After being rated as the most beautiful ancient city in China by National Geographic, I regret not coming earlier

'One of the four great ancient cities of China!' The birthplace of 'Huizhou Studies,' one of the three major local schools of thought in China! The presence of Huizhou Ancient City seems a bit weak Its charm seems to be overshadowed by attractions such as Huangshan, Hongcun, and Xidi If you ask me: Where are the worthwhile places to visit in Huizhou Ancient City? My answer is: The essence of the ancient city is hidden in the alleys! Doushan Street, Xinnan Street, Zhongshan Alley, Cross Street... To understand these ancient streets and alleys is to understand the beauty of the ancient city. The white walls and black tiles on a rainy day have a unique charm. As an ordinary tourist, you might be a little disappointed with the main thoroughfare! It's more like a pedestrian street for locals, filled with practical shops selling groceries, food, and clothing, and the living atmosphere of the old county town hits you in the face. ⭕️Tourist Route Huizhou History Museum—Nanqiao Tower—Huizhou Prefecture Yamen—Ancient City Wall—Xu Guo Stone Archway—Hui Garden—Doushan Street—Yuliang Ancient Town (Yuliang Street, Yuliang Dam) ⭕️Key Spots to Check In 1️⃣Huizhou History Museum To the right of the entrance to the ancient city, there is a two-story museum that introduces the history of Huizhou in detail. Visiting the museum before touring the ancient city will give you a better sense of immersion. 2️⃣Huizhou Prefecture Yamen The Huizhou Prefecture Yamen, built at the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. During the Sui Dynasty's Yining period (617 3️⃣Xu Guo Stone Archway Also known as the Grand Scholar Archway, erected during the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era, it is the only eight-legged archway in China and is known as the 'Arc de Triomphe of the East.' 4️⃣Hui Garden To the north of the stone archway, there are Renhe Building, Ancient Opera Stage, Yudai Bridge, etc., with ancient charm, making it a great spot for Hanfu photography. 5️⃣Doushan Street For those interested in Hui-style architecture, this is a must-see. A thousand-year-old ancient street that is 300 meters long, with Hui-style Wang Family Residence, Yang Family Courtyard, ancient private school Xu Family Hall, Pan Family Courtyard, etc., it was the gathering place of ancient Huizhou merchants, no less than a Huizhou architecture museum. 6️⃣Zhongshan Alley This alley is the highest in Huizhou Ancient City, and climbing the steps will take you straight to the top of the mountain. Despite its small size, it is full of large mansions. 7️⃣Yuliang Street With a history of more than 1200 years, it is known as the 'source of Huizhou merchants.' Yuliang Ancient Street is nestled between mountains and water, with the entire street paved with uniform cobblestones and shops lining both sides. Ancient ancestral halls, ancient residences, and ancient temples can be seen along the street. ⭕️Huizhou Snacks When it comes to Huizhou cuisine, you must try the stinky mandarin fish and hairy tofu featured in 'A Bite of China.' Additionally, I want to recommend stone mochi and Huangshan baked cakes.