Southern Anhui, known for its picturesque landscapes, offers one of the best autumn experiences in China. The charming villages of Hongcun, Tachuan, and Xidi come alive in late autumn, with colorful foliage and breathtaking scenery. This 3-day, 2-night travel guide focuses on leisurely walks, photography, and enjoying the beauty of rural Anhui. If you’re a fan of hiking and capturing beautiful moments through your camera, a trip to this region is highly recommended.
Best Time to Visit Tachuan for Autumn Colors
The optimal time to visit Tachuan for autumn foliage is from mid to late October through late November. The autumn colors peak during this period, offering an incredible display of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. The photos in this guide were taken in mid-November 2023, when the colors were at their peak. The scenery is ever-changing.
How to Get to Tachuan Village, Hongcun, and Xidi
By Air:
- Huangshan Tunxi Airport: There are no direct buses from the airport to the scenic areas, so you’ll need to take a bus to the Tunxi Bus Station or Huangshan North Station, where you can transfer to a bus or taxi to reach your destination.
By Train:
- Yixian East Railway Station: Take the No. 10 tourist shuttle directly to Xidi or Hongcun.
- Huangshan North Railway Station: You can transfer to high-speed trains heading to Yixian East Station, or take a bus to Hongcun and Xidi.
- Bus Schedule from the Bus Center: The bus station has regular departures to the scenic areas with services at 08:55, 09:35, 10:35, 11:05, 11:35, 12:35, 13:05, 13:35, 14:05, 14:35, 15:35, and 17:05 (12 services per day).
From Shanghai:
- Train to Yixian East: There are two trains per day from Shanghai Hongqiao to Yixian East. The schedule during the autumn season is as follows:
- Outbound: G1439 from Shanghai Hongqiao at 11:23, arriving at Yixian East at 14:24.
- Return: You can take G2566 from Yixian East at 16:12 to Huangshan North (arriving at 16:26), and then transfer to G7312 to return to Shanghai Hongqiao at 17:41, arriving at 20:08.
Accommodation Recommendations
Xidi Village: Stay within the scenic area to enjoy the beautiful night views and early morning tranquility. If you prefer a quieter experience, staying outside the scenic area may offer more affordable options.
Hongcun Village: You can choose to stay inside the scenic area for easy access to night tours, or opt for outside accommodations that tend to be more economical.
Itinerary Overview & Transportation
Day 1: Arrival and Visit to Xidi Village
- Yixian East Station ➩ Take bus No. 7-10 (10-minute ride) or tourist lines 9 or 10 (faster route) to Xidi Village.
- Accommodation: Stay within Xidi scenic area.
- After checking in, take a leisurely stroll around the village, soaking in the picturesque autumn scenery and taking photos of the iconic ancient buildings and colorful foliage.
Day 2: Exploring Xidi, Hongcun, and Returning to Hongcun
- Xidi Village ➩ Visit the Xidi Stone Forest (5 km, 5 minutes by car, or 700 meters on foot via Line 2 bus).
- After visiting the stone forest, return to Xidi for a quick rest.
- Transfer to Hongcun: Take Tourist Line 10 (30-minute ride) to Hongcun Village and check in to your hotel within the scenic area.
- Spend the evening enjoying Hongcun’s beautiful autumn sights, including its famous ancient streets and tranquil ponds.
Day 3: Hike from Hongcun to Tachuan and Return
- Hongcun ➩ For those looking for a bit of adventure, a 7 km hike through rice fields and villages is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the area. The trek takes about 2 hours and passes through picturesque villages like Fengdeng, Xieli, and Zilu before reaching Tachuan Village.
- Alternatively, you can take a taxi (5 minutes) from Hongcun to Tachuan.
- After visiting Tachuan, enjoy a leisurely walk around its scenic landscapes before returning to Yixian East Station for your return journey.
Hiking Route Details
Distance: 7 km (approximately 2 hours).
Terrain: The hike passes through rural villages, rice fields, and mountain forests.
Length: Hongcun East Foot ➩ Fengdeng (2 km) ➩ Xieli (2 km) ➩ Zilu (1 km) ➩ Tachuan (2 km).
Travel Tips for a Relaxing Trip
Time Consideration: Allow for a relaxed pace—don’t rush through the villages. Spend time taking in the beauty of the surroundings and capturing the scenery with your camera.
Accommodation Tips: Book your accommodations early, especially during the peak autumn season. Staying within the scenic areas will give you more flexibility to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, but you can find more affordable options outside the main attractions.
Packing Essentials: Bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and a small backpack for water and snacks during your hikes.