High-speed rail access. I want to find a quiet place to be alone!

Xixinan Ancient Village, located in Huizhou District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, is a well-preserved Hui-style ancient village featuring a blend of natural ecology and cultural history. Here's a detailed travel guide to help you experience this "Wizard of Oz"-like wonderland: --- ### **1. Basic Information** - **Address**: Xixinan Town, Huizhou District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province - **Tickets**: Free (some homestays or experience projects require additional fees) - **Best time to visit**: Suitable for all seasons. Spring and summer (Apr–Oct) offer lush greenery, autumn (Nov) features red leaves, and winter (Dec–Feb) showcases a tranquil, ancient charm. - **Transportation**: - **High-speed rail**: Get off at Huangshan North Station. Take a taxi for about 10 mins (approx. CNY 15) or take the Huizhou Bus No. 13. - **Car**: Navigate to "Xixinan Ancient Village". There is a parking lot at the village entrance. --- ### **2. Must-See Highlights** 1. **Sweetgum Forest Wetland** - A natural wetland next to the village, with hundreds of sweetgum trees forming a dense forest. It resembles a fairy tale world in summer, perfect for taking photos and having picnics. It's especially dreamy in the morning mist. - **Instagrammable spots**: Wooden bridges, shoals, forest trails. 2. **Hui-style Ancient Architecture Complex** - **Laowu Pavilion**: A Ming Dynasty building with exquisite brick and wood carvings, a typical Huizhou courtyard. - **Lvrao Pavilion**: A Qing Dynasty pavilion built by the water, with picturesque reflections. - **Strolling through the streets and alleys**: Bluestone paths connect houses, with horse head walls and stone-carved gates everywhere. 3. **Fengle River** - The river is crystal clear. You can walk or cycle along the river. There's a viewing platform on the riverbank, offering stunning views at sunset. 4. **Niche Cultural Experiences** - **Turen School**: A cultural and creative space that often hosts art exhibitions and craft workshops. - **Shirley Homestay**: Renovated from an old house, suitable for tea tasting and taking photos. --- ### **3. Special Experiences** - **Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicrafts**: Experience Huimo ink and She inkstone making (reservations required). - **Local Cuisine**: Try Huizhou dishes such as stinky mandarin fish, hairy tofu, and braised pork with dried bamboo shoots at the local restaurants in the village. - **Night Tour of the Ancient Village**: Some homestays offer lantern night tours to experience the tranquil Huizhou night. --- ### **4. Itinerary Suggestions** - **Half-day tour**: Sweetgum Forest Wetland (1.5 hrs) → Ancient Village Core Area (Laowu Pavilion, Lvrao Pavilion, 1 hr) → Walk along the Fengle River (0.5 hr). - **One-day tour**: Take photos in the wetland and visit the ancient village in the morning, have lunch at a local restaurant, and experience handicrafts or cycle around in the afternoon (e.g., Qiankou Residential Houses, Chengkan Village). --- ### **5. Accommodation Recommendations** - **High-end homestays**: Shirley Weiyuan House (ancient garden style), Riverside 55 (design-oriented). - **Budget-friendly options**: Xixinan Farmhouse Inns, affordable and offer a local living experience. --- ### **6. Important Notes** - **Mosquito repellent**: There are many mosquitoes in the wetland area in summer. It is recommended to bring mosquito repellent. - **Environmental protection**: Do not litter. The wetland ecosystem is fragile. - **Clothing suggestions**: Light-colored or retro clothing is more photogenic. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking on stone paths. --- ### **7. Nearby Attractions** - **Chengkan Village** (20 km): A more pristine ancient Huizhou village. Tickets: CNY 107. - **Tangmo Village** (15 km): Waterside garden landscape. Tickets: CNY 80. - **Near Huangshan North Station**: If you have time before your return trip, you can visit the Huizhou Culture Museum.