Overview
The Xin'an River Landscape Gallery (新安江山水画廊) is a AAAA-rated scenic area in Shexian County, Huangshan, China. Stretching 50km along the Xin'an River—dubbed the "Oriental Danube"—it merges Hui culture, Ming-Qing architecture, and biodiversity into a UNESCO-recognized masterpiece. The river, historically a vital trade route for Huizhou merchants, now captivates visitors with its "high-mountain forests, mid-mountain tea, low-mountain fruit, and river fish" ecosystem.
Key Features
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Natural & Cultural Highlights
- Three-Tiered Ecology:
- Highlands: Forests (e.g., Liugujian Peak, 1,629m)
- Midlands: Terraced tea plantations (source of Huangshan Maofeng)
- Lowlands: Orchards (Santán loquats, citrus) and fishing villages.
- Iconic Villages:
- Jiusha: 800-year-old riverside hamlet with onion-drying terraces.
- Zhangtan: Home to a 1,000-year-old camphor tree (26m tall) and the Red Makeup Museum, showcasing imperial-era bridal dowries.
- Miantan: Live "Nine-Surname Fishing" performances using traditional cormorants.
- Three-Tiered Ecology:
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Activities & Experiences
- Boat Tours: Depart from Shendu Port (4 daily trips; 3-hour round trip). Stops include fruit-picking, Hui opera shows, and soybean grinding workshops.
- Seasonal Events:
- Spring: Rapeseed flower blooms (March–April).
- Autumn: "Santán Loquat Festival" (May) and golden rice terraces.
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Historical Significance
- A Ming-Qing trade artery linking Huizhou to Hangzhou. Poet Li Bai praised its clarity: "The water’s hue outshines all others; / Like moving through a mirror, birds cross a painted screen.".
Visitor Information
- Best Time to Visit: April–May (flowers) or September–November (harvests). Winter offers misty, painterly vistas.
- Tickets:
- Entrance: ¥50 (≈$7).
- Boat: ¥51–68 (mandatory for tours).
- Transport:
- From Huangshan North Station, take a 1-hour bus to Shendu Port.
Preservation & Global Recognition
- Eco-Initiatives: Since 2011, ¥1.2 billion was invested to reduce pollution, earning UNESCO praise as "true ecological tourism".
- Awards:
- "Best Tourism Village" (2021, UNESCO).
- Featured in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon for its ethereal landscapes.
The Xin'an River is more than scenery—it’s a cultural voyage through China’s agrarian past and artistic legacy.
