[2025 Yi County Attraction] Travel Guide for Xidi (Updated Jul)

#chinatrip Xidi Village, located in the scenic Anhui province, is a beautifully preserved example of ancient Chinese culture and architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its maze of narrow streets, ancient stone bridges, and traditional white-walled, black-tiled houses, offers visitors a journey back in time to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Xidi's tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings make it an ideal destination for those seeking to experience the essence of rural China. Travel tip: Arrive early in the day to explore the village at a relaxed pace and capture its beauty in the soft morning light. Be sure to visit the Hui-style ancestral halls and admire the intricate woodwork and stone carvings that decorate many of the historic buildings. The village is small enough to explore on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate its charm and details. For a deeper connection with the local culture, consider staying in one of the traditional guesthouses. Xidi Village offers a serene and authentic glimpse into China’s rich heritage.

While strolling through the ancient alleys of Huizhou, a crisp herbal fragrance drifted with the breeze. Following the scent, I stumbled upon an old shop making sachets, its door adorned with a wooden sign reading "Huizhou Sachet-Making Experience." My feet carried me inside before I knew it. The shop was filled with sachets of all shapes—square, round, embroidered with plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, or chrysanthemums, some even adorned with tassels. As I leaned in, the coolness of mint, the richness of mugwort, the softness of lavender, and a faint hint of silk soothed my travel weariness instantly. The shopkeeper, an auntie, explained that Huizhou sachets are far from ordinary—every step, from material selection to stitching, holds deep significance. "See this fabric? It must be plain Hangzhou silk—breathable and comfortable. The herbs are even more particular: mugwort harvested around Dragon Boat Festival, sun-dried for a hundred days, blended with Huangshan Maofeng tea stems, and a touch of local mint—it repels mosquitoes and aids sleep," she said while teaching me to thread a needle. My attempts at simple hemming were crooked, but the auntie took over with a smile, her fingers flying as the stitches lined up like soldiers in formation. The most fascinating part was filling the sachet. A handful of dried mugwort crumbled into fine flakes at a touch, mingling with the earthy aroma of tea stems, as if compressing Huizhou's mountains and rivers into the pouch. The auntie reminded me to pack it just right—"Too full and it’s stiff; too loose and it loses shape. Like life, balance is key." By the time I sewed the final button, my sachet had taken form. Though my stitches lacked her finesse, its fragrance felt uniquely comforting in my palm. The auntie shared that Huizhou locals always carry a sachet when traveling—a blessing and a piece of home. In that moment, I understood: this tiny sachet stitches together craftsmanship and nostalgia. Practical Tips: - **Where to Experience**: Multiple intangible cultural heritage workshops in Hongcun and Xidi villages; booking in advance on Trip.com is recommended to avoid queues during peak seasons. - **Herb Choices**: Customizable—mugwort + mint for mosquito repellent, lavender + tea stems for sleep aid, or floral options like osmanthus and rose. - **Usage**: Hang it on your bag, place it by your pillow, or gift it as a souvenir. Lasts 3-6 months; refresh herbs when the scent fades.

【Huizhou Scented Sachets: Fragrance in the Sleeves】 In the old workshop near Jing'ai Hall, embroiderers guide colorful threads with silver needles. A dozen herbs like mugwort and angelica are ground into fine powder in stone mortars, then wrapped in silk satin. Watching the diamond-patterned sachet take shape in their hands, one might catch a whiff of ancient boudoir powder—did those unmarried young ladies also sew their secrets into sachets this way? 【Huizhou Fish Lanterns: Light and Shadow Fairytale】 On the square before the Hu Clan Ancestral Hall, elderly craftsmen weave fish skeletons with bamboo strips. The rice-paper fish bodies become nearly transparent in sunlight, each scale meticulously painted with gold powder. Most magical is the eye mechanism—a gentle tug on the bamboo pole brings the paper fish to life, as if ready to swim into the village stream. 【Huizhou Seal Carving: A Universe in Miniature】 At the century-old seal studio in Qingyun Alley, Huizhou ink glistens on slate inkstones. Master craftsmen turn pearwood seal blanks engraved in reverse, wood chips flying with each chisel stroke. When vermilion patterns imprint on rice paper, one suddenly understands why Huizhou merchants valued seals more than banknotes—these miniature strokes reveal a person's character. 【Practical Tips】 - Sachet material kits available for take-home completion - Fish lantern workshops require 1-day advance booking - Seal carving participants must be aged 10+ - All workshops offer free shipping services As sunset gilds the horse-head walls, I walk past the village entrance with my newly carved seal. Children dash beneath the stone bridge holding fish lanterns, their reflections shattering into starlight on the stream. These time-honored crafts never truly fade—they simply find new breath through travelers' fingertips.

In-depth 3-day & 2-night Huangshan travel guide: This is how to experience it best If you're planning a 3-day trip to Huangshan and want to avoid detours while catching all the highlights, this carefully crafted guide is for you. From ancient town alleys to ink-wash villages and the iconic pines-and-rocks landscape of Huangshan's main scenic area, this well-paced itinerary showcases the diverse charm of Huangshan. Day 1: Tracing Ancient Rhythms – Unveiling Huizhou's Lively Spirit Itinerary: - Morning: Upon arrival, start with a stroll through Huizhou Ancient Town. As one of China's four great ancient towns, its well-preserved city walls and watchtowers stand alongside flagstone paths where Huizhou hams dry between white-walled houses. You might encounter elderly vendors carrying hairy tofu on shoulder poles around corners – pure local flavor. - Afternoon: Visit Yuliang Dam, a Tang Dynasty hydraulic marvel. The time-worn flagstones and panoramic view of the flowing Lianjiang River offer serene tranquility compared to crowded old streets. - Evening: Head to Tunxi Old Street at dusk when lanterns illuminate Hui-style architecture. Browse century-old stationery shops and teahouses, then enjoy Huangshan Maofeng tea by the river, watching modern Liyang In Lane across the water contrast with the ancient street. - Night: Don't miss Liyang In Lane's nightscape, where restored mansions blend with artsy cafes, perfect for experiencing old and new Huizhou. Tips: - Hanfu rental shops in Huizhou Ancient Town offer elegant outfits perfect for photos – remember to bargain. - Tunxi Old Street and Liyang In Lane are just 10 minutes apart on foot. - Stay in Tunxi District for convenient dining/shopping and easy next-day transport to villages. Day 2: Ink-Wash Villages – Poetic Encounters in Southern Anhui Itinerary: - Morning: Explore Xidi, the "Museum of Ming-Qing Residential Architecture." Highlights include the Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway and historic mansions like "Da Fu Di," where sunlight filters beautifully through courtyards adorned with intricate stone carvings. - Afternoon: Discover Hongcun's unique water systems. Walk around South Lake for iconic reflections of willow trees and Hui architecture, then visit Moon Pond – the village's "heart" where locals wash vegetables at dusk. - Evening: Explore Hongcun's quieter ancient houses like Deyi Hall, featuring exquisite gardens and woodcarvings. Tips: - Xidi to Hongcun takes 40 minutes by car. Stay overnight in Hongcun for peaceful rural nights. - Hongcun tickets allow multiple entries for 3 days – return at dawn for crowd-free South Lake views. - Try authentic farmhouse meals in converted ancestral homes. Day 3: Huangshan Summit – Marvels of Pines and Boulders Itinerary: - Morning: Enter via the South Gate, take the cable car to Shixin Peak (epicenter of Huangshan pines like "Black Tiger Pine") for panoramic views. See the "Flower Blooming on Magic Brush" rock formation – a pine-topped pillar resembling an inked brush tip. - Noon: Explore the "Dreamland" of West Sea Grand Canyon via thrilling cliffside plank paths (or take the funicular to conserve energy). - Afternoon: Hike to Bright Summit (Huangshan's second peak) for five-sea views, pass Aoyu Peak (resembling a gaping turtle), then visit the welcoming Guest-Greeting Pine. - Evening: Descend via Yuping Cableway. Tips: - Wear comfortable shoes and pack light – the summit area is vast. - Mountain weather changes rapidly; bring layers and rain gear (expensive on-site). - Stay in Tangkou Town (foot of mountain) or summit hotels for sunrise (check viewing spots like Bright Summit in advance). Must-Try Huizhou Cuisine: - Stinky Mandarin Fish: Fermented fish with firm texture and subtle wine aroma - Hairy Tofu: Golden-fried fermented tofu with chili dip - Huangshan Maofeng Tea: Fragrant local tea – sample before buying - Crab Shell Baked Cake: Crispy portable snacks with plum vegetable or scallion fillings - Hu Shi Stew Pot: Layered pork, tofu puffs, and dried beans simmered to perfection - Wucheng Tea-Dried Tofu: Chewy, savory souvenir from Xiuning County Transport Guide: - Flight: Huangshan Tunxi International Airport (5km from downtown, 20min taxi) - Train: Huangshan North Station (15km from downtown) with shuttle buses to Tunxi (40min) or direct buses to Tangkou (hourly) - Local Transit: Scan QR codes for city buses; take tourist shuttles to villages - Inter-Site Transport: Frequent minibuses connect Huizhou Ancient Town, Xidi, and Hongcun (check schedules at Tunxi Bus Station) Huangshan's beauty blends majestic landscapes with gentle village charm. Follow this guide to fall in love with this poetic land.

