I thought western Sichuan was stunning, until I visited southern Anhui

With nothing to do over the weekend, I took a trip to Xuancheng and discovered that southern Anhui has been vastly underrated! It combines the gentle charm of Jiangnan with the cool summer retreats of western Sichuan. I chose the Xuan'an Resort Hotel, which faces the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, offering breathtaking views along the drive. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the room overlook the mountains. In the morning, I opened the curtains to see mist drifting over the treetops. In the evening, I sat by the window, watching the sunlight glisten on the stream. The room has underfloor heating and a smart toilet for convenience. At night, I fell asleep to the soothing sound of the flowing stream, enjoying a peaceful rest. There are two swimming pools where you can paddleboard leisurely. A short walk from the hotel leads to a shallow stream—perfect for wading barefoot, with tiny shrimp hiding under the rocks, delighting kids who chase them. Nearby, there are two rafting spots: one for aerial rafting and another for kayaking. A waterfall café, just a 5-minute walk away, is also worth visiting. The restaurant, perched high with large floor-to-ceiling windows, offers mountain views while you dine. The local bamboo shoot and pork stew tastes just like home. There’s a small cinema where you can watch old films shot at Moon Bay, adding a nostalgic touch. The café is a great spot to sip coffee, sketch, or simply gaze at the mountains outside. The shared kitchen lets you cook—I caught a fish during the day and made a delicious soup that evening. If you’re looking for a cool summer getaway with water and mountain views, this is the place. The area is dotted with streams, rich in negative oxygen ions, making it ideal for escaping the heat. I visited the Longchuan Scenic Area, hiked Jingting Mountain, and walked a short stretch of the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail—all nearby. 📍Xuan'an Resort Hotel, Jing County, Xuancheng (Moon Bay section of the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Highway)