Just returned from Shexian County, sharing some honest thoughts

Hey guys🌼 I recently visited the Xin'an River Painting Gallery in Shexian and was literally speechless by its beauty! Here's my fresh-off-the-press travel guide for you👇

✨Classic Attractions Recommendation‌
📍‌Huizhou Ancient City‌
‌Highlights‌: One of China's four great ancient cities, featuring well-preserved Ming-Qing architecture including Xu Guo Stone Archway, Huizhou Government Office, and Doushan Street.
‌Experience‌: Stroll along ancient city walls to feel centuries of history; visit Huizhou History Museum to understand Huizhou culture.
‌Tips‌: Some minor attractions require separate tickets - combo tickets offer better value.
‌📍Tangyue Memorial Archways & Bao's Garden‌
‌Highlights‌: Seven magnificent Ming-Qing archways in a row; Bao's Garden represents Huizhou-style bonsai art.
‌Experience‌: Hear stories of loyalty and filial piety behind the archways; admire exquisite bonsai.
‌Tips‌: The archways and garden are adjacent - visit both together.
‌📍Xin'an River Landscape Gallery‌
‌Highlights‌: Boat cruise showcasing picturesque riverside scenery with white-walled villages against green mountains.
‌Experience‌: Visit Zhangtan Bridal Museum, Jiusha Ancient Village, and watch fishing performances.
‌Tips‌: Best viewed during spring rapeseed bloom; morning cruises offer softer light.
‌📍Yangchan Earth Buildings‌
‌Highlights‌: Terraced yellow-earth buildings with black-tiled roofs showcasing primitive beauty.
‌Experience‌: Hike or drive to hilltop for panoramic views; perfect for sunrise/sunset photography.
‌Tips‌: Wear comfortable shoes for rugged paths; bring snacks as no restaurants available.
‌📍Xucun Village‌
‌Highlights‌: Millennium-old village preserving Ming-Qing architecture like Gaoyang Covered Bridge and Five-Horse Archway.
‌Experience‌: Enjoy tranquil atmosphere; visit Xu Clan Ancestral Hall and Dabangbo Hall.
‌Tips‌: Less crowded - ideal for quiet travelers.

‌🍛Local Delicacies‌
✅‌Huizhou Stinky Mandarin Fish‌
‌Specialty‌: Fermented fish with pungent aroma but tender, delicious meat.
‌Recommended‌: Longfeng Huizhou Cuisine (Ancient City branch), Piyun Mountain Villa.
‌✅Hairy Tofu‌
‌Specialty‌: White-mold-covered tofu, crispy outside and tender inside, best with chili sauce.
‌Recommended‌: Shendu Wu Shengli Hairy Tofu, snack stalls near Lao Hu Kaiwen Ink Factory.
‌✅Stone Griddle Cakes‌
‌Specialty‌: Crispy fried pies with preserved vegetable/pork fillings.
‌Recommended‌: Zhangji Stone Griddle Cakes in Yuliang Community.
‌✅Huizhou Noodles with Toppings‌
‌Specialty‌: Handmade noodles with pork belly/bamboo shoot toppings in rich broth.
‌Recommended‌: Shexian Old Noodle House (inside Huizhou Ancient City).
‌✅Huizhou Pastries‌
‌Specialty‌: Dingshi Crisp (sesame candy), Huimo Crisp, frozen rice candy - sweet but not cloying.
‌Recommended‌: Feihu Food Factory on Doushan Street, Two Trees in Yuliang.

‌🏠Accommodation‌
✔️‌Luxury Hotels‌
‌Anruo Hotel Shexian‌: Historic building renovation blending tradition with modern design.
‌Parkview Lakeside Hotel Shexian‌: Lakeside location with excellent facilities.
‌✔️Boutique Stays‌
‌HUALUXE Tea Culture Homestay‌: Tea-themed lodging offering tea ceremony experiences.
‌Yongshe Homestay Shexian‌: Spacious riverside rooms ideal for families.
‌Budget Options‌
‌Hanting Hotel (Huizhou Ancient City Branch)‌: Great value with convenient location.

‌🚗Practical Tips‌
‌🚘Transportation‌
‌Getting There‌: Direct buses from Huangshan North Station; drive via Jingtai/Shangrui Expressway.
‌Local Travel‌: Walk within ancient city; charter cars/day tours recommended for Yangchan/Xin'an River.
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‌⚠️Notes‌
Huizhou Ancient City is free but minor attractions require tickets - combo tickets recommended.
Watch your step on Yangchan's mountain paths - wear anti-slip shoes.
When trying hairy tofu/stinky fish, sample small portions first in case the flavors are too strong.