Huizhou Ancient City (徽州古城) is the historical heart of Huizhou Prefecture, serving as the core of She County. This scenic area boasts a rich cultural heritage, encompassing several significant attractions. One of the highlights is the Oriental Triumph Arch, known as Xu Guo Stone Arch, which showcases the architectural skills of Huizhou merchants. Nearby, the Huizhang Garden features the Xin’an Monument Park and the impressive Taibai Tower, celebrating the achievements of these merchants.
As visitors stroll through Jiangnan’s first Dou Mountain Street, they will encounter charming traditional architecture and local shops, immersing themselves in the area’s culture. The ancient Yuliang Wharf reflects the prosperous trade history of Huizhou merchants, emphasizing their vital role in commerce. Additionally, the Huizhou Grand View Garden, or Hu园, offers a scenic escape, blending natural beauty with traditional aesthetics. The Tao Xingzhi Memorial Museum, a national patriotism education base, honors the legacy of this prominent educator and reformer, promoting themes of patriotism and education.
Travel Information about Huizhou Ancient City
Ticketing and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 100 RMB for a combined ticket.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Getting There
Location: Center of Huicheng Town, She County, Huangshan City.
Transport: Buses from Huangshan City Bus Station travel to She County. After reaching the county, take Bus No. 702 and get off at Hu Garden Station.
Attraction Rating
- Cultural Significance: ★★★
- Distinctive Features: ★★★
- Recreational Value: ★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★
- Romantic Appeal: ★★★
- Excitement: ★★
Highlights of Huizhou Ancient City
Xu Guo Stone Archway
The Xu Guo Stone Archway, also known as the Daxueshi Archway or the Eight-Legged Paifang, was constructed in the twelfth year of the Wanli era during the Ming Dynasty (1584). Made from gravel tuff, commonly referred to as tea garden blue stone or Yixian blue stone, this impressive structure features eight pillars and has a square layout measuring approximately 11.56 meters in length from north to south.
The design includes a two-column and three-story style on the southern and northern sides, while the eastern and western sides are characterized by a four-column, three-story structure that rises dramatically. The archway is adorned with intricate carvings that imitate wooden construction and showcase elegant patterns and skilled craftsmanship.
As one of the most remarkable examples of Huizhou stone archways, the Xu Guo Stone Archway epitomizes the highest level of stone archway construction techniques. Its four-column and three-story design has been influential for hundreds of years, marking a significant position in the history of stone archway architecture in China.
Who si Xu Guo:
Xu Guo (1527 – 1596), courtesy name Weizhen, was a successful scholar who passed the imperial examination in the 44th year of the Jiajing era (1565). In the 11th year of the Wanli era (1583), he served as the Minister of Rites and the Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion. The following year, after playing a key role in suppressing a rebellion in Yunnan, he was promoted to a position that included being the Grand Protector of the Crown Prince, Minister of Rites, and Grand Secretary of the Wuying Palace. He was later honored with the construction of the archway and was posthumously awarded the title of Grand Protector, receiving the honorific title Wenmu.
Xinan Stele Garden
Xinan Stele Garden is a quintessential private garden-style architecture representative of Huizhou. Nestled beside Taibai Tower and flanked by Piyun Peak, the garden gracefully integrates with the flowing waters of the Lianjiang River and is situated near Taiping Bridge. Its design employs a winding layout that artfully incorporates rich scenic views, creating an ambiance that feels both secluded and ingeniously crafted.
The garden is renowned for displaying two famous sets of inscriptions: “Yu Qing Zhai” and “Qing Jian Tang.” These inscriptions highlight the artistic and cultural significance of the site. The entire garden is composed of several sections, including the Zhen Shang Pavilion courtyard, the Little Tiandu courtyard, the Liangqing Hall courtyard, and the Piyun Xiaozhu courtyard, each contributing to the overall charm and elegance of this serene environment.
Doushan Street
Doushan Street, named for its resemblance to the Big Dipper constellation, dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Stretching over 300 meters, this historic street embodies the essence of Huizhou architecture, featuring ancient residences, traditional streets, exquisite carvings, historic wells, and stone archways. It prominently showcases the architectural styles of the prominent families of Xu, Wang, Yang, and others, reflecting a grand yet rustic charm with intricate decorations that define the unique character of this area.
The street is lined with clusters of Huizhou residences, creating a serene atmosphere reminiscent of the Ming and Qing eras. The old houses are centered around courtyards and exhibit a closed inward design. The towering horse-head walls stand closely together, yet are arranged in a staggered manner, allowing for individuality while maintaining a sense of community. Locals believe these old homes were designed for security against theft and reflect superstitions related to wealth accumulation. This design might also stem from the frequent travels of Huizhou merchants, where the high walls and deep courtyards offered a sense of protection and privacy, easing their worries as they ventured into the world.