The bluestone paths glisten with lingering moisture after the rain. This village embraced by Ming and Qing dynasty architecture is slowly awakening from the misty haze. The water stains on whitewashed walls resemble ink bleeding on rice paper, softening six centuries of history. Gurgling drainage ditches along the alleyways maintain their century-old rhythm. Eaves of horse-head walls still drip onto tourists' umbrellas, tapping delicate beats. The rain-polished stone drums before ancestral halls make their carved auspicious beasts appear freshly bathed, their scales gleaming bluish-black. Turning a corner, a pear tree suddenly appears - petals clinging to wet steps like scattered pearls. An elderly woman selects freshly picked wild tea in a doorway arch, dewdrops shaking from tender buds into her bamboo tray as her fingers dance. Puddles beneath the village archway mirror the dawn sky. Art students set up easels, their brushes scratching to capture this fleeting interplay of moisture and light, while distant mountain mists rise like unfurling xuan paper. 【Travel Tips】 1. Best Rain-Viewing Times - Ideal during drizzles between spring and summer - Cloudscapes peak 1-2 hours post-rain - 6-8am offers serene photography conditions 2. Must-See Rain Spots - Reflections at Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway - "Four Waters Converging" spectacle in Jing'ai Hall courtyard - Glossy stone paths of Qingyun Alley - Sea of clouds from observation decks 3. Rainy Day Experiences - Sip Huangshan Maofeng tea while listening to rainfall in teahouses - Try traditional Huizhou oil-paper umbrella making - Purchase local handmade xuan paper and Hui ink 4. Practical Advice - Wear anti-slip shoes (slippery stone paths) - Bring waterproof camera/phone cases - Consider combo tickets (Xidi + Hongcun) - Most B&Bs provide drying equipment 5. Transportation - Direct buses from Huangshan North Station - Parking available at South Lot - Explore narrow alleys on foot In this moment, even Xidi's air carries the fragrance of ink. Every rain-kissed corner tells stories more vivid than guidebooks - of time sedimented through centuries, gently awakened by each new rainfall.

🌿 Must-Visit Reasons Ink-wash paintings of white walls and black tiles! A living fossil of Huizhou's thousand-year history! 🚗 Transportation Tips 📍 Hongcun: Direct shuttle bus from Huangshan Scenic Area (1.5-hour ride) 📍 Xidi: Take the tourist shuttle from Tunxi Bus Station 🌟 3-Day 2-Night Highlights Itinerary 1️⃣ Hongcun - Moon Pond 👉 South Lake Painted Bridge: Enjoy the mirror-like reflections at 7 AM all to yourself! 👉 Chengzhi Hall: Marvel at the Huizhou merchants' mansion with its three carving masterpieces (wood/brick/stone) 📸 Photo Spot: The intricate lattice windows on the outer wall of the Wang Family Ancestral Hall 2️⃣ Xidi - Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway 👉 Overlook the Village: Capture the geometric beauty of the village intertwined with rapeseed flowers during bloom 👉 Night Watchman Tour: Walk the bluestone paths with lanterns and listen to the ancient wooden clapper sounds 3️⃣ Chengkan - Bagua Village 👉 Cross the Peace Threshold: Touch the doorstep for blessings 👉 Yongxing Lake: The iconic Huizhou-style photo with lotus ponds and horse-head walls 🍲 Huizhou Flavors Stinky Mandarin Fish: A 72-hour fermented "stinky-delicious" punch! Hairy Tofu: Fried tofu with white mold, perfectly paired with spicy sauce Taguo: Huizhou breakfast staple with preserved vegetable filling ⚠️ Pitfall Avoidance ✖️ Hongcun has many art students sketching—avoid crowds between 9 AM-4 PM ✖️ Bamboo Sea zipline fees can be unclear—insist on transparent pricing

🔥 **"Anhui 3-Day Tour Shatters Perceptions! Prices So Low It Feels Like Time Is Running at Half Speed"** **"Staying in a guesthouse at the foot of Huangshan for 100 yuan, a whole stinky mandarin fish for 38 yuan, do these prices really exist?"** --- ### 💸 **Iconic Scenes of Price Collapse** **🍜【Food】** - Huizhou Mao Tofu **8 yuan/serving** (sold for 25+ in Hangzhou scenic spots) - Bamboo Shoot and Shredded Pork Noodles **10 yuan** with free side dish - Local restaurant **Stinky Mandarin Fish 38 yuan/whole** (starting at 128 yuan in Shanghai restaurants) **🏨【Accommodation】** - Guesthouse inside Hongcun Scenic Area **120 yuan/night** (with carved wooden windows + courtyard) - Hostel at the foot of Huangshan **35 yuan/bed** (includes hiking pole rental) **🎫【Activities】** - Xidi/Hongcun **Combined ticket 94 yuan** (half the price of Wuzhen single ticket) - Qiyun Mountain **60 yuan** (a famous Taoist mountain compared to Wudang Mountain’s 200+) - Xin’an River Landscape Gallery **Boat tour 50 yuan** (scenery similar to Thousand Island Lake) --- ### 🗺️ **3 Days 2 Nights Divine Itinerary** **Day 1: Ink-Wash Huizhou** - Morning: Take reflection photos at Hongcun Moon Pond (free admission before 7 am, controversial) - Noon: Eat a **38 yuan set meal** at Tiandeng Canteen (stinky mandarin fish + bamboo shoot wrapped pork) - Afternoon: Visit Ming and Qing dynasty archways in Xidi (free guided tour, follow the travel group closely) - Evening: Eat **Mao Tofu + fermented rice wine** on Tunxi Old Street (all for 15 yuan) **Day 2: Huangshan Alternative** - All day: Qiyun Mountain (round-trip cable car 60 yuan) - Dinner: Xiuning town **20 yuan self-service hot pot** **Day 3: Water and Mountain Blast** - Morning: Xin’an River boat tour (feed seagulls with bread) - Afternoon: Yangchan Tulou (free ancient village) for autumn sun-drying photos --- ### 😱 **Price Shock Compared to First-Tier Cities** | Expense Item | Anhui Price | Shanghai Equivalent | |--------------|-------------|---------------------| | Scenic Area Bottled Water | 2 yuan | 8 yuan | | Tricycle Tour | 10 yuan/person | 50 yuan+ | | Hanfu Rental | 30 yuan/day | 150 yuan+ | --- ### 📌 **Local Hidden Tips** ✅ Enter Hongcun at 6 am **without ticket check** (staff not on duty) ✅ Take the **scenic area shuttle bus** from Huangshan North Station to save 80% compared to taxi ✅ Shendu Town **Xin’an River Fish Head** 35 yuan/basin (fresher than Thousand Island Lake) **💬 Netizens’ hilarious comments:** _"Spending money in Anhui feels guilty, like getting a bargain."_ _"After eating the 38 yuan stinky mandarin fish, seeing the menu back in Hangzhou gave me a heart attack."_ --- ### 🌟 **Final Summary** Suitable for: ✔️ Photography enthusiasts (Huizhou architecture + landscape paintings) ✔️ Budget travelers and students (living well on 150 yuan/day) ✔️ Workers beaten down by high prices in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai **🚄 1.5-hour high-speed train from Hangzhou, how long will this price advantage last?**

| 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).

