in the morning, have lunch at a local restaurant, and experience handicrafts or cycle around in the afternoon (e.g., Qiankou Residential Houses, Chengkan Village).

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### **5. Accommodation Recommendations**
- **High-end homestays**: Shirley Weiyuan House (ancient garden style), Riverside 55 (design-oriented).
- **Budget-friendly options**: Xixinan Farmhouse Inns, affordable and offer a local living experience.

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### **6. Important Notes**
- **Mosquito repellent**: There are many mosquitoes in the wetland area in summer. It is recommended to bring mosquito repellent.
- **Environmental protection**: Do not litter. The wetland ecosystem is fragile.
- **Clothing suggestions**: Light-colored or retro clothing is more photogenic. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking on stone paths.

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### **7. Nearby Attractions**
- **Chengkan Village** (20 km): A more pristine ancient Huizhou village. Tickets: CNY 107.
- **Tangmo Village** (15 km): Waterside garden landscape. Tickets: CNY 80.
- **Near Huangshan North Station**: If you have time before your return trip, you can visit the Huizhou Culture Museum.