Ask a QuestionWhere are the Best Places to Visit in Huangshan? Situated on the mid-east part of China, Huangshan city enjoys abundant natural and cultural resources. TopChinaTravel would like to introduce some of the most Famous Places in Huangshan, to help you find your way to explore its grand mountain-view, peaceful ancient towns and time-honored architectures that built hundreds of years ago, etc.
Located in the south part of Anhui Province, Yellow Mountain is one of the top mountain-view spots of China and known as the No. 1 Mountain under heaven. It features imposing peaks, grotesquely-shaped rocks, steep cliffs, fantastic caves and those peculiarities that make the mountain outstanding among others. Yellow Mountain is celebrated for having all the features of mountain scenery.
Due to the weather condition, misting, clouding, natural scenery in the area changes beyond prediction. Yellow Mountain can be divided into Beihai Scenic Area, Xihai Scenic Area, Songgu Scenic Area, Yungu Scenic Area, Yuping Scenic Area, Baiyun Scenic Area and Hot Spring Scenic Area.
In 1990, UNESCO enrolled it as a World Heritage Site.
Located in the south part of Yixian County, only 40km to the south of famous Yellow Mountain Scenic Site, Xidi Village is known for its unique and elegant wooden houses: prettified walls preventing rain infiltration, black tiles recording the history of the town, decorative gate towers standing for the particular flavor of the architecture. Most of the 300 houses in the village were constructed in the Ming and Qing dynasties, of which 124 were well preserved, fully displaying the architectural style of Anhui Province.
The actual history of this village can be dated back to some 900 years agao of the Song Dynasty during the reign of emperor Huangyou. Entering Xidi Village, people will find the obvious road patterns - main road just runs in east-west direction and is flanked by two parallel streets. Numerous narrow alley ways are braches of those major streets which may lead people into a mysterious world to explore further more.
Well-arranged lanes, streams and architectures in Xidi are really garden-like scenery. Because of these historic factors, Xidi Village was declared a part of the “Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui” World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.
Only 19km away from Xidi Village, Hongcun Village is a special place with cattle-like layout. Located to the southwest of famous Yellow Mountain (Mt. Huangshan), facing the South Lake, the original inhabitants of Hongcun creatively built the amazing artificial water system around the village. Nowadays, the still water reflected the well-preserved Ming and Qing style architectures built along the channel and lake, formed a peaceful and reassuring picture.
With marbled ground, black tiles, fresh red lanterns, elaborate woodcarvings and amazingly comprehensive water system, it is known as ‘the folk imperial palaces'. It was inscribed into the list of the World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.
Recommended Attractions: ancient buildings, Zilu Temple, Qisu Lake, Nanhu Lake
Located in Shexian County, Huizhou Ancient City is often praised as a living museum of Anhui’s rich culture and history. It retains its traditional street layout from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with ancient city gates, stone archways, ancestral halls, and tranquil alleyways that speak volumes about Huizhou merchants’ glorious past. Walking through the well-preserved city, visitors can admire the delicate Huizhou-style architecture, exquisite brick carvings, and centuries-old stone bridges. Huizhou Ancient City is the perfect place to experience Anhui’s cultural heritage and savor local snacks like Huizhou tofu and sesame seed cakes.
Situated in Huizhou District, Chengkan Village is renowned for its labyrinthine network of streets and lanes. This over-1,800-year-old village was carefully designed following the principles of Yin and Yang and the Eight Trigrams, making it an architectural wonder in southern Anhui. As visitors stroll through the narrow alleys, they will encounter beautifully carved wooden residences, clear streams flowing under stone bridges, and hidden ancestral halls. Chengkan offers an authentic glimpse into rural life while providing an immersive cultural experience.
Stretching between Huangshan City and the Qiandao Lake, Xin’an River is known as a “water color scroll painting” for its enchanting riverside scenery. The Xin’an River Landscape Gallery is a popular route for river cruises, offering views of rolling green hills, ancient villages, bamboo forests, and terraced fields. Along the riverbanks, visitors will see locals washing clothes, fishermen casting nets, and farmers tending their crops, offering an idyllic snapshot of traditional life in Anhui.
Nestled in Yixian County, Lucun Village is a tranquil place featuring elegant Huizhou-style architecture. The village houses are decorated with intricate wood, brick, and stone carvings, showcasing the craftsmanship of ancient artisans. Lucun is much less crowded than nearby Hongcun or Xidi, making it a wonderful destination for those who prefer a quieter atmosphere to admire Anhui’s traditional culture.
Emerald Valley, also called Lovers’ Valley, lies at the eastern foot of Yellow Mountain. It is a serene canyon filled with crystal-clear streams, emerald pools, and cascading waterfalls. The name comes from the brilliant green hue of the water when sunlight hits the surface. Visitors can walk along wooden boardwalks and enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Nanping Village, also in Yixian County, boasts over 300 well-preserved ancient residences from the Ming and Qing periods. Its atmospheric streets and ancestral halls have made it a favored filming location for period dramas and films, including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The village’s serene environment and ancient charm allow visitors to step back in time and appreciate traditional Huizhou culture.
Mukeng Bamboo Forest, located near Hongcun Village, is one of the most picturesque bamboo groves in China. Towering bamboo stalks sway gently in the breeze, creating a soothing rustling sound. The forest’s beauty has attracted filmmakers and nature lovers alike, offering scenic trails for a leisurely hike. Walking among the emerald green bamboo creates a sense of tranquility and escape.
Tachuan Scenic Area is a small village famous for its breathtaking autumn scenery. From late October to mid-November, the maple trees turn brilliant shades of red and orange, contrasting vividly with the whitewashed walls and black-tiled roofs of Huizhou-style houses. This colorful landscape attracts photographers and artists from all over China, making it a must-visit for those traveling in the fall.
Pingshan Village offers postcard-perfect views of Huizhou architecture set against misty mountains and ancient camphor trees. The village is laid out like an ink wash painting, with its clear ponds, stone bridges, and meandering pathways. Traditional culture thrives here, with locals still practicing ancient customs and crafts.
Guanlu Ancient Village is distinguished by its cluster of 20 ancestral halls, each constructed by prosperous Huizhou merchants centuries ago. Visitors can wander through the halls to admire elaborate woodcarvings and learn about the region’s emphasis on family honor and Confucian traditions. Guanlu’s quiet alleys and unspoiled surroundings make it a hidden gem worth exploring.
Tucked away in the hills of Shexian County, Xieli Village is an off-the-beaten-path destination for travelers seeking peace and solitude. It’s home to several beautifully preserved Huizhou residences and surrounded by terraced fields and streams. The village is ideal for those who wish to experience the slower pace of rural Anhui life.
More famous attractions in Huangshan please click Huangshan Attractions
Highly Recommended Tours: Huangshan Tours
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