Overview
Huizhou Ancient City (徽州古城), located in She County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage candidate and AAAAA-rated scenic area. Established in 221 BC as She County, it served as the political and cultural hub of ancient Huizhou for over 1,400 years. The city uniquely combines prefectural and county governance within its walls, creating a "city within a city" layout.
Key Features
-
Architectural Marvels
- Xu Guo Stone Archway (许国石坊): A Ming Dynasty (1584) eight-column memorial archway, the only surviving structure of its kind in China.
- Hui-style Buildings: White walls, black tiles, and intricate "Three Carvings" (stone, wood, brick) adorn landmarks like Huizhou Prefecture Office (徽州府衙) and Nanqiao Tower (南谯楼).
- Ancient Streets: Zhonghe Street and Doushan Street retain Ming-Qing era shops and residences.
-
Cultural Significance
- Birthplace of Hui Culture: The origin of Hui merchants (China’s most influential historical business group) and Anhui Opera.
- Educational Legacy: Home to Imperial Examination Halls and academies that produced 2,000+ scholars.
-
Must-Visit Sites
- Yuliang Dam (渔梁坝): A 1,400-year-old hydraulic engineering wonder.
- Tao Xingzhi Memorial Hall: Dedicated to China’s renowned educator.
Visitor Experience
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) for mild weather; autumn (Sept-Nov) for clear skies.
- Ticket: ¥80 (≈$11), includes access to 6 major sites.
- Transport:
- By Air: Fly to Huangshan Tunxi Airport, then take a 1-hour bus to She County.
- By Train: High-speed rail to Shexian North Station, then Bus No. 4 to the古城.
Preservation & Innovation
- Restoration Projects: Ongoing repairs to De Sheng Gate (德胜门) and city walls.
- Digital Enhancements: AR-guided tours launched in 2024 to recreate historical scenes.
Huizhou Ancient City is not just a relic but a living cultural ecosystem, where every alley whispers stories of China’s imperial past.
