3-Day Family Trip Guide to Shexian: Easy Touring with 800 RMB per Person, Enjoy Huizhou with Kids

Want to unlock the charm of Huizhou with your kids? Shexian is definitely the top choice! No need to drive; you can explore the ancient city, ancient dam, and paifang (archway) clusters by bus. The pace is slow, costs are low, kids have fun, and parents can relax～👨👩👧

🏨 Comfortable and Cost-Effective Homestays

Choosing a place near Desheng Gate in the ancient city is a sure bet! There are many homestays converted from Ming and Qing dynasty old houses, full of antique charm and atmosphere. It’s only a 2-minute walk to the core area of the ancient city (no need to carry the kids for long distances👣). Prices range from 400-600 RMB per night, rooms are clean and quiet, and at night you can fall asleep listening to the subtle sounds of the ancient city, making the experience fully immersive～

📍 Easy 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary (Kid-Friendly Version)

✅ Day 1: Xin’an River Landscape Gallery → Ancient City Night Tour

- 🚌 Transportation: Take a taxi from your accommodation to the tourist bus station, then take the bus directly to Shendu Pier (30 km). Remember to check the schedule in advance to avoid missing the bus～

- 1️⃣ Take a boat tour of the gallery (3 hours total, children get discounts💰). Be sure to choose seats on the second floor for a wide view! Between 9-10 AM, the sunlight is perfect, the river sparkles, and kids can see the “green mountains like ink paintings, river water like silk” scenery directly, excitedly pointing out birds on the water🐦.

- 2️⃣ The boat stops at Miantan Village, where kids can see a centuries-old camphor tree (trunk so thick it takes several people to hug it), and watch a 30-minute fishing boat performance. When the fishermen cast their nets, the kids’ eyes will be glued to the scene～

- 3️⃣ At 3 PM, take the return bus back to the ancient city. In the evening, take the kids to Taibai Tower to watch a Huizhou opera night show. The melodious singing and exquisite costumes will captivate the kids✨.

✅ Day 2: Deep Tour of Huizhou Ancient City → Fun at Yuliang Dam

- 🚌 Transportation: The homestay is within walking distance to the ancient city, no rush needed!

- 1️⃣ First visit the free Xuguo Stone Archway (the only octagonal paifang in China; telling kids the stories behind the archways is super fun📜). Then stroll through Doushan Street’s ancient alleys, see wood and brick carvings in Huizhou merchant old houses, and kids will be curious to touch the old wooden doors. A combined ticket for 60 RMB includes Huizhou Prefecture Office and Xin’an Stele Park; kids under 6 are free. For a nighttime ancient building experience, choose the 58 RMB Prefecture Office night tour (includes performance). When the lights come on, kids will exclaim “It’s like time traveling”～

- 2️⃣ In the afternoon, head to Yuliang Dam: only 2 km from the ancient city, a 10-minute taxi ride🚗. Watch the net-casting show, take a ferry to photograph the S-shaped bend of Lianjiang River (kids will excitedly wave from the boat). The fish lantern workshop on Yuliang Old Street is very attractive to kids, who can try making the intangible cultural heritage fish lanterns themselves🎨. The dusk at Yaojia Lane is stunning; take a parent-child photo together, full of warmth～

✅ Day 3: Tangyue Paifang Cluster → Return Trip

- 🚌 Transportation: Take Bus Line 1 from the ancient city directly (25 minutes). Kids can enjoy the rural scenery along the way～

- 1️⃣ Visit the seven paifangs of “Loyalty, Filial Piety, Integrity, and Righteousness.” Use simple language to tell kids the stories behind each archway; they will listen attentively.

- 2️⃣ On the way, visit Bao Family Garden. The 300-year-old bonsai trees have unique shapes, and kids will curiously ask “Why does this tree look like this?”🌳. Take the opportunity to teach them about plants～

- 3️⃣ After lunch, take Bus Line 1 to the high-speed rail station, ending a fulfilling and relaxing Huizhou trip～

🍜 Kid-Favorite Authentic Food (No Misses)

- Huizhou Mini Wontons: Thin skin, tender filling, add a spoonful of pork cracklings for irresistible aroma. Kids can finish a whole bowl!

- Stone Cake: Freshly baked bean curd and meat-flavored cake, crispy outside and tender inside, full of fragrance. Kids can hold and eat it easily, super convenient🔥.

- Tribute Bamboo Shoot Stewed with Ham: The salty aroma of ham pairs with the fresh tenderness of tribute bamboo shoots. The soup is super tasty, kids will ask for “one more bowl”～

💡 Thoughtful Tips for Traveling with Kids

- Wear soft-soled shoes! The ancient city’s stone pavements can be slippery, and kids will be steadier when running and jumping～

- The morning mist on Xin’an River (6:00-7:30) is beautiful, but no need to wake kids early. Parents can go take photos themselves and show the pictures to kids later～

- Bus Line 1 departure times may change. Check the real-time schedule one day in advance to avoid long waits that make kids impatient～

Traveling with kids in Shexian means no rushing, no stress for moms, just leisurely exploring and feeling the gentle charm of Huizhou～ Save this guide and set off with your kids!