A Three – day Quality Tour of Huizhou Culture in Huangshan
Introduction
As the heat of summer fades and the coolness of early autumn arrives, it’s the perfect time to embark on a journey to Huangshan and explore the profound Huizhou culture. This three – day trip with friends, costing around 3000 yuan per person, promises a blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and modern comfort.
Huangshan – A Timeless Chinese Wonder
Huangshan has long been renowned as one of China’s most famous mountains. Its four unique features – odd – shaped pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs – make it a year – round tourist destination. In early autumn, climbing Huangshan is an experience like no other. You can admire the odd pines and grotesque rocks, watch the ever – changing sea of clouds on cloudy days, search for flowing springs and waterfalls after rain, marvel at the snow – covered trees in winter (if you’re lucky), and listen to the sound of the wind through the pines in the valleys. The saying “After visiting the Five Great Mountains, you won’t want to visit other mountains; after visiting Huangshan, you won’t even want to visit the Five Great Mountains” truly captures the essence of Huangshan’s grandeur.
Exploring Ancient Villages
- Hongcun – The Village in Chinese Painting: Hongcun is a representative village of Huizhou – style residential buildings, often hailed as “the village in Chinese painting”. When you step into Hongcun, you’ll be greeted by the harmonious combination of multi – storied houses and the beautiful lake scenery. Every corner of the village is like a painting, with the layers of houses reflecting on the lake surface, creating a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere.
- Xidi – A Millennium – old Village: Along with Hongcun, Xidi is also a millennium – old village that dates back to the Song Dynasty. In 2000, both villages were inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List. Most of the existing Huizhou – style buildings in the village were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and the layout of the streets and alleys remains the same as it was in the past.
- Tangmo Village – The First Water – mouth Village in China: The “water – mouth” in Tangmo refers to its unique village layout that takes advantage of the water. The water in Tangmo connects the village’s cultural characteristics and Huizhou gardens, earning it the title of the first water – mouth village. Founded in the Tang Dynasty, this ancient village with a long history and rich cultural heritage exudes a laid – back charm.
- Chengkan Village – The Eight – Trigram Village: Chengkan Village, also known as the Eight – Trigram Village, was designed based on the eight – trigram diagram. There are many alleys in the village, which can be a bit confusing to navigate but also add a lot of fun. With a history of over 1800 years since its establishment in the Eastern Han and Three Kingdoms periods, this village is full of mystery.
Visiting the Ancient City
Shexian County is the birthplace of Huizhou culture, and the Huizhou Ancient City in the county was the administrative center of the former Huizhou Prefecture. Inside the scenic area, the ancient residential buildings are elegantly arranged, and the ancient bridges, pagodas, streets, alleys, dams, and memorial archways are intertwined, showing a simple and ancient charm. The famous line by Tang Xianzu “I’ve always longed for a place so wonderful, never dreaming it would be Huizhou” has made countless people yearn for this place.
Admiring the Memorial Archway Group and Baojia Garden
The Tangyue Memorial Archway Group and Baojia Garden Scenic Area is a cultural scenic area composed of ancient memorial archways, ancestral halls, residential buildings, and Baojia Garden. The architectural and garden designs are exquisitely crafted, and the cultural connotations are profound, making it an excellent place to experience the history of Huizhou culture.
Staying at Huangshan Yucheng Crowne Plaza
- Hotel Architecture and Design: Huangshan Yucheng Crowne Plaza is located in the downtown area of Tunxi District, Huangshan City. As one of the most upscale hotels in Huangshan, it is situated on the beautiful Xin’an River, offering a panoramic view of the river. It is also one of the few hotels in Huangshan City where you can enjoy the magnificent sunset over the Xin’an River. The hotel combines the Huizhou – style architecture with modern minimalist design. The white walls, gray tiles, and the unique shape of the horse – head walls of the imitation Huizhou – style buildings, along with the modern, simple, and grand design, make it a beautiful sight along the Xin’an River. The common patio element in Huizhou architecture is perfectly incorporated into the hotel structure, which not only increases natural lighting but also implies the traditional Chinese feng shui concept of gathering wealth and energy. The stepped side – elevation of the hotel symbolizes “continuous progress”, fully demonstrating the Chinese charm.
- New Huizhou – style Guest Rooms: The hotel has 481 guest rooms in the new Huizhou – style. With a light – beige base and a red – brown main color, the rooms are decorated with retro patterns on the background walls and cotton – linen fabrics, showing a delicate beauty. The deep – colored wood is softened by the soft window screens. When the sun shines through the semi – transparent lattice decorations, it creates a strong sense of ancient charm. Through the floor – to – ceiling windows, you can see the Xin’an River up close and the green mountains in the distance. On sunny days, the water surface sparkles, and on rainy days, the scenery is hazy and beautiful. There is a soft couch in front of the window, where you can lean back, enjoy the view, and sip tea with your loved ones or friends. At night, standing in front of the window, you can take in the charming city view, which is a microcosm of the modernization of Huangshan.
- Gastronomic and Fitness Experiences: The riverside buffet restaurant offers a wide variety of Chinese and Western cuisines, including fresh seafood, fragrant grilled dishes, and delicious desserts. The lobby bar combines Huizhou characteristics with modern trendy design, where you can taste fine wines from different countries and various snacks. In Yupingxuan and the Yunhai private rooms, you can enjoy new takes on Hunan and Sichuan cuisines, as well as local Huizhou specialties. If you don’t want to gain weight after a delicious meal, you can work out in the well – equipped gym or swim in the constant – temperature swimming pool. The transparent glass design of the pool provides excellent natural lighting, giving you an outdoor – like experience indoors. There are also Chinese – style curtained beds beside the pool, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Xin’an River whether you are swimming or resting.
This three – day and two – night high – end free – travel itinerary in Huangshan and Huizhou is a journey that combines the beauty of nature, the charm of history, and the comfort of modern accommodation. It is waiting for you to explore and create unforgettable memories.
