Huizhou Ancient City
Huizhou Ancient City, a UNESCO-listed gem in southern Anhui Province, is China’s most complete surviving example of a Ming-Qing Dynasty prefectural city. Established in 1265 CE and expanded under the Ming Dynasty, it served as the political, economic, and cultural heart of Huizhou Prefecture for 700 years. The 2.8-square-kilometer walled city, with its iconic white walls, dark tiles, and horse-head gables, embodies Huizhou culture—a fusion of Neo-Confucian philosophy, merchant legacies, and Hui-style architecture. Designated a National Historical and Cultural City in 1986, it remains a living museum of China’s scholar-official tradition.
Historical Overview
Founded during the Southern Song Dynasty, the city rose to prominence under the Ming-Qing Huizhou merchants, who dominated China’s tea, salt, and timber trades. The city’s strategic location along the Xin’an River facilitated cultural exchange, earning it the nickname “Capital of Southeast Culture.” Key events include the 1488 establishment of the Longing Academy (a Neo-Confucian hub) and the 1805 construction of the Tariff Square, which regulated regional commerce. In 1986, it gained national recognition for preserving China’s “ancient city blueprint.”
Structural Layout
The city follows a checkerboard layout with a north-south axis:
Central Axis: The Ancient Government Office (Yamen) at the north end and Tariff Square at the south.
Four Gates: Yanghe Gate (east), Santai Gate (west), Xiangyang Gate (south), and Chengtian Gate (north).
Key Structures: The Xuanmiao Taoist Temple (center), Doubi Ancient Street (commercial hub), and Xueli Street (scholar’s quarter).
The 6.5-kilometer city wall, rebuilt in 1609, features 14 watchtowers and a moat fed by the Xin’an River.
Major Attractions
Ancient Government Office (Yamen): A Ming Dynasty complex with drum and bell towers, used for imperial decrees and trials.
Xu Guo Stone Archway: A 1584 CE marble arch honoring Ming official Xu Guo, carved with 800 dragons and phoenixes.
Doubi Ancient Street: A 1.5-kilometer pedestrian road lined with Ming-Qing shops selling Huizhou ink sticks and She County knives.
Xuanmiao Taoist Temple: A 1235 CE temple housing a 10-meter-tall iron “God of Longevity” statue and astronomy charts.
Huizhou Culture Museum: Exhibits on the “Four Treasures of the Study” (brush, ink, paper, inkstone) and Huiju opera costumes.
Tariff Square: A 1805 CE customs house with a bronze seal replica used to tax regional tea caravans.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2 hours):
Yanghe Gate → Doubi Street → Xuanmiao Temple → Tariff Square → Ancient Government Office.
Highlights: Core architecture and merchant history.
- Cultural Route (4 hours):
Chengtian Gate → Xueli Street → Huizhou Culture Museum → Xu Guo Archway → Doubi Street.
Highlights: Scholarly traditions and craft workshops.
- Photography Route (3 hours):
Sunrise at Santai Gate → Xueli Street → Ancient Government Office → Dusk at Tariff Square.
Highlights: Golden-hour lighting and river reflections.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via Huizhou Ancient City official website or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets at Yanghe Gate; arrive by 8:30 AM to avoid tour groups.
Prices: ¥100 (adults), ¥50 (students/seniors). Free for children under 1.2m.
Combo Ticket: ¥180 (includes Hongcun and Xidi villages).
Transportation
By Bus: From Huangshan North Railway Station, take Bus 9 or 21 to Huizhou Ancient City Stop (40 minutes, ¥2).
By Taxi: ¥50–60 from Tunxi District; negotiate fare upfront.
By Tour: Join a Huangshan cultural tour (¥250–350/person, includes guide and transfers).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (7:30 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Quietest in winter; weekends busy with domestic tourists.
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) ideal. Summer brings rain showers.
Essentials: Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestones); carry an umbrella for sudden rain.
Prohibited: Drones, smoking on Ancient Street, and touching stone carvings.
