Anhui Travel Guide: The Charm of Wan Culture and Stunning Landscapes

Anhui, this ancient and enchanting land, boasts both magnificent natural scenery and profound historical and cultural heritage. Whether it's the peculiar pines and rocks of Huangshan or the white-walled, black-tiled ancient villages of Huizhou, every corner is captivating. Today, let's embark on an unforgettable journey through Anhui together! ❤️ 🌿 Must-Visit Attractions: The Natural and Cultural Beauty of Anhui 🌄 🏔️ Huangshan: The Most Spectacular Mountain in the World 🌲 Huangshan is Anhui's iconic attraction, renowned as the "Most Spectacular Mountain in the World." Its peculiar pines, bizarre rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs are known as the "Four Wonders," each breathtaking in its own way. The main peak, Lotus Peak, stands at 1,864 meters above sea level. From the summit, the rolling sea of clouds makes you feel like you're in a fairyland. - Recommended Route: Yungu Temple → Baiyeling → Shixin Peak → Dream Pen Sprouting Flowers → Beihai Hotel (stay overnight to enjoy the sunset); Bright Summit → Aoyu Peak → Lotus Peak → Welcoming Pine → Yuping Cableway descent. - Ticket: Peak season ¥230/person, off-season ¥150/person. - Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Huangshan North Station, then transfer to a scenic area bus to Tangkou Town. 🏯 Huizhou Ancient City: The Birthplace of Huizhou Culture 🏰 Huizhou Ancient City is one of China's best-preserved ancient cities, with a history spanning over a thousand years. Inside the city, you'll find attractions like the Huizhou Prefecture Office, Nanping Mountain, and Doushan Street. The ancient architecture transports you back in time. - Ticket: ¥50/person. - Transportation: Take a high-speed train or bus to Tunxi District, Huangshan City, then transfer by bus or taxi. 🏘️ Hongcun & Xidi: Ancient Villages Like Ink Paintings ⛩️ Hongcun and Xidi are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, praised as "China's Most Beautiful Ancient Villages in Paintings" and "Homes in the Peach Blossom Spring." Hongcun centers around South Lake, surrounded by ancient buildings resembling an ink painting. Xidi is known for its Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway, with Hui-style architecture scattered harmoniously. - Ticket: Hongcun ¥104/person, Xidi ¥104/person. - Transportation: Take a bus or drive from Huangshan City. 🏞️ Xin'an River Landscape Gallery: A Hundred-Mile Scroll of Scenery 🌊 The Xin'an River Landscape Gallery is hailed as "China's Most Beautiful Rural River." A boat ride downstream reveals green mountains, clear waters, and Hui-style villages dotting the banks, as if you're in a flowing landscape painting. - Ticket: Boat ticket ¥150/person, including stops at scenic spots along the way. - Transportation: Take a boat from Shendu Town, She County, Huangshan City. 🏔️ Jiuhua Mountain: A Sacred Buddhist Site, Serene and Beautiful 🏺 Jiuhua Mountain is one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, home to numerous temples and stunning natural scenery with a long history. The towering bronze statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is one of the world's largest and tallest Buddhist statues. - Ticket: ¥190/person. - Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Qingyang County, Chizhou City, then transfer to Jiuhua Town. 🏞️ Tianzhu Mountain: The First Peak of Jianghuai, with Majestic Peaks and Clear Waters 🌊 Tianzhu Mountain is named after its main peak, "Pillar Holding Up the Sky." It's famous for its peculiar peaks, bizarre rocks, secluded caves, and gorges, earning it the title of "First Mountain of Southern Anhui." - Ticket: ¥130/person. - Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Qianshan City, Anqing, then transfer by bus or taxi. --- 🍲 Food Recommendations: The Fresh, Aromatic, and Spicy Flavors of Hui Cuisine 🌶️ 🍖 Stinky Mandarin Fish: Smelly but Delicious 🐟 Stinky Mandarin Fish is a classic Hui dish. Though it smells pungent, the flesh is tender and flavorful, paired with chili and spices for a rich, spicy taste that lingers. 🍴 Hairy Tofu: Unique Fermented Flavor 🍔 Hairy Tofu is a Huangshan specialty. Its surface is covered in white fuzz, and after frying, it becomes crispy outside and tender inside, served with a special sauce for an unforgettable taste. 🥯 Huangshan Sesame Cake: Crispy and Delicious Traditional Snack 🥯 Huangshan Sesame Cake has a golden, crispy crust and a savory filling, making it a local specialty. Recommended shops include Jiali Sesame Cake and Huangshan Yueqin Sesame Cake. 🍖 Daobanxiang: A Delicacy Steamed with Camphor Wood 🌿 Daobanxiang is made by steaming cured pork layered with bamboo shoots on a wooden board. The meat is rich and aromatic, while the bamboo shoots are tender, making it a traditional Huangshan dish.