Shexian County: A 3-Day, 2-Night Off-the-Beaten-Track Itinerary That Packs a Punch

Shexian County is full of hidden gems. As a Huangshan local, I often drive to Shexian on weekends to enjoy the sea of flowers and sunrise at Shitan Village, the magnificent scenery of the Xin'an River, the pristine beauty of Yangchan Earth Buildings, and the rich history and culture of Huizhou Ancient City. There's always something new to discover. This itinerary is from a trip I planned for guests last year. It's a 3-day, 2-night tour of Shexian (excluding Huangshan Mountain) with private transportation. Since public transport isn't readily available, a chartered vehicle is the best way to explore the area in depth. ✅Day 1 | Yuliang Dam - Huizhou Ancient City - Huizhou Joyful Mansion Show Yuliang Old Street is relatively undeveloped. You can watch the sunset at Yuliang Dam and experience a bamboo raft ride (arrangements can be made with locals). In Huizhou Ancient City, explore Doushan Street and Zhongshan Alley, and observe locals making tea. March and April are also the tea picking season. I recommended the Huizhou Joyful Mansion Show to my guests, which tells stories about Huizhou's history. ✅Day 2 | Xin'an River Gallery - Yangchan Earth Buildings You can take a boat or hike! The hike is about 5 km, from Shendu to Miantan Village, along the riverside canola flower fields. Before sunset, visit the Yangchan Earth Buildings, a picturesque cluster of traditional houses. Stay overnight here and enjoy the morning mist the next day. The road here is winding, so it's not recommended for novice drivers. If possible, hire a car. ✅Day 3 | Shitan Village - Changxi Village Wake up early to catch the sunrise and sea of clouds at Shitan Village (a half-hour drive). There are canola flowers above Shitan, and you can hike down after viewing them. In Changxi Village, see the ancient ginkgo trees and the Huizhou Opera Stage. The road to Shitan Village is also challenging. You can arrive at Huangshan North Railway Station around 4 pm. Shexian has much more to offer than just these hidden gems. If you truly love Shexian, you can spend five days exploring it in depth. Unlike the crowded and commercialized Hongcun Village, Shexian's attractions are mostly natural and pristine. The only drawback is the need for a private car or self-drive.