2026 Qimen Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Huangshan Homestay||Niche! Photographing the holiday of the two immortal B&B hello duck~ I am seventeen This time I recommend a graduation trip suitable for the student party! Absolutely niche! ! This is a small village in Huangshan City - Taoyuan Village, Qimen County. This village is a small family to only one home, but this home is really super beautiful! ! ! So we have come here for a few days and have a pastoral life like a paradise~ It can be said that Hongcun was a few years ago! Completely original, friends who like Huipai architecture must not miss : 1Hangtang at the entrance to the village has a firefly projection light every night! Super beautiful and super beautiful! 2 There are many ancient trees and bridges here! Its strange, you have never seen it! 3 idyllic homestay environment, lotus pond, rice paddy, bridge water, Huipai architecture, cafe/house, you want it all! Huangshan City Tuen Mun Nanshan Inn Recommended check-in: 2 nights (or above per night: 200+RMB I havent been known by too many people~Follow Like the people who come to vacation together~

The “Little Jiuzhaigou of Southern Anhui” featured by National Geographic! The emerald jelly-like water is stunningly beautiful, perfect for cooling off and playing in with kids, curing mental fatigue Ladies, listen up! If your impression of Anhui is still crowded Huangshan, you’re really missing out! This time we’ve discovered a hidden gem known as “the last piece of primeval forest in East China” — Guniujiang. The pools here are as green as spilled matcha milk foam, crystal clear, and visitors call it the “Little Jiuzhaigou of Southern Anhui.” The best part — tickets cost less than 100 yuan, the whole trip takes about 3 hours without tiring your legs, and you can wade in the emerald streams. A one-day, one-night weekend trip unlocks a healing experience of playing in water and breathing fresh air! 💚 1. Why is it the top summer getaway in Southern Anhui? 📍 Guniujiang Scenic Area, Shitai County, Chizhou City (⚠️ Note it’s Shitai County, not Qimen County). Forest coverage exceeds 97%, and summer temperatures feel several degrees cooler than the city 💎 Emerald “jelly water,” no filter needed Longmen Pool is the soul of the scenic area! The stream is crystal clear, shining blue-green under the sun, earning the nickname “Little Jiuzhaigou of Southern Anhui.” You can rent a bamboo raft (20 yuan per person) to drift slowly on the clear water. Every photo looks like a wallpaper. It’s best to visit on sunny days because the water’s color dulls on cloudy days. 💧 Easy on the legs, suitable for elders and kids The most thoughtful part is the scenic area offers two routes: a lazy highlights route of about 1.5 hours to see the core spots — Longmen Pool, Biyu Pool, Four-tier Waterfall, and Yanjia Ancient Village — all easy and not tiring; and a deep hiking route of about 3 hours for those who love forest exploration, with some uphill in the second half. The area has many steps and can be slippery, so don’t wear flip-flops! Wear non-slip sneakers. 🏘️ Yanjia Ancient Village + Four-tier Waterfall, a free bonus you can’t miss After crossing Shigong Bridge is Yanjia Ancient Village, over 600 years old. A century-old camphor tree shades the village entrance, and villagers often dry bamboo shoots in front of the Hui-style old houses. Walk to the end of the village to reach the Four-tier Waterfall, especially spectacular after rain when the water volume is high. You can even catch a rainbow in photos in front of the waterfall! 2. How to get there? Where to stay? 🚗 By car: Navigate to “Shitai Guniujiang Scenic Area Parking Lot.” Parking costs 10 yuan per visit. About 3 hours from Hefei, with many winding mountain roads. 🚄 High-speed train + bus: Get off at Chizhou Station, transfer to a Shitai County bus for about 1.5 hours, then take the scenic area shuttle bus directly. 🎟️ Ticket reference: about 88–100 yuan (includes round-trip shuttle bus, which is mandatory), half price for students. Buying discounted tickets in advance on certain platforms is more cost-effective. 🏡 Recommended stay: Xinhuo Village is only 2 km from the scenic area, with many guesthouses, a quiet village, and free water play. Tangjiayuan Mountain Villa is next to the parking lot, with a friendly owner who can help buy tickets. Xinhuo Yicun offers upscale guesthouses with “day coffee and night drinks” services, hosting nearly 50,000 visitors annually. 🍜 Must-try dishes: Shitai specialty hot pot (local traditional dish), Qiupu river fish, kudzu starch balls, free-range chicken soup. Expect to spend 50–80 yuan per person for a hearty meal. Final thoughts Guniujiang isn’t just a “trendy check-in spot.” It’s a healing moment reflected in emerald jelly-like water and forest, a summer joy of playing in water and breathing fresh air without tiring your legs, perfect for families. Few crowds, beautiful scenery, reasonable prices, and accessible by high-speed train — this relaxed vibe of the “Little Jiuzhaigou of Southern Anhui” can’t be bought in the city! 💚💦 While summer is hot and the pools are clear, ladies, remember to pick a sunny day, wear non-slip shoes, don’t get lost in Shitai County, and bring this ultimate guide. Just go for it!

Anhui’s “Little Jiuzhaigou” | 2-day 1-night Chizhou travel guide Top weekend self-drive choice near Hefei, Nanjing, and Wuhu 💚 No need to rush to Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan or Shaanxi! Chizhou Shitai Guniujiang hides the pristine mountain and water scenery of southern Anhui 🏞️ Summer mountain forest temperature averages 24℃, with primeval forest, emerald jelly-like pools, and refreshing mountain spring waterfalls ⚠️ Key point: Guniujiang is divided into two main areas, Shitai and Qimen! The best water spots are only in Shitai’s Longmen Scenic Area, so don’t go to the wrong place! Couples and friends escaping the city for the weekend can relax, cool off by the water, enjoy light hiking without overexertion, and self-drive with ease 📅 Day 1 Deep exploration of Guniujiang Longmen Scenic Area Morning | Self-drive arrival at Shitai Guniujiang Longmen Scenic Area The scenic area shuttle bus is a must-buy for 18 yuan. It helps you get into the mountains without extra walking Check in at Longmen Pool 💧 the emerald base of southern Anhui! Clear, green water with shallow areas for wading, bamboo raft drifting perfect for photos Noon | Local farmhouse dishes at the mountain base Shitai specialties: Qiupu river fish, selenium-rich tofu, Shitai specialty hot pot, plus a pot of local rice wine, so fresh you’ll want to stomp your feet Afternoon | Continue light hiking in the canyon Four-tier waterfall with mountain streams cascading step by step, full of forest negative ions Stop by Yan Family Ancient Village ✨ a pristine Huizhou-style ancient village with very little commercialization, white walls, black tiles, and a strong local vibe The whole trail is flat and easy, no intense climbing, suitable for elders and children Evening | Stay at a Huizhou-style guesthouse at the mountain foot Cool mountain breeze in the evening, stroll by the creek after dinner, fully immerse in the mountain atmosphere and cool off 📅 Day 2 Canyon creek tracing + cave exploration, easy return trip Morning | Zuishanye Resort The ultimate canyon creek tracing and water play spot! Layers of Huangya waterfalls, many shallow creek areas for moving stones, wading, and cooling off Full coverage of mountain forest shade, cool all the way without sun exposure Noon | Simple local farmhouse meal in Shitai Afternoon | Explore Ciyun Ancient Cave 🏞️ Constant temperature natural cave, cool all year round, with diverse stalactites, a great summer cooling spot Finish with a walk along the Qiupu River, enjoying poetic scenery of green mountains and clear water Evening | Drive back, ending a relaxed 2-day trip 🚗 Transportation guide ✅ Self-drive (recommended): 2.5–3.5 hours direct from Hefei, Nanjing, or Wuhu to Shitai ✅ High-speed rail: Get off at Chizhou Station, then charter a car or take a bus to Shitai Scenic Area ✅ Public transport: Bus from Chizhou Bus Station to Shitai County, then shared car to the scenic area 🏡 Accommodation options 1. Budget guesthouse at mountain foot | 120–200 yuan per person Advantages: close to Guniujiang, convenient for sightseeing; Disadvantages: simple facilities 2. Guesthouses in Shitai County | 220–350 yuan per person Complete dining and shopping, convenient living, about half an hour drive from the scenic area 3. Boutique mountain guesthouse | 450+ yuan per person Mountain view courtyard, quiet environment, ideal for couples seeking a vacation vibe 💰 Travel budget reference ▪ Budget version 480–600 yuan per person (tickets + simple meals + budget accommodation) ▪ Comfortable version 750–950 yuan per person (quality farmhouse dishes + mid-range guesthouse) ▪ In-depth version 1100+ yuan per person (mountain guesthouse + full set of activities) ✨ Core scenic highlights Longmen Pool: jelly-colored clear water, bamboo raft water play, a top photo spot for southern Anhui scenery Four-tier waterfall: wild mountain waterfall, babbling creek, natural summer oxygen bar Yan Family Ancient Village: pristine ancient village, a hidden cultural gem Zuishanye: canyon creek tracing, waterfall clusters, perfect for family water play Ciyun Ancient Cave: constant temperature cave, natural summer air conditioning Qiupu River: riverside walk, ink-wash southern Anhui scenery ⚠️ Pitfall avoidance & travel essentials checklist 1. Buy Shitai Guniujiang tickets online in advance for 90 yuan, make sure it’s Shitai Longmen Scenic Area 2. Large temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains, bring a light jacket 3. Many mosquitoes in the mountains, bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen 4. Water play safety: river stones are slippery, no wild swimming 5. Shitai and Qimen Guniujiang are far apart, double-check your navigation destination Summary Breathe mountain air, cool off by the water, relax with light hiking, the top hidden summer escape in southern Anhui 2-day 1-night relaxed pace without rushing, the best short self-drive trip near Hefei, Nanjing, and Wuhu Lazy route for southern Anhui mountain scenery, just copy and go!

Spend your vacation in Qimen ancient city by choosing Qimen No. 9・TeaGarden | Banshanju Mansion (Tea Mountain Park East Street Ancient City Branch). Within walking distance to Tea Mountain Park, stroll along the bluestone path through the forest. An ancient pavilion hides in the dense shade. Climb up to wait for the gentle sunset, surrounded by soothing greenery. Next to East Street Ancient City, explore the old town’s lively scenes at leisure and return to the peaceful mountain residence at night. The guesthouse is infused with the aroma of tea, offering a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere—perfect for escaping the hustle and immersing yourself in the unique leisurely moments of Qimen’s tea countryside.

