About Xuancheng — A Traveler's Introduction
Xuancheng (宣城) is a distinctive destination in Anhui Province that offers travelers an authentic window into Chinese culture beyond the well-trodden paths of Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. The spiritual home of China's Four Treasures of the Study — inkstones, brushes, ink sticks, and the world-famous Xuan paper — set among misty mountains and pristine ancient Huizhou villages. Whether you're a history enthusiast tracing ancient dynasties, a food lover seeking authentic regional cuisine, or a nature photographer chasing dramatic landscapes, Xuancheng rewards curious travelers with experiences that feel genuinely discovered rather than packaged for mass tourism.
What sets Xuancheng apart is its blend of historical depth and living tradition. Unlike China's megacities where ancient heritage sometimes feels preserved behind museum glass, Xuancheng's historical sites remain woven into the fabric of daily life — locals still shop at century-old markets, practice tai chi at temple courtyards, and prepare dishes using recipes passed down through generations. The city's relatively low international tourist profile means you'll often have remarkable sites largely to yourself, with opportunities for spontaneous interactions that are increasingly rare in more popular destinations. For the independent traveler willing to venture slightly off the standard itinerary, Xuancheng offers some of the most rewarding travel experiences in Anhui Province. The city's compact scale, affordable prices, and genuine hospitality make it an ideal destination for culturally curious travelers seeking authentic encounters rather than polished tourist productions. Whether you spend one day or one week here, Xuancheng will deepen your understanding of China in ways that more famous destinations often cannot.
Top Attractions in Xuancheng
1. Jingting Mountain (敬亭山)
Jingting Mountain — 'Never Tire of Looking at Each Other'
Jingting Mountain ('Respectful Pavilion Mountain') rises 317 meters on Xuancheng's northern edge, a modest elevation with an outsized presence in Chinese literary imagination. Li Bai visited Jingting Mountain seven times and immortalized it in his poem 'Sitting Alone Facing Jingting Mountain' (独坐敬亭山): 'Flocks of birds fly high and vanish / A solitary cloud drifts away alone / Never tire of looking at each other — / Only Jingting Mountain and me' (相看两不厌，只有敬亭山). These four lines are among the most quoted in Chinese poetry, capturing the Taoist-Buddhist ideal of achieving spiritual communion with nature. The mountain features well-maintained hiking trails, ancient pavilions, and the Guangjiao Temple (广教寺), a Tang Dynasty Buddhist monastery. Stone tablets along the trails are inscribed with poems about the mountain by Li Bai, Bai Juyi, Han Yu, and other Tang masters. The Li Bai Pavilion at the summit is the perfect spot to contemplate the view and understand why this mountain so captivated China's greatest poet.
2. Xuan Paper Cultural Park (宣纸文化园)
Xuan Paper Cultural Park — UNESCO Heritage Handmade Paper
Xuancheng (specifically Jing County) produces Xuan paper (宣纸), the world's most famous handmade paper, used by Chinese calligraphers and painters for over 1,200 years. Designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009, Xuan paper is made from blue sandalwood bark and rice straw through an extraordinarily complex process involving over 100 steps and taking up to two years from raw material to finished paper. The resulting paper is so durable that properly stored Xuan paper artworks remain pristine after 1,000+ years. The Xuan Paper Cultural Park in Jing County offers the world's most comprehensive look at this craft. Visitors watch master papermakers at work — the dramatic 'sheet-forming' step where two artisans rhythmically dip a bamboo screen into a vat of pulp, forming each sheet with a hypnotic coordinated motion — and can try making their own sheet of paper. The museum displays Xuan paper works by China's greatest artists, explains the paper's unique properties, and traces its 1,200-year history.
3. Longchuan Ancient Village (龙川古村)
Longchuan — 1,000-Year-Old Huizhou Water Village
Longchuan is one of the finest preserved Huizhou-style ancient villages in southern Anhui, with a history stretching back over 1,600 years. The village is laid out along a gentle stream, with whitewashed walls, grey-tiled roofs, and elaborate carved wooden facades reflecting in the water — the quintessential Huizhou architectural aesthetic. The Hu Clan Ancestral Hall (胡氏宗祠), a magnificent Ming Dynasty structure, is the village centerpiece: its wooden beams, brackets, and doors are covered with intricate carvings of flowers, birds, mythical beasts, and historical scenes, executed with jaw-dropping craftsmanship. The village produced numerous imperial scholars — the Scholar's Archway (进士牌坊) commemorates the Hu family's remarkable record of producing 24 jinshi (the highest imperial examination degree) over successive generations. Longchuan is far less touristy than the UNESCO-listed Huizhou villages of Xidi and Hongcun (near Huangshan), offering a more authentic and peaceful experience of traditional Anhui village life.
