Beyond Hiking: Discover the Cultural Charms of Huangshan City
While the Yellow Mountain (黄山, Huángshān) is famous for its breathtaking peaks and scenic trails, there's so much more to explore beyond the hike. Huangshan City is also the heartland of Huizhou culture (徽州文化, Huīzhōu wénhuà), known for its tranquil villages, elegant architecture, and a slower pace of life that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. If you're looking to experience the countryside charm of Anhui, don’t miss the chance to visit the ancient Huizhou villages, where whitewashed walls and gray-tiled roofs frame views of distant mountains and peaceful rice fields.
Explore the Old Streets of Huangshan City
Tunxi Old Street (屯溪老街, Túnxī Lǎojiē)
Located in the city center, this is a perfect stop after your adventure in the Yellow Mountain or a visit to Hongcun Village. The street is lined with well-preserved Huizhou-style buildings from different eras. You'll find a wide variety of shops selling everything from local teas and pickles to Mei Gan Cai Bing (梅干菜饼, a savory preserved vegetable pastry) and traditional writing tools. It’s a great spot for both a relaxing meal and souvenir shopping.
Liyang Old Street (黎阳老街, Líyáng Lǎojiē)
As the local saying goes, “Ming and Qing belong to Tunxi; Tang and Song belong to Liyang.” This ancient street blends traditional Huizhou architecture with modern leisure culture. The Liyang In Lane (黎阳in巷) area features a stylish mix of cafés, bars, and cultural spots, making it a hotspot for the younger crowd. Enjoy a quiet coffee by day, then head to a riverside bar at night for some lively fun. There’s also the Tunxi Museum (屯溪博物馆) nearby for those interested in local history.
Yixian County: Hongcun and Xidi – A Living Ink Painting
Hongcun Village (宏村, Hóngcūn)
A picture-perfect symbol of Huizhou villages, Hongcun is one of the most famous ancient villages in China. During peak travel seasons, the crowds may break the village’s tranquility, but its charm remains irresistible. Framed by mountains, trees, and tranquil waters, Hongcun is like a traditional Chinese ink painting brought to life. Highlights include the misty Nanhu Lake (南湖, Nánhú), the scholarly South Lake Academy (南湖书院), the ever-bubbling Moon Pond (月沼, Yuèzhǎo), the solemn Wang Family Ancestral Hall (汪氏宗祠), and the stunning Chengzhi Hall (承志堂).
If you have a drone, try capturing the aerial layout of the village—many say it resembles the structure of an ox, with winding paths like its intestines, and buildings forming its stomach and other parts.
There are several entrances to Hongcun. One is the western entrance referred to as the “village mouth” by locals. Another is near Siqiao Bridge (泗桥) to the west of Nanhu Lake. The main entrance is on the eastern side, next to the parking lot—most visitors start here and explore the village from south to north.
Suggested route: Nanhu Lake → South Lake Academy → Chengzhi Hall → Moon Pond → Wang Family Ancestral Hall → Shuren Hall → Taoyuanyuan Residence → Ancient Tree.
Admission: ¥94 per person. You can purchase multi-day combo tickets online that include nearby attractions—cheaper and more convenient.
Xidi Village (西递, Xīdì)
Just a 30-minute drive from Hongcun, Xidi offers a maze of historic alleys and grand Huizhou architecture. Start your walk from the towering Hu Wenguang Memorial Arch (胡文光刺史坊) at the village entrance, then wind through charming spots like Ruiyu Courtyard (瑞玉庭), Taoliyuan Garden (桃李园), and Jing’ai Hall (敬爱堂). The twisting streets connect these beautiful landmarks into a majestic architectural ensemble. Many say, “To truly appreciate Huizhou architecture, you must visit Xidi.”
Admission: ¥94 per person; combo tickets are available with nearby sites.
Shexian County: Huizhou Ancient City and the Xin’an River Gallery
Huizhou Ancient City (徽州古城, Huīzhōu Gǔchéng)
Located in Shexian (歙县, Shèxiàn), this well-preserved ancient city showcases the essence of Huizhou’s thousand-year culture. Inside its weathered city walls, you'll find historic sites like the ancient government office (千年府衙), Xuguo Archway (许国石坊), and former Huizhou merchant mansions (徽商大宅院). During traditional Chinese festivals, the main square comes alive with folk performances—such as the “Governor’s Street Parade,” exorcism dance of Zhong Kui (跳钟馗), and traditional Huizhou weddings.