Just back from Chizhou, and the glassy waters of this “Little Jiuzhaigou of southern Anhui” are seriously underrated! Few people, beautiful scenery, and two days and one night is just enough for an immersive oxygen boost✨ 📍Transportation guide Take the high-speed train to "Chizhou Station." After exiting, it’s recommended to rent a car or take a rideshare. It’s about 1.5 hours directly to Shitai County. The mountain roads are winding, so drive slowly if you’re new. You can also take a bus to Shitai County and then transfer to local buses. 🗺️Classic 2-day 1-night route DAY 1: Chizhou Station → Shitai Guniujiang (Longmentan → Four-tier waterfall → Yanjia ancient village) → stay in Shitai County DAY 2: Penglai fairy cave → Drunken mountain wild Huangya Grand Canyon → return trip ✨Highlights (must-visit spots) ✔️ Guniujiang Longmentan: This is the main site of “Anhui’s Little Jiuzhaigou”! The water is jade green like jelly, sunlight streams through the canyon, and the photos need no filters. Be sure to visit Biyu Pond and Shuanniu Rock, where the water is crystal clear. ✔️ Four-tier waterfall: The water cascades down in four folds. Standing below, the mist cools you instantly—an otherworldly spot. ✔️ Penglai fairy cave: A giant stalactite cave, cooler than the underworld and dragon palace, with the Thousand Buddha Mountain being truly impressive. ✔️ Drunken mountain wild Huangya Grand Canyon: A series of waterfalls along the way, with a popular glass bridge under which white water plunges, and an abundance of negative oxygen ions. 🍲Food recommendations Shitai specialty hot pot, Qiupu river fish, selenium-rich braised pork—any local countryside restaurant is delicious. Don’t forget to pair it with a bowl of firewood rice. ⚠️Travel tips & pitfalls ① For Guniujiang, navigate to “Shitai Guniujiang.” Don’t go to the Qimen one by mistake; the scenery is completely different. ② Wear non-slip shoes! Lots of mossy rocks, especially near Longmentan. ③ There are many mosquitoes in the mountains, so bring mosquito repellent and don’t forget sunscreen. ④ Book tickets online in advance for discounts. The park stops admitting visitors at 4:30 PM. ⑤ The temperature inside Penglai fairy cave is low, so bring a light jacket. ⑥ If you’re not driving, check the last bus time in advance. It’s hard to get a ride in the mountains. The total cost for two days and one night is low, the sense of a secret realm is high, and you can head out on the weekend🚗💨

Tanxia Village in Qimen, nestled deep in the valleys of southern Anhui and formerly known as Luxi, is an ancient Huizhou village embraced gently by the clear waters at the foot of Mount Guniujiang. It is also a classic wild mountain photography secret spot in Huangshan. The Da Bei River, originating from Mount Guniujiang, winds and rushes here, naturally tracing a graceful S-shaped water bay that forms a Tai Chi water pattern. The clear river water wraps around the village like a jade belt on three sides. The pool is crystal clear, with pebbles and swimming fish visible beneath the surface. Reflections of the sky, clouds, green mountains, and ancient trees fill the river, while gentle ripples sway with the breeze, turning the entire scene into a flowing ink-and-wash painting. The most captivating sight in the village is the ancient water mouth forest at the village entrance, which has been protected for over a thousand years. The entire forest was planted when the village was founded at the end of the Tang dynasty. More than 70 century-old trees grow closely together, including camphor, sweet gum, Chinese cork oak, and holly, interwoven in a natural mosaic. The trunks are strong and twisted, with roots winding and stretching toward the water’s edge. Layers of dense shade block the sunlight. In spring, the Chinese cork oak blooms with delicate flowers that fill the village with a light fragrance. In summer, the lush greenery offers a cool, quiet retreat. In autumn, the forest turns red and yellow, with leaves falling onto the water. Taking a bamboo raft to drift along the bay, the boatman gently pushes the pole, slowly parting the reflections of the mountains and trees on both banks. Fallen leaves float with the current, and the peaceful autumn mountain scenery settles deeply in the heart. In winter, a thin mist covers the river, and the ancient trees, white walls, and still water create an elegant Jiangnan winter scene. Each season reveals a unique charm. The riverside path stretches beneath the trees, with a Huizhou-style antique corridor hidden among the branches. Its flying eaves and upturned corners complement the lush greenery. Walking slowly through it, the ground is covered with years of fallen leaves, and the only sounds are the flowing water and birdsong. Scattered throughout the village are simple Huizhou-style homes with white walls and dark tiles, arranged along the mountains and water without excessive commercial noise. The locals still live their mountain life: drying tea seeds and rice on the riverbank, washing vegetables and clothes by the shore, fishing with bamboo rafts. The faint fragrance of Qimen black tea often drifts through the streets, bringing a light and healing sense of everyday life. Across the river, the green mountains stretch deep and quiet, with dense native forests full of plants and animals. Rare birds and beasts inhabit the wild, quietly guarding this pure land. In the morning, mist drifts over the water bay. At dusk, the sunset melts gold across the river. Mountains and water depend on each other, ancient trees surround the village, and the old charm blends with nature. The hustle and bustle of ancient towns fade away, leaving only the most relaxed and peaceful moments of southern Anhui’s mountain countryside. Every scene holds the unique quiet warmth of wild Huizhou.

Visiting Huangshan during Labor Day and staying at Muxin · Yiyuan ecological cultural theme homestay in Qimen, Huangshan was such a wonderful surprise! 📍Location and environment: Just outside Hongcun Scenic Area, a 5-minute drive to town. There’s a creek at the door, backed by tea mountains and surrounded by century-old trees. Quiet and convenient, close to a secret water spot, perfect for family trips. 💸Value for money: The whole house is just over 800, so for 4 guests it’s only about 200 per person—much better than booking two budget hotels! The homestay serves authentic Huizhou cuisine. Three people can eat for just over 200. The stinky mandarin fish is amazing. There’s also a pool, private hot spring, coffee shop, tea room, and you can even change into Hanfu for photos. 💁Service experience: The air conditioning is turned on in advance for guests. The rooms are dry, clean, and hygienic. Soaking in the private hot spring while stargazing is very relaxing. Walking around the nearby tea gardens is great for unwinding. Perfect for a short holiday getaway.

The slow-flowing Changjiang River winds around Qishan, resting against the Qimen East Street ancient town, which has stood peacefully for over 500 years. This old town is the living root of Huizhou’s mountain city culture and heritage. This 400-meter-long ancient street took shape during the Ming dynasty and flourished in the Qing dynasty. It has always been the busiest area in Qimen County. Locals often say, “To see Ming and Qing Qimen, look to East Street.” Step into the alleys, and you fall into a leisurely old-time atmosphere. The worn, polished bluestone pavement meanders gently, flanked by authentic Huizhou-style residences. Gray-white horse-head walls rise layer upon layer, with dark tiles covering the eaves. Weathered walls bear the marks of years of moisture and time. Carved wooden lattice windows and simple wooden doors stand quietly, while strings of red lanterns sway gently in the breeze, adding a warm softness to the elegant Huizhou architecture. The district hides dozens of Ming and Qing dynasty Huizhou merchant mansions. The Hong family mansion is the most imposing. This nationally protected cultural site once served as Zeng Guofan’s headquarters. Inside, intricate brick, wood, and stone carvings remain well preserved. The Hundred Sons painting and patterns of fishing, woodcutting, farming, and reading reveal the exquisite craftsmanship of Huizhou artisans. The eight other old mansions, including those of the Zhou, Ma, and Hu families, are scattered throughout. Their courtyards welcome light, and deep corridors invite exploration. Open a door, and you’ll find the unique refined charm of Huizhou ancient homes. Here, there is no over-commercialized noise like in popular ancient towns. The vibrant everyday life flows through every corner of the alleys. Old tea shops along the street brew Qimen black tea daily, filling the lanes with rich tea fragrance. Intangible cultural heritage shops display Nuo masks and traditional rubbing prints. Old tailor shops and daily goods stores operate quietly. Residents still live here, riding electric bikes slowly through the alleys, chatting softly. The blend of old and new life is gentle and healing. Strolling slowly through the alleys, nine distinctive courtyards intertwine, and every corner reveals a charming scene. Every Saturday night, the traditional Chinese medicine night market quietly opens, gathering herbal teas, intangible cultural heritage sachets, and traditional massages in the streets. Elders seek health consultations while young people sit and enjoy tea. The ancient health culture and everyday life create a unique atmosphere. As dusk falls, lanterns light up one by one, casting warm red glows over the bluestone paths. The distant sound of the Changjiang River can be faintly heard. Fish lanterns float by, their lights flickering. The entire East Street is gentle and peaceful, carrying the deep heritage of Huizhou’s thousand-year culture while embracing the relaxed daily life of a mountain town. Every brick and tile tells the unique tender nostalgia of Qimen.

Shitai Guniujiang in July and August is like a natural air-conditioned “Little Jiuzhaigou of southern Anhui”❄️! The mountain temperature stays around 23–25℃. The emerald jelly-like water is so clear you can see the fish🐟. Bring your kids here to wade, catch fish, and breathe fresh air—it’s incredibly refreshing 💰 Budget reference (family of three, 2 days 1 night) · Tickets: adult ticket + shuttle bus about 110 CNY per person. Free for children under 1.2 m, half price for children 1.2–1.4 m. Shuttle bus fare is about 18–20 CNY regardless of size (must buy! Saves a 2 km uphill walk) · Accommodation: guesthouses near the scenic area entrance offer great value, about 180–260 CNY per person. Some have small streams in front, 2-minute walk to the visitor center. Farm stays inside the scenic area cost about 120 CNY per person · Meals: about 50–60 CNY per person. Hearty and affordable farmhouse dishes · Others: Longmen Pool bamboo raft 30–40 CNY per person (optional), high-altitude rafting about 120–168 CNY per person (available for those over 1.2 m) · Total: about 1,000–1,500 CNY for a family of three, excellent value✨ 📸 4 stunning photo spots + family water play areas (Longmen scenic area is the highlight!) ⚠️ Key point: Guniujiang is divided into Shitai Longmen scenic area (choose this for water play) and Qimen Guanyintang (hiking only). Don’t get the navigation wrong! 1. Longmen Pool 💚 the beauty peak! Transparent emerald/jade jelly-like water with clearly visible underwater pebbles. The shallow area is perfect for kids to wade and catch fish. The 30 CNY bamboo raft ride is a must. Paddle on the pool to capture mountain reflections—no filter needed for great photos📷! The stone bridge by the pool is a popular photo spot. 2. Biyu Pool 🌿 a shallow area surrounded by dense forest, fully shaded with almost no sun exposure. The water is cool but not icy. The shore is flat enough for picnic mats. Kids can have an all-afternoon water gun fight. Photos here have a peaceful forest green vibe, very soothing~ 3. Four-tier waterfall 🌈 a 100-meter, four-layer waterfall with mist like a natural humidifier! Afternoon sun from 2–4 PM often creates rainbows🌈. Take family photos at the viewing pavilion. The air is full of negative ions. Great chance to teach kids why rainbows appear. 4. Yanjia ancient village 🏯 a 600-year-old Hui-style village with white walls, black tiles, thousand-year-old red bean trees, and Red Army slogan walls. Let kids try old-fashioned stone grinding, visit ancient ancestral halls, wear Hanfu or light-colored dresses for classic photos. Much quieter and more peaceful than Hongcun! 🍜 Food recommendations · Shitai specialty pot: free-range chicken + cured meat + dried bamboo shoots + tofu slow-cooked over charcoal, enough for 3–4 people. Kids can eat two bowls of rice with the broth🍚 · Qiupu river fish: wild small grouper fried or braised, crispy outside, tender inside, no fishy smell, great for calcium~ · Chestnut tofu / kudzu starch balls: tofu made from mountain fruit pulp, chewy texture. Kudzu starch balls are soft and sticky with brown sugar, 5 CNY a bowl, a local dessert for kids🍮 · Selenium-rich free-range chicken soup: mountain-raised free-range chicken, fresh and light broth. Perfect to warm up after water play🍲 🗺️ Family 2-day itinerary Day 1: arrive at guesthouse near scenic area entrance in the afternoon → enter park after 3:30 PM (avoid midday heat) → shuttle bus to Erdaoqiao → left route water highlights: Crocodile Beach (shallow water fishing) → Longmen Pool (wading + bamboo raft photos) → Biyu Pool (deep water play) → return to Erdaoqiao by shuttle → stroll along the stream by guesthouse and stargaze✨ Day 2: enter park before 8:30 AM (fewer people, cooler) → right route cultural spots: Yanjia ancient village (soy milk grinding workshop) → Yuanyang Pool → Four-tier waterfall (rainbow watching and oxygen intake) → if energetic, add Shuanglong Valley high-altitude rafting (1.9 km glass slide, family race and screams) → exit park by 11:30 AM for lunch and return trip. ⚠️ Pitfall avoidance & practical tips · Shoes: moss-covered stone slabs are very slippery! Must wear anti-slip water shoes or thick-soled clogs. No bare feet or regular sandals, or kids might fall and get upset👟 · Clothing: bring 2+ sets of quick-dry clothes + towel, water play means getting wet; mountain mornings and evenings are cool, bring a light jacket🧥 · Timing: ticket checks stop at 4 PM! Recommended to enter after 3 PM for water play to avoid midday heat. Stream temperature is most comfortable then. For empty shots, go early at 8 AM📸 · Safety: only play in designated shallow areas! No swimming in deep pools or under waterfalls. Leave immediately if water flow suddenly increases (flash flood risk). Don’t disturb grass to avoid snakes🐍 · Expenses: drinks and snacks inside the park are expensive. Bring a thermos and snacks in your backpack. Don’t trust roadside “free guides” offering to help skip tickets; mountain roads are dangerous❌ · Gear: must bring water guns, fish nets, waterproof phone bags, high SPF sunscreen, and insect repellent (mountain bugs can be toxic)!