📍Location: Xidi Town, Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, at the southern foot of Huangshan Scenic Area. ⏰️Time: 🍃Performance section: Spring and summer 18:30—20:30 Autumn and winter (Fridays and Saturdays 17:30—20:00) ✨Lighting section: Spring and summer 18:30—22:30 Autumn and winter 17:30—22:30 🎈Best time to visit: Spring and autumn (March to June, September to November): Pleasant climate, picturesque scenery, especially when the rapeseed flowers bloom in spring. Avoid holidays: Xidi is beautiful, but crowded during holidays, so it is recommended to visit on weekdays. 🚗Transportation: 🚄High-speed rail: Take the high-speed train to "Huangshan North Station," then transfer to a tourist bus directly to Xidi Scenic Area (about 1.5 hours). ✈️Airplane: Fly to Huangshan Tunxi International Airport, then transfer by bus or taxi. 🚗Self-driving: Navigate to "Xidi Scenic Area," parking is available outside the scenic area. 🎫Tickets: 104 RMB/person (includes access to the main open ancient buildings in the scenic area), advance online booking is recommended. ✨II. Recommended Highlights 1. Hu Wenguang Cishi Archway: The symbol of Xidi, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty stone carving, intricately and exquisitely carved, serving as the welcoming gate at the village entrance. 2. Jing'ai Hall: The ancestral hall of the Hu family in Xidi, grand in scale, offering a sense of clan culture core. 3. Zui Mu Hall: The ancestral hall for worshipping Hu ancestors, with high architectural standards and a portrait of Tang Taizong Li Shimin inside. 4. West Garden: One of the representative Hui-style gardens, small and exquisite, with rockeries, fish ponds, and flower windows complementing each other. 5. East Garden: Another elegant garden, more scholarly in atmosphere, suitable for quiet sitting and enjoying the scenery. 6. Taoli Garden: A combination of private school and garden, evoking the ancient study atmosphere. 7. Ruiyu Courtyard: Representative residence of Hui merchants, with a uniquely clever "Shang" shaped gate tower. 8. Dunren Hall: One of the oldest existing residences in the village (Ming Dynasty), simple and solid. 9. Dafu Residence: The gate tower bears the inscription "Take a step back and think," full of philosophy, with a cleverly designed layout. 10. Viewing Pavilion (Back Creek): Walk along the Back Creek path to the mid-mountain pavilion, overlooking the entire Xidi village (especially beautiful in early morning mist or evening sunset). III. Authentic Food Recommendations ☕ Stinky Mandarin Fish: The signature dish of Huizhou, smells bad but tastes delicious, with tender meat. Mao Tofu: Tofu covered with white mycelium on the surface, crispy outside and tender inside after frying, with a unique flavor. Laba Tofu: Tofu dried with special craftsmanship, salty and chewy. Dao Ban Xiang: Steamed salted pork from Huizhou, salty and appetizing. Braised Bamboo Shoots with Pork: Spring or winter dried bamboo shoots braised with pork belly, incredibly delicious. 💫IV. Itinerary Suggestions One-day highlights tour: Morning: After arrival, visit Hu Wenguang Archway → Jing'ai Hall → Zui Mu Hall → West Garden/East Garden. Noon: Enjoy authentic Huizhou cuisine lunch. Afternoon: Tour Ruiyu Courtyard, Dafu Residence, Dunren Hall, Taoli Garden and other ancient houses → Stroll along Back Creek → Climb the Viewing Pavilion to overlook the panorama → Explore the ancient street and buy local specialties. V[Love], Practical Tips 1. Clothing: Wear comfortable flat shoes! The bluestone and cobblestone roads are uneven. 2. Guide: There are paid guides at the scenic area entrance, or use electronic guides/do research in advance to better understand the stories behind the buildings. 3. Shopping: Local specialties include Huangshan Maofeng tea, Qimen black tea, Hu ink cakes, She inkstones, bamboo carvings, etc. Compare prices and buy rationally. 4. Accommodation: There are accommodations inside and outside the scenic area. Inside are mostly characteristic inns converted from ancient houses, more flavorful but slightly more expensive; outside offers more choices with better cost performance. 5. Photography: The Viewing Pavilion, Back Creek, Yue Zhao (when there is water), and early morning alleys are excellent spots. Respect villagers' privacy; ask for permission before photographing people. 6. Environmental protection: Take care of ancient buildings and environmental hygiene, do not carve or scribble, and put trash in bins.

Located at the foot of Huangshan Mountain in Anhui Province, Xidi Village is a UNESCO World Heritage site. While Hongcun Village is more popular and bustling with tourists, Xidi offers a quieter and less crowded atmosphere. During my visit, the rain had just stopped, and although the sky was cloudy, patches of blue sky peeked through. The village showcases stunning rural landscapes and traditional architecture. I even spotted someone fishing in a small stream. Within the village, there are stylish cafes and drink stands where you can take a relaxing break during your stroll. When I visited, there were only a few tourists, allowing me to explore the village peacefully. Buses run from Hongcun to Xidi, and the journey takes about 30 minutes. If you have time, I highly recommend extending your trip to include this charming destination.

Xidi@Huangshan City: Known as the "Peach Blossom Spring of Households," this village is famous for its well-preserved ancient residential complexes from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The ingenious layout of these ancient dwellings, along with exquisite brick, wood, and stone carvings, makes it a prime example of Huizhou-style architecture. - Hongcun@Yixian County, Huangshan: Dubbed the "Village in Chinese Paintings," it's renowned for its unique ox-shaped village layout and scenic spots like South Lake and Moon Pond. The picturesque lake and mountain views harmonize with Huizhou architecture, resembling an ink-wash painting. 3. Best Time to Visit: • Spring and Autumn (March-May & September-November): Pleasant weather and beautiful scenery make these seasons ideal for visiting Xidi and Hongcun. 4. Transportation Guide: • High-Speed Rail: After arriving at Huangshan North Station, transfer to a scenic area shuttle bus directly to Xidi and Hongcun. • Self-Drive: Navigate to Xidi and Hongcun parking lots, with multiple options available nearby. 5. Suggested Itinerary: • Xidi: Follow this route—Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway, Jing'ai Hall, Zhuimu Hall, Ruiyu Courtyard, etc. • Hongcun: Explore in this order—South Lake, Painted Bridge, South Lake Academy, Moon Pond, Chengzhi Hall, Shuren Hall, etc. 6. Food Recommendations: • Xidi: Try local Huizhou dishes like stinky mandarin fish and hairy tofu. • Hongcun: Sample snacks near Moon Pond or Shuren Hall Alley, such as dried plum vegetable pancakes and sesame candy. 7. Accommodation Suggestions: • Xidi: Stay at boutique guesthouses like Boxin Yunshe to experience the village's tranquility. • Hongcun: Choose hotels like Hongcun Tianyi Tang Boutique Hotel, just minutes from the scenic area.

The Yangtze River rushes on, and the Huai River flows endlessly, dividing Anhui into three parts by these two important water systems in China. North of the Huai River lies an endless vast plain, flat and fertile. Between the Yangtze and Huai Rivers, hills rise and fall, with rivers and lakes crisscrossing. Southern Anhui is mountainous, with peaks competing in beauty and layers of ridges. Moreover, it is especially worth mentioning that there is a county in Anhui with a very small population, whose name is often mispronounced, yet it boasts two world-class scenic spots! Curious friends might ask, where exactly is this sparsely populated county in Anhui? What unique landscapes does it have? With these questions and curiosity, today let's talk about the stories of Yi County. Yi County, administered by Huangshan City in Anhui Province, is located in the southern part of Anhui Province, north of Huangshan City, situated on the north and south slopes of the Huangshan Mountain Range. The area features continuous peaks, high mountains, and deep valleys, with distinct characteristics of the southern Anhui mountainous region. Yi County was established during the Qin Dynasty (221 BC) and was named because it was located south of Yishan Mountain. The county has preserved 1,590 Ming and Qing dynasty ancient buildings intact, including the World Cultural Heritage sites Xidi and Hongcun, 3 national key cultural relic protection units, 6 national historical and cultural villages, 44 traditional Chinese villages, and 88 provincial and lower-level cultural relic protection units. It is known as the "Museum of Ming and Qing Ancient Residences in China" and the "Epitome of Traditional Chinese Culture."

