Sanhe Ancient Town, a Gem of Huizhou Culture

Sanhe Ancient Town is located at the southern end of Feixi County, Hefei City, Anhui Province, nestled by the shores of Chaohu Lake. As a National 5A-level tourist attraction and a renowned historical and cultural town in China, it boasts over 2,500 years of history. With origins tracing back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, this ancient settlement was originally an elevated island in Chaohu Lake, historically known as Quezhu or Que'an. It witnessed numerous battles, including the "Que'an Battle" during the Spring and Autumn period, the "Wei-Wu Conflicts" of the Three Kingdoms era, and the "Sanhe Great Victory" during the Taiping Rebellion. The town derives its name from the three rivers—Fengle, Hangbu, and Xiaonan—that crisscross its landscape, creating a classic water-town scenery with interlacing waterways and canals. The architecture here is predominantly in the Huizhou style, featuring white walls with black tiles, upturned eaves, and intricately carved beams—exuding timeless charm. Notable residences include the former home of Nobel laureate Chen-Ning Yang (a classic Ming-Qing style brick-wood courtyard where he spent his youth) and Liutong Xinglong Manor, a 32-room merchant mansion with five courtyards. ● Folk Culture: Sanhe thrives with vibrant traditions like the "Flower Boat Dance" performed during festivals, where colorfully dressed dancers move to lively gongs and drums, and Lu Opera—a local theatrical form beloved for its rustic flavor. ● Culinary Delights: The town offers unique delicacies such as Sanhe Rice Dumplings (crispy outside, glutinous inside), Shrimp Paste (made with fresh Chaohu white shrimp), Crispy Duck "Ingots," and Fried Shaomai. Attractions: ● Ancient Streets: Well-preserved flagstone lanes like West Street and South Street are lined with traditional shops selling handicrafts, snacks, and tea, transporting visitors to its bustling past. ● Historic Bridges: Landmarks like Sanxian Bridge (spanning three counties) and Wangyue Bridge blend seamlessly with the waterscape. ● Memorial Hall: The Sanhe Battle Museum uses multimedia to vividly recreate the Taiping Rebellion's pivotal battle scenes. Feixi · Hefei Sanhe Ancient Town captivates visitors with its rich history, distinctive architecture, cultural diversity, and picturesque scenery, offering a window into Huizhou culture and central Anhui's heritage.