Decoding the Hidden Gems of Huizhou | Maze-like Ancestral Halls, Artistic Countryside & Interconnected Ancient Dwellings

| Explore the labyrinthine ancestral halls of Nanping, experience rural artistic vibes at Bishan Bookstore and Pig's Inn Bar, and discover the architectural wonder of the interconnected "Eight Great Houses" in Guanlu—all while avoiding the crowds of Hongcun and Xidi, and deeply immersing in the essence of Huizhou culture.

Yixian County, Anhui: Nanping, Bishan, and Guanlu Ancient Villages (Recommended seasons: Spring & Autumn)

◦ The Village of Maze-like Ancestral Halls: Nanping - Known as "China's Film and TV Village," it served as a filming location for "Ju Dou" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." With 36 wells and 72 crisscrossing alleyways resembling a maze, the village boasts eight grand ancestral halls like Xuzhi Hall and Kuiguang Hall. Quiet and less crowded, it offers a strong sense of clan culture, perfect for a serene experience.

◦ A Model of Artistic Rural Revival: Bishan Village - Near Hongcun but free from the hustle and bustle, it features "Bishan Bookstore" (one of China's most beautiful rural bookstores, a branch of Librairie Avant-Garde), "Pig's Inn Bar" (a blend of old oil factory, bar, and guesthouse), Gongxiao She (selling local design products), and Cow Shed Café (transformed from a cowshed), brimming with artistic charm and lifestyle aesthetics. Explore the fields and village by bike or on foot.

◦ The Wonder of Interconnected Ancient Dwellings: Guanlu Village - The "Eight Great Houses" are its highlight. Built by eight wealthy Wang brothers during the Qing Dynasty, these eight independent yet interconnected homes showcase ingenious design, earning the saying, "Eight Houses of Guanlu, all connected." Admire the exquisite craftsmanship of Huizhou's "Three Carvings" (wood, brick, and stone).

◦ Perfectly Avoiding Hongcun and Xidi Crowds: These villages are close to Hongcun and Xidi (10-30 minutes by car) but with far fewer tourists, offering a better experience.

◦ Convenient Transportation: Take the high-speed train to "Huangshan North Station," where numerous tourist buses directly head to Yixian, Hongcun, and Xidi. Chartering or sharing a car to these villages is very convenient.

• Practical Guide:

◦ Itinerary (2-3 days recommended): Combine with Hongcun/Xidi or focus on these off-the-beaten-path gems.

▪ D1: High-speed train to Huangshan North Station -> Take a bus to Yixian County/Hongcun Scenic Area parking lot (~1 hour) -> Charter a car for sightseeing (~300 RMB/day) -> Afternoon deep dive into [Nanping Ancient Village] (2-3 hours) -> Evening stay in [Bishan Village] (Pig's Inn guesthouse or other options).

▪ D2: Morning slow travel in Bishan: Read at Bishan Bookstore, browse Gongxiao She, stroll the village, or bike through fields (rent from guesthouses) -> After lunch, head to [Guanlu Village] (1-2 hours) -> Evening return to Huangshan City or stay near Hongcun/Xidi (for easier departure the next day).

▪ (Optional D3): Skip Hongcun/Xidi interiors and explore their outskirts (like Tachuan's autumn scenery) or Lu Village's Wood Carving Tower -> Return.

◦ Transportation:

▪ Major transit: High-speed train to Huangshan North Station.

▪ Local: Buses from Huangshan North Station to Yixian/Hongcun/Xidi (~25 RMB/person). Chartering a car from Hongcun/Yixian is best for exploring Bishan, Nanping, and Guanlu (~300 RMB/day). Some villages have shuttle buses but are time-consuming. Bikes can be rented in Bishan.

◦ Accommodation: Plenty of options in/around Hongcun/Xidi (100-1000+ RMB). Nanping and Bishan also offer unique guesthouses (Pig's Inn in Bishan, Yi Nan Villa in Nanping, 200-800 RMB).

◦ Tips:

▪ Charter drivers usually know the routes well—discuss the itinerary and waiting time in advance.

▪ Nanping and Guanlu focus on ancient architecture, while Bishan emphasizes artistic slow living.

▪ Book return tickets from Huangshan North Station early (especially during holidays).