Explore water trekking in Huangshan Huizhou and discover the hidden treasure of Huangshan Qimen Muxin · Yiyuan ecological culture themed homestay! 🏡 Environment and location: backed by tea mountains and facing a small creek, surrounded by century-old trees, within a half-hour drive to secret water spots. A clean creek right at the door for fishing and playing in the water. The old house renovated with rich Huizhou style, quiet and perfect for a good night’s sleep. 🍜 Authentic dining: rich breakfast, Huizhou cuisine made with local ingredients highly praised. Stinky mandarin fish, medicinal duck, and Huangjing stewed native chicken all have great reviews. Every bite tastes like the true mountain flavor. ✨ Special perks: free hanfu costume rental and photo shoots, swimming pool, free parking, and electric vehicle charging stations. Thoughtful service with free room upgrades and early air conditioning as standard. The value is truly outstanding!

Open the window to green views, with a stream right at your feet. Spend the day wading upstream and birdwatching, relax in the courtyard pool at dusk, and enjoy a barbecue under the stars. At night, you might even encounter fireflies, bringing back childhood memories. The surrounding area covers shallow waters, deep pools, canyons, and lakes, offering a one-stop experience for water play and camping. Stay in a private courtyard and enjoy wild luxury with mountain views—this summer is truly worth it! 📍 Qimen Wentang Wumingchu · Qixin Hotel

Departing from Hefei in July, if you want to find a cool spot within 1.5 hours by high-speed train, head to southern Anhui and the Dabie Mountains. I excluded the hottest cities and selected 5 true summer retreats with temperatures 5–8℃ lower than Hefei, including detailed guides. --- 1. Jinzhai (heart of the Dabie Mountains) · High-speed train: G-series about 1 hour, ticket around 90 yuan. · Summer cool spots: Tiantangzhai (waterfalls + primeval forest, only 24℃ in the afternoon), Yanzihe Grand Canyon (glass bridge + cool canyon breeze). · Guide: 2 days. Day 1 play in Tiantangzhai scenic area, hiking and water activities, stay at a mountain guesthouse (includes breakfast and dinner, about 150 yuan per person); Day 2 morning at Yanzihe, afternoon visit Red Army Square, buy wild kudzu powder before returning. · Food: Hanging pot (serves 2–3, about 120 yuan), red tofu, general’s vegetables. 2. Jixi (Huizhou cool source) · High-speed train: about 1.5 hours, ticket around 110 yuan. · Summer cool spots: Zhangshan Grand Canyon (icy water, shaded hiking), Longchuan ancient village (tea under water street corridors). · Guide: 2 days. Day 1 morning at Longchuan, afternoon water activities at Zhangshan (wear creek shoes), stay at Jixi International Hotel (about 300 yuan/night); Day 2 drive or charter a car (150 yuan) to Jiapeng Township, walk the Kantou ancient village water street, eat farmhouse free-range chicken. · Food: Jixi fried vermicelli, specialty hot pot, taro cake (best with chive filling). 3. Ningguo (Qinglong Bay cold spring) · High-speed train: transfer at Xuancheng station (Hefei → Xuancheng about 1 hour), then take a bus from Xuancheng bus station (1 hour to Ningguo). Driving directly is better. · Summer cool spots: Qinglong Bay Chujia Beach (morning mist like a fairyland), Heidong waterfall cluster (free wild fun, ice-cold watermelon). · Guide: 2 days. Day 1 afternoon boating and cycling at Chujia Beach, stay at a lakeside guesthouse (view room about 400 yuan); Day 2 morning visit waterfalls for water play, afternoon return. · Food: Fire-roasted fish pot, acorn tofu, Ningguo walnuts. 4. Jing County (Moon Bay water fun) · High-speed train: about 1 hour to Jing County station, ticket around 100 yuan. · Summer cool spots: Moon Bay (bamboo raft drifting + creek water fights), Ink Ting Creek (glass plank road + bamboo forest oxygen). · Guide: 2 days. Day 1 head straight to Moon Bay for water activities, stay at a riverside guesthouse (window overlooks creek, about 250 yuan); Day 2 morning at Ink Ting Creek, afternoon optional visit to Chaji ancient village or return. · Food: Maolin paste, steamed qin fish egg, stinky mandarin fish (more authentic than Hefei). 5. Qimen (Guniujiang cold storage) · High-speed train: to Huangshan North station (about 1.5 hours), then transfer by bus or carpool (1 hour to Qimen). · Summer cool spots: Guniujiang Guanyintang (emerald pool diving, water temperature stays around 15℃), Lixi ancient village (primitive Nuo dance + ancient tree shade). · Guide: 2 days. Day 1 water play and hiking at Guniujiang (bring swimwear), stay at Guniujiang Mountain Villa (about 350 yuan); Day 2 morning visit ancient tree cluster at Lixi, afternoon buy Qimen black tea before returning. · Food: Zhonghe soup, thousand-layer pot, kudzu powder dumplings. · -- Key reminders: · Ticket rush: July weekends are busy, tickets open 3 days in advance at 6 AM. · Rainy days: avoid canyons during mountain storms, switch to ancient villages or museums. · Gear: must bring creek shoes (non-slip), mosquito repellent, and skin-protective clothing. If you prefer fewer crowds and quiet, choose Ningguo or Qimen; if traveling with kids for water fun, Moon Bay in Jing County is most convenient; if you want to hike and see sea of clouds, Tiantangzhai in Jinzhai is the top choice. Need me to help you break down a daily itinerary or specific guesthouse names for any of these towns? I can provide more details. 😊

Tired of the crowded Huangshan? Come to Guniujiang in Shitai! It’s like a natural air-conditioned room 🌬️ with 97% forest coverage and clear green streams hidden in the valleys. The average summer temperature is just 22℃, super refreshing! The pristine natural scenery is stunning, perfect for weekend getaways, family trips, or couples~ 🔥 must-visit spots: 🏡 Yan family ancient village A free 🆓 century-old Huizhou-style village! Over 500 years of white walls and black tiles, full of history~ Every shot at the village entrance slogan wall or old houses looks like a vintage masterpiece 📸 The lively local atmosphere is strong. After exploring, try some farmhouse dishes to experience the relaxed rural life of southern Anhui~ 💦 Four-tier waterfall A breathtaking waterfall hidden deep in the mountains! Visit during the rainy season to catch a rainbow 🌈 Shady and cool under the trees, stroll along the trail and enjoy the soothing sound of flowing water~ 🌊 Longmen pool The highlight of Guniujiang! The nickname “Little Jiuzhaigou of southern Anhui” is well deserved 💎 The jelly-clear pool water and the popular stone pier bridge are must-see spots! Bamboo raft rides cost 30 yuan per person. The morning light is perfect for photos~ 🚣 Shuanglong valley aerial rafting An exciting 1.9 km rafting ride with a 136-meter vertical drop that keeps you screaming 💥 Glide through dense forest with thrilling rapids that are super stress-relieving~ 🥾 Longmen canyon hiking A beginner-friendly route! Wooden boardwalks and streams accompany the whole way No climbing needed, just fresh air and lung cleansing—a lazy person’s dream~ 💰 2-day 1-night budget guide: Budget version (450–550 yuan) Stay at nearby guesthouses + simple meals Mid-range version (around 1,000 yuan) Hotel in the scenic area + private experiences Recommended comfortable version (600–800 yuan) Specialty guesthouses + selenium-rich cuisine ✨ lazy itinerary to copy: DAY 1 · Arrive in the morning + shuttle bus · Wade and take photos at Longmen pool · Lunch and stroll in Yan family ancient village · Four-tier waterfall + canyon hike · Dinner and rest at guesthouse DAY 2 · Thrilling aerial rafting check-in · Return trip in the afternoon 🍜 must-eat dishes (50+ per person to eat your fill!) 🌟 Shitai specialty hot pot: charcoal simmered for 3–4 people 🌟 Selenium-rich free-range chicken soup: nourishing without greasiness 🌟 Qiupu river fish: crispy outside, tender inside, perfect with rice 🏠 accommodation recommendations: ✅ Scenic area hotel: Julong Guniujiang, convenient and close ✅ Yan family ancient village guesthouse: full of atmosphere ✅ Nearby guesthouses: affordable and practical ⚠️ tips to avoid pitfalls: 1. The fewest visitors before 8 AM 2. Wear light-colored clothes for better photos! 3. Use sun protection! UV rays are strong in the mountains 4. Be sure to distinguish between Shitai and Qimen entrances September is perfect for a cool, uncrowded, and beautiful trip. Plan now! No need to squeeze into Huangshan anymore~

Discover the rich heritage of Qimen black tea and stay at Qimen No. 9 TeaGarden Mountain Residence. Located next to the ancient town of Dongjie and near Tea Mountain Park, this homestay offers stunning views of the Changjiang River. A historic stone arch bridge spans the clear waters, reflecting the traditional houses on both banks. The riverside trail is lush with greenery, perfect for a leisurely stroll to enjoy the tranquil pace of this mountain town. The guest rooms feature an elegant modern Chinese design, with warm wooden elements, spacious layouts, and refined bathroom amenities, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay. Spend your days exploring Tea Mountain Park and delving into the thousand-year-old culture of Qimen black tea. In the evenings, take a peaceful walk along the Changjiang River, watching as twilight envelops the ancient bridge. During your downtime, savor authentic Qimen black tea, immersing yourself in the harmonious blend of mountains, ancient town, and tea aroma. Ideal for tea enthusiasts, short road trips, or group getaways, this homestay offers an immersive experience of the unique tranquility and charm of southern Anhui's tea country.

