Xin’an River Landscape Gallery (新安江山水画廊) is located at the headwaters of the Xin’an River, stretching approximately 100 miles. It is the cradle of ancient Huizhou civilization, a golden trade route for ancient Huizhou merchants, and a key link between “paradise on earth” cities like Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Yangzhou. This gallery is a stunning gem on the golden tourism route that includes Huangshan, the ancient city of Shexian, and Qiandao Lake.
The scenic beauty along both sides of the Xin’an River is breathtaking, featuring a diverse ecological landscape of towering mountains, fruit orchards, tea fields, and fish-filled waters. The traditional villages and ancient residences, with their white walls and black tiles, are nestled in the landscape, creating a picturesque Chinese painting of green hills and waterside villages. Along the river, you’ll find attractions such as the “Three Pools of Loquats,” “Three Ports of Oranges,” the “Millennium Camphor Tree,” Jiusha Ancient Village, Longmen Waterfall, and more. Visitors can also enjoy local delicacies and cultural experiences, such as Huizhou opera at Miantan, cormorant fishing, loquat and orange picking, and hands-on activities like silkworm farming, oil pressing, and soybean milk grinding.
Travel Information about Xi’an River Landscape Gallery
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket price: ¥148 (includes boat ticket).
Tour Duration: The boat tour lasts about 3 hours, with around 30 minutes spent at each stop. It is ideal for families, seniors, and children.
Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Boat Departure Times
- Morning Departures: 9:00 AM; 10:30 AM
- Afternoon Departures: 1:00 PM; 2:30 PM
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Located in Shexian County, Huangshan City.
How to get there: From Shexian Bus Station, take a minibus to Shendu Port. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and boats for the Xin’an River Landscape Gallery depart from Shendu Port.
Scenic Ratings
- Cultural significance: ★★★
- Special features: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★
- Excitement: ★★
Highlights of Xin’an River Landscape Gallery
Yuetan Village
Yuetan Village, located at the confluence of Yueshui River and Shutan, was originally called Yaotan before the Song Dynasty. During the early Southern Song period, the village was renamed Yuetan due to the migration of the Fang family and its proximity to the mouth of the Yueshui River. It is a large village along the Xin’an River, with nearly 500 households and over 1,800 residents. The village stretches for more than 2 kilometers, with various settlements like Shangcunding, Puli, Puwa, Zhongshan, Diao Qian, Limen, Waimen, and Xinwuxia.
At the foot of Yuetan Village stand several large trees along the riverbank, next to which lies an ancient ancestral hall—Fang Clan Ancestral Hall. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the hall was converted into a school to nurture young scholars. Inside the hall, there is a stone tablet titled “Fang Clan Ancestral Hall of Rutan.” The inscription was written by the famous scholar Xu Guo, and the calligraphy was done by Fang Hongjing, an imperial scholar and high-ranking official. The seal on the tablet was inscribed by Pan Wei, an official from the imperial Wuying Hall.
Zhangtan Village
Zhangtan Village is located at the southern end of Shendu Town in Huangshan City and is part of the core scenic area of the Xin’an River Landscape Gallery. It is also one of the top 100 photography spots in Huangshan City. The village is surrounded by winding mountains and crystal-clear waters, with an exceptional ecological environment on both sides of the river. The Xin’an River flows around Zhangtan Village, forming a large arc. The village can be reached by traveling down the river from Nanyuan Port in Shexian or by going upstream from Shendu Town.
Millennium Camphor Tree: Zhangtan Village is home to an ancient camphor tree, which is listed as a rare and protected tree in Anhui Province. The towering tree stands 40 meters high, and its massive trunk requires 11 people to encircle it, earning it the title of “King of Camphor Trees in China.” Legend has it that this tree was personally planted by a descendant of Zhang Liang, a renowned statesman of the early Han Dynasty, and is now over 1,000 years old.
Red Dowry Museum: The Huizhou red dowry was a collection of items that wealthy families gave their daughters as part of their marriage dowry. These ranged from large pieces like wedding beds and wardrobes to small items such as needlework boxes, all intricately crafted with fine details. Known as the “Ten-Mile Red Dowry” due to its lavishness, the collection was traditionally laid out over miles. In Zhangtan Village, the Red Dowry Museum showcases a cultural exhibition on the Huizhou red dowry, displaying hundreds of original items, many of which are rare to see. The exhibition brings to life the splendor and detail of traditional Chinese customs.
Inside the Red Dowry Museum is a sedan chair, hailed as the “Number One Sedan Chair in the World.” It features windows on all sides, with silk paintings as curtains. Every column and partition is adorned with exquisite carvings of birds, dragons, phoenixes, and flowers. There are over a thousand finely detailed human figures, each with unique expressions, making the craftsmanship truly breathtaking. When carried, the sedan appears like a mobile palace, showcasing unmatched beauty and luxury.
Origin of the Name “Zhangtan Village”: About 90% of Zhangtan Village’s residents have the surname Zhang. The Zhang family’s ancestor in Zhangtan was Zhang Bing, the 11th-generation descendant of the Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Zhihe, who was a successful imperial scholar. Zhang Bing’s eldest son settled in Zhangtan, planting two trees to commemorate his family’s new home. One tree grew vigorously, while the other was later cut down.
