2025 In-Depth Xidi Tour - Unveiling the Secrets of Huizhou

[Unlocking the "Living Ming and Qing Museum" Advanced Itinerary 🌾 Time Suggestions: Embrace the Rhythm of Huizhou, Become a Figure in a Painting - Late March - Early April: The ancient village is surrounded by a sea of rapeseed flowers. Stroll through the stone alleys in the morning mist, encounter sketching students, and capture the double composition of "flower windows + flower sea". - June Plum Rain Season: Moss climbs the horse head walls, and the misty rain creates a scene like ink painting. Participate in the "Huizhou Sun-Drying Festival" and watch villagers air out ancient books and paintings, unlocking the intangible cultural heritage of moisture-proofing techniques. - September - October Autumn Sun-Drying Season: Not exclusive to Wuyuan! In front of the Hu Clan Ancestral Hall in Xidi, chili peppers and corn are sun-dried, and the geometric color blocks on the rooftops clash with the Huizhou architecture, resulting in a 200% photogenic rate. - December - January Winter Snow Season: Snow covers the "Living Fossil of Ming and Qing Residential Buildings in China". With fewer than a hundred tourists, stay in a warm, stove-heated guesthouse converted from a centuries-old house, gather around the fire, and listen to stories of Huizhou merchants. --- 🚌 Transportation Guide: Ditch the Tour Groups, Take a Local's Route Home 1. High-Speed Rail + Secret Realm Bus: - Take the high-speed rail to Huangshan North Station. After exiting the station, avoid the crowded scenic spot shuttle bus! Turn right and take the "Tunxi-Xidi" township bus (12 yuan, 1 hour). The route passes through Bishang and Nanping, allowing you to stop and explore the Pioneer Bookstore and the rice paddies favored by Ricoh GR photographers. 2. Self-Driving Scenic Route: Depart from Hangzhou and take the "Anhui-Zhejiang Sky Road" (4 hours), check in at the 108 bends of Jingzhou Highway, and overlook the terraced fields and sea of clouds. This route is 10 times more exciting than the conventional route. 3. Overnight Stay on the Ancient Post Road: Book the "Xidi-Hongcun" hiking route in advance (15 km). Depart at dusk with flashlights for a night hike. The stone road reflects the moonlight, tracing the footsteps of Ming and Qing merchant caravans. --- 🏯 Must-See Attractions: Delve into the Courtyards of Ancient Houses, Touch the True Soul of Huizhou 1. Hidden Door of Zhuimu Hall: - Bypass the main hall and push open the hidden door behind the wooden screen on the right. This leads directly to the former site of the Hu family's private school. Arithmetic drafts of several generations of Huizhou merchants remain on the walls. Reservations can be made to experience tracing red characters in the "Huizhou Merchant Precepts". 2. Secret Path of Dongyuan Waterside Pavilion: - Pass through the artificial grotto and descend the mossy stone steps to the underground water channel. The Ming Dynasty water conservancy system is still in operation, providing a natural air-conditioned space in summer. 3. Diji Hall Woodcarving Workshop: - Not a tourist attraction! This is the private residence of an old craftsman on the north side of Xidi. For 150 yuan, learn the most difficult openwork carving technique of the "Four Carvings of Huizhou" and carve your own last name into a lintel (reservations required 3 days in advance). 4. Houbianxi Night Lights: - After dark, carry lanterns and walk along the stream. 23 ancient houses have hidden "Merchant Character Door" Easter eggs. Use your phone's long exposure to capture the fleeting phantom lights. --- 📸 Photo Spot Recommendations: Ditch the Tripod Crowd, Capture the Cinematic Feel of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" - Lingyun Pavilion Morning Mist: Climb the small hill outside the village at 5:30 am and wait for the first rays of sunlight to pierce through the horse head walls. Use a drone to capture an aerial view of "Black and White Huizhou" awakening from the mist. - Yingtianqi Printmaking Wall: Located on the outer wall of Xidi Primary School, this printmaking of "Xidi Village Notes" was created by a professor from the China Academy of Art. Wear plain Hanfu and pose in a dynamic walking posture for artistic photos that outshine ordinary tourist snapshots. - Reflection of Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway: On rainy days, crouch down and take photos in the accumulated water on the stone road in front of the archway. The symmetrical reflection + cold tones of a cloudy day will make your photos go viral on social media. - Huimo Gold Tracing Experience: In the basement of "Yuxiang Ink Workshop", use ancient gold tracing knives to carve characters on Huimo ink. Capture the moment when the gold powder scatters for intangible cultural heritage-level vlog footage. --- 🎒 Travel Tips: Insider Tips from an Old Huizhou Shopkeeper 1. Hidden Ticket Tips: - The 104 yuan ticket includes a free guided tour, but you need to specify a "Hu Descendant Guide" (only 3 tours per day) to uncover the secrets of business warfare hidden within the family genealogy. Book your tickets on Trip.com to make a reservation. 2. Food and Accommodation Recommendations: - Breakfast: Go to "Wangji Taguo" at the village entrance (not an internet-famous shop), 3 yuan/piece. The preserved vegetable filling paired with freshly ground soy milk has been a local favorite for 30 years. - Accommodation: - For luxury, choose "Huizhou Hall No. 1", a renovated Qing Dynasty tea merchant's residence where the bed faces the starry sky of the courtyard. - For value, choose "Gengle Hall". The owner is a Huizhou opera performer and offers free lessons on "The Peony Pavilion" in the courtyard at night. 3. Things to Avoid: - Be cautious when buying "Huangshan sesame seed cakes". Authentic ones are only baked between 2-4 pm. Look for "oily crust and translucent filling". - Don't rent bright red Hanfu! Dark blue and moon-white complement the horse head walls better. Bargaining tip: "Rent two sets, get one hour free".