Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences in Yi County

I recently visited Yi County, a small town tucked away in southern Anhui. It boasts ancient villages, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food—everything is outstanding, and every photo looks like a masterpiece. Now, I’m sharing this travel guide with you to help you easily explore Yi County!

Photo Spots

1. Hongcun: Arrive at Nanhu Lake before 6 a.m. to capture mirror-like reflections with fewer people around. Catch fishermen casting nets for atmospheric shots; by Yue Zhao Pond, wear traditional costumes and lean on the railing with the pink walls, black tiles, and crescent-shaped pond as your backdrop for poetic photos; inside Chengzhi Hall, take close-ups of exquisite wood carvings with sunlight streaming through the skylight, adding an ancient charm.

2. Xidi: Stand in front of the grand archway at the village entrance and use a wide-angle lens to capture the archway’s grandeur and the whole ancient village; stroll along the old alleys and snap the sunlight playing on the mottled walls and stone paths; at dusk, climb the viewing platform to shoot silhouettes against the sunset-lit village.

3. Tachuan: Late autumn is the best time to visit. In the early morning or evening, use a telephoto lens from the viewing platform to capture the mountains covered in red leaves, which glow translucently in side backlighting; walk into the village with Chinese tallow trees, rice fields, and ancient houses as your background, blending people into the scene for stunning photos.

4. Mukeng Bamboo Sea: From the viewing platform, overlook the vast bamboo forest and spread your arms for full-body shots with the endless bamboo sea behind you; wear traditional costumes and stroll along bamboo paths, capturing walking moments as if you’re in a martial arts world; you can also take photos by Xiunu Lake with reflections of water and green bamboo.

5. Bishan Village: Sit on the lawn under Yunmen Pagoda with the ancient tower behind you and vast fields beside you for great shots; inside the Pioneer Bookstore, find a window seat holding a book with sunlight filtering through the flower-patterned window for a literary vibe; in front of the village’s small shop, hold a local soda for retro-style photos.

Food and Fun

1. Food: Hongcun’s baked sesame flatbread is crispy, salty, and best eaten fresh out of the oven; stinky mandarin fish is a signature Huizhou dish—though it smells strong, the fish is fragrant and firm; Mao tofu has a fuzzy surface, pan-fried to golden and dipped in sauce for a unique taste; other specialties like bamboo shoot stew with pork, fried eggs with five-leaf akebia, and Hongtan fermented tofu are also worth trying.

2. Activities: Experience the beauty of Huizhou architecture and learn about ancient Huizhou culture in Hongcun and Xidi; try the thrilling cable car ride over Mukeng Bamboo Sea or take a post-rain oxygen walk in the bamboo forest; water lovers can enjoy glass boats and waterfall descents at Daguling or try human river drifting at Wuxi Mountain; visit Bishan Village’s artsy shops and relax at the rustic Pigsty Bar and countryside inn for a peaceful atmosphere.

Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

1. Transportation: Yi County’s attractions are spread out, so self-driving is recommended if possible; taxis and buses are inconvenient; it’s hard to get taxis to Mukeng Bamboo Sea and the paragliding base, so book in advance.

2. Tickets: Buy tickets for Hongcun and Xidi online in advance for cheaper prices; tickets are valid for three days, and combo tickets are available if you visit both; every Wednesday, 5,000 free tickets are offered—grab them early.

3. Shopping: Handicrafts and souvenirs inside scenic areas are overpriced; compare prices before buying; the same items are cheaper in small shops opposite Hongcun’s west gate; for specialties like Huizhou ink, buying in the county town offers better value.

4. Accommodation: Lodging inside scenic areas can be noisy; consider staying at guesthouses near the entrance for affordable prices and convenient travel; the county town offers more accommodation options and convenient food delivery.