Huizhou Garden (Hu Yuan)
Huizhou Garden stands as a magnificent representation of the “Three Great Treasures of Huizhou”—the archways, ancient residences, and ancestral halls. The garden showcases a grand and elegant atmosphere, characterized by its impressive architecture. With its whitewashed walls and dark-tiled roofs, the structures are arranged in a harmonious and rhythmic manner, reminiscent of flowing clouds and meandering waters, creating a serene and poetic landscape.
The intricate carvings found throughout the garden reflect the essence of ancient Huizhou culture, merging the artistic traditions of brick carving, wood carving, and stone carving, collectively known as the “Three Carvings of Huizhou.” Each detail captivates the eye, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship that defines Huizhou architecture.
Yuliang (Fishing Beam)
Yuliang is located approximately 1.5 kilometers southeast of Huizhou Ancient City, along the northern bank of the river. It served as a vital waterway dock for Huizhou merchants for centuries, and today it still retains the original charm of ancient streets, water ports, and docks. This area was a crucial passage for merchants traveling for business and a common route for local officials, earning it the title of the “Source of Huizhou Merchants.”
The ancient Yuliang Street is beautifully situated alongside the river, with its entire pathway elegantly paved with uniform pebbles, resembling fish scales. The street’s winding layout further contributes to its nickname, “Fish Scale Street.” Spanning about one kilometer, Yuliang Street is lined with numerous shops, ancient ancestral halls, traditional residences, and old temples, all arranged in an orderly fashion. It is celebrated as the “First Water Street of Jiangnan,” reflecting the rich history and vibrant culture of Huizhou’s commercial past.
Visitor Guide for Huizhou Ancient City
Accommodation in Huizhou Ancient City
Huizhou Ancient City boasts a well-developed hospitality industry, offering a wide range of accommodations to meet various needs. Visitors can choose from different levels of hotels, as well as unique and charming farmhouse inns that provide an authentic local experience at affordable prices.
Staying at a farmhouse inn near Yuliang Dam allows guests to enjoy the soothing sound of water flowing over the dam. As night falls, the gentle rhythm of the water creates a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Local Cuisine in Huizhou Ancient City
You Su Shao Bing (油酥烧饼): A renowned traditional snack in Huizhou, You Su Shao Bing is made from high-quality white flour mixed with vegetable oil to create the dough. The filling consists of dried mustard greens and fatty pork, topped with sesame seeds. These are then baked on the wall of a specially designed oven, which gives rise to its alternative name, “fire oven cake.” It’s both affordable and delicious, making it a must-try for visitors.
Hui Ba Mao Doufu (徽八毛豆腐): This dish features tofu that has been artificially fermented, leading to the growth of a white furry layer, hence the name “hairy tofu.” During fermentation, the proteins break down into various amino acids, enhancing its fresh flavor. When pan-fried, the tofu takes on a golden color with tiger-striped patterns, delivering a savory, fragrant taste that is particularly appetizing. It pairs wonderfully with spicy sauce, further elevating its flavor.
Qing Zhen Ma Ti Bie (清炖马蹄鳖): Also known as ham-stewed soft-shelled turtle, this is a famous Huizhou dish that features high-quality soft-shelled turtle cooked with ham and ham bones for added flavor, complemented with rock sugar to enhance its freshness. It is prepared using a charcoal stove, initially boiling at high heat and then simmering gently. Served in a clay pot, it emanates an enticing aroma with a rich, gelatinous broth that is both delicious and nutritious.
Yi Pin Guo (一品锅): Representing Huizhou cuisine, Yi Pin Guo has garnered praise from culinary enthusiasts. Described by Liang Shiqiu, this dish is served in a large iron pot, almost two feet in diameter, and is brought to the table steaming and bubbling. Layered inside are chicken, duck, pork, and fried tofu, garnished with egg dumplings. At the bottom, you’ll find radishes and greens, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is truly delightful.
Things to do in Huizhou Ancient City
Every November, Huizhou Ancient City hosts the Huizhou Ancient City Folk Culture Festival, featuring vibrant folk performances and cultural competitions in photography, calligraphy, and more. This annual event draws visitors and locals alike, showcasing the rich traditions of the region.
During the New Year period, more localized traditional customs come alive in Huizhou. Activities such as the Bench Dragon and Big Knife Dance in Xucun Town, the Lantern Festival in Changxi Township, and the acrobatic performances in Yecun of Sanyang Township each display unique local flavor. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the local culture by dressing in traditional attire, exploring the local government office, participating in embroidery ball games, and joining locals in preparing “Laba tofu.” Additionally, making glutinous rice dumplings and enjoying a traditional pig-slaughtering feast are part of the experience.
One of the most captivating forms of entertainment is the “Taige Xi,” or platform opera. This performance features a wooden platform with railings where children dressed as various dramatic characters enact scenes. As the story progresses, they change their poses and movements, bringing the characters to life. During the Spring Festival, the lively platform opera in Yuliang attracts large crowds, creating a festive atmosphere that captivates the audience.