🏞️【Exclusive on Xiaohongshu】Exploring Xidi and Hongcun in Huangshan City, Anhui—Encounter the Picture-Perfect Villages🌄 📍Location: Yixian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province 🎒Packing List: Camera, sun hat, sunscreen, portable fan, comfortable shoes 📝Itinerary: 1️⃣ D1: Arrive in Huangshan City, check into the hotel, and rest 2️⃣ D2: Explore Huangshan City in the morning, experience the charm of Hui-style architecture 3️⃣ D3: Depart for Xidi in the morning to admire the allure of the ancient village 4️⃣ D4: Spend a full day in Xidi, visiting century-old houses, ancient alleys, and wells 5️⃣ D5: Head to Hongcun in the afternoon to enjoy another UNESCO World Heritage Site 6️⃣ D6: Spend a day in Hongcun, soaking in the tranquility and beauty of a painting-like village 7️⃣ D7: Return to Huangshan City, concluding the delightful Anhui trip 🌟Highlights: 1️⃣ Xidi: A centuries-old village showcasing the unique charm of Hui-style architecture and authentic local cuisine 2️⃣ Hongcun: Known as "the village in Chinese paintings," admire Moon Pond, South Lake, and experience ancient folk customs 3️⃣ Huangshan City: Stroll through the old streets, savor local snacks, and embrace the ambiance of a Jiangnan water town 📷Photography Tips: 1️⃣ Soft morning light is perfect for capturing panoramic and detailed shots of the ancient villages 2️⃣ Use reflections to photograph wells and ponds, highlighting the serene water-town vibe 3️⃣ Capture ancient alleys and houses at dusk for a warm, cozy atmosphere 4️⃣ Pose in Hanfu or qipao with friends to showcase classical beauty 5️⃣ Use a drone for aerial shots to reveal the grandeur of the villages 📢Reminders: 1️⃣ Xidi and Hongcun are mountainous areas with unpredictable weather—bring rain gear 2️⃣ Respect local customs and avoid littering when visiting the villages 3️⃣ Purchase tickets through official channels to avoid counterfeit products 4️⃣ Protect against sunburn and insect bites, and keep skin clean 5️⃣ Maintain good teamwork with friends to enjoy a wonderful time together 🎉Closing: This Anhui trip allowed us to experience the breathtaking scenery and unique charm of Xidi and Hongcun. If you also wish to immerse yourself in the beauty of these painting-like villages, why not embark on a spontaneous journey? 💕

This trip to Huangshan brought me the most delightful surprise—staying at the "I Jiujie Moye Intangible Cultural Heritage Homestay" nestled beside Hongcun Village. This ancient Huizhou residence, gently embraced by time, made me fall completely in love with the charm and poetry of Huizhou. The homestay is located in Longjiang Village, Hongcun Town, and was transformed from a 200-year-old Huizhou ink workshop. Just a 10-minute drive from Hongcun Scenic Area, it’s surrounded by ancient villages like Xidi and Nanping, making it incredibly convenient for exploration. This Qing Dynasty-era Huizhou-style building is exquisitely decorated, blending the classic white walls and black-tiled courtyards with modern minimalist design. It feels as though you can still touch the pulse of Huizhou, even after centuries. The homestay features 18 guest rooms, primarily twin and family rooms, with soft latex mattresses, smart toilets, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers—all thoughtfully provided. The most considerate touch is the child-friendly amenities, from latex pillows to tiny toothbrushes and mini toilet seats, every detail caters to family travel. The most healing part of summer is the sparkling blue pool in the eastern courtyard. Children play joyfully in the water while moms relax on the swings by the poolside, capturing effortlessly aesthetic photos. Every evening, the homestay hosts iron-flower performances and offers free Huizhou ink-making workshops. Grinding inksticks by hand immerses both adults and children in the charm of intangible cultural heritage. The breakfast served is delicate and delicious, while lunch and dinner feature authentic Huizhou specialties—absolutely delightful! 👍👍👍 The butler-style service is exceptionally thoughtful, with shuttle rides available anytime to spare you unnecessary travel fatigue. Here, the charm of an ancient mansion blends seamlessly with modern convenience, adding a touch of homey warmth to your journey.

Nestled among the green mountains and black-tiled roofs of southern Anhui lies Bishan Village, a 1,600-year-old settlement celebrated as China's most artistic ancient hamlet. Here, I stumbled upon Yiyun Bishan Homestay, embarking on a journey far beyond my wildest dreams. At first glance, Yiyun Bishan captivates with its chic exterior. The gray brick walls harmonize perfectly with the village's timeless charm, blending the essence of Hui-style architecture with sleek modern lines—a poetic dialogue between tradition and contemporary design. Stepping inside, the sunken courtyard creates an open, fluid space that exudes comfort and freedom. The crowning jewel is the panoramic terrace on the third floor. With 270° unobstructed views, it frames Bishan Village's white walls and black tiles alongside the undulating peaks of Huangshan Mountain. At dusk, sipping Keemun black tea while basking in Huizhou's gentlest golden hour offers a uniquely soothing romance that melts away all fatigue. Each of the 11 guestrooms is a masterpiece, boasting distinct vistas and serene privacy. Modern yet cozy, the rooms feature thoughtful details and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the ancient village's beauty indoors. Waking up to sunlight streaming in, with picturesque fields and traditional architecture outside, feels like stepping into an unfolding ink painting. What truly won me over was the butler-style service. A dedicated 24/7 attendant catered to every need, making me feel at home from check-in to departure. The room quality surpassed five-star standards—luxurious linens, impeccable cleanliness, and gourmet breakfasts all reflected meticulous attention to detail. Yiyun Bishan isn’t just a homestay; it’s a holistic retreat with dining, cultural spaces, and rural charm. Here, five-star amenities meet village tranquility. Stroll through Bishan to visit hotspots like Bishan Bookstore and Gongxiao Community, or explore nearby—Xidi and Hongcun are just 15 minutes away, while Yixian County’s ancient streets offer lantern-lit delights. If you crave a high-quality, hassle-free escape in southern Anhui’s ancient villages, Yiyun Bishan is your ideal choice. Like a radiant pearl hidden in Bishan, it awaits discerning travelers to uncover its magic and begin an unforgettable dream journey.

Looking for Huizhou deep in the ink marks Stepping on the bluestone slab where the morning mist has not yet dispersed, I fell into the long scroll of Huizhou’s ink. The mountains, water, and villages here are like lines of poetry oozing from the ink pads, and every screen is soaked with the fragrance of thousands of years of ink. Before the light was clear, I stood guard by the Xin'an River. Clouds and mist rose from the river, and the mountains in the distance were looming in the mist, like a hazy background on an ink painting. When the first ray of sunlight pierces the clouds, a miraculous sight appears - a fishing boat slowly enters the line of sight, the fisherman swings the oar, the ripples on the water crush the reflected mountain, the startled egrets sweep across the river, the arc drawn by the wings resembles the ink marks that a painter swings at will. I held my breath for fear of disturbing this volume of landscape painting being created. Walking into Hong Village, the calmness of Nanhu made me stop. The surface of the lake is like a mirror, embracing the white walls, the blue sky and the white clouds in its arms. The students who were sketching were scattered around the lake, the paint on the drawing board echoing the scenery in front of them, and it was hard to tell whether they were imitating the landscape or the landscape imitating their paintings. On the edge of the moon swamp, several elderly people sit and talk on the stone steps, with freshly picked green vegetables in bamboo baskets beside them. The smoke of life and the tranquility of the ancient village blend harmoniously, adding the most vivid footnotes to this ink painting. The rain from Xidi came suddenly. Raindrops form strings of crystal-clear bead curtains along the tiles of the horse's head wall, and fine splashes appear on the bluestone slab. I hid in an old shop with a sign of "Hui Mo Fang", and the house was filled with the unique aroma of pine smoke and ink. The owner is making ink, he beats the plastic and charcoal repeatedly, his movements are steady and powerful. Through the wooden window, I looked at the village in the rain, the white walls became more and more plain in the rain and mist, the Deva was washed by the rain and shined, at this moment, it was like time went back, I became the literati who stepped in the rain to seek ink in ancient times. At dusk, I climbed high and overlooked the whole of Huizhou. The setting sun gilded the village with a golden layer, and smoke rose from the rooftops, blending in with the evening glow on the horizon. On the Xin'an River, the sails are dotted, and fishing sparks are shining, like stars in the sky falling into the world. The canopy of the ancestral hall outlines a graceful outline in the twilight, the faint sound of reading comes from the college, and the thousand-year-old culture flows quietly at this moment. When I left Huizhou, I carried a piece of Huizhou ink in my backpack, my clothes were stained with the atmosphere of the ancient village, and in my mind, that ink painting of Huizhou had long been deeply engraved. This trip is not only a trip to the mountains and rivers, but also a dialogue with the rhyme of thousands of years of ink. Deep in the ink marks, I find the poetry and distance that my heart yearns for.