Admission: ¥50 per person.
Xin’an River Landscape Gallery (新安江山水画廊, Xīn’ān Jiāng Shānshuǐ Huàláng)
This 50-kilometer scenic river corridor is where China’s classic landscape painting comes to life. Traditional Huizhou houses nestle along green hills and clear waters. Boat tours are the main way to explore the area, allowing you to enjoy the mountain views, riverside villages, and cultural shows like “Ancient Fishing Life.” The best time to visit is in spring, when peach blossoms, rapeseed flowers, pear flowers, and azaleas bloom along the banks.
Boats depart from the Shendu Pier (深渡码头, Shēndù Mǎtóu) , and some services also go directly to Qiandao Lake (千岛湖, Qiāndǎo Hú).
Admission: from ¥148 per person (includes boat fare; online booking recommended for discounts and quick access).
Huizhou District: Chengkan and Tangmo Villages
Tangmo Village (唐模, Tángmó)
While not as famous as other Huizhou villages, Tangmo offers a unique charm of its own. Its most distinctive feature is the Shuikou Garden layout—a classic Huizhou water village design where a crystal-clear stream runs through the center of the village. On either side of the stream, you’ll find traditional white-walled, black-tiled architecture, including homes, ancestral halls, and old shops, creating a picturesque “two-sided” street view along the water.
Admission: ¥80
Opening hours: 07:30–17:30
Chengkan Village (呈坎, Chéngkǎn)
Though not grand in scale, Chengkan is tranquil and scenic in all seasons, offering an idyllic view of Huizhou-style landscapes. Whether you're fishing by Yongxing Lake (永兴湖), painting along the peaceful shoreline, or simply escaping the city's noise, Chengkan is a retreat for the soul.
Chengkan is also famous for its centuries-old local saying: “Visit Chengkan, and your life will be free of obstacles ” (游呈坎，一生无坎). This reflects the village’s auspicious feng shui and rich “Guokan Culture” (过坎文化). Within its historic buildings, many local artisans still live and work—masters of wood carving, bamboo carving, inkstone carving, stone carving, brick carving, ink making, and traditional paper arts. Some of them are recognized as national-level inheritors of intangible cultural heritage.
Admission: ¥107
Opening hours: 07:30–17:00
Xiuning County: Mount Qiyun – A Sacred Daoist Retreat
Mount Qiyun (齐云山, Qíyún Shān)
One of the Four Sacred Daoist Mountains in China, Qiyun Mountain is famous for its Danxia landforms , ancient cliffside carvings , and authentic Daoist culture of the Zhengyi sect. It’s also loved for its pastoral landscapes, making it a perfect destination for both spiritual seekers and nature lovers.
At the foot of the mountain lies Qiyunshan Town (齐云山镇) , where the ancient Dengfeng Bridge (登封桥) marks the start of the old path up the mountain. You can either hike from here to Wangxian Pavilion (望仙亭), the official entry point of the scenic area, or take a cable car directly to the pavilion for a more relaxed ascent.
The main attractions of Qiyun Mountain are spread across four areas: Yuehua Street (月华街), Lou Shang Lou (楼上楼), Yunyan Lake (云岩湖), and Hengjiang River (横江). To explore them fully, you’ll need at least two days.
Classic hiking route:
Wangxian Pavilion (start) → First Heaven Gate → Zhenxian Cave → Second Heaven Gate → Third Heaven Gate → Yuehua Street → Taisugong Temple → Mountaintop (sunrise & sunset views) → Yuxu Palace → Xiao Hutian → return the same way. This route covers most of the mountain’s highlights.
Admission: ¥34
Combo tickets with the cable car are available—choose according to your preference.
Beyond Mountains: The True Essence of Huangshan
Exploring Huangshan and the surrounding Huizhou region offers much more than just breathtaking mountain hikes. From wandering the charming old streets of Tunxi and Liyang, to immersing yourself in the timeless beauty of ancient villages like Hongcun, Xidi, and Chengkan, every step reveals layers of history and culture. And for those seeking spiritual peace and stunning natural landscapes, the sacred Daoist Mount Qiyun awaits. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply craving a slower pace of life, Huangshan’s rich heritage and serene scenery promise an unforgettable journey. Pack your bags and get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Anhui!