Embarking on a journey to Huangshan in Anhui and eager to immerse yourself in the allure of Huizhou-style architecture and the idyllic water towns of Jiangnan? Then, a visit to these two ancient townships, Xidi and Hongcun, is a must. Begin your adventure in Xidi and continue to Hongcun.
Both Xidi and Hongcun, situated in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, are quintessential representations of Huizhou-style architecture. While sharing similarities in their overall aesthetic, each village exudes a unique charm. Xidi, with its relatively low commercial atmosphere, offers a deeper immersion into the authentic ambience of an ancient village. Hongcun, on the other hand, is renowned for its stunning natural scenery and well-preserved architectural complex.
Upon arriving at the Yixian High-Speed Rail Station, you can conveniently catch a tourist bus bound for Hongcun, which stops at Xidi. This makes it convenient to visit Xidi in the morning and then proceed to Hongcun in the afternoon via the bus stop located at the entrance of Xidi Scenic Area.
Both villages can be fully explored within a day or half a day. Each offers a slightly different scenic vista. Xidi boasts an abundance of vegetation, waterwheels, farmland streams, pavilions, and a vibrant community of residents engaged in daily activities, presenting a lively and authentic picture of an ancient village. Hongcun, larger and more commercialized, features two lakes, Nanhu and Yuezhao, for exploration. While the dining options may be somewhat homogenous, the abundance of shops makes it worthwhile to compare prices and find the best deals.
Travel Route and Transportation Tips:
- From Huangshan North Station to Xidi Ancient Town: Exit the high-speed rail station and turn right to reach the passenger transport center, where you can purchase a direct bus ticket to Xidi. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.
- From Yixian East Station to Xidi Ancient Town: Direct buses are available outside the high-speed rail station, and the journey takes approximately half an hour.
- After exploring Xidi, proceed to Hongcun: Catch a bus at the entrance of Xidi Scenic Area. Staff will inform you of the bus schedule. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes.
- After exploring Hongcun in the evening, make sure to catch the last bus from the passenger transport station at the entrance of Hongcun Scenic Area. The last bus departs before 6:30 pm. It is advisable to inquire about the last bus schedule upon arrival in Hongcun and purchase a ticket back to the high-speed rail station in advance.
Ticket Information:
Tickets can be booked through the “Huihuang You” mini-program, and currently, there are daily free tickets available for grabs. If you are able to secure a reservation, both villages are definitely worth a visit! Additionally, upon entering the villages, your reservation time slot is not strictly enforced, and any reservation for the same day will be accepted for scanning and entry. Please note that if you arrive in Huangshan by high-speed rail, you can enjoy a half-price ticket at the scenic area ticket office by presenting your high-speed rail ticket. This offer is not available for online purchases.
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