This scenic treasure is simply amazing!😍 Especially in southern Anhui, where rich history and vibrant culture blend with countless stunning natural landscapes. Today, we’re excited to share a fairyland you won’t want to leave once you visit — Guniujiang Scenic Area!🌿 📌[Quick overview] Anhui’s Guniujiang National Nature Reserve spans Shitai and Qimen counties, a true guardian of forest ecology! It protects intact subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests and is a happy home to many rare plants and animals~🦋🐿️ 🌈[Five hidden gems] 1️⃣ Guniufeng Scenic Area – the main peak rules the sea of clouds!☁️ 2️⃣ Longmen Gorge Scenic Area – a must-visit tested by us!🛶 3️⃣ Lingshan Scenic Area – mysterious peaks and strange rocks waiting to be discovered🔍 4️⃣ Shuanglong Valley Scenic Area – where two rivers meet, a secret adventure🌉 5️⃣ Guanyintang Scenic Area – full of Zen vibes, a soul-refreshing spa🙏 ✨[Highlights of open areas] Longmen Gorge Scenic Area is the star attraction! Here you’ll find: 💫 Yanjia Ancient Village – historic homes that take you back in time🏡 💫 Longmen Pool – jade-clear water, crystal bottom💎 💫 Four-tiered Waterfall – a grand canyon canopy with powerful waterfalls🌊 💫 Mandarin Duck Pool – a romantic spot every couple must visit💑 💫 Lover’s Valley – even the air feels sweet here~🌹 PS: Remember to wear slip-resistant shoes! The mountain paths can be slippery, so be careful~👟

Want to avoid crowds on the weekend? Depart from Jiangsu or Anhui for a 2-hour short trip to these 4 off-the-beaten-path treasures. Fewer people, beautiful scenery, and just right for a two-day, one-night getaway. · -- 📍 Jing County, Xuancheng | Ink and intangible cultural heritage journey · Highlights: Visit the Chinese rice paper culture park and watch 108 steps of traditional handmade paper making. The park’s "National Paper Living Room" has won international awards. Then head to Peach Blossom Pool to experience the poetic "water a thousand feet deep," with over 700 historic buildings still standing. If you have extra time, explore the essence of the southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet route. · Food: Maolin twelve-dish banquet (traditional feast), Chaji fermented tofu, old-brand marinated dishes. · Notes: Attractions are spread out; self-driving is recommended. 📍 Shitai, Chizhou | Mountain summer retreat secret · Highlights: Guniujiang is known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou of southern Anhui," with emerald pools and primeval forests that are a feast for the eyes. Then visit Penglai Fairy Cave, which stays at a constant 18°C year-round, offering instant cool relief in summer. Outside the cave, there’s a unique karst cave-themed café to rest. · Food: Shitai’s "selenium meal" trio—snail chicken stew, selenium craft beer, selenium rice—plus specialty hot pot and selenium-rich native chicken soup. · Notes: Guniujiang requires hiking; wear comfortable shoes. 📍 Qimen, Huangshan | Quiet town with Huizhou charm · Highlights: The Lixi Grand Canyon on the south slope of Guniujiang’s main peak has 96% forest coverage, with summer highs of only 22°C. The crystal-clear creek is called "jelly glass water." Nearby Lixi ancient village is known as the "hometown of imperial doctors," with 34 ancient camphor trees at the entrance. Locals warmly offer Qimen black tea. · Food: Qimen rice cakes (3 yuan each, sweet and savory), Anling layered pot, Lixia pea sticky rice. · Notes: Mountain roads are winding; bring motion sickness medicine. 📍 Hanshan, Ma’anshan | Cultural and historical highlights · Highlights: Baoshan is the mountain from Wang Anshi’s "Traveling to Baoshan." Huayang Cave offers underground river boating. Then visit Taihu Mountain National Forest Park ("Little Jiuhua of the north bank") and stop by the Lingjiatan site (late Neolithic period). · Food: Yuncao breakfast (boiled dried tofu, soup dumplings), Hanshan old goose soup, sealed flatfish. · Notes: Attractions form a line; self-driving is very convenient. · -- 🚗 Travel tips: Self-driving is recommended for all four locations. Two days and one night is enough. Bring mosquito repellent for the mountains, and remember sun protection and hydration in summer. Pick your favorite and head out this weekend~

Hidden among the green mountains and valleys of Guniujiang in Shitai, Anhui, lies a clear blue pool—Mandarin Duck Pond. It’s known as part of the “Little Jiuzhaigou of southern Anhui,” with the most special feature being the touching love legend behind it. According to the story, Miss Shidai from Yanjiacun often picked tea by the pond, where she fell in love and pledged her heart to forest ranger Brother Aniu. Brother Aniu carved mandarin ducks from the tea wood by the pond as a gift, and Shidai tied red silk ribbons to the trees to make wishes. Though mandarin ducks are now hard to find, couples still love to come here seeking romance. Today, visitors can stroll three laps around the pond to look for stone mandarin ducks or tie red silk ribbons on ancient trees to make wishes. The pond water is jade green and crystal clear, with gentle cascades forming small waterfalls—every photo is a masterpiece! 🗺️ How to explore with least effort? The scenic area forms a U-shaped loop. We recommend the leisure route: take the shuttle bus to Shigong Bridge, cross the bridge and turn right into Yanjiacun Ancient Village (a living fossil of Huizhou architecture), then cross the small suspension bridge to reach Mandarin Duck Pond. After enjoying the pond, head uphill on the right to the Four-Tier Waterfall, then loop back to Mandarin Duck Pond. The whole route is flat and friendly for seniors and children! If you have more time, continue the loop to Biyu Pond and Longmen Pond. 📍Useful tips · Location: Guniujiang Scenic Area, Shitai County, Chizhou, Anhui (don’t accidentally go to Qimen County!) · Admission: 90 CNY per person. We recommend buying the 108 CNY ticket that includes round-trip shuttle bus · Transportation: Take high-speed rail to Chizhou Station, then the tourist shuttle bus directly; for self-driving, navigate to “Shitai Guniujiang Scenic Area” · Best time: Before 10 AM for the best light. Summer is perfect for cooling off and swimming · Must bring: Water shoes, spare clothes, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen · Pet friendly: You can bring your furry friends into the scenic area ⚠️ Note: The pond looks shallow but is actually 5–6 meters deep. Do not enter the water blindly! This summer, bring your loved one and make a romantic appointment at Mandarin Duck Pond that spans over a century! 🌿

Honestly, when I was about to melt in the 100°F city, a friend sent me a location saying, "Come here, average temperature 75°F." I went there half skeptical, and after coming back, my whole attitude changed—I started telling everyone: summer is for heading to the mountains!! 📍 First, figure out where to go This place spans two counties with two entrances. The Qimen side was developed earlier and has better facilities, leading straight to core attractions like Longmen Pool and Four-Tier Waterfall. If it’s your first visit, this is the way to go. The Shitai side is more original and wild, perfect for repeat visitors who want a deeper experience. When driving, double-check your destination. There’s a mountain between the two entrances, and taking the wrong one can lead to a detour that’ll make you question your life choices. Don’t ask me how I know. 🎒 What to pack before you go □ Quick-dry clothes (wet from stepping in water? They dry in 10 minutes) □ A pair of non-slip creek shoes (the park shop sells them but they’re expensive) □ Sunscreen + sun hat (UV rays in the mountains are stronger than you think) □ Waterproof pouch (hang your phone around your neck to snap water splashes without worry) □ A light jacket (temperature swings a lot in the mountains; after sunset it can drop to just above 68°F) □ At least two bottles of water (vending machines are very rare along the way) 💰 Here’s a clear breakdown of costs Tickets alone cost 90 RMB, but almost no one buys just the ticket— Online combo tickets range from 103 to 109 RMB (includes ticket + round-trip shuttle), which is the best value. For the full experience, the combo with ticket + high-altitude rafting + hidden creek cloud ladder + unlimited shuttle rides costs 186 to 198 RMB. Rafting alone is 128 RMB, so the cloud ladder and unlimited shuttle rides are basically free. Math-savvy friends will see which deal is better right away. There’s also a direct shuttle combo from Chizhou high-speed rail station for 165 RMB, including round-trip transport + ticket + shuttle. If you don’t have a car, go for this—it’s hassle-free. 🔥 These new experiences in 2026 are a must-try I have to highlight the high-altitude dual slide rafting! It just opened this May Day holiday. The entire route is suspended over the valley, with a transparent glass slide where you can see the treetops and streams below. It’s 1.9 km long, with a 136-meter drop and 360-degree twists. Two people sit side by side, screaming and laughing together. Your legs go weak afterward but you’ll want to go again. I waited 40 minutes in line, and it was worth it. The hidden creek cloud ladder is like a conveyor belt mountain carpet. Four sections take you from the foot of the mountain to halfway up. It’s 1,307 meters long, surrounded by bamboo forests and streams on both sides. You can “hike” without lifting your legs, which is great for elders with knee issues. The Shanhai Yizhen VR museum is indoors. AI recreates mythological scenes from the Classic of Mountains and Seas. When it’s scorching outside, you can cool off inside for half an hour and snap some cyberpunk-style photos that turn out surprisingly well. Tickets are 39.9 RMB, affordable and worth a try. 🧭 Choose from two routes [Relaxed water play route · 3 hours easy] Shuttle stop → turn left straight to Longmen Pool (wade + photo + bamboo raft for 30 RMB, great value) → walk along the shore to Yanma Bend (a hidden water-friendly spot) → Four-Tier Waterfall viewing platform for panoramic shots → stroll the cobblestone streets of Yan Family ancient village → return This route is all flat or gentle slopes, no stress for kids or elders, and covers all the key water sights. [Deep exploration route · 5 to 6 hours] On top of the above, add a hike through Longmen Grand Canyon, passing bamboo groves and streams. The oxygen ion concentration is so high it feels like your lungs are being cleansed. If you have the stamina, continue toward Biyu Pool, where the water is so green it looks filtered. It’s farther, so plan for an extra 2 hours. 🏡 About overnight stays There are various lodging styles in the mountains. Some are hidden halfway up, surrounded by bamboo, with clouds drifting right outside your window. Others are built by the stream, where you fall asleep to the sound of water. I personally prefer those with large terraces. In the evening, brew some local selenium-rich tea and watch the dusk roll down the mountain layers. That kind of peace can’t be bought in the city no matter how much you spend. But rooms are insanely tight during the July peak season, so book at least two weeks in advance. If you go last minute, you’ll really have to sleep in your car (don’t ask, it’s a painful lesson). 🍜 What and how to eat Inside the park, there are only instant noodles and snacks, so don’t expect much. Outside, along the way, there are many local farm-style restaurants with meals averaging 40 to 50 RMB per person. I recommend trying the local selenium-rich rice, Shitai specialty hot pot, and bamboo shoot braised pork. All ingredients are local, simple but flavorful. Our group of five ordered six dishes plus a pot of soup for just 230 RMB, and the portions were huge. 🕐 Time management tips ▷ Before 8 AM, the park is least crowded, and you can get empty shots of Longmen Pool ▷ Before 10 AM and after 4 PM, the light is softest, perfect for portraits with natural soft light ▷ Queue for rafting before 3 PM for the shortest wait ▷ If you only have one day, play in the park in the morning and do the nearby canyon rafting in the afternoon to fully enjoy the water Honestly, I’ve been twice this summer already, and each time I come back feeling recharged. The mountain cool isn’t like air conditioning; it seeps into your skin and bones. The breeze carries the scent of bamboo and earth, relaxing you inside and out. Friends, rush over during the July high-water period. The water is at its greenest and fullest for just these two weeks!

