Mountains and Ancient Villages
Anhui Province has 16 prefecture-level cities (市). Famous for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), the ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi, and Hui-style architecture.
Anhui is China's most photogenic province — a landscape that has inspired Chinese painters for centuries. The granite peaks of Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) emerge from a sea of clouds in compositions so iconic that they have become visual shorthand for "China" in the global imagination. Below the mountains, the ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi preserve Ming and Qing dynasty architecture in such pristine condition that they served as filming locations for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Beyond the famous mountain, Anhui offers the sacred Buddhist peaks of Jiuhua Mountain, one of the four great Buddhist mountains of China, where temples cling to cliff faces and monks still maintain ancient rituals. The provincial capital Hefei, often overlooked by tourists, surprises visitors with the excellent Anhui Provincial Museum and as a gateway to the province's natural and cultural treasures. For travelers seeking authentic Chinese landscapes without the crowds of Guilin or Zhangjiajie, Anhui delivers in abundance.
March to May and September to November are ideal. Spring brings azaleas and magnolias to Huangshan and misty, atmospheric conditions that photographers prize. Autumn paints the ginkgo and maple forests in gold and crimson — late October to mid-November is peak foliage season. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid at lower elevations, though Huangshan's altitude provides relief. Winters are cold with occasional snow; the mountain's winter scenes are stunning but require warm gear and some trails may close.
Anhui cuisine (徽菜) is one of China's Eight Great Traditions, distinguished by its emphasis on wild ingredients from mountain and forest. The cooking style uses more oil than coastal cuisines and employs stewing and braising to bring out deep flavors. Signature dishes include stinky mandarin fish (臭鳜鱼) — fermented freshwater fish with a pungent aroma but delicate, umami-rich flavor; Mao tofu (毛豆腐) — fermented tofu with a white "hairy" mold, pan-fried until crispy; and bamboo shoots stewed in winter, a celebration of the province's abundant bamboo forests. In Huangshan's mountain villages, try stone pot chicken — slow-cooked in a volcanic stone vessel that imparts a unique mineral flavor.
High-speed rail connects Hefei to Shanghai (2 hours), Nanjing (1 hour), and Hangzhou (2 hours). Huangshan North Station receives direct trains from Shanghai and Hangzhou. Huangshan Tunxi International Airport has flights from major cities. From Huangshan city to the mountain scenic area, buses take about 1 hour. Hongcun and Xidi are accessible by bus from Huangshan city (1–1.5 hours) or by hiring a private car. Jiuhua Mountain is reached via Chizhou Station on the high-speed rail line, followed by a 30-minute bus.
Day 1 - Main Attractions: Visit top must-see landmarks. Try local specialty dishes at well-reviewed restaurants. Continue with museums or cultural sites. Evening city skyline lights.
Day 2 - Nature and Culture: Hiking, parks, or nearby natural attractions (3-4 hours). Local street food for lunch. Visit temples or old towns. Evening night market.
Day 3 - Hidden Gems: Explore lesser-known neighborhoods. One last meal at famous local restaurant. Souvenir shopping at pedestrian streets.
Getting local information: Visit the local tourist information center (usually near train stations or city squares). Free maps and event schedules available.
Using public transport: Most Chinese cities have affordable bus networks (2-3 RMB per ride). Buy a local transport card for convenience.
Evening safety: Chinese cities are generally safe at night. Stick to well-lit main streets after 22:00. Avoid unlicensed taxi services.
Photography etiquette: Ask permission before photographing locals, especially elderly people and children. Temples may prohibit indoor photography.
LocalSIMcards: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom all offer tourist SIMs (30-50 RMB/week) at airport counters.