Liyang Old Street (黎阳老街), located near Tunxi Old Street (屯溪老街) in Huangshan (黄山), is a charming area full of local culture and scenic spots. While it’s a great place for a quick photo opportunity, there are mixed opinions about spending a lot of time there. If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know about exploring the area, including the best times to visit, dining options, and transportation tips.
Things to Do on Liyang Old Street
Liyang Old Street (黎阳老街) is located just across a bridge from Tunxi Old Street (屯溪老街), making it easy to visit both areas in one trip. If you’re looking to capture beautiful photos, the street’s iconic flower wall is a must-see, especially in the daytime when the lighting is ideal. While the street is illuminated at night, the photos may not have the same charm as in daylight. So, for photography lovers, I recommend visiting during the day for the best shot.
If you’re looking to explore further, it might be worth noting that some travelers find Liyang Old Street a bit underwhelming for a longer visit. The atmosphere can feel rushed, especially if you’re short on time or visiting late in the day.
Where to Eat on Liyang Old Street
When it comes to food, there are a few spots worth checking out. We had our meal at the entrance of the street at a restaurant called Hui San Shuo (徽三说), where we ordered Stinky Mandarin Fish (臭鳜鱼), grilled skewers (小烧烤), and stir-fried clams (炒蛤蜊). The total cost for the two of us came to ¥168, with the Stinky Mandarin Fish priced at ¥138 for a half portion. The grilled skewers cost ¥10, and the stir-fried clams were ¥20.
The Stinky Mandarin Fish was indeed quite “stinky,” which made us question its authenticity, but we weren’t familiar with the dish enough to make a final judgment. Though the experience wasn’t extraordinary, it’s a good place to try if you’re craving local flavors.
One place I highly recommend is Kawanka Restaurant (卡旺卡), which is a popular chain in Anhui. Although there are no branches directly at the foot of Mount Huangshan, you can find many of their locations in the area, including around Liyang Old Street (黎阳老街). It’s a great option for anyone visiting the region, especially for those coming for hiking trips who want a satisfying meal after a long day of exploring.
Transportation Tips
For those traveling by public transportation, we arrived in Huangshan North in the afternoon and took bus No. 21 directly to Liyang Old Street (黎阳老街). We had booked a hotel at the foot of Huangshan Mountain, but I wouldn’t recommend staying out too late if you’re planning to return by taxi. We had difficulty finding a cab later that night, so it’s best to arrange a car in advance if you’re staying at the foot of the mountain. If you need to pay highway tolls for the trip from Tunxi Old Street to the foot of the mountain, the cost is approximately ¥14.