4. Taiji Cave (太极洞)
Taiji Cave — Ancient Karst Cave with Underground River
Taiji Cave ('Supreme Ultimate Cave') is one of eastern China's largest show caves, with a documented history of visitation dating back 2,000 years — inscriptions on the cave walls confirm it was known during the Han Dynasty. The cave system extends for over 5 kilometers through dramatic limestone chambers, with about 2 kilometers developed for tourism. Visitors enter through a massive natural arch and walk (and boat, on the underground river section) past towering stalagmites, delicate soda-straw formations, flowstone 'waterfalls,' and the 'Taiji Stone,' a massive stalactite-stalagmite column in the main chamber. The underground river section, navigated by small boats, adds adventure to the caving experience. The constant 18°C cave temperature provides natural climate control. Surrounding the cave entrance, the above-ground scenic area features hiking trails through subtropical forest, a small lake with paddle boats, and a zip-line for those seeking thrills.
5. Zhangshan Grand Canyon (障山大峡谷)
Zhangshan Grand Canyon — Pristine Gorge with Hundred-Foot Waterfall
Zhangshan Grand Canyon cuts through the mountains of Jixi County, part of the same geological formation as the better-known Huangshan range. The 5-kilometer gorge features a series of waterfalls and emerald pools connected by a well-maintained boardwalk trail. The star attraction is the Hundred-Foot Waterfall (百丈岩), which plunges 60 meters down a sheer granite cliff face into a mist-filled pool — the spray creates constant rainbows on sunny days. The trail follows the canyon stream through bamboo groves, past odd-shaped granite boulders, and beneath moss-covered cliffs. Several natural swimming holes (clearly marked) offer refreshing dips in summer. The canyon is far less developed and crowded than Huangshan's popular trails, providing a genuine wilderness experience within easy reach of Xuancheng. The trail is moderate difficulty (3–4 hours round trip) with some steep sections.
6. Jing County Ancient Villages (泾县古村落)
Jing County Villages — Living Museums of Traditional Anhui Life
Beyond Xuan paper, Jing County preserves some of Anhui's most authentic ancient villages. Zhaji Ancient Village (查济古村) is the standout: a sprawling settlement of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture with over 100 well-preserved ancestral halls, temples, and courtyard homes connected by a network of stone-paved lanes and arched bridges over clear streams. Unlike the more polished Xidi and Hongcun, Zhaji remains a living village where residents still farm the surrounding terraced fields, dry vegetables on their doorsteps, and go about daily life with minimal concession to tourism. Artists and photographers love Zhaji for its authenticity. Huangtian Ancient Village (黄田古村), also in Jing County, features distinctive 'foreign-style' architecture — Qing Dynasty merchants returning from overseas trade built homes incorporating Western architectural elements into traditional Huizhou structures. Both villages offer farmhouse guesthouse accommodation and home-cooked meals featuring local specialties.
Recommended Itineraries for Xuancheng
1-Day Express Tour
If you only have one day in Xuancheng, focus on the absolute highlights. Start your morning early at Jingting Mountain — arrive by 8:00 AM to beat the crowds and enjoy the best light for photos. Spend 2–3 hours exploring this premier attraction thoroughly. For lunch, head to one of our recommended local restaurants to sample authentic Anhui cuisine. In the afternoon, visit Xuan Paper Cultural Park for another 2 hours, then wrap up your day at Longchuan Ancient Village as the afternoon light creates the best atmosphere. End your evening with a leisurely dinner sampling Xuancheng's signature dishes, followed by a stroll through the city center or along the riverfront to soak up the local atmosphere.
2-Day Cultural Deep Dive
With two days, you can truly immerse yourself in Xuancheng's culture and history. Day 1: Follow the 1-day express itinerary above to cover the must-see attractions. Day 2: Venture further afield to explore Taiji Cave, Zhangshan Grand Canyon. These sites offer a deeper understanding of Xuancheng's historical significance and natural beauty. Take your time — the slower pace allows you to notice architectural details, interact with locals, and discover hidden corners that rushed tourists miss. Consider hiring a local guide for the second day to unlock stories and historical context that guidebooks don't cover. End your second day with a visit to a local tea house or night market.
3-Day Complete Exploration
A three-day itinerary gives you the full Xuancheng experience at a relaxed pace. Day 1: Cover the downtown attractions: Jingting Mountain, Xuan Paper Cultural Park, Longchuan Ancient Village. Day 2: Dedicate to Taiji Cave, Zhangshan Grand Canyon — these sites are best enjoyed without rushing. Pack a picnic lunch or eat at local countryside restaurants near the attractions. Day 3: Explore the remaining attractions at your leisure. Use your final afternoon for souvenir shopping at local markets, revisiting your favorite spots, or simply relaxing at a scenic teahouse. For the adventurous, ask your hotel about off-the-beaten-path attractions or day trips to nearby villages and natural areas that most tourists never see.
How to Get to Xuancheng
- By High-Speed Rail (Recommended): Xuancheng Railway Station (宣城站) on the Shangqiu-Hangzhou HSR. Hangzhou: 1hr (¥70–100), Hefei: 1.5hr (¥95–130), Nanjing: 1.5hr, Shanghai: 2.5hr. Station in city center.
