On the historically rich land of Anhui, Hongcun is renowned for its ink-painting-like scenery and profound cultural heritage. However, the ancient villages in southern Anhui are far more than just Hongcun. Hidden here are many equally charming ancient villages that may not be as famous as Hongcun but possess their own irreplaceable allure and stories. Today, let us embark on a journey to explore these ancient villages that rival Hongcun and even surpass it in certain aspects.
1.Xidi Ancient Village
A Living Fossil of Ming and Qing Architecture
Xidi, praised as “a home in the Peach Blossom Land,” is located in Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. It is an ancient village with a history of over 950 years.
It has well-preserved ancient architectural complexes from the 14th to 19th centuries, including 3 ancestral halls, 1 memorial archway, and 224 ancient dwellings, making it a valuable resource for studying Huizhou culture and the architectural art of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
📍: Xidi Town, Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
🎫: ¥94/person, ¥52/student
2.Pingshan Ancient Village
A Tranquil and Rustic Utopia
Pingshan, an ancient village with a thousand-year history, is located in Yi County and is famous for its ancient charm and the Jiangnan water town style of small bridges and flowing water.
Backed by green mountains, the ancient buildings in the village are well-arranged. It is especially delightful to taste authentic local dishes at the inns and stroll along the small river at night.
📍: Pingshan Village, Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
🎫: Free
3.Chaji Village
The Painting and Calligraphy Corridor of Jing County
Chaji is located in Jing County, Xuancheng City, and is a beloved sketching holy land for artists.
The village features ancient bridges and flowing water, and a continuous stretch of Ming and Qing ancient buildings. It also preserves a large number of Yuan Dynasty structures. Chaji is simple yet exquisite, making it an excellent place to experience the harmonious coexistence of Hui-style architecture and nature.
📍: Taohuatan Town, Jing County, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province
🎫: ¥65/person
4.Longchuan Village
The Pride of Hui-style Ancient Villages
Longchuan Village in Jixi County has a history of nearly 1,700 years and is not only a famous historical and cultural village in China but also a traditional Chinese village.
The exquisite wood carvings of the Hu Family Ancestral Hall and the stone carvings of the Yishishangshufang showcase the pinnacle of Hui-style architectural art.
📍: Yingzhou Town, Jixi County, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province
🎫: ¥70/person
5.Tangmo Village
The No. 1 Water Village in Huizhou
Located in Huizhou District, Tangmo Village is famous for its water garden “Tangan Garden,” which imitates the scenery of West Lake in Hangzhou, creating a unique paradise.
The village layout is exquisite, and the water system is well-developed, making it an ideal place to experience the life of Huizhou water towns.
📍: Qiankou Town, Huizhou District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
🎫: ¥80/person
6.Chengkan Village
The Feng Shui Treasure and Memory of Huizhou
Chengkan, anciently known as Longxi, is located in Huizhou District and is an ancient village laid out according to the Eight Trigrams. There are numerous ancient buildings in the village, and it retains structures from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, making it a living specimen for studying ancient Chinese feng shui theories and Hui-style architecture.
📍: Chengkan Town, Huizhou District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
🎫: Approximately ¥107/person
7.Sanhe Ancient Town
The Pearl of the Huaihe River Basin
Located in Hefei, although Sanhe Ancient Town is not an ancient village in the strict sense, its rich water town culture and historical relics should not be missed as it is a famous historical and cultural town in China.
The ancient town is named after the convergence of three rivers. Inside the town, there are numerous ancient streets, alleys, and bridges, making it an excellent place to experience the culture of the Huaihe River Basin.
📍: Sanhe Town, Feixi County, Hefei City, Anhui Province
🎫: Free
8.Yimen Ancient Town
A Historical Witness of Northern Anhui
Yimen Ancient Town in Woyang County was an important post station for ancient Huishang merchants heading north and retains many ancient sites and Hui-style buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The old Yimen Street, ancient stone bridges, and old teahouses here all exude a strong rustic atmosphere and historical traces.
📍: Yimen Town, Woyang County, Bozhou City, Anhui Province
🎫: Free
Each of these eight ancient villages carries a rich historical and cultural heritage, showcasing the diverse natural landscapes and cultural landscapes of Huizhou and Anhui.
Whether you want to immerse yourself in the exquisite details of ancient architecture, seek inspiration on quiet rural paths, or experience traditional lifestyles, these ancient villages can fulfill your travel wishes.
Plan an in-depth tour, measure each flagstone in these ancient villages with your footsteps, and feel the tranquility and beauty that spans a thousand years with your heart.
