Tachuan Village (塔川村), also known as Tashang, is a serene Huizhou-style village nestled among the mountains. The village features traditional ancient houses with elegant flying eaves and corners, layered and harmoniously arranged, giving the appearance of a pagoda rising majestically from the valley – this is the origin of the name “Ta (塔).” A crystal-clear stream flows gently down the mountainside and meanders through the village, infusing it with vitality, which is the source of the “chuan” (川) in its name. Together, “Ta” and “Chuan” create “Tachuan.”
The village is situated at the foot of Huangdui Mountain, part of the southwestern foothills of the towering Huangshan, and faces the shimmering waters of Shili Qishu Lake. The traditional buildings, with their white walls and dark tiles, blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. From a distance, the cluster of ancient houses resembles a grand pagoda, hidden within the lush greenery.
As you approach the village, the first sight to greet you is the iconic “Five Trees Soaring to the Sky.” These five ancient trees – camphor, cypress, and maple – have stood for centuries, their weathered trunks seemingly narrating the storied past of Tachuan Village. The gnarled roots protrude from the ground, resembling giant hands that support towering canopies, creating a unique natural environment. Each tree’s distinct shape adds to the beauty of this ancient grove: some rise like swords piercing the clouds, while others spread like floral crowns, and yet others reach skyward like a thousand-armed giant, as if attempting to grasp the celestial clouds.
Walking through the ancient woods along the babbling stream leads you into the heart of the village. The white-walled, dark-tiled houses, sheltered by the trees, exude an unparalleled tranquility. When you feel tired, find a stone bench to rest on, watching the curling smoke from chimneys and the returning birds. Immersed in this scene, you will truly appreciate the rustic harmony and fresh beauty of Tachuan Village.
The most beautiful time to visit Tachuan is undoubtedly during autumn. As one of China’s top three autumn-viewing destinations, alongside Beijing’s Fragrant Hills and Sichuan’s Jiuzhaigou, Tachuan showcases a stunning display of fall foliage.
Every year, Tachuan begins to transition into autumn in mid-October, but the best time to appreciate the autumn colors is from mid to late November. During this period, the village’s fields are adorned with the distinctive black locust trees, whose leaves change from green to yellow and then to red, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors in between. The mountains are ablaze with colorful leaves, with the picturesque white walls and dark tiles of the ancient houses nestled among them, creating a breathtaking scene that is truly captivating.
Travel Information about Tachuan Ancient Village
Ticket and Opening Hours
- Ticket Price: 40 CNY
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Best Time to Visit
Tachuan is one of China’s top three autumn-viewing destinations. The best time to enjoy the fall colors is in late November when the mountains and trees are adorned in vibrant shades of green, yellow, and red, creating a stunning oil painting-like scenery.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Situated in Hong Village Town, Yi County, Tachuan is located midway between Hong Village and the Mukeng Bamboo Sea scenic area.
Bus: You can take Bus No. 1 from Yi County to Tachuan Scenic Area. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Hong Village, which is about 4 kilometers away.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Leisure Activities: ★★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★★★
- Adventure and Excitement: ★
Guide to Fall Foliage in Tachuan Village
Must-Visit Spots for Autumn Photography
Hongcun Yunshang Café: For a panoramic view of the surrounding area, head to this café, which offers a bird’s-eye view of Xieli village (协里). It’s only 100 meters from Tachuan Village (塔川), and you can park your car here for free (further down the road, parking is charged). This spot provides the perfect vantage point for some beautiful shots.
Luba Observation Deck: This viewpoint offers an amazing, sweeping view of Tachuan Village, making it one of the most stunning places to capture the village in its full glory during autumn.
Red Maple Viewing Deck: Located in the heart of Tachuan, this spot is ideal for photographing the vivid red and yellow foliage, with the village’s traditional architecture in the background.
Rice Fields: The expansive rice fields surrounding the village are perfect for autumn photos. The golden fields create a magical scene, especially when the sun begins to set.
Tachuan Café:This is a popular spot for photos, where you can capture the beautiful village landscape right in front of the café. It can get a bit crowded, but the views are well worth it.
Ancient Village: Explore the traditional ancient village, where you can admire the distinctive Hui-style architecture. The combination of ancient buildings and persimmon trees adds to the rustic charm of the area, creating a perfect autumn atmosphere.
Chuntian Qiuchuan Café: Located along the road as you continue walking through Tachuan, this café provides a great spot to stop and appreciate the changing autumn scenery. The journey to the café itself offers beautiful views along the way.
