What to Do in Anhui, China

Anhui presents an incredible combination of dramatic landscapes, ancient villages, and rich cultural traditions. If you are wondering how to spend your time in this province, here are experiences that deliver historical depth, natural beauty, and authentic local life.

1. Hike Mount Huangshan

• Walk stone paths lined with twisted pines and dramatic granite cliffs.

• Watch sunrise from Bright Summit or Lotus Peak as clouds sweep through the valleys.

• Relax in mineral hot springs after descending from the trails.

• Stay overnight in a mountain lodge for an unmatched view of changing light at dawn and dusk.

2. Stroll Through Tunxi Ancient Street

• Wander through Ming and Qing-style buildings filled with tea shops, ceramic stalls, and traditional crafts.

• Sample local snacks such as stinky tofu, sesame pastries, and bamboo shoot dumplings.

• Buy hand-painted fans, inkstones, and Hui-style tableware as souvenirs.

3. Visit Hongcun and Xidi Ancient Villages

• Admire centuries-old residences with whitewashed walls and grey-tiled roofs.

• Photograph Hongcun’s Moon Pond reflecting historic architecture and green hills.

• Walk quiet lanes lined with carved wooden windows and ancestral halls.

• Learn about Hui culture by visiting small museums or speaking with local craftsmen.

4. Step Into Chengkan Town

• Roam a peaceful town with old courtyards, vine-covered walls, and hidden temples.

• Listen to the soft sound of bells from ancient shrines echoing across fields.

• Witness village life unchanged for generations.

5. Tour Taiji Cave

• Journey through one of the longest limestone caves in the region, extending over five kilometers.

• Ride a small boat through underground rivers illuminated by natural rock formations.

• Observe stalactites shaped like dragons, animals, and mythical symbols.

6. Climb Mount Jiuhua and Visit Huacheng Temple

• Hike trails surrounded by quiet forest and mountain streams.

• Visit Huacheng Temple, a sacred Buddhist site built during the Eastern Jin Dynasty.

• Experience meditation halls filled with the scent of incense and soft chanting monks.

7. Admire Tangyue Memorial Archways

• View intricately carved granite archways in Shexian County.

• Read the inscriptions detailing family honor and moral traditions.

• Photograph the combination of detailed carvings and traditional Hui-style surroundings.

8. Experience Huizhou Culture

• Take part in a tea ceremony to understand traditional brewing methods.

• Notice delicate spirit-wall carvings and wood latticework on village homes.

• Watch local artisans craft bamboo items, ceramics, and hand-painted scrolls.

9. Taste Anhui Cuisine

• Try signature dishes such as hairy tofu, bamboo shoot soup, and braised rockfish.

• Visit small family-run eateries for authentic Hui-style flavors.

• Sip locally produced tea, including Huangshan Maofeng, known for its fresh aroma.

10. Trek Guniujiang Nature Reserve

• Walk trails through ancient forests filled with rare plants and mossy rocks.

• Spot wildlife including macaques, pheasants, and wild deer.

• Enjoy clean mountain air and quiet surroundings away from urban areas.

Where to Stay in Anhui

Accommodation in Anhui ranges from mountain lodges to boutique village inns and modern city hotels. Huangshan offers traditional guesthouses near trail entrances for hikers, with some providing sunrise-facing balconies. In Hongcun and Xidi, many restored Hui-style residences operate as homestays, offering a close look at local life. Tunxi Ancient Street features comfortable boutique hotels within walking distance of markets and restaurants. For those visiting Mount Jiuhua, temple guesthouses provide simple rooms and vegetarian meals, ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful stay.

Suggested 5-Day Itinerary

1. Day One
   Arrive in Huangshan City and relax in Tunxi Ancient Street.

2. Day Two
   Spend the entire day hiking Mount Huangshan. Relax in hot springs in the evening.

3. Day Three
   Tour Hongcun, Xidi, and Chengkan to experience Hui culture and village architecture.

4. Day Four
   Choose between Taiji Cave for underground wonders or Mount Jiuhua for Buddhist temples.

5. Day Five
   End the trip with a trek in Guniujiang Nature Reserve or a visit to Tangyue Archways before leaving.

For a shorter trip, see our 3-day Anhui itinerary that focuses on Huangshan and nearby cultural sites.

Travel Tips

• Purchase entry tickets online in advance during busy seasons.

• Pack layered clothing as mountain weather changes quickly.

• Hire local guides in villages to understand clan histories and unique architecture.

• Show respect at temples by dressing modestly and wearing clean socks inside prayer halls.

Anhui blends mountain scenery with ancient architecture and deeply rooted traditions. Whether you hike Huangshan, wander centuries-old villages, or taste Hui cuisine, every experience reveals a part of its rich cultural story.