A Solo Trip to Shangzhuang Village in Jixi: Savor the Rustic Charm of Authentic Life!

Jixi in Anhui is a nationally renowned historical and cultural city, celebrated for its Hui cuisine, Hui opera, and Hui merchants. Here, you’ll find countless sites steeped in history. Unlike other historical cities, Jixi’s ancient villages retain their original way of life, and Shangzhuang Village is a prime example—a vibrant rural community that has nurtured many cultural luminaries, including Hu Kaiwen, founder of Hui inksticks, and Hu Shi, a pioneer of the New Culture Movement. For history and culture enthusiasts, especially solo travelers, Shangzhuang Village is well worth a visit. Below are some simple travel tips: 1. **Ticket Info**: Shangzhuang Village is a public area with residents, so entry is free. However, attractions like Hu Shi’s Former Residence, Hongmen Tower, and Hu Kaiwen’s Former Residence require a ticket (¥45). 2. **Duration**: The village is small; exploring, photographing, and visiting memorial halls can be done in about 1 hour. For those deeply interested in history and architecture, 1.5 hours is sufficient—no more than 2 hours total. 3. **Best Season**: Year-round, but summers can be hot and prone to heatstroke. Late spring, early summer, or autumn are ideal. Snowy winters also offer stunning views, with Hui-style old houses blending beautifully with modern dwellings. 4. **Food & Lodging**: No inns or hotels in the village, but nearby Shangzhuang Town has several options. Plenty of restaurants line the streets, so meals and accommodation are easy to arrange. Prices are modest, reflecting the locals’ simplicity. 5. **Transport**: Direct buses from Jixi city cost ¥8. From Jixi North Station, take the Shangzhuang Line (1-hour ride) to the village entrance. Departures from Jixi North: 6:20, 7:00, 7:40, 8:20, 9:40, 10:30, 12:10, 13:10, 14:00, 14:50, 15:40. Return trips from Shangzhuang: 7:30, 8:30, 9:20, 10:20, 11:30, 12:20, 13:00, 13:40, 15:30, 16:00, 16:50.