Shexian County Tourism, Huangshan City, Anhui Province

Shexian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province – the birthplace of Huizhou culture and a national historical and cultural city, known as the 'hometown of Huizhou merchants and the land of archways'. It boasts top cultural attractions such as Huizhou Ancient City, Tangyue Memorial Archway Group, and Yuliang Dam. Experience the cultural charm of 'Zou Lu of the Southeast and the source of Huizhou merchants' in 1-2 days.

2122
km² Area
360,000+
Permanent Population
50+
Cultural Relic Protection Units
2200 Years
History of County Establishment
Huizhou Ancient City Scenery, Shexian County, Huangshan
Huizhou Ancient City - Cultural Core of Shexian
One of the four great ancient cities in China and the seat of Huizhou Prefecture government, first built in the Qin Dynasty. It houses numerous historical relics including Xuguo Stone Archway, Huizhou Prefecture Yamen, Doushan Street, and Tao Xingzhi Memorial Hall. As a concentrated exhibition area of Huizhou culture, it is known as the 'Grand View Garden of Huizhou Culture'.

2-Day Essence Tour of Huizhou Culture in Shexian

Stroll through the ancient city, explore archways, view scenery at the ancient dam, trace the roots of Huizhou merchants

Trip Duration
2 Days
Main Destinations
Huizhou Ancient City, Tangyue Memorial Archway Group, Yuliang Dam, Xuguo Stone Archway, Xiong Village
Suitable For
Culture lovers, history researchers, photography enthusiasts, architectural art lovers, student groups
Budget Per Person
¥250-¥600
Day 1
Huizhou Ancient City & Archway Culture Tour
Huizhou Ancient City · Tangyue Memorial Archway Group · Xuguo Stone Archway
Trip Highlights

Take an in-depth tour of Huizhou Ancient City throughout the day, visiting core attractions such as Xuguo Stone Archway, Huizhou Prefecture Yamen, Doushan Street, and Tao Xingzhi Memorial Hall; in the afternoon, head to Tangyue Memorial Archway Group to learn about the ethical culture and architectural art of Huizhou merchants in the Ming and Qing dynasties; in the evening, taste authentic Huizhou cuisine in the ancient city.

Attraction Arrangement
Huizhou Ancient City
A national 5A-level scenic area and one of the four great ancient cities in China, serving as the seat of Huizhou Prefecture government. The ancient city has crisscrossing streets and lanes, preserving a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including the only octagonal archway in China - Xuguo Stone Archway, the reconstructed Huizhou Prefecture Yamen, former residences of celebrities from past dynasties, and an ancient folk house museum, fully displaying the political, economic, and cultural features of ancient Huizhou.
Tangyue Memorial Archway Group
A national key cultural relic protection unit and a representative work of ancient Huizhou architectural art in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Seven archways stretch in a line, arranged in the order of loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and righteousness, recording the glory of the Bao family for hundreds of years. There are also two ancestral halls (for men and women) with grand scale and exquisite brick, wood, and stone carvings, which are important physical objects for studying the patriarchal clan system of Huizhou.
Xuguo Stone Archway
A national key cultural relic protection unit, built in the 12th year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1584) to honor Xu Guo, the Shaobao, Crown Prince's Tutor, Minister of Rites, and Grand Secretary of Wuying Palace. The stone archway has four sides and eight columns, shaped like a Chinese character 'kou' (mouth), commonly known as the 'Octagonal Archway'. It is entirely built with hard blue tea garden stones, with exquisite carvings and magnificent momentum.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Shexian North High-speed Railway Station is about 15 minutes by car from the county seat
  • Huizhou Ancient City is located in the center of the county seat, accessible on foot
  • There are buses from the county seat directly to Tangyue Memorial Archway Group
  • It is recommended to purchase a combined ticket for the ancient city including multiple attractions
Ticket Information
  • Huizhou Ancient City Combined Ticket: ¥100
  • Tangyue Memorial Archway Group: ¥100
  • Xuguo Stone Archway: Included in the ancient city combined ticket
  • Yuliang Dam: ¥30
  • Xiong Village: ¥80
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Homestays in Huizhou Ancient City: Experience ancient folk house living
  • Hotels in Shexian County urban area: Convenient transportation and complete facilities
  • Resort hotels along the Xin'an River: Beautiful scenery and quiet environment
Day 2
Xin'an River & Ancient Village Exploration
Yuliang Dam · Xiong Village · Xin'an River
Trip Highlights

In the morning, visit Yuliang Dam to learn about the wisdom of ancient water conservancy projects and stroll along Yuliang Ancient Street; in the afternoon, head to Xiong Village to visit Zhushan Academy and experience the poetic landscape of 'Ten miles of sand beach flowing in the water, beautiful and seclusive stone cliffs on both east and west sides'; in the evening, walk along the Xin'an River to admire the beautiful scenery of the landscape gallery.

