Xuancheng, Anhui: A Leisurely Journey Through Picturesque Landscapes

1. Itinerary Overview - 3-Day Tour: Day 1: Mount Jingting - Xie Tiao Tower - Wanling Lake; Day 2: Chaji Ancient Town; Day 3: Taiji Cave - 5-Day Tour: Based on the 3-day tour, Day 4: Longchuan Scenic Area, Day 5: Peach Blossom Pool 2. Attractions 1. Mount Jingting: "No matter how long I gaze at it, I never tire of Mount Jingting." With high forest coverage, the mountain is lush and green. Along the hiking trails, you can admire ancient pavilions and stele forests. From the summit, you can overlook the entire city of Xuancheng. The scenery varies with the seasons: spring flowers, summer shade, autumn foliage, and winter snow. 2. Xie Tiao Tower: A famous historical and cultural tower with simple and elegant architecture. Inside, there are displays of poems, calligraphy, and paintings by Xie Tiao and other literati. Ascending the tower, you can experience the artistic conception of poets from a thousand years ago as they looked out from the railing and composed poems. The tower is even more charming when lit up at night. 3. Wanling Lake: A vast expanse of clear water surrounded by a beautiful ecological environment. Stroll or cycle along the lake, enjoying the picturesque scenery and watching water birds play. At dusk, the setting sun casts a breathtaking glow on the lake's surface. 4. Chaji Ancient Town: A well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty ancient village, where ancient bridges, flowing water, and houses form a beautiful ink painting. Wander through the alleys, admire the wood, brick, and stone carvings of Huizhou architecture, and experience the tranquility of time. 5. Taiji Cave: One of the "Four Wonders of the World," the cave features unique landscapes, including stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars. You can take a boat tour through the underground river. Under the illumination of colorful lights, the cave resembles a fairyland. 6. Longchuan Scenic Area: The Hu Clan Ancestral Hall is the highlight of the scenic area. With magnificent architecture and exquisite wood carvings, it is known as the "Museum of Wood Carving Art." There are also other historical sites within the scenic area, such as the Yishi Shanshu Archway, where you can learn about the rich history and culture. 7. Peach Blossom Pool: Famous for Li Bai's poem "To Wang Lun," the pool has clear, sparkling water. Nearby is the Peach Blossom Pool Ancient Town, where you can experience traditional folk culture and take a boat tour to immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of the poem. 3. Food Exploration 1. Shuiyang Sanbao: Duck feet, duck wings, and duck intestines, marinated and flavorful, with a firm and chewy texture, spicy yet not overpowering. 2. Ningguo Baba: Made with flour dough and filled with various ingredients such as fresh bamboo shoots, dried tofu, and diced meat. After frying, the outer layer is crispy, and the filling is soft and sticky, with an enticing aroma. 3. Jixi Ta Guo: Thin as paper, filled with wild vegetables, pickled vegetables, dried tofu, and other ingredients according to your preference. Crispy and flavorful, the more you chew, the more fragrant it becomes. 4. Jingxian Qinyu Bing: Made with Qinyu fish, flour, and other ingredients. It is a delicious and nutritious local snack. 4. Accommodation Recommendations 1. City Center: Hotels near the city center are recommended for convenient transportation and access to various amenities and attractions. 2. Chaji Ancient Town: Choose a homestay within the ancient town to experience the antique atmosphere and the tranquility of the night. 3. Longchuan Scenic Area: Farm stays are available near the scenic area, offering authentic local cuisine and a close-up experience of rural life. 5. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation: Xuancheng has a high-speed railway station with direct connections to many cities. You can also travel to Hefei or Nanjing first and then transfer to a bus to Xuancheng. 2. Internal Transportation: Public buses within the city can reach major attractions. For traveling to surrounding scenic areas, tourist buses or chartered cars are convenient options.