SUMMARY:
Anhui Province, nestled in eastern China, is a land of breathtaking landscapes and time-honored cultural traditions. Its crown jewel, Mount Huangshan, captivates with its surreal granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and ethereal sea of clouds, earning UNESCO World Heritage status. Mount Jiuhua, one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, offers a spiritual retreat amidst temples and monasteries. The ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi, with their iconic white-walled, black-tiled Hui-style architecture, transport visitors to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Natural wonders like Tiantangzhai’s waterfalls, Wanfo Lake’s serenity, and Mount Tianzhu’s geological marvels further enrich Anhui’s appeal. This 7-day itinerary blends these highlights, ensuring a journey through both natural grandeur and cultural depth.

Day 1-2: Hefei to Mount Huangshan – A Grand Ascent into the Mist
Day 1: Begin your journey in Hefei, Anhui’s capital, with a visit to the Hefei Botanical Garden or the Anhui Museum to glimpse the province’s ecological and historical diversity. In the afternoon, drive west to Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), stopping en route at Tunxi Old Street to wander cobblestone lanes lined with traditional shops selling inkstones, tea, and handicrafts. Arrive at the mountain’s southern gate and check into a hotel at the foot of the mountain. In the evening, savor Huangshan’s famed Mao Feng tea at a local teahouse while enjoying views of the illuminated peaks.
 

Day 2: Rise early to take the cable car to the Bright Summit (Guangming Ding), where panoramic vistas of jagged peaks and mist-shrouded valleys unfold. Hike the Western Steps to admire iconic sights like the Flying-Over Rock and the Welcome Guest Pine, a centuries-old tree with outstretched branches. For lunch, pause at a mountain hut for steamed buns filled with preserved vegetables and wild mushrooms. Continue to the North Sea Scenic Area, where the sea of clouds often blankets the peaks like a dream. Cap the day with a soak in the mountain’s natural hot springs, renowned for their rejuvenating properties, before descending to rest.

Day 3: Hongcun and Xidi – Timeless Hui-Style Villages
Travel south to Yixian County to explore Hongcun, a UNESCO-listed village famed for its “ox-shaped” layout. Wander through its network of canals reflecting white-walled houses, and visit the Moon Pond, a tranquil crescent-shaped lake at the village center. Stop by the South Lake Academy, a Ming Dynasty school where scholars once studied Confucian classics. In the afternoon, proceed to Xidi, another ancient village celebrated for its intricate stone carvings and ancestral halls. Stroll along its narrow alleys, pausing at the Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway, a masterpiece of stone lace art. As dusk falls, dine on local specialties like stinky mandarin fish (a fermented delicacy) and bamboo shoots cooked with ham, paired with Huangshan’s fragrant tea.

Day 4: Mount Jiuhua – A Pilgrimage to Buddhist Serenity
Journey southeast to Mount Jiuhua, revered as the abode of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha. Begin at Jiuhuashan Street, a bustling hub of shops selling incense, prayer beads, and vegetarian snacks. Ascend by cable car to Huacheng Temple, the mountain’s largest monastery, where monks chant sutras amidst golden statues of Buddha. Explore the Nine Lotus Peak, the highest point, for sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Visit the Tomb of Kim Gyo-gak, a Korean prince who became a monk here in the 8th century, reflecting the mountain’s international spiritual legacy. Conclude with a vegetarian Buddhist meal at a temple canteen, featuring tofu, seasonal vegetables, and lotus root soup, before retiring to a guesthouse nestled in the mountains.

Day 5: Sanhe Ancient Town & Wuhu Fantawild – A Blend of Tradition and Thrills
Head north to Sanhe Ancient Town, a water town straddling three rivers. Cruise its canals on a wooden boat, passing under stone bridges and past Ming-Qing era buildings. Sample local snacks like Sanhe rice cakes and sesame candy at bustling market stalls. In the afternoon, drive to Wuhu Fantawild Adventure Park for a dose of modern entertainment. Ride the roller coasters, watch 4D cinematic shows, and explore themed zones inspired by Chinese mythology. As evening approaches, enjoy a lakeside dinner at a park restaurant, savoring Wuhu’s signature fish head soup and spicy crayfish, before returning to your hotel.

Day 6: Mount Tianzhu – Geological Wonders and Natural Splendor
Venture west to Mount Tianzhu, part of the Dabie Mountains and a haven for geology enthusiasts. Hike through forests of pine and bamboo to the Tianzhu Peak, where ultra-high-pressure metamorphic rocks—formed over 200 million years ago—reveal the Earth’s turbulent history. Visit the Fairy Falls, a 130-meter cascade plunging into a emerald pool, and the Pheasant Peak Scenic Area, named for its resemblance to a perched pheasant. For lunch, enjoy farm-to-table dishes at a mountain lodge, such as wild mushroom hotpot and stir-fried bamboo shoots. Spend the afternoon relaxing by Wanfo Lake, a serene reservoir surrounded by pagodas and pavilions, or explore nearby Tiantangzhai for additional hiking trails and waterfalls.

Day 7: Hui Garden & Culinary Farewell in Hefei
Return to Hefei for a leisurely final day. Begin at the Hui Garden, a classical Chinese landscape garden blending pavilions, rockeries, and lotus ponds, ideal for a morning stroll or tai chi session. Browse the nearby street markets for souvenirs like Hui-style wood carvings, She inkstones, or bottles of Huangshan tea. In the evening, indulge in a farewell feast featuring Anhui’s culinary highlights: stinky mandarin fish (chou guiyu), slow-cooked until tender and aromatic; Huainan beef soup, a hearty broth with thinly sliced beef and vermicelli; and crispy sesame cakes. Raise a toast with local rice wine as you reflect on Anhui’s timeless beauty, from misty mountains to ancient villages, leaving with memories etched in both heart and camera roll.

Anhui Province offers a harmonious blend of nature’s artistry and human craftsmanship. This 7-day journey takes you from the otherworldly peaks of Mount Huangshan to the sacred temples of Mount Jiuhua, through the timeless alleys of Hongcun and Xidi, and into the thrills of modern Wuhu. Along the way, savor Anhui’s bold flavors and warm hospitality, ensuring a trip that lingers in the soul long after departure.

Click to see more...