- "Stunning! A Journey Through Huizhou's Ink Wash Painting, A Must-See in Your Lifetime!"
Ditch the Crowded Tourist Traps! Discover Poetic Jiangnan in Huizhou
Hey everyone, stop flocking to those overcrowded tourist hotspots! Come to Huizhou, where the real poetic Jiangnan is hidden. Let me take you to experience a different kind of beauty and tantalize your taste buds!
Must-Visit Attractions
Huizhou Ancient City: A Journey Through a Thousand Years
One of China's Four Great Ancient Cities, and it's free to enter! The value for money is simply amazing! As soon as you step into the ancient city, you'll feel like you've been transported back a thousand years by a time-traveling spell. The ancient city walls, bustling old streets, and well-preserved Huizhou-style architecture exude the charm of bygone eras. During festivals, there are also intangible cultural heritage performances such as dragon and lion dances and Zhong Kui dances, making it as lively as the Lunar New Year. Remember to plan your time in advance to join in the fun.
Hongcun: The "Village in a Painting" Lives Up to Its Name
This is definitely a paradise for photography enthusiasts, where every shot can be used as wallpaper. The water of Nanhu Lake is like a mirror, reflecting the white walls and black tiles on the shore, like a flowing ink wash painting. The area around Moon Pond is a popular spot for taking photos. Whether you're capturing landscapes or portraits, you can achieve new heights of beauty. When you're tired of walking, find a lakeside shop to sit down, have a cup of tea, and admire the scenery before you. It's so pleasant that you won't want to leave.
Xidi: A More Niche and Rustic Charm Than Hongcun
Similar in style to Hongcun, but Xidi is more niche and tranquil, with less commercialization, making it perfect for leisurely strolls. The ancient archways and secluded alleys are full of stories. Here, time slows down, and you can fully experience the simplicity and purity of the ancient village.
Chengkan: Visit Chengkan and Live a Life Free of Obstacles
It is said that a trip here will bring you a smooth and obstacle-free life. Who can resist such a beautiful meaning? The village is laid out according to the Bagua (Eight Trigrams), like a mysterious maze. If you're visiting for the first time, it's recommended to hire a guide, otherwise you can easily get lost. The architectural craftsmanship of Luodongshu Ancestral Hall is also superb, ingenious, and makes people marvel at the wisdom of the ancients.
Xin'an River Landscape Gallery: A Journey Through a Painting
Take a cruise down the Xin'an River, and the green mountains, clear waters, and white-walled, black-tiled villages on both sides will come into view, like stepping into a flowing landscape painting. Along the way, you can also see the autumn harvest scenes in Jiusha Ancient Village and the millennium Nuo opera performance at Mian Tan Stage, which are super exciting and seem to pull you into a folk culture feast.
Surrounding Hidden Gems
Huangshan: The Most Wonderful Mountains Under Heaven
Although the ticket price is a bit expensive, as the saying goes, "After visiting the Five Great Mountains, you don't need to see other mountains; after visiting Huangshan, you don't need to see the Five Great Mountains." Now that you're here, how can you miss it? The oddly-shaped pines, bizarre rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs are known as the Four Wonders of Huangshan, and each one will make you marvel at the wonders of nature. Remember to wear comfortable sneakers when climbing the mountain, otherwise your legs will "protest" the next day.
Jiuhuashan: The Serenity and Solemnity of a Buddhist Holy Land
One of China's Four Great Buddhist Mountains, with numerous temples and thriving incense, it is full of a strong Buddhist atmosphere. Here, you can calm down, visit the Baishuigong Temple to pray to Buddha, pray for your family and friends, and feel the peace and comfort of your soul.
Qiyun Mountain: A Famous Taoist Mountain with Danxia Landforms
This is a famous Taoist mountain with spectacular Danxia landforms. Climb to the top of the mountain and overlook the mountains. The feeling of "I shall reach the summit and hold all mountains in a single glance" is so exhilarating. There are also many Taoist temples on the mountain, where you can learn about Taoist culture and experience its breadth and depth.
Huizhou Cuisine
Stinky Mandarin Fish: A "Truly Fragrant" Delicacy That Smells Bad But Tastes Good
One of the representative dishes of Huizhou cuisine. When it first comes to the table, the smell may make you pinch your nose, but as long as you pluck up the courage to take a bite, you will be instantly conquered by it. The fish is fresh, tender, and firm, with a unique fermented aroma that becomes more and more addictive. It's definitely a "truly fragrant" experience.
Hairy Tofu: Mold on the Outside, Delicious on the Inside
The surface of the tofu is covered with white fluff, which looks a bit "scary," but this is its unique charm. The pan-fried hairy tofu has a crispy skin and a soft, glutinous interior. Dip it in a little chili sauce for a rich taste that is absolutely amazing. It's definitely a novel experience you've never had before.
Huangshan Shaobing: Crispy in One Bite, Fragrant in Every Bite
The crust is so crispy that it crumbles, and the filling is salty and savory dried vegetables and pork. Take a bite and you'll be filled with fragrance. It's also easy to carry, so buy some to take back as souvenirs and share this deliciousness with your friends and family.
Huizhou Take: A Special Snack with a Rich Variety of Flavors
There are various flavors of fillings such as dried vegetables, bean paste, and shredded pickled vegetables with pork to satisfy your different taste buds. The taste is soft and glutinous, and the flavor is rich. It is very suitable for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Lingshan Rice Wine: A Sweet and Delicious Temptation
Made from Lingshan rice, it is sweet and delicious with a low alcohol content, so even friends who can't drink much can drink it with confidence. In the hot summer, a bowl of chilled Lingshan rice wine is simply a pleasure on earth, instantly dispelling the heat.
Accommodation Recommendations
Ancient City Homestays: Experience the Charm of Antiquity
If you want to immerse yourself in the ancient charm of Huizhou, choose a homestay in Huizhou Ancient City. The price is generally between CNY 200–400 per night. Most of the homestays are converted from old houses, retaining the characteristics of Huizhou architecture, with wooden structures, white walls, and black tiles, revealing the charm of the Jiangnan water towns everywhere. In the evening, you can also stroll around the ancient city and experience the nightlife of Huizhou.
Hongcun Homestays: A Painting When You Open the Window
There are also many homestays in Hongcun, and the price range is relatively large, so you can choose according to your budget. It is recommended to stay near Nanhu Lake or Moon Pond, where you can see the beautiful lake view when you open the window, and you can also enjoy Hongcun shrouded in morning mist in the early morning, like a fairyland.