🔥 Hot sun + refreshing water = Southern Anhui summer-exclusive joy!💦 🌞 Kids are having a blast in Southern Anhui!📸 💧 The water quality is amazing! Crystal-clear mountain spring water cools you to the core❄️ Perfect for kids to play in the water. Don’t forget water guns and swim rings~ ☀️ The sun is really strong! Apply sunscreen!🧴 Hats, sun-protective clothing, and arm sleeves are a must😎 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Crowds warning: 📍 Popular spots get packed after 9 AM Arrive before 8 AM to claim the best photo spots📸 Crowds double after 5 PM 🗺️ Must-visit internet-famous spots: · Qimen (a secret-level photo hotspot) · Hui-style ancient villages (perfect for vintage-style photos) · Mountain streams (the ultimate water playground) ✨ Tips: ✅ The early bird catches the fish ✅ Bring mosquito repellent ✅ Pack enough clothes to change ✅ Prepare photo props like the influencers

🎉 In Huangshan, Anhui, I discovered a stunning hidden gem! 📍Colorful Jade Valley Xianyu mountainside, Ruokeng Township, Qimen County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province Over 4,000 meters long🌏 📌 This is truly a masterpiece of nature!🌟 Formed about 340 million years ago by geological movements Main colors are reddish brown and pure white Mixed with jade stones in green, blue, black, gray, and other colors🌈 💫 The most beautiful feature is the perfect blend of spring water and colorful stones The colorful light refracted by the flowing spring water is amazing Like a natural multicolored gemstone necklace✨ 🍃 The ecological environment is super nice! The air is incredibly fresh Negative oxygen ions are off the charts💯 Definitely a great summer getaway 📸 Photo tips: 1. Be sure to capture the slow shutter effect on flowing water 2. Colors are richer when the sun is shining 3. Wearing light-colored clothes makes photos stand out~

No need to travel far to western Sichuan! Hidden in southern Anhui is a jade-green secret🌿 Tired of the city heat and looking for a mountain and water escape to heal your weekend? Gutniujian in Shitai, Chizhou, is known as southern Anhui’s Little Jiuzhaigou. Crystal-clear, gradient jelly-colored mountain springs, endless primeval forest, babbling streams and waterfalls, with an average daily temperature of 24℃ in the mountains—a natural summer oxygen bar. Perfect for a short self-drive getaway from nearby cities like Nanjing, Hefei, and Wuhu. Relaxed pace with no rush, enjoy water and fresh air at the same time. Self-drivers, just follow this detailed guide! 🚗 Transportation guide|Key tips for self-drivers 📍 Exact navigation: Gutniujian Longmen Scenic Area, Shitai ⚠️ Warning: Gutniujian is divided into two areas, Shitai and Qimen. Searching just “Gutniujian” often leads to the wrong place! All the best water scenery is in Shitai’s Longmen Scenic Area. ✅ Self-drive (top choice! Recommended for nearby travelers) ▪️ From Hefei: about 2.5–3h ▪️ From Nanjing: about 3.5h ▪️ From Wuhu: about 2.5h Parking at the scenic area costs 10 yuan/day with plenty of spaces. After exiting the highway, the mountain roads have many curves—slow down and drive carefully, especially in rain. ✅ Public transport alternative (not recommended for solo travelers) Take high-speed rail to [Chizhou Station] → bus to Shitai County (about 1h), then carpool from the county for 30 minutes to the scenic area. Limited schedules, better for groups. 🎫 Ticket info Adult ticket 90 yuan. Round-trip shuttle bus 18 yuan [highly recommended]. The visitor center is far from the canyon entrance, walking takes a long time. Buying tickets online in advance is cheaper. Students and seniors with ID get half price. ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM 📅 2-day 1-night relaxed itinerary|No-rush route for easy travelers Day 1 Deep canyon tour of Gutniujian|Encounter the emerald pools ▫️ 11:20 AM Arrive at the guesthouse at the foot of the mountain, check in, rest briefly ▫️ 12:00 PM Farmhouse lunch at the guesthouse, taste authentic mountain village flavors ▫️ 1:30 PM Take the shuttle bus into Longmen Canyon and start the water adventure 💧 Longmen pool|The scenic area’s star attraction Truly southern Anhui’s Little Jiuzhaigou! On sunny days, the pool water is a transparent emerald green, crystal clear to the bottom. The popular stone pier bridge and waterside wooden boardwalk are perfect for photos. The shallow water flows gently, great for barefoot wading and catching small fish. Wear light-colored clothes or dresses to enhance the mountain and water vibe. 💧 Jade pool → Quanshan bridge Walk slowly along the wooden boardwalk by the stream. The whole route is shaded by big trees with almost no direct sun. Many shallow spots along the way invite you to stop and play in the water, fully immersing in the cool mountain forest. 💧 Four-tier waterfall Four levels of mountain spring water cascade down the cliff, with mist cooling the air instantly. After rain, the water volume is abundant and magical—an excellent photo spot. 🏡 Yan family ancient village After the canyon, visit this 400-year-old original Huizhou-style village. Cobblestone alleys, thousand-year-old camphor trees, and rustic ancestral halls. It’s not commercialized, peaceful and healing—stroll slowly to feel the authentic southern Anhui village life. ▫️ 5:30 PM Return to the guesthouse to rest and wash off the water ▫️ 6:30 PM Farmhouse dinner. At night, away from light pollution, look up to see a sky full of stars ✅ Route tips: The canyon loop hike takes about 3 hours. The trail is mostly flat with very few steep slopes, easy for couples and families! Day 2 Leisurely tour|Morning village scene, relaxed afternoon return ▫️ 8:30 AM Breakfast at the guesthouse, try local Shitai porridge and pickled bamboo shoots ▫️ 9:00 AM Early second visit to Yan family ancient village Few visitors in the morning, smoke from cooking fires curls up, the creek surrounds the village, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for photos without crowds. Walk along the stream outside the village to breathe fresh air and relax. Choose one of two options freely ▫️ Option ① Family water fun: return to the canyon’s shallow spots for more creek play ▫️ Option ② Cave cool-down: visit Penglai Fairy Cave nearby, a natural cave millions of years old with a constant 18℃ temperature inside ▫️ 12:00 PM Farmhouse lunch ▫️ 1:30 PM Pack up and drive back 🍲 Must-try Shitai mountain wild dishes Most ingredients are locally sourced, rich in selenium and mountain flavors—don’t miss out! ✅ Shitai one-pot stew|Southern Anhui signature dish, layers of meat and vegetables slow-cooked, rich and fragrant ✅ Qiupu river fish|Small mountain spring fish pan-fried crispy, perfect with rice ✅ Bitter acorn tofu|Shitai specialty, soft and tender texture, refreshing and light ✅ Farm-raised free-range chicken soup|Clear and fresh broth, a must-order in the mountains ✅ Bamboo shoot stew with cured meat|Seasonal mountain bamboo shoots paired with cured meat, full of wild mountain flavor 💡 Tips: Try to stay at guesthouses with their own restaurants and clear pricing. Farmhouse restaurants near the scenic area entrance tend to be overpriced—confirm prices before ordering. 🏠 Two accommodation options, choose as needed ▫️ Option ① [Highly recommended] Guesthouse at the foot of Longmen Scenic Area Ideal for self-drivers! Just a few minutes’ walk to the scenic area entrance, saving travel time. Open the window to see green mountains. Most guesthouses offer meals. Price range: 120–280 yuan/night, flexible budget. Quiet at night, great for stargazing. ▫️ Option ② Hotels in Shitai County Advantages: More dining and shopping options. Disadvantage: 30-minute one-way drive to the scenic area daily, not recommended if you want convenience. 💡 Self-drive tips|Avoid common pitfalls 1️⃣ Water play gear checklist! Non-slip creek shoes or water shoes are essential—rocks by the creek are covered in moss, barefoot is prohibited. Bring waterproof phone bags and spare clothes. Families can bring water guns and fish nets. 2️⃣ Mountain weather changes quickly—carry a foldable umbrella. Mosquitoes are dense in the forest—bring insect repellent. 3️⃣ Best times to visit: before 9 AM and after 3 PM to avoid strong midday sun. The light is softer for photos and there are fewer visitors. 4️⃣ Safety reminder: Only wade in designated shallow areas. Swimming in deep pools is strictly prohibited. Stay away from streams after heavy rain and watch for flash floods. 5️⃣ Drinks and snacks inside the scenic area are expensive—bring some water in advance. 6️⃣ The scenic area is pet-friendly. Small pets on leashes are allowed, perfect for traveling with your furry friends. 7️⃣ Protect the natural mountain and water environment. Do not litter in the streams to preserve the emerald pools. Temporarily escape the city noise and hide among the green mountains and waters of southern Anhui. Listen to the stream’s tinkling, watch the green pools reflect the forest—let all your fatigue be slowly soothed by this mountain wilderness🌿

Come to Qimen to enjoy the scent of tea and a slow pace of life. Stay at Qimen No. 9 ・ TeaGarden Banshan Residence, where you can take in the ancient city’s night view and tea mountain scenery with one click. In the evening, stroll along the riverside. The thousand-year-old stone arch bridge is dotted with warm lights. The river reflects the bridge’s shadows and lights. The evening breeze carries a faint tea fragrance, creating a perfect atmosphere for capturing stunning Jiangnan night scenes. During the day, walk directly to Tea Mountain Park. The bluestone relief walls are carved with the history of Qimen black tea. The wooden plank paths wind through greenery. Ancient pavilions and stone-carved corridors are filled with tea culture, offering an immersive experience of the Qimen black tea story. The guesthouse is next to Dongjie Ancient Street, making it very convenient to explore the old street and taste black tea. The rooms are elegant and quiet, perfect for a restful stay after a day of sightseeing. Ideal for tea lovers, close friends, or family short getaways. Spend the day exploring the tea mountain’s charm and the night admiring the ancient bridge under the moonlight, slowly enjoying Qimen’s lively tea culture.

