The Top 6 Ancient Streets/Villages close to the Yellow Mountains
After a visit to the Yellow Mountains, you should see the villages/streets of Huangshan to appreciate countryside scenery and ancient architecture.
Tunxi Ancient Street — Gifts, Food, Ink, and Architecture
Tunxi Ancient Street- Shops open till late evening
- Entry: free
- Highlights: gift shopping, Huangshan Ink Factory, Anhui architecture, local food
- Suggested visit: half a day (ideal for late afternoon/evening)
Tunxi Ancient Street is the best-preserved ancient street in Huangshan City, with architectural styles of the Song (960–1279), Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties.
It's famous for ink production. If you are interested in Chinese brush calligraphy, you should see the historic factory where ink tablets, calligraphy sets, and seals are produced.
You can also buy famous tea there and taste the best local food.
Hong Village — The Subject of Countless Paintings
Hong Village- Open: 7:30am–5:30pm
- Entry: 104 yuan (17 USD)
- Highlights: photography, charmingly landscaped rural architecture, hiking
- Suggested visit: half a day
- Best times: March–April for spring scenery, November for autumn scenery
Hong Village you may have already seen, as it's the setting for Ang Lee's movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". Hongcun is a beautiful ancient village frequented by painters capturing the blend of pools, willows, and ancient architecture on canvass. It's at the foot of the Yellow Mountains.
Xidi Village — a Model of Simplicity
Xidi Village- Open: 7:30am–6:00pm
- Entry: 104 yuan (17 USD)
- Highlights: photography, classic rural architecture, hiking
- Suggested visit: half a day
- Best times: spring and fall
Xidi Village has many high walls and alleys, which will make you feel like you're in a maze. The layout, decoration, and cultural backdrop make it a classic Anhui ancient village. There's an 8-km (5-mi) Hongcun–Xidi scenic walk.
Tangyue Memorial Arches — ”Gates of Virtue”
Tangyue Memorial Arches- Open: 7:30am–5:30pm
- Entry: 100 yuan (16.5 USD)
- Highlights: photography, hiking
- Suggested visit: half a day
- Best times: spring and fall
The Tangyue Memorial Arches are the largest collection of these tall Chinese-style stone gateway and roof structures in the world. The arches are made of stone alone, without any fixings, and each is named after a moral virtue. Half an hour from Huangshan city, but 1½ hours from Hongcun.
Tachuan Village — Autumnal Scenery
Tachuan Village- Open: 7:30am–5:30pm
- Entry: 30 yuan (5 USD)
- Highlights: photography, hiking, fall hues
- Suggested visit: half a day
- Best time: fall
Tachuan Village is a fall favorite. It is one of the best places to appreciate red leaves in China, alongside such greats as Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan, Kanas in Xinjiang, and Fragrant Hill Park in Beijing. It's only 2 km (1 mile) from Hongcun or about half an hour’s walk.
Wuyuan Village — Rape Blossoms in Spring
Wuyuan Village- Open: 8:00am–6:00pm in peak season (April–November); 8:00am–5:30pm in low season
- Entry: 210 yuan (34 USD) includes 14 Wuyuan County attractions; valid for 5 days
- Highlights: photography, yellow fields, hiking, rural architecture
- Suggested visit: 1 day
- Best time: March–April
Wuyuan Village is a well-preserved village of Anhui architecture. It's well known for its yellow seas of rape flowers, best seen during March and April. It's about 1½ hours' drive southwest of Huangshan.
Jingdezhen — Capital of Porcelain
Jingdezhen- Open: 7:30am–5:30pm
- Entry: 20 yuan (3.5 USD)
- Highlights: porcelain exhibitions and history
- Suggested visit: 1 day
- Best time: all year round
Jingdezhen is the capital of porcelain. You can have a look at how porcelain is made, and experience making porcelains by yourself. It's about 2½ hours by bus or 3 hours by train southwest of Huangshan.
Nearby Attractions
The Yellow Mountains are the undisputed star attraction of Huangshan, which all Huangshan tours are built around. Apart from the above villages the Xin’an River is another excellent place for hiking through beautiful scenery.