Best Times to Visit Tachuan for Autumn Foliage
Evening (Late Afternoon): Around 3:30 PM, the sun begins to set, casting a golden hue over the rice fields and colorful trees. The fading sunlight adds a magical touch to the landscape, making this an unforgettable time for photography.
Morning (Early Morning): The early morning hours offer a serene and mystical atmosphere. As the sun rises, light fog lingers over the village, creating a dreamlike scene. The vibrant autumn leaves and surrounding mountains are bathed in soft morning light, making it a fantastic time for capturing nature’s beauty. Be sure to get up early to catch this moment!
Classic Half-Day Hike around Tachuan Village
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, and a selfie stick.
Frequent Questions and Answers About Tachuan Village
1. Is It Too Late to Visit Tachuan This Autumn?
No, you’re in luck! Currently, Tachuan Village has entered its peak autumn viewing period. The best time to see the fall foliage lasts until November 20th, with the highest peak of autumn colors expected to occur during this time. If you plan to visit, the latest you should come is by November 25th. If you miss it this year, you’ll have to wait another year to experience it at its prime.
2. Where Do I Take the High-Speed Train To?
If you’re taking the high-speed train, the closest station to Tachuan Village is Yixian East Station (黟县东站). From there, you can take a bus to reach most of the scenic spots. Buses run every 30 minutes. Alternatively, if you take the train to Huangshan North Station, you can exit the station, turn right, and head to the Huangshan Tourism Bus Center to catch a tourist shuttle bus. The bus ride costs 30 RMB and takes about 1.5 hours to reach Hongcun (宏村), which is close to Tachuan.
3. How Can I Get from Hongcun to Tachuan?
There are a few ways to get from Hongcun (宏村) to Tachuan (塔川). If you’re in good shape, you can walk the 2-kilometer distance. Alternatively, you can take a tricycle for around 5 RMB. If you prefer to rent an electric bike, you can find rental points near the small Cui Supermarket on the west side of Hongcun village.
4. Is There an Entrance Fee for Tachuan?
Tachuan Village is free to visit this year, so no tickets are required. You can simply enter without a reservation. Additionally, nearby villages like Lu Village, Nanping, Pingshan, and Bishan are also free to explore.
5. Are There Any Rice Fields Left for Photography?
The rice fields have mostly been harvested by now, but there is still a small patch set aside for photography purposes. Keep in mind that weekends tend to be crowded, so it might be challenging to get a photo without people in the frame. If you want to capture the beauty of the fields, visiting during a quieter time would be ideal.
6. Is Qiushu Lake Worth Visiting?
This year, due to insufficient rainfall, the water level at Qiushu Lake (奇墅湖) is lower than usual. As a result, the lake’s scenery is not as stunning as in previous years, particularly during the day when the temperature is higher. However, if you visit in the early morning or evening, and there happens to be fog, the view can still be quite beautiful.
7. Can I Rent a Car?
Yes, you can rent a car in the area. There are electric bike rental stations near the West Gate of Hongcun, where you can unlock bikes by scanning a QR code. A 1000 RMB deposit is required for the rental. However, most visitors renting vehicles are not just exploring Yixian County but also other areas like Shexian County and the Huangshan scenic area, so renting a car might not offer the best value in Yixian.
8. What Time of Day is Best for Visiting?
The best time to visit Tachuan Village is either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Many of the stunning photographs of the village are taken during these two time slots, when the atmosphere is more misty and the lighting is softer. For the most beautiful views, you’ll want the fog to gently envelop the trees, creating a dreamlike ambiance. The best times for capturing these moments are before 7:30 AM and after 5:00 PM.
9. What Is the Best Hiking Route?
For those who enjoy hiking, the Hongcun – Qiushu Lake – Fengdeng – Xieli – Tachuan – Hongcun loop is an excellent option. This route covers around 8.5 kilometers and can be completed in 3-4 hours by an average person. The segment from Fengdeng to Tachuan is mostly a dirt path and a bit challenging as it requires you to hike over the Fanjia Ridge (范家岭), which can be steep. The rest of the route is on smooth, flat roads, making it accessible for most hikers.
10. How Do I Watch the Sunrise at Lu Village?
To catch the beautiful sunrise at Lu Village (卢村), you’ll need to wake up early and navigate to the Lu Village Observation Deck (卢村观景台), which is located just behind the village along the road. There is a parking lot nearby. The most stunning sunrises here occur when the right combination of sunlight and morning fog is present, so it’s all about luck. Make sure to check the weather forecast and prepare for an early start.