
Tunxi District, a district within Huangshan City, Anhui Province, is located in southern Anhui Province. It lies in the Xiutun Basin, between Baiji Mountain, Tianmu Mountain, and Huangshan Mountain, straddling the confluence of the Hengjiang River, the Liushui River, and the Xin'an River. It borders Huizhou District to the northeast and She County to the southeast, respectively, and Xiuning County to the rest of the country. Huangdun, the hometown of renowned Song Dynasty Neo-Confucianists Cheng Hao, Cheng Yi, and Zhu Xi, is known as the "Cheng-Zhu Queli." Tunxi boasts scenic spots and historical sites such as Tunxi Old Street, Huashan Mountain, the ancient Xiaolongshan Temple, the pine waves of Jiling Mountain, the clear springs of Geshan Mountain, the Bird Pavilion, the Immortal Cave, and the Guanyang Bridge Tower. Tunxi is the center of Xin'an culture, nurturing the world-renowned Hui merchants, Hui cuisine, Hui opera, Hui-style architecture, Hui-style bonsai, Xin'an medicine, and the Xin'an School of Painting. Key cultural relics under protection include the Dai Zhen Memorial Hall, the Cheng Dawei Former Residence and Memorial Hall, the Cheng Family Three Residences, and the Old Bridge. Tunxi Old Street is a national historical and cultural preservation area. The area also houses the Dai Zhen Memorial Hall, the Cheng Dawei Abacus Museum, the Cheng Family Sanzhai Ancient Residence Exhibition Hall, the Tunxi Old Street Museum, and the CCP Southern Anhui Special Committee Former Site Exhibition Hall. Folk arts include paper fireworks, drums, lion dances, local operas, pavilions, swings, stilt walking, dragon boats, lion dances, and dragon dances.
Tunxi District, located in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, is historically significant for its role as a cultural and commercial center in the Huizhou region. It is known for its ancient architecture, traditional tea culture, and as a base for exploring the famous Huangshan Mountain.
Tunxi is located in southern Anhui Province, China. It can be reached by train, bus, or taxi from nearby cities like Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Nanjing. Local taxis and buses are common modes of transport within the district.
The best time to visit Tunxi is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities. Most attractions open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though hours can vary.
Entrance fees vary by site. For Huangshan, the entrance fee is around 230-290 RMB. Tickets for other attractions like Tunxi Old Street and the Tunxi Museum are typically free or have a nominal fee. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrances of most sites.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance for major attractions like Huangshan, especially during peak tourist seasons (April to October). Booking 1-2 days ahead should be sufficient, but for holidays, booking 1-2 weeks in advance is advised.
For Huangshan, 2-3 days are recommended to fully explore the mountain and surrounding areas. For Tunxi and nearby villages, 1-2 days are sufficient to experience the highlights.
Guided tours are available at most major attractions, including Huangshan. Audio guides are offered in several languages, including English, Chinese, and sometimes French. Local guides are also available for in-depth tours.
A recommended itinerary would start with a visit to Huangshan Mountain, followed by a day trip to the ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi. End the day with a visit to Tunxi Old Street for a leisurely evening stroll.
Night visits are not commonly available at most attractions. However, Tunxi Old Street is beautifully lit at night, and some local temples and scenic spots offer performances or festivals during peak seasons.
Tunxi can get crowded during Chinese public holidays and the peak tourist season (April to October). The best times to visit are on weekdays during the shoulder seasons, from March to May or September to November, when the weather is pleasant.
Most major attractions, including Huangshan and Tunxi Old Street, have basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, water, rest areas, and souvenir shops. Some places also offer local specialties like tea and snacks.
While sites like Huangshan offer cable cars for easier access, some areas may still be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to steep paths. The ancient villages like Hongcun and Xidi are generally accessible for all visitors.
Cash is commonly accepted, but most hotels, restaurants, and major attractions in Tunxi accept mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and credit cards, especially in more tourist-oriented areas.
There are a variety of restaurants and cafes in Tunxi offering Anhui cuisine, tea, and snacks. Local eateries serve traditional dishes such as stewed fish and bamboo shoots, while cafes offer tea and coffee.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available, especially in more touristy areas. Halal food may be found in larger cities like Tunxi, although it is less common in rural areas.
There are several hotels near Tunxi Old Street, ranging from budget guesthouses to high-end hotels. Popular options include Tunxi International Hotel and Huangshan Fengda International Hotel.
Souvenir shops are common in Tunxi Old Street and other major attractions. Popular souvenirs include Anhui tea, ink stones, Huizhou carvings, and traditional textiles.
After visiting Tunxi, the best transportation options to continue your trip are by train or bus to nearby cities such as Hangzhou, Nanjing, or Shanghai. Local taxis or buses are available to nearby attractions.