Huizhou is a corner where one can travel to Chengkan and live without obstacles
Chengkan, originally named Longxi, was established during the Eastern Han and Three Kingdoms period, and has a history of over 1800 years. It was praised by the famous Neo-Confucian scholar Zhu Xi during the Song Dynasty as 'Chengkan, the village of double excellence, the number one village in the south of the Yangtze River.' It now has twenty-one national key cultural relics under protection and is known as the 'Hometown of National Treasures.'
As the first stop of this Huangshan trip, and also the closest 5A-rated site to Huangshan North Station, there is a bus service from the high-speed rail station, and it's about 15 kilometers by taxi.
Ticket price: 107 (103 for online booking)
Tips: In the first quarter of 2024, every Wednesday, all scenic spots in Huangshan are free of charge, but advance reservation is required (we went on Thursday and missed the event).
Let me share my personal experience. I visited Chengkan, Hongcun, and Xidi. Chengkan is relatively less commercialized and has the fewest tourists, making it very quiet. Apart from some local elders who insist on giving explanations when entering the village, which you can directly refuse, the rest of the journey is relatively tranquil. You can take a leisurely stroll to appreciate the ancient architecture, and it takes about 2-3 hours to tour around! There's no question of whether the ticket is worth it or not. If you like historical and cultural ancient buildings and enjoy a quiet stroll, then Chengkan is definitely for you~
The specific route is to follow the path straight from the entrance of the scenic area, passing the Bagua Gate, rapeseed flower fields, Yongxing Lake, Xia Wu, Yan Ji Tang, and Baolun Pavilion (Luo Dongshu Ancestral Hall). Keep your ticket as it will be checked at several points along the way~ Pay attention to a few important scenic spots, such as Xia Wu, which we thought was closed when we passed by, but nearby residents said it was open, perhaps just unattended at the time. Yan Ji Tang is in a small alley on the side of the road and is also easy to miss, followed by the last stop at Baolun Pavilion, which is the most worthwhile to see! (Luo Dongshu Ancestral Hall is also known as 'the number one famous ancestral hall in the south of the Yangtze River')
Here are a few recommended photo spots: the buildings at the entrance, Bagua Gate, rapeseed flower fields, Yongxing Lake, the Ruins Cafe, and Luo Dongshu Ancestral Hall!
The Huizhou complex is very representative. The commercialization is not serious. Now there are hundreds of people every day. There are many seats for taking photos. You can take a taxi or a bus from Tunxi. It is the most convenient for self-driving. You can park at the door. There is a parking lot, or you can do the 6002 bus to Yansi Bus Station. Between the car to Chengkan 25-35, all the 2-3 hours after playing, there are local villagers in the village to do wild guides, the price is not expensive 20 yuan, you can play by yourself without forcing, you can also go to the ancient city of Huizhou when you have time.
Chengkan, formerly known as Longxi, also known as Bagua Village, has the meaning of internal and external gossip. The entrance of the ancient village has a large flowing water scene, very beautiful, along the water scene there are various Huizhou buildings in the Ming Dynasty, reflection of which there are green trees surrounded by small bridges and small roads. Walking into the ancient village along the path, you can see many Huizhou buildings of the Ming Dynasty, like a living architectural museum. It's just that the ticket price of the attraction is still a bit high.
Years later, I came to Chengkan again, and I quickly recognized the original Huizhou ancient village, which was raised in a deep and unknowable village. The tourists who rubbed shoulders in the long stone alley brought popularity and changed the past. I am glad that the young people have come back more, and I am sad that the result of the commercial transformation is that the village slogan said that the most beautiful hotel bought the original public space of the village and became a private territory. The most beautiful scenery no longer belongs to the villagers, but to the paid audience. Ugh!
I didn't plan to go, but I went to a place that I didn't regret. It was not as famous as Hongcun, but the scenery was beautiful, quiet, less commercial atmosphere, and the cultural charm was sufficient. It was worth a visit and slowly tasted the way of Chinese feng shui.
From Shanghai to Huangshan City, I went to Xixinan after a high-speed tour. After a circle, I went straight to Chengkan Ancient Town. The parking lot of the scenic spot is very large. There are no tourists on weekdays. I parked directly at the parking space at the entrance of the scenic spot. Huangshan City Scenic Area is free of ticket activities every Wednesday. Chengkan also needs to go to the ticket office to check the coupon. The scenic spot is quite large. The entrance is not far from the gossip map. The nearest Chengkan is very hot. Many film and television dramas are here to pick up the scenery. The disadvantage is that many grandmothers follow you to lead you to the tour guide. The charge is not expensive. The price is up and down. In the scenic spot The restaurant had lunch and sat next to the outdoor creek. It was a pleasant time.
The misty and rainy weather is beautiful. Local and surrounding residents can buy tickets at half price. There are villagers at the door to act as tour guides. The charge is not expensive. 30 yuan will explain several houses in Chengkan essence, such as Yanyitang, and the experience is good. The real 600-year-old is only the houses in the village, and the lake in the middle has been built in the past decade.