Tunxi District

What are the most recommended things to do in Tunxi District?

  • Visit Tunxi Old Street, a historic street known for its traditional architecture, tea houses, and antique shops.
  • Take a trip to the Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), renowned for its picturesque granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and sea of clouds.
  • Explore the ancient Huizhou architecture in the nearby villages of Hongcun and Xidi, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Visit the Tunxi Museum to learn about the region’s history and cultural heritage.
  • Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at one of Tunxi’s many tea houses, where you can sample the famous Anhui tea.

Introducing Tunxi District

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.


Most Popular FAQs for Tunxi District

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

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.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

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.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

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.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

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.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

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.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

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.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Huangshan Mountain, known for its "four wonders" – strange pines, grotesque rocks, seas of clouds, and hot springs.
  • Tunxi Old Street, a picturesque ancient street filled with traditional architecture, tea shops, and souvenirs.
  • Hongcun and Xidi villages, famous for their traditional Huizhou-style architecture and UNESCO recognition.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

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.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • The Cloud-Dispelling Pavilion on Huangshan for panoramic views of the mountains.
  • Tunxi Old Street, especially at sunset when the golden light highlights the traditional buildings.
  • The ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi, which offer picturesque views of traditional architecture and rivers.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

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.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

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.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

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.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

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.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

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.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

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.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

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.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

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.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

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.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Hongcun and Xidi villages, UNESCO World Heritage sites known for their well-preserved ancient architecture.
  • The scenic Jiuhua Mountain, a Buddhist holy site located a few hours from Tunxi.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops are common in Tunxi Old Street and other major attractions. Popular souvenirs include Anhui tea, ink stones, Huizhou carvings, and traditional textiles.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

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.