📅 Itinerary Day1: Fly from Chengdu to Shangrao, take high-speed rail to Huangshan North Station, drive to Xixili for check-in after arrival, stay at a youth hostel. Day2: Visit Huangshan, ascend from the front mountain and descend from the back mountain. Even in the off-season, there were quite a few people. I still recommend ascending from the back mountain, as most people take the front route—the Welcoming Pine was packed with visitors. Descended at 4 PM, drove to Xidi for a quick look, then rushed back to Huangshan North Station to catch the high-speed rail to Shangrao. Originally planned to visit Wangxian Valley for night views, but heavy rain forced us back to the inn to sleep. Day3: Rested at the inn in the morning due to rain, flew back to Chengdu from the airport at noon. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendation: The youth hostel was great, exceeding my expectations. 🍴 Food Recommendations 📌 Practical Tips

Xidi Ancient Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Anhui Province, China, is a wonderfully maintained Huizhou-style village from the Song Dynasty. It boasts typical Huizhou architecture, stone-paved alleys, historic archways, and well-preserved clan halls. Xidi was originally a hub for Huizhou merchants, who wielded considerable power in trade and Confucianism. It provides a realistic look at rural Ming-Qing life that is ideal for photography, history, and cultural inquiry. It's the perfect destination for a day trip or an overnight stay in a traditional Hui-style hotel. Wander through narrow alleys, admire the scenery from a nearby pavilion, and enjoy shopping and dining. In the evening, experience the dazzling light and water show on the lake before taking a peaceful stroll through the village.

🚗 Xidi Village is shaped like a boat, surrounded by mountains on all sides, with two streams flowing through it. The village is structured around one main longitudinal street and two roads along the streams, forming an east-facing village street system that extends north and south. All streets are paved with Yixian bluestone. The ancient buildings are mostly wooden structures with brick walls for protection, featuring rich and colorful wood, stone, and brick carvings. The layout of the alleys and buildings is harmonious. The village space is flexible, and the architectural color scheme is simple and elegant, making it a typical representative of Chinese Hui-style architectural art. Xidi Village has a profound cultural heritage, possessing two national intangible cultural heritage items: Huizhou Three Carvings and Huizhou Traditional Residential Construction Techniques. 🚗 Main Industries Tourism, Agriculture Main Attractions Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway, Jingai Hall, Zouma Building, Kuanggu Study White walls, dark tiles, horse-head walls, with side rooms flanking the main hall. High walls, deep courtyards, small windows, with upturned eaves and latticed windows. Thick beams, slender pillars, inner courtyards, with the four-sided water returning to the central hall. Blue bricks, gray tiles, white walls, and horse-head walls leave the deepest impression of Hui-style architecture.

#cherryblossom25 Xidi Ancient Village, together with Hongcun, was listed as World Heritage Site in 2000. Located in Yixian County in Huangshan, it has 300 ancient dwelling left from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, among them, 124 are well-preserved. Xidi Ancient Village is full of primitive simplicity and elegance. It is a typical example of Huizhou culture with exquisite three carvings architecture and cultural scenery. The main road runs in an east-west direction and is flanked by two parallel streets. Getting into the village, you’ll see Lingyun Attic, Hu Wenguang’s Memorial Archway, Ruiyu Courtyard, Taoli Garden, East Garden, West Garden, Dafu Grand Hall, Jing’ai Hall, Lvfu Hall, Qingyun Pavilion, Yingfu Hall, Dujing Hall, Yanggao Hall, Shangde Hall, etc. Following the road to travel from west to east and you’ll explore all the essences of Xidi Ancient Village. #anhui

Attraction Introduction Xidi Ancient Village: As a museum of Ming and Qing Dynasty residences, Xidi attracts countless visitors with its unique Hui-style architecture and rich cultural heritage. The Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway and Hu Family Ancestral Hall are must-visit spots. The village is especially breathtaking in March and April when the rapeseed flowers bloom. Hongcun: Known as "China's village in a painting," Hongcun is famous for its unique ox-shaped village layout. South Lake and Moon Pond are the two jewels of Hongcun. Whether it's the morning mist or the evening sunset, you can capture stunning photos. Food Recommendations Xidi: Don't miss the clear-stewed chicken soup and stir-fries at Huiniang's Private Kitchen, as well as specialty snacks like Fan's Baked Flatbread and Wang's Wonton. Hongcun: We recommend the stinky mandarin fish, fermented tofu, and Huangshan flatbread at Jubafang Restaurant—all authentic Hui cuisine delicacies. Accommodation Options Xidi: Consider staying in a guesthouse within the ancient village, such as Huiju Mobai Li Guesthouse, to experience the charm of ancient Huizhou. Hongcun: We recommend Hongcun Daiqing House South Lake Huizhou-style Experience Guesthouse, which offers a convenient location and the unique charm of Hui-style architecture. Transportation Guide High-speed Rail: From Shanghai Hongqiao, take a high-speed train to Huangshan North Station, then transfer to a shuttle bus to Xidi and Hongcun. Self-driving: Navigate to Xidi or Hongcun. The scenery along the way is picturesque, but be mindful of traffic conditions during holidays. Travel Tips Xidi: A recommended visit time is one morning, allowing you to slowly experience the relaxed pace of life in Huizhou. Hongcun: We suggest spending a full day here. If time permits, stay overnight—Hongcun has a special charm in the early morning and at dusk.

🔥 It truly lives up to Li Bai's poem: "The water of Peach Blossom Pool is a thousand feet deep, yet not as deep as Wang Lun's friendship seeing me off." Southern Anhui Travel Recommendations: 📸: Mist-shrouded peaks of Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), with the morning sun piercing through the sea of clouds *:* "Southern Anhui, China's most beautiful landscape gallery! Of course, the first stop is climbing 'the most peculiar mountain under heaven'—📍Mount Huangshan (a 2-day, 1-night trip is recommended), to see the sunrise, sea of clouds, unique pines, and strange rocks. In winter, there's also stunning rime!"* 📸 **Shot 2 (Ancient Town Sculling Boat)**: Hongcun Village's Moon Pond reflects the whitewashed walls and dark gray tiles. *"Next, step into the 'Village in a Painting' 📍Hongcun Village (Yi County), with its ink-wash style Huizhou architecture + rapeseed flower fields (best from March to April). Remember to check out the wood carvings at Chengzhi Hall and the night view of Moon Pond!"* 📸 **Shot 3 (Overhead Shot)**: Emerald Valley's emerald-green pools resemble gems inlaid among the mountains. *"📍Emerald Valley (Tangkou Town) at the foot of Mount Huangshan, filming location for *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*. Come in summer to escape the heat and wade in the water, super refreshing!"* 📸 **Shot 4 (Human Interest Close-up)**: Elderly residents sketching and Shaiqiu scenes in Xidi Ancient Village. *"Want something more authentic? Go to 📍Xidi (Yixian County) to see the Huizhou three carvings. In the fall, during the Shaiqiu (autumn harvest drying) season, red peppers and corn cover the square, creating a wonderfully authentic atmosphere!"* 📸 **Shot 5 (Food Close-up)**: Hairy tofu pan-fried until golden brown, steaming hot stinky mandarin fish *"A must-try for foodies: Huizhou hairy tofu and stinky mandarin fish! We recommend 📍Dasha Huicaiyuan on Tunxi Old Street. Eat till you're stuffed for around 50 per person!"* 💡 **Tips**: 1️⃣ Attractions in Southern Anhui are concentrated, but roads are mountainous; chartering a car or self-driving is recommended. 2️⃣ March–April is best for rapeseed flowers; November is best for fall colors. 3️⃣ Buy Hongcun/Xidi tickets online in advance and save CNY 10! Xin'an River Landscape Gallery at sunset, fishing boats sing in the evening "Southern Anhui—The spirit of Huizhou, a living ink wash painting!"*

