Ink Wash Huizhou 4 Villages Complete Guide

Blue bricks, black tiles, horse-head walls, corridors with hanging lattice windows—this hidden mountain and water secret in southern Anhui is calling urban souls for healing.

As a travel blogger, I’m always looking for those less crowded, beautiful hidden gems. The ancient villages in Xuancheng, Anhui perfectly match my aesthetic—they seem aloof but are full of life; low-key on the surface, yet hiding stunning surprises that make you scream with delight.

Today, I’m sharing 4 Huizhou ancient villages to let you experience the authentic southern Anhui charm, avoid crowds, and enjoy an immersive trip!

🏮 Four Major Ancient Villages Panorama Guide

Attraction Name | Ticket Price | Recommended Accommodation | Specialty Food
Longchuan Ancient Town | 75 RMB | Dream Huizhou Inn (inside the scenic area) | Jixi Yipin Hotpot
Renli Ancient Village | 20 RMB | Jiyi Hotel (next to the scenic area) | Jixi Taguo
Huangtian Ancient Village | 40 RMB | No search results | No search results
Shuidong Ancient Town | Free | No search results | Shuidong Honey Dates

🌟 Highlights and Experiences

Longchuan Ancient Town—Don’t be fooled by it being just a village; it’s known as “China’s Number One Ancient Village”! It doesn’t feel like a tourist spot but more like stepping into a grand mansion of a Ming or Qing dynasty merchant. Yishi Shangshu Archway and Hu Clan Ancestral Hall will have you wandering until your legs go weak, and every snapshot looks like a traditional Chinese masterpiece.

Renli Ancient Village—This seemingly aloof Huizhou village actually has a passionate heart. With a history of over a thousand years, it preserves many buildings from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. When night falls, the street lights twinkle, and the “Big Fish” installation art offers an unexpected visual feast.

Huangtian Ancient Village—Here, there’s little commercial atmosphere, offering more of an original ecological vibe and the tranquility a village should have. The unique architecture of the Yangchuan houses looks quirky but actually embodies ancient wisdom and romance. Few tourists visit, making it perfect for zoning out and photography.

Shuidong Ancient Town—No ticket required, but it offers a full ancient town experience. The most famous here is the Shuidong honey dates, sweet to the heart but not cloying, praised even by Emperor Qianlong.

🛌 Accommodation Recommendations

Inside Longchuan scenic area, “Dream Huizhou Inn” is recommended, located in the center of Water Street, flanked by Yishi Shangshu Archway and Duxian Archway, just a few dozen meters from Hu Clan Ancestral Hall. The newly opened “Jiyi Hotel” next to Renli Ancient Village is also great, surrounded by Dengyuan River, the ancient village, and bamboo forest, combining Huizhou characteristics with modern comfort.

🍜 Must-Try Foods

Speaking of Xuancheng cuisine, it’s a paradise for carb lovers! Be sure to try:

· Jixi Yipin Hotpot: Layers of rich ingredients stacked up, super satisfying to eat.
· Jixi Taguo: A special pastry that locals feel incomplete without every day.
· Shuidong Honey Dates: Melts in your mouth, delicious and tasty.
· Ningguo Baba: Crispy on the outside, full of filling inside, one is enough to fill you up!

💡 Travel Tips

The best time to visit is spring and autumn when the weather is comfortable and the scenery is pleasant. It’s recommended to spend 2-3 days to easily explore these ancient villages. The villages are not far apart, and driving is the most convenient way.

These ancient villages may seem remote, but transportation is more convenient than you think; they look rustic but contain amazing cultural depth. If you’re tired of commercialized ancient towns and want a different Huizhou experience, quickly save this guide and set off!