Hidden Gems of Xuancheng Revealed! A Hui-Style Ancient Village Unknown to 99% of Travelers, Breathtakingly Beautiful!

I. Must-Visit Attractions in Xuancheng
1. Jingting Mountain
Highlights: Known as the "Poetry Mountain of Jiangnan," Li Bai once wrote here: "Gazing at each other without tiring, only Jingting Mountain remains."
Activities: Hiking, visiting Taibai Tower and Yuzhen Princess Temple, ideal for culture and nature lovers.
Ticket: Around ¥50 (discounts may apply during off-peak seasons).
Transportation: Accessible by bus or taxi from downtown.

2. Taohua Tan (Peach Blossom Pond)
Highlights: Famous from Li Bai's poem "To Wang Lun," the pond is crystal clear and especially stunning when peach blossoms bloom on both banks (March-April).
Activities: Bamboo rafting, exploring ancient villages (Zhai Village), visiting Tage Ange Pavilion.
Ticket: Around ¥60 (includes bamboo raft).
Transportation: Direct buses from Xuancheng Bus Station to Taohua Tan Town in Jingxian County.

3. Zhaji Ancient Village
Highlights: A well-preserved Ming-Qing era village with Hui-style architecture nestled by mountains and rivers, perfect for photography and sketching.
Activities: Strolling on stone-paved paths, visiting Degong Hall and Honglou Bridge, experiencing slow living.
Ticket: Around ¥65.
Transportation: Take a minibus from Jingxian County (about 1 hour).

4. Longchuan Scenic Area (Jixi)
Highlights: A 5A-rated site featuring Hu Clan Ancestral Hall (a national heritage site) and Yishi Shangshu Archway, showcasing the essence of Hui-style architecture.
Activities: Exploring ancient ancestral halls, walking along Water Street, hiking Longxu Mountain.
Ticket: Around ¥75.
Transportation: Take high-speed rail to Jixi North Station, then transfer by bus or taxi.

5. Taiji Cave (Guangde)
Highlights: One of East China's largest karst caves, warm in winter and cool in summer, with stunning stalactite formations.
Activities: Cave exploration by boat, admiring "Taiji Murals" and other limestone landscapes.
Ticket: Around ¥80 (includes boat ride).
Transportation: Recommended to drive or take a taxi from Guangde County.

II. Xuancheng Food Recommendations
1. Must-Try Local Dishes
Jixi "Hu Shi Yipin Pot": A traditional Hui-style banquet dish with layered ingredients.
Jingxian "Qinyu Steamed Egg": Steamed with local Qinyu fish, uniquely delicious.
Shuiyang Three Treasures: Duck feet wrap, duck wings, and Shuiyang dried tofu—savory and perfect with rice.
Jingde Big Pancake: Crispy outside, soft inside, filled with preserved vegetables or meat.

2. Snacks & Breakfast
Jixi "Taguo": Similar to stuffed pies, recommended fillings include bamboo shoots and pickled vegetables.
Ningguo Mountain Walnuts: A local snack, crispy and flavorful.
Guangde "Haozi Baba": A seasonal treat around Qingming Festival, made with glutinous rice and mugwort.

3. Recommended Restaurants
Downtown Xuancheng:
Huishang Guli (time-honored Hui cuisine, ¥60-80 per person).
Shuiyangjiang Road Snack Street (affordable night market).
Jixi County:
Laomo Hui Cuisine Restaurant (authentic "Hu Shi Yipin Pot").

III. Budget Accommodations
1. Downtown Xuancheng
Home Inn·neo (Xuancheng Guogou Plaza Branch)
Price: ¥150-200/night
Pros: Convenient location near commercial areas.
Hanting Hotel (Xuancheng Railway Station Branch)
Price: ¥130-180/night
Pros: Ideal for high-speed rail travelers.

2. Near Scenic Areas
Zhaji Ancient Village:
Zhaji Ancient Style Inn (¥100-150/night, traditional charm).
Taohua Tan:
Taohua Tan Youth Hostel (¥50-80/bed, great for backpackers).

IV. Practical Tips
1. Transportation:
Downtown attractions are accessible by bus or taxi; remote sites like Zhaji or Taiji Cave are best reached by car or private hire.
High-speed rail connects directly to Jixi and Jingxian, with local transfers available.

2. Itinerary Suggestions:
2D1N: Jingting Mountain + downtown food + Taohua Tan.
3D2N: Add Zhaji Ancient Village or Longchuan Scenic Area.

3. Best Seasons:
Spring (March-April) for peach blossoms and rapeseed flowers; autumn (October-November) for pleasant hiking weather.

4. Budget Reference:
Approx. ¥200-300/day (including meals, accommodation, and tickets).