Attraction Arrangement
Yuliang Dam
A national key cultural relic protection unit, first built in the Tang Dynasty and reconstructed in the Ming Dynasty. It is the oldest and largest ancient river-blocking dam in the upper reaches of the Xin'an River, known as the 'Dujiangyan of the South of the Yangtze River'. The dam is 138 meters long, 27 meters wide at the bottom, and 6 meters wide at the top, all built with granite stones layer by layer, making it an outstanding representative of ancient water conservancy projects in China.
Xiong Village
A national 4A-level scenic area, an ancient village with a history of over 800 years known for 'entering officialdom through talent and leaving a legacy through culture'. The village features attractions such as Zhushan Academy, Taohua Dam, Ciguang An, and the former site of the Sino-US Cooperation Office. Known as 'the first island on the Xin'an River and the most magnificent village in Huizhou', it is a typical representative of Huizhou imperial examination culture.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Yuliang Dam is about 1 km from Huizhou Ancient City, accessible on foot
  • Xiong Village requires taking a bus or driving from the county seat
  • The Xin'an River Landscape Gallery can be visited by boat
  • The attractions are far apart, so it is recommended to hire a car for touring
Ticket Information
  • Yuliang Dam: ¥30
  • Xiong Village: ¥80
  • Xin'an River Landscape Gallery Cruise: ¥70
  • Zhushan Academy: Included in Xiong Village ticket
Food Recommendations
  • Shexian Stone Cake (Shitou Guo)
  • Shendu Bundle Dumpling (Baofu Jiao)
  • Wenzheng Mountain Bamboo Shoot
  • Yarn Noodles (Sha Mian)
  • Huizhou Smelly Mandarin Fish
  • Fermented Tofu (Mao Doufu)

Must-Try Foods in Shexian

Shendu Bundle Dumpling (Baofu Jiao)

A specialty snack of Shendu Town, Shexian County, named for its shape like a bundle. Wrapped in dough with fillings (mostly tofu, pork, bamboo shoot dice, etc.) and pinched into a bundle shape, it is steamed or pan-fried, with flexible outer skin and delicious filling, serving as a dietary representative of Shendu Wharf culture.

Shexian Stone Cake (Shitou Guo)

A traditional famous pastry of Shexian County, made by wrapping fillings (commonly bean paste, preserved vegetable, fresh meat, etc.) in dough, placing it on a flat pan, and pressing a round stone slab on top to bake. With crispy outer skin and delicious filling, it is one of the representative Huizhou snacks.

Yarn Noodles (Sha Mian)

A traditional pasta of Shexian County, named for its thinness like yarn. With complex production processes involving multiple steps, the noodles are smooth and chewy, usually served with chicken soup or shredded pork toppings, tasting delicious and being a delicacy for entertaining guests in Shexian families.

Wenzheng Mountain Bamboo Shoot

A specialty of Wenzheng Mountain in Shexian County, with tender, white and crisp bamboo shoots and delicious taste. It can be cooked with cured meat, ham, etc., or served as a separate dish, being a representative of Huizhou mountain delicacies and known as 'Wenzheng Mountain bamboo shoots are the best under heaven'.

Shexian Tourism Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-May): Blooming flowers and new tea on the market, suitable for strolling in the ancient city
  • Summer (June-August): Abundant water in the Xin'an River, the landscape gallery is at its most beautiful
  • Autumn (September-November): Clear sky and mild breeze, ancient buildings set off by autumn scenery
  • Winter (December-February): Strong New Year flavor in Huizhou with rich folk activities
Must-Experience Activities
  • Hire a tour guide to explain Huizhou history in Huizhou Ancient City
  • Learn the stories behind each archway in Tangyue Memorial Archway Group
  • See the wisdom of ancient water conservancy projects at Yuliang Dam
  • Experience Huizhou imperial examination culture at Zhushan Academy in Xiong Village
  • Taste Shendu Bundle Dumplings and Stone Cakes
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Approximately ¥200-300
  • Catering: ¥100-200 per day
  • Accommodation: ¥100-300 per night
  • Transportation: ¥80-150
  • Total: ¥250-600 (for 2 days)
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Why is Shexian the birthplace of Huizhou culture? → Shexian was the seat of ancient Huizhou Prefecture, where Huizhou merchants, Huizhou cuisine, Huizhou opera, etc., mostly originated
  • How many archways are there in Tangyue Memorial Archway Group? → There are 7 existing Ming and Qing archways, arranged in the order of loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and righteousness
  • What is the function of Yuliang Dam? → A multi-functional ancient water conservancy project for water storage, irrigation, navigation, and flood control
  • What specialties can be purchased in Shexian? → She ink slabs, Huizhou ink sticks, Santan loquats, Huangshan Maofeng tea

Explore Tourism in Districts and Counties of Huangshan City