Travel Destinations: Tunxi, China

The wonderful city of Tunxi in Anhui Province is situated about 70km southeast of Huang Shan. With a population of 1.5 million, Tunxi was an old trading town and is now used as a base for exploring the surrounding area and Huizhou architecture at Yixian and Shexian.

There are some wonderful sights to see in Tunxi. Why not start your trip by visiting the Chengshi Sanzhai, one of Tunxi’s heritage buildings. This is a beautiful example of Ming dynasty Huizhou residential architecture, elegant and ornate.

If you are a shopper, there is a a wonderful street named Lao Jie whih is lined with wooden shops and buildings designed in the Huizhou style which stay open until late, so you can shop away for as long as you want. On this same street, the Wancuilou Museum (Wancuilou Bowuguan) gives you a chance to learn all about the Huizhou architectural style complete with furniture and antiquities you can gaze upon.

There are two historic villages that are often visited from Tunxi. These are both World Heritage Sites and foreigners will need to purchase a visitors permit. Also be aware that international travellers are not generally permitted to stay overnight at either one of these villages.

The first village is called Xidi and dates back to 1047 CE. For centuries, Xidi was a stronghold for the Hu clan, who were descended from the eldest son of the last Tang dynasty emperor who fled here before the dynasty fell.

Despite the droves of tourists who flock here each year, the village has still managed to remain true to itself. There are winding, tapered lanes, cream coloured walls and intricately carved lintels on the doors. The village is still lived in by locals and you can see households go by their daily lives and hear the children singing in school.

There are some magnificent historical buildings; the Huwenguang Paifang is the elaborate arch that stretches across the entrance to the village, a beautiful testament to its former status. You can view the wonderful Diji Hall, Zhuimu Hall and Dafudi as well.

Hongcun is the second historic village. Built during the southern Song dynasty by the Wang clan to resemble an ox, it lies 11km northeast of Yixian. It is just as pretty and charming as Yixian with the crescent-shaped Moon Pool at its heart.

There are some beautiful buildings here in Hongcun. Chengzhi Hall dates to 1855 with some beautiful intricately wood carvings here. Other great buildings to visit here is Deyi Hall, the Hall of the Peach Garden and the South Lake Academy. In addition to this, there is a little market where you can buy bamboo carvings and tea in a charming square.