Just returned from Xidi and my social media is blowing up with questions! This thousand-year-old village recommended by National Geographic has every brick telling a story! Save this fresh, hot guide to avoid tourist traps and learn how to capture magazine-worthy ink-wash style photos 👇 1️⃣ Basic Information 🎫 Ticket: CNY 104 (free if staying at guesthouses within the scenic area) ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00-21:30 (light show extends until 22:00) 🚗 Transportation: Huangshan North Station → 1-hour direct tourist bus (last bus at 17:00) 📸 Outfit recommendation: Solid-color qipao/hanfu + oil-paper umbrella (CNY 20/hour rental at village entrance) 2️⃣ Touring Route 🕗 Morning: Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway → Jing'ai Hall → Qingyun Pavilion → Dafu Mansion (2.5h) 🍜 Lunch: Guyue Restaurant (combo of stinky mandarin fish + hairy tofu) 🕑 Afternoon: Ruiyu Courtyard → East Garden → West Garden → Stone-paved Streets (2h) 🌙 Evening: Mingjing Lake Light Show → Night tour of ancient alleys (1.5h) 3️⃣ Must-visit Spots ① Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway 📍 Village entrance landmark | Built in 1578 ✨ Highlights: Three-section, four-pillar, five-story bluestone archway, a masterpiece of Huizhou stone carving. The inscription "Prime Minister of Jingfan" showcases the Hu family's prestigious status 📸 Photo tip: Shoot at 7am with backlighting, framing the archway with rapeseed flower fields ② Dafu Mansion 📍 Core area of the ancient village | Official residence from the Kangxi era ✨ Highlights: ▫️ "Home in the Peach Blossom Spring" plaque, immersive embroidered ball-throwing folk custom ▫️ "Think Before You Step Back" philosophical inscription, embodying Hui merchants' wisdom 💡 Experience: Hui Opera performances every Saturday night, participate in embroidered ball-throwing in hanfu ③ Jing'ai Hall 📍 Representative ancestral hall | 1,800 square meters ✨ Highlights: ▫️ Rare "filial piety" brick carving (written by Zhu Xi) ▫️ "Four Waters Return to the Hall" feng shui layout in the courtyard 🎧 Must-hear: Free guided tours at 10:00/15:00 daily, revealing the rise and fall of the Hu family ④ Qingyun Pavilion 📍 Classic example of Hui-style gardens ✨ Features: ▫️ Natural "air-conditioning well" (warm in winter, cool in summer) ▫️ House treasures: "Pine and Rock" and "Bamboo and Plum" stone-carved lattice windows 💡 Hidden activity: Enjoy Huangshan Maofeng tea by the century-old peony window (free tea sets provided) ⑤ Mingjing Lake Night Tour 📍 Village entrance water area | 19:30-21:30 ✨ Highlights: ▫️ "Legend of Xidi" light show: 3D mapping technology recreating Hui merchant stories ▫️ Hundred lantern parade: stroll in hanfu with lanterns like time-traveling 📸 Photo spot: Long exposure shots of flowing light reflections (settings: ISO 100, 2s shutter) 4️⃣ Immersive Experiences ✅ Stone-paved Street Wandering 🔸 Enjoy 99 high-walled alleys to yourself at 6am, watch morning smoke rising from bluestone pavements 🔸 Must-buy: Bamboo tube "Xidi Coffee," intangible cultural heritage Hui ink pastries ✅ Treasure Hunting in Ancient Houses ▪️ Ruiyu Courtyard: Find upside-down bat wood carvings (symbolizing "blessing arrives") ▪️ Taoli Garden: See double-layered openwork door covers, listen to "Hu Family Teachings" stories ✅ Cultural Immersion Experiences 🎎 Woodblock printing/Hui ink making (CNY 50/person, includes finished work) 🎭 Wednesday/Saturday exclusive: Huizhou ancestral hall ritual performances 5️⃣ Perfect Photo Spots ① Rapeseed Fields Meet Horse-head Walls 📍 Village entrance rapeseed fields + Mingjing Lake reflections 📸 Low-angle upward shots, framing flower fields and horse-head walls together 💡 Outfit: Solid-color qipao/hanfu + oil-paper umbrella (rentable at entrance) ② Stone Alley Light and Shadow 📍 Dafu Mansion alley/Qingyun Pavilion corner 📸 Capture Tyndall effect in alleys at 8am 💡 Poses: Looking back with open umbrella/lifting skirt while ascending steps ③ Night Photography Hotspot 📍 Mingjing Lake Light Show (19:30-21:30) 📸 Long exposure shots of fish lantern light trails, settings: ISO 100, 2s shutter 6️⃣ Local Cuisine ✅ Stinky Mandarin Fish + Hairy Tofu Combo 👉🏻 Recommended: Guyue Restaurant (30-year-old establishment) 💡 Hidden eating method: Dip hairy tofu in chili sauce with yellow rice wine ✅ Spring Bamboo Shoots with Cured Meat Pot 👉🏻 Must-order: Hanmo Residence Guesthouse home cooking 💡 April seasonal specialty, cured meat smoked by villagers ✅ Hui Ink Pastry Souvenirs 👉🏻 Purchase at: Ruiyu Courtyard cultural creative shop 💡 Traditional handmade, perfect with Huangshan Maofeng tea 7️⃣ Accommodation ✨ Hanmo Residence (CNY 200+ per person) ✔️ Horse-head wall view from window ✔️ Butler service ✔️ Free hanfu experience ✨ Boxin Yunshe (Luxury option) ✔️ Stargazing terrace ✔️ Hui Opera performances ✔️ Customized breakfast 8️⃣ Photo Editing for Ink-wash Style ▫️ Filter A8+6.0 ▫️ Exposure -1.5 ▫️ Contrast -2.0 ▫️ Highlight tone +9 ▫️ White balance temperature -1.5 ▫️ HSL blue saturation +3 (enhances water reflections) ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps ❌ Avoid tour group peak hours (10:00-15:00) ⭕️ Save CNY 104 by staying at scenic area guesthouses ❌ Don't use paid photography services from elderly ladies at the entrance ⭕️ Wednesday/Thursday has fewer tourists

This Hanfu lover declares: Huangshan is the holy land of time travel! Green tiles, white walls and horse-faced skirts, any photo will look like a still from "Dream of Splendor" ~ This strategy for the double kill of "culture + beautiful scenery" is worth collecting quickly by sisters with ancient style! Day 1: First experience of Huizhou, a thousand-year-old city In the morning, take the high-speed train directly to Huangshan North and head straight to Huizhou Ancient City (free admission!). I rented a set of Song Dynasty Hanfu (💰80 yuan/day) on Dousan Street. When I walked past Xuguo Stone Archway with an oil-paper umbrella, the NPC uncle actually praised me for being "very beautiful" ~ In the afternoon, I slipped into Yangchan Tulou. The staggered yellow mud walls made the lilac jacket look particularly gentle. My phone ran out of battery from taking so many photos 📱! In the evening, we checked into Shiting Huayi (highly recommended!), a homestay converted from a 200-year-old Huizhou merchant’s house. The moonlight on the lotus pond can be seen just outside the window. The butler served me hot Huangshan Maofeng tea, and I instantly dreamed back to the Ming and Qing dynasties~ Day 2: Walking in Wonderland, 30,000 steps a day At 6 o'clock, take the Yuping cable car up the mountain and head straight to the Welcoming Pine! Wearing Hanfu to climb a mountain is indeed... sour and refreshing, but when the pine branches brush against your hairpin, you will instantly understand the ancients' obsession of "I would rather eat without meat than live without pine trees"~ At noon, I ate super fresh stinky mandarin fish at Baiyun Hotel. The more I ate, the more I liked it! In the afternoon, we challenged Aoyu Cave. When we squatted and crawled through the narrow cracks in the rocks, we finally understood why the ancients said "the mountain is as dangerous as a knife" ~ In the evening, we lay on the lawn of Guangmingding to watch the sunset. The clouds were like an overturned rouge box, dyeing the entire sky red🌇 Day 3: Farewell Poems in the Landscape Gallery Give up the crowded Xidi and Hongcun and follow the local grandmas to visit Bishan Village. I wrote a postcard at the Bishan Bookstore, which was converted from a century-old ancestral hall, and sent a "brocade letter in the clouds" to my future self 💌 ~ Finally, I got lost in Chengkan Bagua Village for three hours, but unexpectedly came across a pond full of blooming lotus flowers. It turns out that getting lost is another way to encounter surprises! Exclusive Tips for Culture Control 1. Guidelines for Photographing Hanfu Huizhou Ancient City recommends wearing a light and elegant chest-length skirt, while Yangchu Tulou is suitable for Ming Dynasty-style vests. Bring a fan or bamboo basket as props, avoid the top light period between 10-15 pm 2. In-depth experience list Learn Hui ink painting in Bagua Village, Chengkan (free experience!) Bishan Bookstore’s limited edition stamp (a total of 8 Hui-style architectural stamps) 3. Hide food map Tangkou Town "Huizhou flavor" must order Yipin pot (50 yuan per person, full) You can buy a big bag of crab shell yellow sesame cakes in Tunxi Old Street for 10 yuan! 4. Traffic magic operation Huangshan → Hongcun carpooling 25 yuan/person, 1 hour faster than the bus Find the B&B owner to rent an electric car (50 yuan/day), which is very convenient for traveling around the ancient village

