Escape the Crowds! Discover a Hidden Paradise in Jixi Longchuan Village
🏮Tired of battling the crowds in Hongcun Ancient Village? Then head to Jixi Longchuan Village! This charming, less-traveled village offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.
🚩Basic Information
📍Address: Longchuan Village, Longchuan Town, Jixi County, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province
🎫Tickets: Original price: CNY 75/person. Book online in advance for a CNY 10 discount.
⌚Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Money-Saving Tip: Enter the village for free before 7:30 am and after 5:00 pm when the staff have left. What a bargain!
🚗Getting There
If you're traveling by high-speed rail, take Bus No. 6 from the left side of the transportation hub at Jixi North Station. It costs just CNY 2 and takes about 15 minutes to reach the Jixi Museum. From there, take Bus No. 6 again for about 30 minutes to Longchuan Ancient Village. A taxi costs around CNY 40, but confirm the price with the driver beforehand.
🏯Things to Do
Stepping into Longchuan Scenic Area is like traveling back in time. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, the village resembles a stunning ink painting. Its layout is shaped like a ship moored to the shore, with Longxu Mountain to the east and the Longchuan River flowing to the south, creating a natural feng shui treasure trove.
Stroll along the charming water streets, paved with ancient stone slabs, and admire the rows of Hui-style houses with their white walls and black tiles. The horse head walls rise majestically, whispering tales of the past. The crystal-clear river flows gently, occasionally revealing small fish and shrimp playing in the water. Ancient bridges connect the two banks, offering picturesque photo opportunities.
The Hu Clan Ancestral Hall is a must-see! Known as the "Museum of Wood Carving Art" and the "Hall of National Art," the ancestral hall boasts exquisite wood carvings that will leave you in awe. Each carving is lifelike, depicting figures, flowers, birds, and landscapes, as if imbued with life. These carvings are said to have fascinating stories behind them, so consider hiring a guide to gain a deeper understanding of their cultural significance.
Don't miss the Yishi Shangsbu Archway, a Ming Dynasty stone archway that represents the pinnacle of Hui-style stone carving. The intricate carvings and the inscription "Yishi Shangsbu" (Generations of Ministers) and "Yishi Gongbao" (Generations of Palace Guardians) in Wen Zhengming's calligraphy add to its cultural charm.
Beyond the cultural attractions, Longchuan's natural beauty is equally captivating. Take a leisurely walk along the river outside the village, enjoying the gentle breeze, the distant mountains, and the picturesque ancient village.
🍱Food Recommendations
Don't leave Longchuan without sampling the local cuisine. Huizhou cuisine is a must-try, with dishes like stinky mandarin fish, hairy tofu, and Hu Shi Yi Pin Guo (Hu Shi's One-Pot Dish) offering unforgettable flavors. The local fermented rice cake is also a treat, with its sweet and soft texture.
Longchuan is a true hidden gem, offering stunning scenery, rich culture, and a peaceful atmosphere. If you appreciate off-the-beaten-path destinations with charm and character, don't miss Jixi Longchuan Village!