Anhui Province: A Millennium Tapestry of Landscapes and Culture

Huangshan

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain): An Ink-Painting Wonderland

Renowned as the muse of Chinese landscape paintings, Huangshan captivates with its "four wonders": grotesque pines, peculiar rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs. The 1,864-meter Lotus Peak is perpetually shrouded in mist, while the Guest-Greeting Pine, standing on the cliff for over a millennium, greets visitors with its outstretched branches. The West Sea Grand Canyon’s clouds cascade like silk ribbons, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. British writer William Payden once marveled: "The scenery here transcends all imagination."

Practical Tips

Best Season: April-October (September-October for autumn foliage)
Transportation: Direct flights to Tunxi Airport; take high-speed rail to Huangshan North Station, then shuttle bus to the scenic area.
Accommodation: Stay in Tunxi Old Street (for Huizhou cuisine) or Baiyun Hotel on the mountain (for sunrise views).

Hongcun & Xidi

Hongcun & Xidi: Living Museums of Huizhou Architecture

Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Hongcun’s South Lake mirrors the white walls and black tiles of over 140 well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty residences. Xidi’s Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway, adorned with intricate dragon-phoenix carvings, honors the legacy of Huizhou merchants. The 300-year-old camphor tree at the village entrance stands as a silent witness to the "Utopian folk in the peach blossom land," a phrase coined by poets to describe this tranquil haven.

Cultural Insights

Architectural Features: Horseshoe-shaped walls for fire prevention; exquisite wood/brick/stone carvings ("Three Carvings") as decorative highlights.
Experience Recommendations: Participate in intangible cultural heritage workshops (e.g., Huizhou ink-making), stay overnight in a restored ancient residence, and enjoy Huizhou opera performances.

Jiuhua Mountain

Jiuhua Mountain: Zen Realm of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

As one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, Jiuhua Mountain hosts 99 temples nestled amid misty peaks. The Huacheng Temple preserves Ming Dynasty Buddhist scriptures, while the Hundred-Year-Old Palace houses the mummified body of a Buddhist master, a rare spiritual relic. Hiking to the Tiantai Peak summit rewards panoramic views of the "Lotus Buddha Kingdom," where temples dot the landscape like lotus blossoms.

Spiritual Journey

Must-Do Activities: Join the morning temple ceremony, savor vegetarian Buddhist cuisine.
Transportation: Take high-speed rail to Chizhou Station, then shuttle bus to Jiuhua Mountain Visitor Center.

Huizhou Ancient City

Huizhou Ancient City: Time-Travel Corridor of Huizhou Culture

Shexian’s Huizhou Ancient City preserves China’s oldest existing archway cluster. The Xuguo Stone Memorial Archway, with its eight-pillar structure, represents the pinnacle of Ming Dynasty stone carving artistry. Doushan Street’s Huizhou merchant residences and the Tao Xingzhi Memorial Hall narrate the glorious history of "no Huizhou, no market towns," highlighting the region’s commercial prowess.

Historical Treasures

Key Attractions: Huizhou Garden (a博览园 of Huizhou architecture), Yuliang Dam (known as the "Dujiangyan of Jiangnan").
Unique Experiences: Learn traditional Huizhou "Three Carvings" (wood/brick/stone carving) from artisans.

Tiantangzhai

Tiantangzhai: Ecological Wonderland in the Dabie Mountains

As the last primeval forest in East China, Tiantangzhai’s 1,729-meter Tiantang Peak offers breathtaking vistas—northward to the Central Plains, southward to Jingchu (Hubei). The Feilong Waterfall plunges 236 meters, creating a thunderous spectacle, while the Baima Grand Canyon’s glacial potholes, formed during the Quaternary Period, are a geological marvel. Summer here averages a cool 22°C, making it an ideal escape from heat.

Adventure Tips

Hiking Route: Baima Peak Plank Road → Longjian Peak → Tiantang Peak (approx. 5 hours total).
Photography Highlights: Sunrise cloud seas and Buddha’s halo phenomenon.

Anhui Cuisine

Li Hongzhang Hotchpotch: A imperial-court-inspired dish slow-cooked with sea cucumber, fish maw, and meatballs.
Stinky Mandarin Fish: Fermented to perfection, this "aromatic" delicacy boasts a unique flavor and garlic-like texture.
Huangshan Maofeng Tea: A pre-Qingming green tea with orchid fragrance, best paired with crispy Huangshan sesame cakes.

Must-Try Dishes

Li Hongzhang Hotchpotch: Named after the late Qing Dynasty statesman, this hearty stew symbolizes Huizhou’s culinary sophistication.
Stinky Mandarin Fish: A bold choice for adventurous foodies, often served with bamboo shoots and mushrooms.

Travel Essentials

Visa: Apply for a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) at least 30 days in advance.
Transportation: Hefei Xinqiao Airport offers global connections; a high-speed rail network links major cities.
Seasonal Tips: Spring (March-May) for blooming flowers; autumn (October-November) for foliage.

Anhui extends a warm invitation—where mist-clad mountains dance with clouds, ancient villages whisper tales of merchant legends, and every meal is a sensory feast. Come and write your own chapter in this timeless land.