🌸Ancient Villages: Poetic Dwelling of Hui-style Architecture🌸 Yixian County is known as the "Treasure House of Ancient Oriental Architectural Art," with Xidi and Hongcun, two World Cultural Heritage villages, as its soul. The towering archways and ancient houses in deep alleys of Xidi tell the glory of the heyday of Huizhou merchants; the "ox-shaped" water system design of Hongcun allows the Moon Pond and South Lake to reflect the white walls and black tiles, just like ink and wash paintings. More than 3,500 well-preserved Ming and Qing ancient residential buildings in the village fully demonstrate the exquisiteness of Huizhou's three carvings (wood carving, stone carving, and brick carving). Ancient villages such as Nanping, Guanlu, and Pingshan are scattered like stars, with maze-like alleys and connected building complexes, making people feel like they have stepped into a time tunnel. Four Seasons Painting: A Symphony of Nature and Humanity The Splendor of Spring In March, the sea of rapeseed flowers in Ke Village spreads like a golden carpet, and thousands of acres of peach blossoms reflect the white walls; the Mukeng Bamboo Sea is verdant, and cycling through the sea of flowers in the mountains allows you to feel the vitality of "sports + ecology." The Colorful Autumn Taking Chinese tallow trees as the protagonist, Tachuan Village turns fiery red after the frost descends, painting a stunning picture of "China's Four Great Autumn Sceneries" with black tiles, white walls, and curling smoke. Overlooking from a paraglider, the colorful mountains are like an overturned palette. The Cool Summer Daguling Waterfall splashes like pearls and jade, and Taohuayuan rafting stirs the mountain streams; lotus flowers sway by Qishu Lake, and the live-action performance of "Hongcun · Aju" in the night reproduces the legend of Huizhou women. The Tranquility of Winter Snow falls on the ancient village, the horse head walls are covered in white, the stone roads reflect the frost, and a cup of Qimen black tea by the fireplace allows you to feel the Huizhou New Year's flavor of "peace and quiet."

#discoverchina #anhui At daybreak, UNESCO-listed Xidi Ancient Village awakens wrapped in pearlescent mist. The 900-year-old Huizhou-style dwellings– with their white walls, black tiles, and soaring horsehead gables – emerge like ghosts of Ming merchants past. Morning light filters through Qingming Street's bluestone alleyways, glinting off carved wooden portals where "wealth never left.Farmers pass the 1578 Hu Wenguang Archway,its stone phoenixes damp with dew, while the village's mirror-like ponds double the beauty of curved eaves. This perfectly preserved Anhui gem remains frozen in time, where every cobblestone whispers of scholar-merchants and poetic landscapes. Entrance ticket: 104RMB(half price for foreigners with passport)

**Anhui Travel Guide: 6 Stunning Spots + Foodie Heaven + Budget Accommodation Guide** As a seasoned traveler who has "climbed Huangshan, eaten stinky mandarin fish, and been captivated by the beauty of Hongcun" in Anhui, I declare: **Anhui is a hidden "carb paradise + landscape king"!** Here, you'll not only find the "Number One Mountain Under Heaven," but also picturesque ancient villages and irresistible, strong-flavored cuisine! --- ### **1. Huangshan—A Fantastic Journey Through the Sea of Clouds and to the Greeting Pine** **Recommended reason**: Xu Xiake, a famous traveler, certified it as "Return from the Five Great Mountains and you'll see no other mountains; return from Huangshan and you'll see no other peaks." Every photo you take here is a masterpiece! **Things to do**: - Must-see "Four Wonders of Huangshan": unique pines, grotesque rocks, the sea of clouds, and hot springs (rime can also be seen in winter). - It is recommended to ascend from the back mountain (Yungu Temple) and descend from the front mountain (Ciguang Pavilion) for a less strenuous and more impressive experience. - Accommodation at the mountaintop is expensive (standard rooms start from CNY 800), but if you want to see the sunrise, it's worth it! Alternatively, you can climb at night (for the brave). **Nearby cuisine**: - **Huangshan baked cakes** (with preserved mustard greens and lard, crispy to the point of crumbling, CNY 2/piece). - **Stinky mandarin fish** (smells strong, tastes delicious, approx. CNY 60 per person). **Humorous warning**: - Don't brag "I can reach the top in one breath" before climbing the mountain. The steps of Huangshan will teach you humility. - Make way for the porters. They might be carrying your hot pot ingredients for tonight. --- ### **2. Hongcun—Eating Hairy Tofu in an Ink Painting** **Recommended reason**: A village straight out of a Chinese painting, with white walls and black tiles reflected in the Moon Pond, so beautiful it looks Photoshopped! **Things to do**: - Get up early to photograph the South Lake in the morning mist and avoid the tour groups (free before 7am). - Eavesdrop on tour guides to hear about the feng shui metaphysics of the "ox-shaped village" (like what "matching social status" actually looks like). **Nearby cuisine**: - **Hairy tofu** (tofu with hair! Fried and dipped in chili sauce, CNY 10/serving). - **Laba tofu** (savory and chewy, perfect with porridge). **Interesting fact**: - Villagers still wash vegetables in the clothes-washing channel, but it's not recommended to follow suit—someone might be washing a mop upstream. --- ### **3. Xidi—An Even More Authentic Ancient Village Than Hongcun** **Recommended reason**: A textbook example of Hui-style architecture, less crowded and peaceful, perfect for relaxing and sketching. **Things to do**: - Find the "filial piety" stele (written by Zhu Yuanzhang). Touching it might make you more filial (to be verified). - Explore Xidi at night. When the lanterns light up, you'll be transported back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. **Foodie guide**: - **Stone-baked cakes** (pies baked under stones, fragrant, crispy, and filling, CNY 5/piece). - **Huizhou Yipin Pot** (layered with meat and vegetables, approx. CNY 40 per person). **Humorous tip**: - The thresholds of ancient houses are high. Chant "promotion and fortune" as you step over them. If you trip, it's on me. --- ### **4. Jiuhua Mountain—Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva's "Buddhist" Office** **Recommended reason**: One of the four sacred Buddhist mountains, shrouded in clouds and mist like a fairyland, super effective for making wishes! **Things to do**: - See the "incorruptible body" in the Hall of the Incorruptible Body (an unsolved scientific mystery). - Take the cable car up to the Hundred-Year-Old Palace and hike down (knee-friendly). **Nearby cuisine**: - **Vegetarian food** (CNY 20 for an all-you-can-eat meal at the temple canteen, pretending to eat meat but it's actually tofu). - **Jiuhua Huangjing Cake** (a healthy dessert, sweet but not greasy). **Advice**: - Don't ask the Bodhisattva for "overnight riches," or you might be assigned to carry goods up the mountain to fulfill your vows. --- ### **5. Xin'an River Landscape Gallery—Take a Boat Trip to See the Rapeseed Flowers** **Recommended reason**: Rapeseed flowers in spring + sun-drying in autumn, boating on the river is like traveling through a painting. **Things to do**: - A must-visit in March-April! Ancient villages and flower fields along the river will fill up your camera's memory card. - Boat tickets cost CNY 100. It is recommended to choose an open-air seat on the second floor. **Foodie surprise**: - **Shendu Baofu Dumplings** (wontons shaped like bundles, incredibly delicious). - **Shexian Loquats** (available in May, sweeter than first love). **Dry humor**: - The boatman's dialect sounds like encrypted communication. Just nod and smile. --- ### **6. Tianzhu Mountain—Anhui's Hidden "Little Huangshan"** **Recommended reason**: Less crowded and beautiful, with grotesque rocks and dangerous peaks comparable to Huangshan, and the entrance fee is only half the price! **Things to do**: - Explore the caves in "Mystery Valley" (not for the plus-sized) and see the reflections in "Alchemy Lake." - Hiking up and down takes about 5 hrs. The cable car is an option for the lazy (CNY 80/person). **Nearby cuisine**: - **Sweet potato noodles with braised pork** (sweet potato flour + pork belly, sticky and perfect with rice). - **Doumu Ancient Pottery Braised Pork** (braised in pottery, incredibly fragrant). **Real experience**: - Don't shout "I can't do it anymore" while climbing the mountain. The echo will mock you all the way. --- ### **[Budget Accommodation Guide]** - **Huangshan/Hongcun**: Hostel beds from CNY 50, standard rooms in guesthouses from CNY 150 (choose those near the village entrance for lower prices). - **Jiuhua Mountain**: Farmhouse guesthouses at the foot of the mountain from CNY 100/night. Be prepared to "splurge" if you stay on the mountain. ### **[Transportation Tips]** - Anhui's attractions are scattered. Take the high-speed train to Huangshan North/Hefei South, then transfer to a bus. - There is a bus between Hongcun and Xidi (CNY 8). Don't get ripped off by unlicensed taxis! I wish you a trip to Anhui where you: - Climb mountains without jelly legs, eat stinky mandarin fish without regrets, and take photos without needing Photoshop! (¡Vamos!)

