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3-Day Anhui Itinerary

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by Sunny

3-Day Anhui Itinerary

Planning a short trip and wondering what are the best things to do in Anhui? This three-day itinerary combines the region’s natural wonders, ancient villages, and Hui culture. From sunrise over Huangshan to quiet walks through historic villages, every stop adds a layer of history and scenery worth experiencing.

Day 1: Tunxi Old Town and Hongcun Village

Morning

  • Arrive in Huangshan City and head straight to Tunxi Old Town. The cobblestone streets lined with Hui-style buildings offer an authentic introduction to the region.

  • Visit the Hukaiwen Ink Factory, where artisans craft traditional ink sticks. Join a calligraphy session to try writing with the brushes you can purchase as souvenirs.

Afternoon

  • Travel to Hongcun Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its iconic crescent-shaped pond.

  • Walk past stone bridges and whitewashed residences that date back to the Ming and Qing periods.

  • Sample local snacks sold by villagers, often prepared using family recipes passed down for generations.

Evening

  • Return to Tunxi for dinner. Order regional specialties such as hairy tofu, bamboo shoots with ham, and braised soft-shell turtle.

Day 2: Huangshan Scenic Area

Early Morning

  • Head to Tangkou Town and take the cable car up Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).

  • Witness sunrise at Bright Summit or Lotus Peak, where the sea of clouds drapes over jagged peaks.

Daytime Hike

  • Follow trails toward Flying-over Rock and West Sea Grand Canyon. The area is famous for oddly shaped pines that cling to cliffs.

  • Stop for photographs at natural viewpoints that showcase Huangshan’s dramatic ridges.

Evening

  • Stay overnight at a mountain lodge to enjoy evening cloudscapes. For those returning to the base, soak in the hot springs near Tangkou before heading back to Tunxi.

Day 3: Xidi Village and Cultural Highlights

Morning

  • Travel to Xidi Village, another UNESCO-listed site with over 300 Hui-style houses.

  • Walk through the Da Fu Grand House and admire its carved wooden panels. The layout reflects the social hierarchy of ancient Anhui families.

Afternoon

  • Return to Tunxi and visit Tunxi Old Street once more for shopping. Local treats such as Mei Cai Kou Rou (salted preserved pork) and tea-smoked bamboo shoots make ideal gifts.

  • Optional side trip: visit Guangji Temple in Wuhu or Taiji Cave in Guangde if time permits.

Where to Stay

  • Tunxi Old Town: Boutique inns offer easy access to restaurants and cultural sites.

  • Huangshan Mountain Area: Mountain lodges provide direct sunrise access and scenic viewpoints.

  • Hongcun or Xidi Villages: Traditional guesthouses with Hui-style architecture create an immersive cultural stay.

For detailed recommendations on the best hotels, guesthouses, and mountain lodges, check out where to stay in Anhui for a complete guide.

How to Travel Between Spots

  • Tunxi to Hongcun: 1-hour drive by private car or shuttle buses departing from Huangshan bus station.

  • Tunxi to Huangshan Scenic Area: 1-hour drive or 45-minute public bus ride to Tangkou, followed by a cable car up the mountain.

  • Tunxi to Xidi: Around 40 minutes by car or public tourist bus.

  • Hongcun to Xidi: 30 minutes by taxi or local minivan service.

  • Intercity Options: High-speed trains connect Huangshan to major cities such as Hangzhou and Shanghai.

Quick 3-Day Plan

Day 1
• Morning: Tunxi Old Town and calligraphy workshop
• Afternoon: Hongcun Village heritage walk
• Evening: Local Anhui dinner

Day 2
• Early sunrise at Huangshan
• Hike West Sea Canyon and iconic viewpoints
• Optional hot spring session

Day 3
• Morning at Xidi Village
• Afternoon shopping at Tunxi Old Street
• Optional temple or cave visit

Why This Route Works

  • Balanced mix of cultural history and scenic hiking.

  • Short travel times make each stop easy to fit within a tight schedule.

  • Opportunities for authentic local food and traditional crafts at every stop.

Conclusion

This 3-day Anhui itinerary blends nature, history, and authentic culture into a seamless journey. From Huangshan’s sunrise views to the quiet charm of Hongcun and Xidi, every stop highlights the region’s heritage. Tunxi serves as the ideal base, making travel simple while offering access to Anhui’s finest experiences.