Compared to Hongcun, I prefer this ancient city of Huizhou which does not require tickets.

The beauty of southern Anhui was so impressive that I went to Anhui again and experienced the charm of ancient Huizhou in the "Ancient City of Huizhou" in She County, Huangshan.
As a 5A scenic spot and one of the four ancient cities in China, Huizhou Ancient City does not require tickets. There are also national key cultural relics such as Xuguo Stone Archway and Yuliang Dam. Strolling in Doushan Street and Zhongshan Lane, you can see real ancient archways, ancient houses, ancient wells...
For National Day travel, I suggest you follow my route to experience the quaint and primitive ancient city of Huizhou:
Tour route of Huizhou Ancient City
Nanqian Tower→Huizhou Government Office→Xuguo Stone Archway→Bell Tower→Dousan Street→Yuliang Ancient Town
Must-visit recommendation: Xuguo Stone Workshop
The only existing "Eight-legged Archway" in China was built by Xu Guo, the Minister of Rites in the Ming Dynasty. The stone archway is extremely exquisitely carved with 12 lions entrenched. It is known as the "Arc de Triomphe of the East" and is also a national cultural relic protection. It is definitely worth a visit! Dousan Street
When you come to Huizhou Ancient City, avoid the commercial streets and stroll around the sparsely populated and quaint Dousan Street. Dousan Street, which is more than 300 meters long, is home to the Yang Family Courtyard, an ancient private school, the Millennium Toad Well, etc. It is a truly living ancient street.
Nanqian Building
The ancient gate tower built in the Sui Dynasty has been rebuilt in later generations and now retains the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty.
Yuliang Ancient Town
Yuliang Street, with a history of more than 1,200 years, is known as the source of Huizhou merchants. Today, it still retains its original and intact ancient houses, ancestral halls and other buildings. The thousand-year-old Yuliang Dam is a national key cultural relic protection site. It is very pleasant to stand by the river and enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the river.
5Huizhou Government Office
Huizhou Government Office is located in the core area of the ancient city. It was built in the late Yuan Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty. It can be seen that the layout of the ancient government office is extremely symmetrical and regular.
6Bell Tower
The best place to take photos in the entire ancient city, the corner is very distinctive
About Transportation & Accommodation
Huizhou Ancient City is located in She County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. You can take the high-speed rail to "She County North Station". It is recommended to stay near Huizhou Ancient City. The transportation is convenient and there are many restaurants around. Stinky mandarin fish and hairy tofu are must-try delicacies.

Spend half a day strolling around the ancient city of Huizhou, looking at the Huizhou-style buildings and old streets, and instantly teleport to the Jiangnan area thousands of years ago. This slow-paced trip is really enjoyable.