Autumn in Anhui is a captivating season, with its vibrant colors and picturesque rural landscapes, especially in areas like Tachuan (塔川), Hongcun (宏村), and Lu Village (卢村). While the weather may not always be perfect, the beauty of these ancient villages still shines through. This 2-day trip covers everything from early morning sunrises in Lu Village to exploring the stunning autumn foliage in Tachuan and Hongcun. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy the natural beauty of rural China, this guide will provide all the details for a memorable trip.
How to Get There
From Hangzhou West (杭州西) to Yixian East (黟县东):
- Friday Departure: 14:50 – 16:25
- Sunday Return: 18:28 – 20:24
Once you arrive at Yixian East Station (黟县东), exit and turn right to catch a bus to Hongcun (宏村). There is a bus departing at 5:00 PM, and the journey to Hongcun takes approximately 40 minutes. You can also check the return timetable in the final image of this guide.
Accommodation Tips
Staying near the West Gate of Hongcun offers convenience. The area is close to the bus station, and the entrance ticket is valid for 3 days, so you can enter and leave the village freely to enjoy meals or explore. There are plenty of dining options outside the scenic area as well.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Saturday: Lu Village & Tachuan
Sunrise at Lu Village (卢村): Start your day early by waking up at 6:00 AM and riding a shared electric bike to the Lu Village Viewing Platform to catch the sunrise. The journey takes about 15 minutes. Although the weather was cloudy, the village still offered a mystical morning fog. At around 7:30 AM, head back to Lu Village for a brief stroll. The shared bikes are available around the West Gate and are a convenient way to explore the area. When approaching the viewing platform, you’ll be notified that you’re nearing the operating zone, but you can continue towards the platform and lock the bike temporarily. There are also designated parking points in Lu Village where you can return the bikes.
Tachuan (塔川): After a quick nap and lunch in Hongcun (宏村) at around 12:00 PM, head to Tachuan. You can either walk for 30 minutes or ride a shared electric bike to reach the village. In the late afternoon, head back to Hongcun by 5:00 PM.
Sunday: Exploring Hongcun
Start your day by relaxing and sleeping in. Hongcun (宏村) offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely morning. Spend some time wandering around the village, appreciating the autumn beauty and the architectural charm of the ancient buildings.
In the afternoon, visit the Bus Station (客运中心) to buy tickets for your return journey. At 4:00 PM, the earliest bus ticket available was for 5:05 PM, so make sure to purchase tickets in advance online to secure your desired departure time.
Dining Recommendations
Hui San Shuo (徽三说):
- Stinky mandarin fish (臭鳜鱼): The fish isn’t overly stinky, and it’s quite easy to enjoy.
- Chicken innards with eggs (鸡杂+鸡蛋) and garlic mashed herbs: These dishes are typical of Anhui cuisine and are worth trying.
Tian Deng Cafeteria (添灯食堂):
- Stir-fried fresh bamboo shoots with pork (鲜笋炒肉丝): The bamboo shoots are tender and delicious.
- Anhui-style braised spare ribs (徽式酱排): Similar to red-braised pork ribs, this dish is flavorful.
- Rice wine (米酒): The rice wine is on the sweeter side with a very mild alcohol taste.
Gui Shan Tang (居善堂):
- Wujiapi stir-fried eggs (五加皮炒蛋): Tastes like regular scrambled eggs, but still enjoyable.
- Chestnut-braised chicken (板栗烧鸡): The chestnuts are sweet, though some might find the flavor combination unusual.
Mian Sheng Huo (面生活):
- Dried bamboo shoots with shredded pork noodles (笋干肉丝面) and Anhui-style mixed noodles (徽式杂酱面): Both are typical noodle soups in the region, offering a satisfying taste of Anhui’s culinary culture.