[Introduction]: If you want to avoid the crowds of Huizhou ancient towns, Huangshan Qimen Muxin Yiyuan Resort homestay is a top choice for high-end Anhui-style accommodations. The homestay is rooted in the core production area of Qimen black tea, surrounded by a thousand-acre tea mountain and natural streams, transformed from century-old Anhui-style architecture. In midsummer, the mountain forest stays around 20°C, combining Anhui charm, private hot springs, and summer stream trekking. It offers an all-in-one experience for dining, lodging, and activities, suitable for couples, families, and team trips. It is a niche, high-quality vacation destination in southern Anhui. Overview, recommended itinerary, route features (location, well-known highlights, related stories, etc.) 🛬[Itinerary]: Recommended duration: 3 days 2 nights, best for summer cooling from June to September Day 1 Check in and cool off with water activities Arrive at Muxin Yiyuan in the afternoon to check in, stroll through the Anhui-style courtyard and tea garden corridor for photos; in the evening, explore the mountain stream in front of the homestay, visit the standard outdoor pool on site; enjoy a barbecue in the courtyard at night, relax in the private hot spring room, and quietly admire the stars from the terrace. Day 2 Tea mountain walk + mountain stream trekking In the morning, walk through the connected tea gardens and immerse yourself in the wild tea scenery; have Huizhou farmhouse dishes at the homestay restaurant for lunch; in the afternoon, drive 10 minutes to Guniujiang to visit waterfalls and deep pools for water fun; return to the homestay in the evening for tea tasting and a bonfire gathering. Day 3 Leisurely stroll in the ancient village and return home Take a cool morning walk along the mountain trail; walk 10 minutes to the original ecological Lixi ancient village, explore ancient ancestral halls and old alleys; after lunch, buy Qimen black tea souvenirs to end the trip. Suggested playtime, days, order, and itinerary arrangements. ⛺[Must-visit spots]: 1. Homestay’s natural stream valley A mountain stream runs through the courtyard with shallow and gentle pools, safe for wading and playing right downstairs, saving long travel time. This is the core cooling experience of the trip. 2. Guniujiang scenic area Only 10 minutes by car from the homestay, dense forest, waterfalls, and pools abound. A classic natural summer resort in southern Anhui with a strong wild mountain atmosphere. 3. Lixi ancient village Within walking distance, not overly commercialized, preserving complete Ming and Qing Anhui-style architecture. Quiet and less crowded, offering an in-depth experience of original Huizhou village culture. 4. Thousand-acre Qimen tea garden The homestay’s connected tea mountains are perfect for leisurely walks, with photo opportunities featuring tea mountains and streams together, a unique Qimen landscape. 🍩[Must-try foods]: All use local mountain forest ingredients, available at the homestay restaurant: 1. Clear stewed mountain free-range chicken soup: Slow-cooked free-range chicken, fresh and light without greasiness, nourishing and refreshing in summer, a signature dish you must order. 2. Mountain spring mixed fish pot: Wild small river fish from the mountain stream, fresh and sweet without fishy taste, fitting the light summer diet. 3. Seasonal mountain bamboo shoot stir-fry: Fresh bamboo shoots paired with native pork, crisp and tender, authentic Huizhou wild home-style dish. 4. Huizhou specialty breakfast: Rice cakes, tea eggs, mixed grain porridge, and other local breakfast items, provided free with your stay. 5. Courtyard barbecue set: Pre-order meat and vegetarian ingredients, barbecue by the stream with a full vacation vibe. 🏨[Accommodation guide]: Main homestay: Qimen Muxin Yiyuan high-end Anhui-style boutique homestay A 25,000㎡ mountain estate built with Anhui-style architecture, offering various scenic room types, fully equipped with modern light luxury facilities, private hot springs, pool, and stream trekking amenities: Streamside king room / bamboo twin room Basic scenic rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the stream or bamboo forest, ideal for couples; weekday rate about 400–600 yuan per person. Tatami deluxe king room / private hot spring king room Relaxed Anhui-Japanese style space with independent private hot spring in the room; weekend and holiday rate about 800–1000 yuan per person. Private hot spring courtyard room / private hot spring suite / private hot spring villa Exclusive courtyard with private hot spring, villa suitable for groups or team building, direct access to stream pools; charged per villa about 1000 yuan per person (including basic tea). Amenities: air conditioning throughout, black tea scented toiletries, daily sanitized bedding, free public tea room. 🚌[Transportation guide]: Self-driving (preferred) About 2.5–3 hours from Hefei or Hangzhou by car; 10 minutes from Qimen county via S231 provincial road; free large parking lot at the homestay. Public transport Take high-speed rail to Qimen South Station, then a 40-minute taxi ride; county and village buses to Xitang village entrance, 5-minute walk to the resort. Paid shuttle The homestay offers reserved shuttle service to and from Guniujiang, Lixi ancient village, and nearby lesser-known stream valleys. 🧡[Tips]: Prepare non-slip shoes, change of clothes, waterproof bags, sunscreen, and insect repellent for stream trekking; the homestay rents a limited number of water play tools; Mountain areas have large temperature differences between day and night; evenings by the stream can be cool, so bring a light jacket; Avoid water activities during midday sun; mornings and evenings have more comfortable water temperatures; Protect the mountain stream water source; take all trash with you; Children must be accompanied by adults at all times when playing in the water; no unsupervised access to deep water areas; Rooms are in high demand during summer and weekends; private hot spring and villa rooms should be booked 3–7 days in advance; No mandatory spending at the homestay; dining and barbecue are separately ordered as needed. Huangshan Qimen Muxin Yiyuan ecological cultural theme homestay

When I went to Huangshan to avoid the crowds, I purposely bypassed the overcrowded popular ancient villages. After a 20-minute taxi ride, I arrived in Wan’an town, Xiuning County, and instantly understood what it means to find a treasure 🥰 The whole town shows almost no signs of heavy commercialization. The elderly residents still follow the old habit of working at sunrise. Even the breeze sweeping over the bluestone streets carries a faint scent of tea. ✨Trip highlights The first stop has to be Wan’an old street, a 1,500-meter-long Ming and Qing dynasty street paved entirely with polished bluestones. There are no repetitive trendy souvenir shops here—only long-established family businesses passed down through generations. Be sure to visit Wu Luheng’s old compass shop. The centuries-old craft of making compasses is still alive. Leaning over the counter, you can see the master craftsman squinting as he handwrites the scales on the compass face. That century-old handmade warmth is captivating—you won’t want to leave. A 10-minute walk from the street entrance leads to Wan’an dam, an ancient stone dam lying across the Shuishui River. The clear water flows over the dam’s surface. In summer, stepping in barefoot feels refreshingly cool. The dogtail grass sways with the breeze along the shore. At sunset, golden-orange light spreads across the water, and any photo you take with your phone will look like a cinematic masterpiece. There’s no one competing for the perfect shot. Don’t miss the ancient city rock beside the town, the site of the old Huizhou prefecture seat. Climb the stone steps for 20 minutes to reach the mountaintop viewing platform, where you can overlook the entire Wan’an town with its white walls and black tiles. The clouds over the distant mountains look soft and fluffy, and the view is breathtaking. 📅Trip plan No need to rush in the morning—take it slow and easy. Arrive in the afternoon and head straight to Wan’an old street. When tired, just sit on a stone block by the street and watch the grandmas stroll by slowly carrying baskets. In the evening, go to Wan’an dam to watch the sunset, feeling the river breeze as the sky gradually shifts from blue to pink. Stay overnight in a small local guesthouse in town, where roses grow in the courtyard. On summer nights, you can cool off while listening to distant frog croaks. Sleep in naturally the next day, hike up the ancient city rock for half an hour, then on the way down visit the nearby tea plantations. The air is filled with fresh tea fragrance. 🍜Food recommendations Stone cakes freshly made at street stalls have a crispy crust that flakes off. The filling of preserved mustard greens mixed with pork fat is fragrant. At 5 yuan each, they’re perfect for nibbling on for a while. Locally loved Wan’an dry tea pairs well with freshly steamed rice cakes. The salty, savory flavor whets your appetite and tastes like home. Also, try the braised Wucheng dry meat, which is flavorful and chewy. Carry a couple in your pocket as a perfect snack while exploring. ⚠️Travel tips Wan’an old street is free to enter. Don’t follow the touts at the entrance to the newly built faux ancient street nearby. Just navigate directly to the main entrance of Wan’an old street. Most residents have lived here for decades. When taking photos, don’t get too close to their doorways or take close-ups without permission. Politely greet them first. Many friendly aunties will even invite you to try their homemade dried pumpkin. When wading in the water at Wan’an dam, wear non-slip creek shoes. The dam stones are covered with algae and can be very slippery. Avoid going into deep water during the rainy season. If you want to buy a compass as a souvenir, a handcrafted small one costing a few dozen yuan is interesting enough. There’s no need to fall for the shopkeepers’ exaggerated claims about so-called antiques.

