Traveling with Parents in a Small Huizhou County｜No Legwork! Spend 800 RMB Per Person for 3 Days

Traveling with Parents in a Small Huizhou County｜No Legwork! Spend 800 RMB Per Person

Touring Shexian with parents is easy even without driving—explore the ancient city, ancient dam, and archway clusters, making it worry-free and comfortable, especially suitable for elders who prefer a slow-paced trip.

📍 Core 3-day 2-night itinerary (slow pace version)

✅ Day 1: Arrival → In-depth tour of Huizhou Ancient City

- 🚌 Transportation: Take the You 1 bus from Huangshan North Station (28 km, about 60 minutes, fare 10 RMB) directly to Huizhou Ancient City.

Huizhou Ancient City tour:

- First visit the free area of Xuguo Stone Archway (the only octagonal archway in China, very historic), then stroll through Doushan Street ancient alley, see the old residences left by Huizhou merchants, and experience the charm of ancient Huizhou.

- 🎫 Combined ticket 60 RMB/person, includes Huizhou Prefecture Office and Xin’an Stele Park; half price for seniors over 60, free for those over 70; if you want to experience the night tour, the Prefecture Office night tour with performance ticket is 58 RMB/person, choose according to your needs.

Yuliang Dam check-in:

- 🚕 The ancient city to Yuliang Dam is only 2 km; it’s recommended to take a taxi with parents to save effort and time.

- Here you can watch the net casting performance, take a ferry to capture the beautiful S-curve of Lianjiang River; visit the fish lantern workshop on Yuliang Old Street and even try making the intangible cultural heritage fish lanterns; the dusk light and shadow in Yaojia Alley section of the old street is stunning, perfect for photos.

✅ Day 2: Xin’an River Landscape Gallery → Return to Ancient City

- 🚌 Transportation: Take the tourist shuttle bus from the ancient city to Shendu Pier (30 km). Bus frequency is limited, so check departure times in advance.

Boat tour: Take a boat to tour the Xin’an River Landscape Gallery (about 3 hours, ticket discounts for seniors over 60).

Midway stop: Get off at Miantan Village to see the century-old camphor tree, enjoy the poetic scenery of “green mountains like ink and river water like silk,” and watch a 30-minute fishing boat performance.

Return and night tour: Take the bus back to the ancient city at 3:00 PM; in the evening, visit Taibai Tower for the Huizhou opera night show to experience traditional Huizhou culture.

- ⭐️ Tips: Choose seats on the second floor of the boat for a wider view; the soft light between 9-10 AM is best for photographing the landscape.

✅ Day 3: Tangyue Archway Cluster → Return

- 🚌 Transportation: Take the You 1 bus from the ancient city (about 25 minutes) directly to the Tangyue Archway Cluster.

Archway cluster and garden tour:

- Visit the seven ancient archways themed on “Loyalty, Filial Piety, Integrity, and Righteousness” to feel Huizhou’s cultural history;

- On the way, visit Bao Family Garden to see 300-year-old bonsai trees with elegant scenery.

Return: After lunch, take the You 1 bus back to the high-speed rail station to end the trip.

🍜 Authentic local food parents love

Wontons: Thin skin, full filling, with a spoonful of pork cracklings in the soup for a rich aroma, mostly favored by elders.

Stone Cake: Freshly baked and eaten on the spot, both bean paste and meat fillings are delicious, crispy outside and tender inside.

Stinky Mandarin Fish: Firm and chewy meat, a classic Huizhou dish; Gong Sun Stewed Ham Soup is rich and fresh, so tasty you can’t help but drink two bowls.

🏨 Comfortable and cost-effective homestays

Recommended to stay near Deshengmen in Huizhou Ancient City—many homestays are renovated Ming and Qing dynasty old houses, just a 2-minute walk to the ancient city, with charming surroundings, priced 400-600 RMB/night, comfortable and convenient.

💡 Thoughtful tips

Have parents wear soft-soled shoes! The stone slab roads in the ancient city and old streets can be slippery; soft soles are more slip-resistant and less tiring to walk in.

The best time to photograph Xin’an River morning mist is 6:00-7:30 AM; let parents sleep in while you get up early to shoot, so elders don’t lose rest.

The You 1 bus schedule may change; it’s recommended to check real-time departure times one day in advance to avoid delays.

Traveling Shexian with parents, slowing down is the key to savoring Huizhou’s charm. No need to drive, the whole trip can be done by bus. Save this guide and set off now～