Tachuan Village (塔川) has become one of the most popular destinations for autumn foliage in recent years. Many visitors have been asking about the best times to visit, how to get there, and other travel tips. As someone who has worked in tourism for many years and frequently visits Tachuan and other major destinations in Huangshan, I’m quite familiar with the area. Here’s a comprehensive guide to answer the top 10 frequently asked questions about Tachuan Village, so you can make the most of your trip.
1. Is It Too Late to Visit Tachuan This Autumn?
No, you’re in luck! Currently, Tachuan Village has entered its peak autumn viewing period. The best time to see the fall foliage lasts until November 20th, with the highest peak of autumn colors expected to occur during this time. If you plan to visit, the latest you should come is by November 25th. If you miss it this year, you’ll have to wait another year to experience it at its prime.
2. Where Do I Take the High-Speed Train To?
If you’re taking the high-speed train, the closest station to Tachuan Village is Yixian East Station (黟县东站). From there, you can take a bus to reach most of the scenic spots. Buses run every 30 minutes. Alternatively, if you take the train to Huangshan North Station, you can exit the station, turn right, and head to the Huangshan Tourism Bus Center to catch a tourist shuttle bus. The bus ride costs 30 RMB and takes about 1.5 hours to reach Hongcun (宏村), which is close to Tachuan.
3. How Can I Get from Hongcun to Tachuan?
There are a few ways to get from Hongcun (宏村) to Tachuan (塔川). If you’re in good shape, you can walk the 2-kilometer distance. Alternatively, you can take a tricycle for around 5 RMB. If you prefer to rent an electric bike, you can find rental points near the small Cui Supermarket on the west side of Hongcun village.
4. Is There an Entrance Fee for Tachuan?
Tachuan Village is free to visit this year, so no tickets are required. You can simply enter without a reservation. Additionally, nearby villages like Lu Village, Nanping, Pingshan, and Bishan are also free to explore.
5. Are There Any Rice Fields Left for Photography?
The rice fields have mostly been harvested by now, but there is still a small patch set aside for photography purposes. Keep in mind that weekends tend to be crowded, so it might be challenging to get a photo without people in the frame. If you want to capture the beauty of the fields, visiting during a quieter time would be ideal.
6. Is Qiushu Lake Worth Visiting?
This year, due to insufficient rainfall, the water level at Qiushu Lake (奇墅湖) is lower than usual. As a result, the lake’s scenery is not as stunning as in previous years, particularly during the day when the temperature is higher. However, if you visit in the early morning or evening, and there happens to be fog, the view can still be quite beautiful.
7. Can I Rent a Car?
Yes, you can rent a car in the area. There are electric bike rental stations near the West Gate of Hongcun, where you can unlock bikes by scanning a QR code. A 1000 RMB deposit is required for the rental. However, most visitors renting vehicles are not just exploring Yixian County but also other areas like Shexian County and the Huangshan scenic area, so renting a car might not offer the best value in Yixian.
8. What Time of Day is Best for Visiting?
The best time to visit Tachuan Village is either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Many of the stunning photographs of the village are taken during these two time slots, when the atmosphere is more misty and the lighting is softer. For the most beautiful views, you’ll want the fog to gently envelop the trees, creating a dreamlike ambiance. The best times for capturing these moments are before 7:30 AM and after 5:00 PM.
9. What Is the Best Hiking Route?
For those who enjoy hiking, the Hongcun – Qiushu Lake – Fengdeng – Xieli – Tachuan – Hongcun loop is an excellent option. This route covers around 8.5 kilometers and can be completed in 3-4 hours by an average person. The segment from Fengdeng to Tachuan is mostly a dirt path and a bit challenging as it requires you to hike over the Fanjia Ridge (范家岭), which can be steep. The rest of the route is on smooth, flat roads, making it accessible for most hikers.
10. How Do I Watch the Sunrise at Lu Village?
To catch the beautiful sunrise at Lu Village (卢村), you’ll need to wake up early and navigate to the Lu Village Observation Deck (卢村观景台), which is located just behind the village along the road. There is a parking lot nearby. The most stunning sunrises here occur when the right combination of sunlight and morning fog is present, so it’s all about luck. Make sure to check the weather forecast and prepare for an early start.