[Introduction]: As the midsummer heatwave arrives, if you want to find a natural cool spot with a steady temperature of 20℃, you must visit Qimen Muxin Yiyuan. The homestay is located in Likou Town, the core production area of Qimen black tea, surrounded by thousands of acres of tea mountains with a mountain stream running through the courtyard. It is a hidden summer retreat in southern Anhui. The entire homestay consists of multiple renovated century-old Hui-style buildings, offering over 20,000 square meters of mountain wilderness space. It focuses on creek tracing and water play, family cooling, couples’ vacations, and group team building. Step outside to splash in the mountain spring water, stroll through the tea mountains during the day to breathe fresh air, and sit on the terrace at night to enjoy the evening breeze and starry sky. Surrounded by greenery and away from the heat, it’s an excellent choice to escape the city’s high temperatures. 🏨[Address]: No. 15 Shangwu Group, Xitang Village, Likou Town, Qimen County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province Next to Lixi Ancient Village, just a 10-minute drive from Guniujiang Scenic Area. Search “Muxin Yiyuan” on navigation to reach the entrance directly. 🌆[Decor style]: Overall new Hui-style landscape and Zen design, fully preserving the traditional Hui architecture features such as white walls, black tiles, horse-head walls, and carved courtyards. It is paired with natural wood furnishings, courtyard greenery, and panoramic windows. Qimen black tea elements are visible throughout the courtyard, with ceramic tea sets and tea garden corridors creating a strong atmosphere. The old houses are fully upgraded with modern facilities, including air conditioning, temperature-controlled bathrooms, and viewing terraces. Surrounded by green trees and streams, you feel a refreshing coolness as soon as you enter. 🛏[Room types/layout]: Guest rooms offer excellent views with windows facing tea mountains, bamboo groves, or streams. Room types include creekside king rooms, bamboo twin rooms, tatami deluxe king rooms, private hot spring king rooms, private hot spring courtyard king rooms, private hot spring suites, and private hot spring villas. Creekside king room: ideal for couples, with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows facing the stream in front. The room includes a small tea table to enjoy the sound of flowing water in the morning and the cool mountain breeze in the evening. Bamboo twin room: perfect for friends or small families, with large bamboo groves outside the window, quiet and peaceful, spacious and tidy. Tatami deluxe king room: a blend of Hui and Japanese styles, featuring a spacious tatami rest area, suitable for guests who prefer a relaxed, slow-paced vacation. Private hot spring king room: includes an independent private hot spring pool inside the room, perfect for soaking anytime to relieve summer heat. Private hot spring courtyard king room: comes with a private courtyard, a hot spring pool, and a leisure tea area, offering full privacy. Private hot spring suite: one-bedroom, one-living room layout, allowing guests to entertain and relax without disturbance. Equipped with a private hot spring, ideal for traveling with elders. Private hot spring villa: a fully independent Hui-style courtyard with multiple guest rooms, a large courtyard, and exclusive hot spring. Just steps away from the creek’s shallow water, it’s the top choice for team building or family trips. All rooms are equipped with powerful air conditioning. Toiletries have a subtle red tea fragrance. Bedding is changed and sanitized after each guest, ensuring a dry and comfortable stay in summer. 🚌[Transportation]: 1. Self-driving (recommended): From Qimen County along Provincial Road S231, it takes 10 minutes to reach the homestay. Free large parking lot available for convenient parking. It takes 2.5–3 hours to drive from Hefei or Hangzhou directly to the resort. 2. Public transport: After arriving at Qimen South High-Speed Rail Station, take a taxi for 40 minutes to the homestay. Alternatively, take the county bus to Likou Town and get off at Xitang Village entrance, then walk 5 minutes to the resort. 3. Paid shuttle: The homestay offers vehicle transfers by appointment, covering Guniujiang, Lixi Gorge, and nearby creek tracing spots. 🏨[Check-in]: 1. All guests must present their original ID cards for front desk registration. 2. Check-in after 2:00 PM, check-out before 12:00 PM the next day. Early arrivals can store luggage for free. 3. No extra documentation required, just normal registration. For large groups, please contact in advance for batch check-in. ⛺[Activities]: Focused on summer water fun with comprehensive facilities: Core water experience: natural mountain stream creek tracing in front of the door, with varying depths and shallow mudflats. You can step in the water, catch small fish, or have water fights. The water flow is gentle and suitable for all ages. The homestay has a standard outdoor swimming pool with clean water, perfect for cooling off in the afternoon. Various private hot spring room types come with independent soaking pools, allowing relaxation day and night. Mountain leisure: hiking through thousands of acres of tea mountains, mountain cooling trails, and stargazing on the night terrace. Special experiences: Qimen black tea picking, handmade tea frying, and rustic mountain-style photo spots. Team building: courtyard self-service barbecue, mountain outdoor bonfire parties, and Chinese tea room tastings. 🍩[Restaurant features]: The homestay has an ecological Hui-style Chinese restaurant, divided into indoor halls, creekside outdoor seating, and private banquet rooms. Guests can enjoy views of tea gardens and streams while dining. Ingredients are sourced locally from mountain forests: seasonal wild vegetables grown by farmers, free-range native chicken, mountain spring river fish, and farm-raised pork. The menu focuses on refreshing and light Hui-style farmhouse dishes. Summer recommendations include clear stewed native chicken soup, creek fish, stir-fried dried bamboo shoots, and fresh mountain vegetables. Breakfast offers local specialties such as Hui rice dumplings, tea eggs, and farmhouse mixed grain porridge, served in generous portions. Creek tracing picnic and courtyard barbecue ingredients can be pre-ordered from the kitchen. 🏬[Nearby attractions]: 1. Lixi Ancient Village: a 10-minute walk, an original ecological and less crowded ancient village with a cool mountain valley. 2. Guniujiang Scenic Area: a 10-minute drive, featuring waterfalls and deep pools, a popular water play spot in southern Anhui. 3. Lesser-known creek tracing valleys: the owner can recommend nearby wild creek valleys with fewer visitors. 💴[Average cost]: On weekdays, basic room types (creekside king / bamboo twin) cost 400–600 CNY per person. On weekends and holidays, tatami and private hot spring king rooms cost 800–1,000 CNY per person. Private hot spring courtyard suites and villas are charged per unit, about 1,000 CNY per person (including basic tea service). Restaurant meals cost 60–90 CNY per person. Barbecue and creek tracing picnic sets are charged separately. 🧡[Tips]: Creek tracing essentials include non-slip creek shoes, change of clothes, waterproof bags, sun hats, and mosquito repellent. The homestay offers limited rental of water play equipment. There is a large temperature difference between day and night in the mountains. It can be cool by the creek in the evening, so bring a light jacket. Avoid water activities during strong midday sunlight. Creek and pool temperatures are more comfortable in the morning and evening. Please do not litter and protect the natural mountain streams. Children must be accompanied by adults at all times when creek tracing or swimming and should not enter deep water alone. Rooms are in high demand during summer and weekends. Booking 3–7 days in advance is recommended. Huangshan Qimen Muxin Yiyuan ecological cultural theme homestay

The pain of southern Anhui in July—Hongcun and Xidi hit 33℃+ with scorching sun, summer lodging prices break 300, alleys packed with people so much that you have to Photoshop out half the passersby just to take a group photo. Even finding a cool spot to drink tea means fighting for space at the two popular shops at the alley entrance. Step back west of Huangshan to Qimen, the July “slow city of Huizhou + cool Guniu Peak + authentic Qimen black tea” hidden gem: about 40 min from Huangshan North to Qimen South (second-class seat 30+), Qimen county town sits at about 150m elevation, the northern foot of Guniu Peak is 800–1,200m. July average temperature in the county is 22–24℃, 18–20℃ at Guniu Peak’s foot. The breeze filters down from the Guniu Peak forest, cool and moist without the harsh sun, 8–10℃ cooler than Hongcun. Even better: Qimen is the birthplace of Qimen black tea (Hu Yuanlong’s hometown is Pingli town). The outer northern foothills of Guniu Peak (the “Little Jiuzhaigou of southern Anhui”) are free to enter. Authentic Qimen black tea in old tea houses costs 30–50 per pot and lasts all afternoon. Staying in Qimen county town or guesthouses outside Guniu Peak costs 80–130 per person per night, half the price of Hongcun, with only one-fifth the crowd. 💡 Clarify first: Qimen belongs to Huizhou but is not in the core Huangshan scenic area. It’s at the “end of Huizhou + northern Jiangxi border,” focusing on “coolness + tea + wild mountains” in July—if you want to squeeze into the Hongcun IP, go to Hongcun. If you want to relax, drink authentic Qimen black tea, and enjoy Guniu Peak’s coolness, this is the right place. 📍 Why Qimen in July? · Cool and moist: Guniu Peak is one of southern Anhui’s highest peaks (1,728m). The wind filters through the forest on the northern slope before reaching Qimen, so thin long sleeves are just right in the county town in July, and a light jacket is needed at the foot of Guniu Peak. It’s much more comfortable than the dry heat of Hongcun. · Real Qimen black tea for 30 per pot: The “Qimen black tea 80 per pot” in Hongcun/Tangkou scenic areas is a rip-off. Pingli town in Qimen (“the first village of Qimen black tea,” Hu Yuanlong’s former residence + old tea factory) and old tea houses in Qimen county town (like the “tea space” renovated from the old tea factory) offer authentic late spring/summer tea for 30–50 per pot. It’s fresh and not bitter, with a tea garden view to enjoy all afternoon, ten times better than Hongcun’s “trendy coffee 38 per cup.” · Free access to Guniu Peak outer circle: Guniu Peak (Shitai + Qimen border) tickets + shuttle bus cost about 90 (student half price 45), but on the Qimen side, the village roads outside Yanjiacun and the lower section of Longmentan are all free. You can see the “Little Jiuzhaigou” green pools, waterfalls, and Huizhou-style ancient villages. Even without entering the core “Four-tier waterfall,” it’s enough for great photos. The water is vividly green in July, and kids can play with water guns (watch out for slippery spots). 🚄 How to get there · Huangshan North → Qimen South: high-speed train about 40 min (second-class seat 30+), 4–5 trips daily. · Qimen South → Pingli (Qimen black tea origin): carpool about 30 min (15–20 yuan per person); Qimen South → Guniu Peak (Qimen side, Likou direction) carpool about 40 min (20–30 yuan per person). 📅 2-day 1-night “tea + mountain” relaxed itinerary Day 1|Huangshan North → Qimen → Pingli to enjoy Qimen black tea · Arrive in the afternoon → head straight to Pingli ancient town (free, a living village, not a paid scenic spot: Hu Yuanlong’s former residence + old tea factory + tea garden trail, flat and stroller-friendly, tea gardens are green in July with occasional tea picking, great for photos). · Find an old tea factory–converted tea house and order a pot of Qimen black tea for 30, paired with Qimen “Zhonghe soup” for 8 yuan (southern Anhui specialty with tofu, dried shrimp, and lean pork, fresh flavor). Sit all afternoon enjoying the tea garden view, very refreshing. · Stay in a budget hotel in Qimen county town or a guesthouse in Pingli, 80–130 per person per night (Hongcun at the same level is 300+). Day 2|Outer Guniu Peak → Yanjiacun → return trip · Morning carpool to the outer circle of Guniu Peak on the Qimen side (free: alleys outside Yanjiacun + lower Longmentan creek path, see “Little Jiuzhaigou” green pools + Huizhou-style ancient village, water is cool in July and kids can play with water guns; to enter the core “Four-tier waterfall + Longmentan,” pay student half price 45). · Return to Qimen county town for lunch: Qiancheng pot for 30 yuan (local dish at Guniu Peak foot, layered steamed pork belly + tofu + bamboo shoots) + Qimen An tea for 10 yuan per cup (An tea is a Qimen black tea variety, helps cut grease, cheaper than Qimen black tea). · Afternoon return to Huangshan North. 💡 For a lazier trip, “1.5 days in Pingli + Qimen black tea in town” is the most relaxed. Save Guniu Peak for next time. For a more intense trip, “base in Qimen, early out and late back to Guniu Peak” avoids expensive lodging on the Shitai side. 📸 Photo spots (mostly free) 1. Pingli tea garden trail: old tea factory + green tea gardens + Hu Yuanlong’s former residence, free, few people. 2. Guniu Peak Qimen side outside Longmentan: green pools + Huizhou-style ancient village, free. 3. Qimen county town old street: end of southern Anhui vibe, no commercialization, free. 🍜 What to eat (Qimen prices, lower than Hongcun) · Qimen black tea: 30–50 per pot (Pingli old tea factory / county town old tea houses), Hongcun/Tangkou 80+ · Zhonghe soup: 8 yuan per bowl · Qiancheng pot: 30 yuan small portion (serves 2) · An tea: 10 yuan per cup (local black tea, cuts grease) · Avoid: don’t buy “Qimen black tea 80 per pot” at Guniu Peak entrance or Hongcun (double price); “fermented tofu 15 per serving” in Hongcun is 8 yuan in Qimen county town, don’t buy in scenic areas. 💰 Rough budget estimate (2 days 1 night per person, departing from Huangshan North) · Transport: Huangshan North ↔ Qimen South 60 + local carpools about 60 ≈ 120 · Lodging: 1 night ≈ 80–130 (per person) · Food: daily 50–70 ≈ 100–140 · Tickets: Guniu Peak outer circle all free, core area optional 45 (student half price) 2 days 1 night local expenses ≈ 300–395 per person (without Guniu Peak core 260–320, with core 305–395). Hongcun same period (lodging 300+ food 80+ tickets 94) easily 474+, more than double the savings. 📌 Pitfalls to avoid (Qimen exclusive in July) 1. For Qimen black tea at 30, go to “Pingli old tea factory / Qimen county town old tea houses,” don’t buy at Guniu Peak entrance or Hongcun (double price). July is summer tea season, fresh and not bitter, half the price of spring tea, just right to drink. 2. Guniu Peak “outer circle free ≠ Four-tier waterfall free”: walking the outer creek + Yanjiacun is enough for photos with elders and kids. Young people wanting to rush the “southern Anhui’s top waterfall” should pay student half price 45. Water is cool in July; don’t soak too long when playing with water guns. 3. July in Qimen has frequent showers: afternoon rain likely at Guniu Peak foot, bring a thin rain jacket + foldable umbrella, light jacket for mornings and evenings at 18℃ (not needed in county town at 22℃ but needed at Guniu Peak foot). 4. Pingli is a living village: don’t barge into the old tea factory courtyard for photos. Ask the owner “can I take photos of the tea factory exterior” before moving, respect the locals. One last note: Hongcun sells “Huizhou IP + sun + crowds,” Qimen sells “22℃ + Guniu Peak green + authentic Qimen black tea 30 per pot + 80 per person guesthouses”—if you don’t want to be scorched and crowded by Hongcun and ripped off by trendy coffee in southern Anhui this July, stepping west of Huangshan is the right move.🍵🏔️

