Pingshan Village (屏山村), primarily inhabited by the Shu family, boasts a history of over 1,100 years. The village derives its name from the nearby Pingfeng Mountain, which resembles a folding screen. Historically, it was part of Jidu in Yixian County and is also known as Jiushu Village. The Qing Dynasty poet Yu Fengchen once wrote about the beauty of Ping Mountain: “Green mountains line like a painted screen, dripping with vibrant hues after the rain. Autumn leaves rival spring flowers, scattered like a woven tapestry.” This illustrates the breathtaking scenery of the area.
Indeed, Pingfeng Mountain serves as a year-round backdrop to the picturesque Pingshan Village, characterized by its traditional Huizhou-style architecture. The mountain is part of the Huangshan range, connecting to Shigushan Mountain at Fenglai Ridge, which is the main route from Yixian to Chining. To the east, it links with the Lianqing Mountains at Gongjialing, leading to Hongcun village in the north. This area features various scenic peaks, including Kunshuijian, which resembles a dozing elder, and the three peaks of Sangushan, believed to be transformed from three fairies.
Nestled between Pingfeng Mountain and Lianqing Mountain, a small stream known as Jiyang Creek flows through Pingshan Village, merging with the Zhangshui River from the south. This creek, named for its location at the foot of Jiyang Mountain, is one of the sources of the Xin’an River. The winding creek meanders through the village, bordered by traditional gray-tiled houses and shops, while over a dozen unique stone bridges span the water, creating a quintessential Jiangnan water village scene of “small bridges, flowing water, and households.”
Pingshan Village has well-preserved seven ancestral halls and over 200 residences from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Notable sites include the Three Aunts Temple, Red Temple, Changning Lake, Shu Xiuwen’s Former Residence, Yulan Courtyard, Gourd Well, and the Small Embroidery Building. The village exudes a rustic charm, with a rich cultural heritage. During the Ming Dynasty, scholar Shu Rongdu was unjustly executed for his integrity and opposition to corrupt officials, and after his posthumous vindication, a nine-eaved gate tower and a plaque named “Wangzhong Baitai” were erected in his memory. Shu Xiuwen, the granddaughter of another scholar, Shu Sihuo, gained fame as a performer in films like One River of Spring Water Flows East and is celebrated as a people’s artist.
The Shugaotang, Shu Xiuwen’s former residence, is centrally located in the village and is surrounded by serene scenery. This ancestral home features a traditional Huizhou design, comprising two courtyards with elegant wooden carvings and a beautifully decorated main hall, exuding a timeless charm.
Travel Information about Pingshan Village
Admission and Opening Hours
- Ticket Price: ¥50
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Best Time to Visit
Pingshan Village is beautiful in all seasons. While the ancient buildings can be enjoyed at any time of the year, visiting in summer allows you to escape the heat by exploring the cool environment of Pingfeng Mountain.
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Approximately 4 kilometers northeast of Yixian County, at the base of Pingfeng Mountain and Jiyang Mountain.
Transportation:
- From Huangshan: Take a bus from Huangshan Bus Station to Yixian Bus Station, then transfer to a minibus to Pingshan Village.
- From Hongcun: You can also take a taxi directly to Pingshan Village.
Attraction Rating
- Cultural Heritage: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★
- Adventure: ★★
Visitor Guide for Pingshan Village
Accommodation Options
Pingshan Village is close to Yixian County and attractions like Hongcun, so you can choose nearby lodging options. For a more immersive experience of the unique Huizhou ancient village charm, you can also stay with local villagers in Pingshan Village.
Food Options
There are many snack shops in the village offering a variety of meals, but the conditions are quite basic; you can grab a bite there. If you want to enjoy authentic Huizhou cuisine, it’s recommended to return to the area near Hongcun in Yixian County, where you can find Lu Village Shanshui Farmhouse and Lingtou Tiantian Restaurant, as well as Sanweitang and Ancient Town People in Xidi. Additionally, there are many affordable and authentic Huizhou restaurants in Yixian County, where the food is quite good.