Opera, ink painting, poetry, song, film… These are just some of the art forms that have been heavily influenced by the rugged landscapes of the Anhui province. Picturesque ancient villages huddled in the shadows of mountain peaks are a quintessential Chinese vista worthy of excessive camera-snapping. The Huangshan Mountains are the supreme drawcard of the province (with no arguments against as to why), but be sure to check out some of the other countless mountain peaks scattered throughout the province.
Hefei
The laid-back provincial capital of Anhui, Hefei is a lovely city blessed with expansive waterways and flora. Casual strolls exploring the city gardens and architecture will suffice for most, but be sure to pay a visit to Sanhe Ancient Town. The stone paved streets here have passed through over 2,500 years of history, and walking amongst the distinctive Hui-style buildings is sure to leave an impression of what ancient life here felt like. Pay a visit to the Li Hongzhang Memorial Residence for a taste of ancient aristocratic life.
Huangshan
Of all the towering mountain ranges and peaks in Anhui, one still stands head and shoulders above them all: Huangshan. This is Anhui. Scaling the Huangshan Mountains is an absolute must (not just for international tourists, but for many Chinese in general), and a sunrise over a spectacular sea of clouds easily justifies this necessity. Mount Huangshan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has inspired countless generations of poets, painters and artists from all walks of life. The mountains here are a true marvel of mother nature’s own artistry, and as an ancient Chinese proverb professes: “You would not want to visit any other mountains after visiting Huangshan”. Dramatic pine forest, piercing peaks and misty clouds await (pack the camera, you’ll need it).
Whilst in the Huangshan Mountains, be sure to pay a visit to Feitsui Valley: canyon splitting streams, colourful pools and waterfalls grace the area. Scenes from one of China’s most famous movies, ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, were filmed in the Feitsui Valley.
Huangshan is also the motherland of Anhui’s most fabulous ancient towns. The distinctive whitewashed walls and black-tiled roofs of Hongcun Village make for a screaming-to-be-photographed scene of nature/architecture augmentation. The exquisite craftsmanship of Xidi Village is also a photographers wonderland.
Wuhu
Located in the south of the province, Wuhu is one of the rare flatter plains of Anhui. Wuhu is a quaint city of narrow lanes and buzzing night stall vendors. Located in Wuhu city, Jiuzi Old Town is a cluster of traditional style buildings. Split by a running river, the old town is a perfect combination of Huizhou (local ancient) architecture and dynamic nightlife (snacks, bars hotels and all).
Head just out of the city to the Maren Qifeng Scenic Area. The scenic area is dominated by two different mountains, both of which are connected by a 200 meter high and 200 meter long glass bridge…
Anqing
Located in south west Anhui, Anqing is famed as one of the birthplaces of Chinese opera. Towering peaks, hidden caves and rustic cultural sites welcome visitors to this region. Our picks for the region are (you guessed it) mountains. Tianzhu Mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage geopark boasting stupendous bolder-clinging scenery. The mountain is also a Neolithic site, with 1,200 year old stone inscription in some areas.
Mingtang Mountain with its unusual rock formations and photogenic silhouettes cap-off the mountainous highlights of the area.
Chizhou
The region has a deep cultural heritage, boasting a unique Buddhist, poetry, drama and tea culture. In no small-part due to the splendid landscape, Chizhou is actually the birthplace of many ancient Chinese poets. Mount Jiuhua is one of the four great Buddhist mountains in China, with time-enduring Buddhist architecture and customs on show. The archaeological relics found here are worth the visit alone (but the heavenly views suffice too).
Whilst in Chizhou, check out Shitai Guniu Peak and the impressive plant life on show there. Fuelled by rainfall and fertile soil, this mid-subtropical forest is an important reservoir of tree and fruit species in China.