hello~I’m Qingqing Always on the road Sharing the beauty through my lens This summer’s discovered treasure summer retreat The Anhui Tea Horse Ancient Road is truly amazing! Hiking, creek tracing, ancient villages, tea fragrance, starry sky N ways to have super fun This summer, I just want to hide in the mountains of Huizhou⛰️ Anhui’s Tea Horse Ancient Road is not just one path—there’s the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Road, Qimen Tea Horse Ancient Road, and Huoshan Tea Horse Ancient Road, each hiding different stories and scenery. --- 📍Directions (Three classic routes) Route 1: Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Road (the most classic) : Jiangnan Village, Fuling Town, Jixi County, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province : Navigate to “Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Road” 🚗: About 3.5 hours from Hefei, take the Hangzhou-Huangshan high-speed rail to Jixi North Station then a 40-minute taxi 🎫: Adult ticket about 62-68 RMB, student ticket 34 RMB ⏰: 06:00-18:00, recommended 1-2 days to explore Route 2: Qimen Tea Horse Ancient Road (strongest tea fragrance) : Around Guixi Village, Pingli Town, Qimen County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province : Navigate to “Pingli Town, Qimen County” 🍵: Important node of the Ten-Thousand-Mile Tea Road (Anhui section), Qimen black tea spreads to the world from here Route 3: Huoshan Tea Horse Ancient Road (wildest charm) : Deep in the Dabie Mountains, Huoshan County, Lu’an City, Anhui Province : Navigate to “Xinpu Gou Village, Huoshan County” 🌲: 25 km loop, full of secret realm vibes 🌿Summer exclusive highlights ✔ Hike through a thousand-year-old ancient road: The Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Road is China’s third famous ancient road after the Silk Road and Tea Horse Road, built in the Tang Dynasty. The full 25 km route crosses from Anhui to Zhejiang, stepping into two provinces! The bluestone path has been polished for a thousand years, its mottled marks are all historical imprints ✔ Check in at Jiangnan’s First Pass: A key pass on the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Road, 424 meters above sea level, with 1,400 stone steps. The lintel is carved with “Jiangnan’s First Pass” on the west and “Huizhou-Hangzhou Key” on the east, standing here feels like a heroic warrior ✔ Blue Sky Hollow cloud sea viewing: A high mountain meadow at 1,158 meters altitude with excellent views, the core photo spot of the entire ancient road. Morning mist drifts over the mountains, every shot is wallpaper-worthy ✔ Seek tea fragrance in Qimen: Stroll through the Taoyuan Ancient Tea Village, the bluestone path still bears the hoofprints of the tea horse caravans, and the old house cracks seem to still carry the honey fragrance of Qimen black tea. Qimen black tea is the world’s top three highly aromatic black teas; having a cup here means you’ve truly been to Huizhou ✔ Dabie Mountain secret realm hike: The Huoshan Tea Horse Ancient Road is hidden deep in the Dabie Mountains, with hillsides, bamboo forests, streams, waterfalls; ancient roads, old houses, ancient bridges. The Daoshichong ancient bridge was built during the Qianlong era, original and authentic, the ancient bridge paired with ancient trees feels very weathered 📸Photo-worthy spots 1. Jiangnan’s First Pass: a steep and majestic pass, a must-shoot! Use wide-angle to capture the “one man guards the pass” momentum 2. Blue Sky Hollow: alpine meadow + sea of clouds, shooting backshots is full of artistic vibe 3. Millstone Rock: a legendary strange rock from the Southern Song Dynasty, shaped like a millstone, full of story 4. Taoyuan Ancient Tea Village: ancient ancestral halls, old covered bridges, tea farmers’ old homes, every shot is a vintage time capsule 🍵Huizhou taste experience · Have a cup of authentic Qimen black tea in Qimen, one of the world’s top three highly aromatic black teas, with a long-lasting sweet aftertaste · Eat Huizhou cuisine at farmhouses along the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Road, with fresh seasonal vegetables and local specialties · Mugwort glutinous rice cake, sticky with a herbal aroma Hard-earned advice · The classic Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Road trek starts from Jixi: Yuchuan Village → Jiangnan’s First Pass → Huangmaopei → Xiashuetang → Blue Sky Hollow → Yonglai Village · Must bring: hiking shoes + mosquito repellent + sun hat + plenty of water and snacks (few supply points along the way) · Recommended 2 days 1 night, inns available along the route. Xiaoyao Mountain Villa is deep in the forest, lying down at night to watch the starry sky · Some parts of the ancient road have weak signal, download offline maps in advance · Qimen Tea Horse Ancient Road is easy hiking, suitable for leisure sightseeing · --

My fingers caressed a She inkstone for three minutes; the owner didn’t rush me, and I didn’t say a word. That inkstone was priced at 8,600 yuan. I wouldn’t buy it, but the delicate touch, as smooth as a baby’s skin, made me reluctant to let go. This is the magic of Tunxi Old Street—it doesn’t force you to spend, but it slows you down, letting you use your hands, nose, and ears to truly experience something. In July, Tunxi reaches 34 to 35 degrees Celsius during the day, with harsh UV rays. But this small town has an advantage: all the best experiences are concentrated in the early morning and evening. During the hottest part of the day, you can completely hide away in an old house, sipping tea and daydreaming. 🖐️ Touch | The stone slabs and wooden components of the Old Street Tunxi Old Street stretches 1,272 meters, with bluestone pavement polished smooth by centuries of footsteps. The street has undergone several rounds of restoration by 2026, but the stone ground hasn’t been replaced. The slightly cool yet warm feeling underfoot is something no recreated ancient commercial street can replicate. What fascinates me most about the Ming and Qing architecture on both sides isn’t the horse-head walls’ skyline, but the brick and wood carvings above the door frames. Step into any old shop, look up at the beams and rafters, and you’ll see densely carved figures, flowers, birds, and theatrical stories. The Wancuilou Museum (midway along the street, free admission) showcases these crafts in one place. It’s four stories tall; on the first floor, the She inkstone “Wen Wang Hun,” weighing over a ton, is worth a close look. The rooftop garden on the fourth floor offers a distant view of the Xin’an River. 👃 Smell | Tea, ink fragrance, and fermented tofu The air on Old Street is layered. The first half is dominated by tea shops selling Huangshan Maofeng, Taiping Houkui, and Qimen black tea. Every shop has its door wide open, letting the tea aroma mingle with the street air. You can go in for a tasting, and no one will give you attitude if you don’t buy. I tried four shops and ended up sitting for half an hour at an old tea farmer’s counter. He explained the difference between the “fish leaf” and “sparrow tongue” leaves of Huangshan Maofeng—knowledge you won’t find on Baidu. Midway through, the scent of ink begins to appear. Huizhou ink is made from pine soot, tung oil soot, and musk. Good ink doesn’t smell bad; it has a steady woody fragrance. There are a few ink shops with workshops at the back where you can watch craftsmen pounding ink—a technique unchanged for hundreds of years. As for fermented tofu—I encourage you to be brave. The fermented tofu’s surface is covered with white mycelium, which can be off-putting, but when pan-fried on an iron plate until golden on both sides and topped with spicy sauce, the crust is crispy and the inside melts like cream. I ate it at “Old Street First Floor” near the east entrance of the Old Street, paired with a bowl of stinky mandarin fish. The lunch for two cost less than 200 yuan. 👂 Hearing | The decibel difference between Liyang in Alley and Old Street Crossing Zhenhai Bridge to the opposite bank is Liyang in Alley (also called Liyang Old Street), just one bridge away but with a completely different vibe. Old Street is traditional and quiet, with occasional street vendors but never noisy. Liyang in Alley is renovated with a younger feel, featuring cafes, independent bookstores, and craft workshops. Background music ranges from folk to jazz. I went at 3 p.m. and sat for two hours at a place called “Zhanchuan Bookstore,” with the Xin’an River right outside the window. During that time, I wondered if I lived here, would I come every afternoon? Oh, I just remembered—my best friend is getting married next month and asked me to help pick out wedding favors. I saw a shop in Liyang in Alley making Huizhou handmade stationery with real pressed dried flower petals on the paper. It was so beautiful I bought a stack to give her. 👁️ Sight | The right way to enjoy a night cruise on the Xin’an River Departing from Tunxi Pier at 6:30 p.m., the boat ticket costs about 60 yuan, and the trip lasts around 45 minutes. The Xin’an River widens at Tunxi, with Huizhou-style residences and horse-head walls outlined by lights on both banks, and distant mountains reduced to silhouettes. The best time is the fifteen minutes when the sky is just turning blue and the lights have just come on—the sky still has color, but the buildings are already lit. This window is very short, so be sure to arrive at the pier early. If you don’t take the boat, walking along the Xin’an River riverside trail is also wonderful. From Tunxi Bridge toward Huashan Miku, there’s about ten kilometers of greenway. Many locals take evening strolls here. The river breeze carries moisture, making it much more comfortable than the daytime heat. 🌡️ Daytime heat escape plan During the hottest hours at noon, I recommend visiting the Tunxi Museum (free, with rich exhibits of Huizhou’s three carvings) or the Dai Zhen Memorial Hall (a nationally protected cultural site near Old Street). Both are cool indoors and educational. Dai Zhen was a Qing dynasty master of textual research; the memorial hall is small but packed with information and can be seen in twenty minutes. Tunxi isn’t the kind of city that makes you say “Wow!” It’s a place that makes you say “Hmm…” and keep saying “Hmm…” Accommodation 🏨 Huangshan Yurun Hanyue Lou Hotel 99 independent Huizhou villas scattered between a golf course and forest. Open the courtyard gate to your private patio, with red lanterns printed with your surname—this kind of presentation is top-notch. 🏨 Banyan Tree Huangshan An international luxury resort near Hongcun, with standalone villas featuring private pools. There’s a sunset ceremony and free afternoon tea. Peacocks stroll on the lawn—this is the pinnacle of wild luxury. 🏨 Huangshan Shudetang A boutique guesthouse converted from an old residence. The changing light and shadow in the courtyard can keep you watching all day. The housekeeper brews Huangshan Maofeng tea waiting for you. The essence of Huizhou architecture is captured in this small space. 🏨 Huangshan Shu Song Shi Mountain House Hotel Close to the Huangshan Hot Springs scenic area, with a strong design sense that’s not cold. Each room’s window frames a custom mountain forest painting. After soaking in the hot springs, you’ll feel completely relaxed.