Just finished my trip to Huangshan. Plan to share your itinerary strategy One-day walk in Huangshan + check-in at Hongcun and Xidi Ancient Village Live comfortably, eat authentically, lazy people can just copy I'll just talk about the tour experience and itinerary, you can adjust it yourself 🚅【About transportation】 I recommend you take the high-speed rail to Huangshan North Station, because there are many shuttle buses here, and there are direct buses to Huangshan, Hongcun, Xidi, and Tunxi city. The arrival time at Huangshan was sent to us in advance, and we were picked up at the station, which was very convenient. 🏞【About playing】 The attractions in Huangshan are too scattered. If you want to visit most of them at once, it will take at least 5-6 days, so this time I only went to 4 attractions. We didn’t arrive at Huangshan North Station until the afternoon of the first day, so we went to Tunxi Old Street for a stroll. At night, we stayed at the Junxi Hotel arranged by us and went to the Performing Arts City to watch the Huixiu performance. This is recommended ~ Arrive in Huangshan to experience the history of Huizhou. The second day is a one-day tour of Huangshan; the third day is Hongcun + Xidi. The one-day tour of Huangshan includes taking the Yungu Cableway up and the Yuping Cableway down. It is not very tiring. Just pay attention to your posture when going down. Hongcun has more people than Xidi, but I personally like Xidi more. 🥘【About eating】 In Tunxi Old Street, I recommend you to go to Sitang Restaurant, Shangshan Renjia, and Chenglu Shaobing! These were recommended by a local and they were delicious! If you want to eat in Hongcun, go to Leigang Villa, which serves authentic farm-style dishes. The itinerary does not include lunch and dinner. 🏨【About the hotel】 The itinerary was arranged at Junxi Hotel in Tunxi City. It was a double room with a good overall environment and sanitation. It was not noisy and the breakfast was also good.

Just returned from Xidi and my social media is blowing up! This thousand-year-old village, recommended by National Geographic, truly has stories etched in every brick! Here's your fresh guide to capturing magazine-worthy ink-painting shots and avoiding tourist traps👇 1️⃣ Basic Information 🎫Admission: CNY 104 (free for guests staying at hotels within the scenic area) ⏰Opening Hours: 8:00-21:30 (light show extends until 22:00) 🚗Transportation: 1-hour direct tourist bus from Huangshan North Station (last bus at 17:00) 📸Outfit Rental: Traditional qipao/hanfu + oil paper umbrella (CNY 20/hour at village entrance) 2️⃣ Touring Route 🕗Morning: Hu Wenguang Memorial Arch → Jing'ai Hall → Qingyun Pavilion → Dafu Mansion (2.5h) 🍜Lunch: Guyue Restaurant (Signature stinky mandarin fish + hairy tofu combo) 🕑Afternoon: Ruiyu Court → East Garden → West Garden → Stone Paved Street (2h) 🌙Evening: Mingjing Lake light show → night tour of ancient lanes (1.5h) 3️⃣ Attractions ① Hu Wenguang Memorial Arch 📍Village entrance landmark | Built in 1578 ✨Highlights: Three-bay, four-pillar, five-story bluestone arch, a masterpiece of Huizhou stone carving. The inscription "Prime Minister of Jing" showcases the Hu family's prestigious status 📸Photo tip: Shoot against the light at 7am, framing the arch with canola fields ② Dafu Mansion 📍Core area | Official residence from Kangxi period ✨Highlights: ▫️"Home in Peach Blossom Spring" plaque, immersive embroidered ball-throwing custom ▫️Door inscription "Think Before Retreating" reflects Hui merchants' wisdom 💡Experience: Huiju opera performances every Saturday night, participate in ball-throwing in hanfu ③ Jing'ai Hall 📍Ancestral hall culture | 1,800㎡ ✨Highlights: ▫️Rare "Filial Piety" brick carving (Zhu Xi's calligraphy) ▫️"Four Waters Return to Hall" feng shui courtyard layout 🎧Must-hear: Free guided tours at 10:00/15:00 daily, revealing Hu family's history ④ Qingyun Pavilion 📍Classic Hui-style garden ✨Features: ▫️Natural "air-conditioning well" (warm in winter, cool in summer) ▫️Treasured stone window carvings: "Pine and Rock," "Bamboo and Plum" 💡Hidden experience: Enjoy Huangshan Maofeng tea by century-old peony window (free tea set provided) ⑤ Mingjing Lake Night Tour 📍Village entrance | 19:30-21:30 ✨Highlights: ▫️"Legend of Xidi" light show: 3D mapping showcasing merchant stories ▫️Hundred lantern parade: stroll in hanfu with lanterns 📸Photo tip: Long exposure for light reflections (Settings: ISO100, 2s shutter) 4️⃣ Experiences ✅ Stone Street Wandering 🔸Enjoy 99 high-walled lanes alone at 6am, watch morning smoke rise above stone paths 🔸Must-buy: Bamboo tube "Xidi Coffee," heritage Hui ink pastries ✅ Ancient House Treasure Hunt ▪️Ruiyu Court: Find upside-down bat woodcarving (meaning "fortune arrives") ▪️Peach and Plum Garden: See double-layer carved door screens, hear Hu family teachings ✅ Cultural Immersion 🎎Woodblock printing/Hui ink making (CNY 50/person, keep your work) 🎭Wednesday/Saturday exclusive: Huizhou ancestral ceremony heritage show [Continued in next part due to length...] 5️⃣ Best Photo Spots ① Canola Fields Meet Horse-head Walls 📍Village entrance canola fields + Mingjing Lake reflections 📸Low-angle shots framing flowers and horse-head walls 💡Outfit: Solid-color qipao/hanfu + oil paper umbrella (rentable at entrance) ② Stone Lane Light and Shadow 📍Dafu Mansion lane/Qingyun Pavilion corner 📸Capture Tyndall effect at 8am 💡Poses: Looking back with umbrella/lifting dress while climbing stairs ③ Night Photography Paradise 📍Mingjing Lake light show (19:30-21:30) 📸Long exposure for lantern trails, Settings: ISO100, 2s shutter 6️⃣ Local Delicacies ✅ Stinky Mandarin Fish + Hairy Tofu Combo 👉🏻Recommended: Guyue Restaurant (30-year establishment) 💡Hidden tip: Dip hairy tofu in chili sauce with yellow wine ✅ Spring Bamboo Shoots with Cured Meat Pot 👉🏻Must-order: Hanmo Residence private kitchen 💡April seasonal special, house-smoked meat by villagers ✅ Hui Ink Pastries Souvenirs 👉🏻Purchase at: Ruiyu Court cultural shop 💡Traditional handmade, perfect with Huangshan Maofeng tea 7️⃣ Accommodation ✨ Hanmo Residence (CNY 200+ per person) ✔️Horse-head wall view ✔️Butler service ✔️Free hanfu experience ✨ Boxin Cloud Lodge (Luxury option) ✔️Stargazing terrace ✔️Huiju opera shows ✔️Custom breakfast 8️⃣ Photo Editing Tips ▫️Filter A8+6.0 ▫️Exposure -1.5 ▫️Contrast -2.0 ▫️Tone highlights +9 ▫️White balance temperature -1.5 ▫️HSL blue saturation +3 (enhance water reflections) ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps ❌Avoid tour group peak hours (10:00-15:00) ⭕️Save CNY 104 by staying in scenic area hotels ❌Avoid paid photographers at village entrance ⭕️Fewer tourists on Wednesday/Thursday