Xuancheng

Xuancheng lies in southern Anhui. Li Bai’s poetry, ancient villages, and a thousand years of Xuan paper culture together shape the city’s travel appeal. Life moves at an easy pace here, making it suitable for exploring by car or hired vehicle.

• Jingting Mountain: Li Bai climbed it seven times, earning it the nickname “Poetry Mountain.” Its main peak is 324 meters above sea level, and the trails are not particularly steep. The red paved paths are shaded by trees in many places, making the walk fairly easy. From the Taibai Duzuo Pavilion, you can overlook Xuancheng and watch the sunset in the evening.

• Taohua (Peach Blossom) Pool: The line “The water of Peach Blossom Pool is a thousand feet deep” made this place widely known. The west bank is free to enter, and you can walk along the riverside path while admiring the mountain reflections in the water.

• Chaji Ancient Town: This Huizhou-style village stands where three streams meet and preserves more than 140 residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The mist that covers the village around 6–7 a.m. is ideal for photos. Compared with Hongcun, it receives fewer visitors and offers a quieter experience.

• Longchuan, Jixi: A stream runs through a village of white walls and dark-tiled roofs, while the finely detailed wood carvings at the Hu Clan Ancestral Hall are worth a close look. Visitors interested in Huizhou culture who want to slow down their itinerary can include it in their plans.

• China Xuan Paper Culture Park: Learn about the 108 steps involved in making Xuan paper and try the traditional paper-scooping process to experience this intangible cultural heritage. It is a suitable stop for family educational trips.

Suggested 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Poetic Xuancheng: Climb Jingting Mountain in the morning and learn about its scenery through Li Bai’s poems. Return to the city in the afternoon and visit either Wanling Lake or Shuidong Old Street. In the evening, head to Fazhi Road Night Market to try local stir-fried noodles and spicy vermicelli.

• Day 2: Ink-Wash Southern Anhui: Drive to Taohua Pool in Jing County early in the morning and take a bamboo raft to see the scenery on the water. In the afternoon, continue to Chaji Ancient Town, walk along the flagstone lanes, and look out for the old bridges along the way. Stay overnight at a guesthouse in the town and enjoy the quiet after nightfall.

• Day 3: Intangible Heritage and Ancient Villages: Start with a traditional papermaking experience at China Xuan Paper Culture Park. In the afternoon, depending on your schedule, either visit the Huizhou-style ancestral hall in Longchuan, Jixi, or drive along a section of the southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Route to enjoy the mountain and autumn scenery.

Xuancheng Food Guide

Xuancheng offers both Huizhou cuisine and local snacks, so you can plan a group meal or sample street food at night.

• Xuancheng Stir-Fried Noodles: A common local late-night snack, cooked over high heat to give the noodles a springy texture. The Sanzi Food Stall on Fazhi Road and the shop next to Gangzi Spicy Vermicelli are both options. Served with kelp and bean sprouts, the dish has the aroma of freshly stir-fried ingredients.

• Spicy Vermicelli: Soft, slippery vermicelli in a fragrant, spicy broth, usually served in a generous portion with kelp and bean sprouts. For many locals, this snack is also tied to memories of growing up.

• Ningguo Baba: Made by pan-frying in rapeseed oil, these cakes have a crisp crust and fillings such as pickled greens with pork or green beans with pork. They are best eaten hot to preserve their texture, but can also be packed as gifts.

• Hu Shi’s Yipinguo: A main dish from Huizhou banquets, made by layering chicken pieces, meatballs, egg dumplings, ham, and other ingredients before braising them slowly. Its rich flavor makes it ideal for sharing at a group meal.

• Shuiyang’s Three Treasures: A combination of Shuiyang dried tofu, duck feet wrapped with meat, and duck wings. Locals often braise them together in a clay pot and serve them with drinks.

Accommodation and Transportation

• Where to stay: If you are mainly visiting attractions in the city, consider the Wanda commercial area or the area around Wanling Lake, both convenient for getting around and dining. If you plan to explore Jing County or Chaji in depth, stay overnight at a guesthouse in Chaji Ancient Town to avoid the crowds in the morning and evening when taking photos. Costs start at around 500 yuan per person.

• Getting around: Xuancheng’s attractions are spread out. Within the city, you can take buses or taxis. For trips toward Jing County, Jixi, or Ningguo, driving or hiring a car is recommended; the daily cost is 300–500 yuan, making it easier to adjust your itinerary and reduce travel time. High-speed trains go directly to Xuancheng Station, and a taxi from the station to the city center takes about 15 minutes.

Practical Tips Before You Go

• Plan your route: Jing County and Jixi lie in opposite directions, so avoid scheduling attractions in both places on the same day to reduce unnecessary backtracking.
• Reservations and opening hours: Some attractions allow advance reservations through the “Xuancheng Culture and Tourism” WeChat account. During holidays, buying tickets online in advance can shorten the wait on site. The twin pagodas at Guangjiao Temple close at noon, so plan to visit in the morning.
• Clothing and footwear: Wear comfortable, non-slip sports shoes for mountain and ancient-village visits. Temperature differences between morning and evening in the mountains can be significant, so bring a light jacket.
• Booking services: Be cautious when assessing low-priced tour offers and solicitations by the roadside. When booking tours or guides, use reputable channels.