I thought Hongcun was beautiful enough! Until I stumbled upon the free "Xixinan"

No one told me Huangshan has such a fairy-tale ancient village! It's free and less crowded, every snapshot looks like a Jiangnan ink painting!

🌟Must-visit photo spots (with tips)

1. Fengyanglin Wetland: Head here first when you enter the village! The creek water is super clear, perfect for wading in summer. At 4 PM, the sunlight sparkles on the water like scattered diamonds✨ (wear light-colored clothes for better photos, and remember to bring mosquito repellent)
2. Lvriao Pavilion: A century-old pavilion hidden in an alley, with green tiles and white walls paired with an ancient tree nearby. Stand on the stone steps and shoot your back for an instant ancient-style heroine look📸
3. Xixinan Village Alleys: Any old alley you wander into is full of charm, with weathered walls, hanging red lanterns, and small flowers at villagers’ doorsteps. The everyday life vibe is super healing~

🚗Transportation Guide

- Take the high-speed train to "Huangshan North Station," then a 20-minute taxi ride directly to the village (about 30 RMB), which is half the distance compared to going to Hongcun!
- If driving, navigate directly to "Xixinan Ancient Village." There is a free parking lot at the village entrance, very convenient.

🍜What to eat (about 30 RMB per person to eat until full)

- At the village entrance, the "Farmhouse Local Cuisine" must-try dishes are stinky mandarin fish and Mao tofu. The owner grows fresh vegetables themselves.
- The "Handmade Rice Cake" in the alley is a must-try! Soft, glutinous, and sweet, 5 RMB for a big piece, perfect as a snack.

⚠️Tips to avoid pitfalls

1. The entire village is free to enter, no tickets! If someone tries to lure you saying "I'll take you to a paid area," just walk away.
2. It’s recommended to spend 3-4 hours here. Visit before 10 AM or after 3 PM to avoid the midday sun.
3. There aren’t many commercial shops in the village. If you want milk tea, bring your own to better enjoy the natural atmosphere.

If you want to escape crowded popular spots, Xixinan is definitely the right choice! Sitting under the Fengyang trees listening to the creek, even time seems to slow down.