During the Song Dynasty, the village was called “Huanxi.” Because many camphor trees (樟树) were planted in the village, and the word “camphor” (樟) symbolized vitality and strength, it was thought to represent the hope for future generations to succeed academically. However, the name “Zhangtan” (樟潭) did not harmonize well with the village’s connection to water. Therefore, the character “Zhang” (樟) was replaced with “Zhang” (漳), changing the village’s name to “Zhangtan” (漳潭).
Miantan Village
Located on the picturesque northern bank of the upper Xin’an River, Miantan Village is not only a cultural hub but also one of the many deep pools along the river. According to the Shexian Place Names Record, “An ancient village had a kapok tree by the pool, hence the name ‘Miantan’ (棉潭), later changed to ‘Mian’ (绵).” Miantan is also one of the famous producers of the “Three Tan Loquats.”
Miantan Village has a long tradition of opera performances. A local saying goes, “You’ll never run out of Zhangtan’s fish, never finish listening to Miantan’s opera, and never chop all of Jiusha’s wood.” During the peak of Huizhou merchants, their wealth enabled the village to hire famous opera troupes to perform during festivals and celebrations.
As Miantan was historically an important river port, merchants frequently stayed in the village. When operas were performed, they would often join in the festivities. The village showcased a variety of operas, including Peking opera, Huizhou opera, Huangmei opera, and Shaoxing opera. Over time, this rich tradition of diverse performances became a distinctive cultural feature of Miantan Village.
General’s Wharf (Jiangjunbu)
During the Ming Dynasty’s Jiajing and Qinglong periods, Wang Zan, son of Wang Tianning from Miantan, was honored as a Mingwei General for his meritorious efforts in resisting Japanese invaders. He served as a commander of the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guards) and was bestowed with an embroidered robe and jade belt by imperial decree. In recognition of his contributions, the Ming Emperor awarded a plaque for his family’s ancestral hall with the inscription “Martial Valor Guards the Ming Dynasty,” and constructed a four-pillared archway on the village’s riverbank, declaring, “Civil officials dismount from sedan chairs, military officials dismount from horses.”
When Mingwei General Wang returned to his hometown of Miantan Village to pay homage to his ancestors, his official ship encountered shallow waters in front of the archway. The villagers, in a grand gesture of respect, placed large stones along the riverbank and built a stone stairway for the general to disembark. This landing became known as “General’s Wharf.”
Xinyang Village Residential Complex
The shimmering waters of the Xin’an River and the misty distant mountains create a picturesque backdrop for Xinyang Village, where rows of newly built Huizhou-style residences rise along the hillsides. With their white walls, grey-tiled roofs, and elegantly upturned eaves, these buildings present a striking visual appeal. The architectural design of Xinyang Village was even used as the model for the illustration of Anhui residences on the regular stamp series of Chinese residential buildings, issued by the National Postal Service.
Legend of the Old Dragon’s Spit (Laolongji)
According to legend, one day, the newly appointed magistrate of Shexian was traveling with his wife to assume his post. As their boat passed the peculiar sight of “Old Dragon’s Spit” (Laolongji), the county lady was captivated by the strange shapes of the trees on the shore. While leaning out to admire the view, her golden phoenix hairpin accidentally fell into the river. The magistrate bent over the boat’s edge to retrieve it, but the old dragon of the river opened its mouth and swallowed him. The dragon then transformed into the magistrate’s likeness, took the fainted county lady aboard, and continued to Shexian with her, with no one the wiser.
Later, the county lady became pregnant with dragon offspring, giving birth to nine little dragons. These nine dragons were destined to enter the East Sea, where they would stir up storms and cause widespread disaster. A deity known as “Crystal Man” decided to intervene on behalf of heaven. He captured the old dragon and imprisoned him in the “Jiangxi Well.” As the county lady gave birth, the deity attempted to slay the nine baby dragons. He managed to kill eight, but as he was about to strike the ninth, the dragon slipped away, losing only its tail in the process. This last dragon survived and escaped to the East Sea, where it became known as the “Tail-Pulling Dragon” (Zhuaiwei Long).
To this day, it is said that every year after the Qingming Festival, a sudden storm with heavy rain hits Huizhou. Locals believe it is the “Tail-Pulling Dragon” returning to visit its ancestors’ graves.
Shendu Town
Located in the eastern part of Shexian County, Shendu Town is an important transit point on the golden tourist route from Huangshan to Qiandao Lake within Anhui Province. It lies at the confluence of the Xin’an River and its significant tributary, Changyuan River. Shendu is an ancient town nestled between mountains and water, with its streets built along the hillside. The town features four main streets: Ling Shang (Upper Ridge), Li Jie (Inner Street), Wai Jie (Outer Street), and Heng Jie (Cross Street), lined with shops and crisscrossed with alleys. From a distance, the layered, staggered horsehead walls of the town’s architecture create a charming and rhythmic aesthetic.
