Tachuan Village is one of the hidden gems in Anhui, known for its stunning autumn foliage and tranquil rural landscapes. The autumn colors here are particularly captivating in late fall, and one of the best ways to experience this beauty is through a classic half-day hiking loop. This peaceful trek through golden rice fields, ancient pathways, and charming villages feels like stepping into a living oil painting. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just love the outdoors, this hike is a must-do during autumn.
Overview of the Hiking Loop
The Tachuan Classic Half-Day Hiking Loop is a scenic circuit that covers approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles), with an elevation gain of around 180 meters. The route features a variety of terrains, including country roads, village paths, ancient mountain trails, and farm roads, making it an enjoyable and relatively easy hike that takes about 4 hours to complete. This loop takes you from Hongcun East Mountain Parking Lot to Qiushu Lake and back to Hongcun, offering spectacular autumn views along the way.
Detailed Route Description
Hongcun East Mountain Parking Lot ➩ Alina Garden Homestay
Starting from the East Mountain Parking Lot in Hongcun (宏村), the hike begins with a gentle walk through the golden rice fields that dominate the landscape in the fall. Along the way, the vivid red and orange hues of the winged euonymus and maple trees add to the picturesque beauty, making this the perfect spot for photography. The autumn colors here are incredibly vibrant, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a living painting as you stroll down the trail. The relaxed pace and the serene atmosphere of the rural scenery are sure to soothe your mind.
Alina Garden Homestay ➩ Tachuan Academy
After passing by Alina Garden Homestay (阿琳娜民宿), continue along the small country road towards Tachuan. Cross a road and follow a small stream uphill, where the autumn foliage becomes even more vivid. The surrounding forests are ablaze with autumn colors, creating a breathtaking natural display. Reach Hu Village (胡村) and continue along the road to the Tachuan Academy (塔川书院). This part of the hike is relatively easy and offers more scenic photo opportunities.
Tachuan Academy ➩ Xieli Village
From Tachuan Academy, the trail becomes a bit more challenging with a climb of about 150 meters. Continue along the road, and after about 200 meters, take a right turn to ascend a mountain trail. This old trail leads up to Zilu (梓路) and, after a steep descent, continues along a bamboo forest path to Xieli Village (协里). The village is home to the famous “Old House Tree” (老屋树上), where you can take in the sight of persimmon trees and traditional houses. The combination of the ancient buildings and the natural autumn landscape makes for some of the best photographs of the entire hike. This is also a great spot to take a break and enjoy a light snack.
Xieli Village ➩ Fengdeng Village
From Xieli, continue along the road towards Fengdeng Village (丰登). While fewer tourists visit Xieli, the autumn beauty here rivals that of Tachuan. The path is lined with winged euonymus and maple trees, creating a stunning backdrop for photos. This stretch of the hike offers a truly authentic rural autumn experience, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the village landscape and the changing foliage.
Fengdeng Village ➩ Hongcun
Finally, from Fengdeng, follow the asphalt road back towards Hongcun. On the left-hand side, you’ll see the tributary of Qiushu Lake (奇墅湖), which offers a lovely view of the lake with its clear water and red-tinged water cypress trees. This peaceful section is perfect for reflecting on the beauty of nature as you wind your way back to Hongcun.
Special Tips for the Hike
Time: This hike is best done in half a day. Don’t rush through the route—give yourself time to enjoy the scenery and take plenty of photos.
Route Length: The full loop is around 12 kilometers, and it takes about 4 hours to complete for most people. However, if you’re short on time or prefer a less strenuous walk, you can choose to end your hike at any of the midpoints, such as Alina Garden Homestay, Hu Village, or Xieli Village. Make sure to arrange for transportation in advance to get back to Hongcun.
Gear: Wear comfortable outdoor clothing and bring sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. A small backpack (around 15 liters) is recommended to carry essentials like snacks, a water bottle, trekking poles, a selfie stick, and headphones. A good pair of hiking shoes will make the terrain more manageable.