Shendu has long served as a vital waterway connecting ancient Huizhou with Zhejiang Province and was once a crucial hub for the distribution of goods. It was also the first port along the Xin’an River, from which Huizhou merchants would embark on their business journeys to the south.
With its broad river, picturesque scenery, towering peaks on both sides, and shimmering water, the town offers breathtaking views that are hard to leave behind. In the fourth year of the Northern Song Dynasty’s Taiping Xingguo reign (979 CE), Yao Zhizhong, a top scholar from Chengdu, and his son, who were serving in Shexian, fell in love with the area’s natural beauty and settled here. Later, in 1159, another branch of the Yao family from Huzhou moved to Shendu. Over time, the town grew into a prominent Ming and Qing dynasty hub in Huizhou.
Related Details:
- Food: Along the streets of Shendu Town, you’ll find numerous stalls selling deep-fried, spicy tofu, known as youjian maodoufu. It’s incredibly delicious and definitely worth a try!
- Accommodation: A new road now leads directly to Shendu Port, lined with private inns and guesthouses. Popular options include the Shexian Gandaoyuhang Farm and the Silk Culture Garden Inn, with standard room prices ranging from 80 to 120 yuan.
- Transportation: The dock at Shendu Port offers a variety of boats and speedboats for hire. Taking a boat ride along the Xin’an River allows you to admire the charming Huizhou-style architecture on both banks, providing a unique perspective of the scenic landscape.
Guide to Xin’an River Landscape Gallery Boat Tour
Boat Tour Highlights
The boat journey along the Xin’an River is an upstream route, opposite to the direction of Qiandao Lake. There are three key stops along the tour, each offering unique experiences:
- Traditional Fishing Performance
- Giant Camphor Trees and the Ten-Mile Red Makeup
- Traditional Drama Performance
These stops provide a blend of natural beauty, local culture, and traditional performances that will enrich your travel experience.
Departure Port
The boat departs from Shendu Port (深渡港) in She County (歙县), located approximately 30 kilometers from the county center. There are direct buses from the county town to Shendu Port, with the 931 and 938 routes available. The 938 route is recommended as it is quicker and more time-efficient.
Boat Details
The boat is large enough to accommodate over 100 passengers. For a more exclusive experience, you can opt for the upper deck, but please note that there is an extra charge of 50 RMB per person per deck. The boat has three levels, and the higher you go, the better the view. The first deck does not have access to the open air, but the second and third decks offer both open-air spaces and private rooms.
Tip: It is highly recommended to upgrade to the second deck for the best views! You can pay on-site to upgrade.
Performance Stops on the Boat Tour
Stop 1: Mian Tan Village (绵潭村): This is perhaps the most interesting of the three stops, offering a chance to witness various traditional fishing methods. These include net fishing, bamboo pole fishing, and a unique bird-assisted technique where birds catch fish by wrapping their necks around them. One of the highlights is the “Yuanbao Basin” technique, where fishermen use small basins to collect rainwater, guiding it to the middle of the basin. The basin must be stomped skillfully, a technique that requires years of practice to perfect.
Stop 2: Zhang Tan Village (漳潭村): Zhang Tan Village is famous for its ancient camphor trees, with many local shops selling small crafts made from the fragrant wood. The village is also home to an ancient giant camphor tree. At the “Hongzhuang Hall,” visitors can explore traditional dowries that were once used by Huizhou merchants when marrying off their daughters. The hall also houses an enormous traditional bridal sedan chair and a large, yet quaint, ancient wedding room.
Stop 3: Jiusha Village (九砂村): This stop offers a closer look at traditional Huizhou architecture, with well-preserved village life. The stop includes a performance of local traditional drama, often performed by villagers themselves. The village maintains its rustic charm, making it a perfect location to experience the local culture and traditions.
Guide to Hiking the Xin’an River Landscape Gallery
Best Time to Visit:
From March 10th to April 10th, when the flowers are in full bloom, including rapeseed flowers, peach blossoms, and pear flowers.
Recommended Hiking Route:
- Starting Point: Nanyuan Ferry (南源渡口)
- Route: Nanyuan Ferry (南源渡口) → Xin’an River Greenway (新安江绿道) → Shexian Ruyuan Homestay (歙县如园民宿) → Pukou Village (浦口村) → Ferry Crossing → Zhucun (朱村) → Yicheng Village (义成村) → Xiong Village (雄村) → Ancient Huizhou Town (徽州古城) (drive to town for a meal)
- Distance: 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles)
- Hiking Duration: Around 4 hours
- Route Advantages:
- Suitable for all ages
- Mostly flat terrain, making it an easy hike
- Features mountain views, rivers, flowers, and traditional Huizhou architecture
- Opportunity to try local specialties such as stinky tofu and stinky mandarin fish (臭鳜鱼)
- Route Disadvantages:
- Located about 3 hours by car from Hangzhou, making it somewhat distant for travelers.
Suggested Gear:
- Footwear: Comfortable sports shoes
- Clothing: Sportswear suitable for outdoor activity
- Bag: A daypack or outdoor hiking backpack
- Additional Items: Hat, umbrella for sun/rain protection
- Snacks/Water: Two bottles of water, chocolates, beef jerky, and fruit for energy