- By Conventional Train: Xuancheng Station also serves conventional trains. Extensive regional connections. Budget option for Anhui and Zhejiang travel.
- By Long-Distance Bus: Xuancheng Bus Station. Buses to all Anhui cities. Jing County buses (1hr, ¥20), Jixi County (1.5hr, ¥35), Huangshan (2hr, ¥50).
- By Air: Huangshan Tunxi International (TXN), ~1.5hr by road. Or Nanjing Lukou (NKG), ~2.5hr. Xuancheng airport under development.
- City Transportation: Public buses (¥1–2). Taxis start at ¥6. For countryside attractions (Jing County, Jixi, Guangde), hire a car with driver (¥400–500/day). Didi available in urban area.
🍜 Where to Eat in Xuancheng
🍜 Xuancheng Specialties — Local Cuisine Highlights
- Xuan Paper (宣纸): The world's finest handmade paper, used by China's greatest calligraphers and painters for centuries. Renowned for its strength, longevity (1,000+ years), and ability to absorb ink without bleeding. A sheet of premium Xuan paper can cost hundreds of yuan. Best at: Xuan Paper Cultural Park and Jing County paper workshops.
- Jixi Stinky Mandarin Fish (绩溪臭鳜鱼): The definitive Huizhou dish: mandarin fish is lightly fermented (the 'stink' is actually a complex umami aroma), then braised with bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and pork belly. The fish flesh separates into petal-like segments with a uniquely intense, savory flavor. Best at: Jixi County restaurants and Xuancheng Huizhou cuisine restaurants.
- Ningguo Walnuts (宁国山核桃): Small, intensely flavorful wild hickory nuts from Ningguo County's mountains. Candied with rock sugar or roasted with five-spice, they're an addictive local snack. Best at: Xuancheng markets and Ningguo specialty shops.
- Jing County Orchid Tea (泾县兰花茶): A rare green tea grown in Jing County's mountain tea gardens, named for its orchid-like fragrance. The leaves are hand-picked in early spring and processed using traditional methods. Best at: Jing County tea plantations and Xuancheng tea shops.
- Guangde Chestnut Cake (广德板栗糕): A traditional sweet from Guangde County: chestnut flour mixed with glutinous rice and sugar, steamed into dense, aromatic cakes with a texture somewhere between mochi and pound cake. Best at: Guangde County bakeries.
📍 Recommended Restaurants (with Addresses)
- Jingting Shan Zhuang (敬亭山庄): Restaurant at the foot of Jingting Mountain with terrace seating overlooking bamboo groves. Serves refined Huizhou cuisine: stinky mandarin fish, Li Bai's Drunken Chicken (marinated in Shaoxing wine), and seasonal bamboo shoot dishes.
📍 Address: Jingting Mountain Scenic Area entrance | ☎ 0563-302-8899 | ¥60–150/person | Open 10:30–21:00 - Huizhou Renjia (徽州人家): Xuancheng's most authentic Huizhou cuisine restaurant, decorated with antique Huizhou wood carvings and furniture. Their eight-treasure pork belly and stone-pot chicken soup are legendary among locals.
📍 Address: 126 Zhuangyuan Road, Xuanzhou District | ☎ 0563-303-6688 | ¥70–160/person | Open 11:00–22:00 - Jixi Farmhouse Kitchen (绩溪土菜馆): Casual restaurant specializing in Jixi County's rustic cuisine. The clay pot rice with cured meats, wild vegetable stir-fries, and homemade tofu are standout dishes.
📍 Address: 58 Jinxiu Road, Xuanzhou District | ☎ 0563-301-2233 | ¥30–70/person | Open 10:00–21:00 - Longchuan Village Restaurant (龙川人家): Family-run restaurant within Longchuan Ancient Village, cooking with ingredients from their own garden. The braised free-range chicken and stream fish are prepared to order and exceptional.
📍 Address: Longchuan Ancient Village, Jixi County | ☎ 0563-839-5566 | ¥40–100/person | Open 9:00–19:30 - Xuan Paper Teahouse (宣纸茶楼): Unique fusion concept: a teahouse and restaurant within the Xuan Paper Cultural Park where all dishes are served on handmade Xuan paper placemats. Light meals, local teas, and a small gallery of Xuan paper art.
📍 Address: Xuan Paper Cultural Park, Jing County | ☎ 0563-502-1234 | ¥40–90/person | Open 9:00–17:30
💰 Budget Planning
Xuancheng offers exceptional value. Attractions ¥40–90, excellent local meals ¥30–70. A weekend trip covering Xuancheng city, Jing County's paper culture, and one ancient village comfortably fits within ¥500–800.
Budget Traveler: ¥150–250/day
Budget hotel (¥100–180/night). Local restaurants and street food (¥50–80/day). Public transport. Attractions ¥120–200 total.
Mid-Range Traveler: ¥350–600/day
Comfortable hotel (¥250–400/night). Huizhou cuisine dining (¥120–200/day). Private car for countryside day trip (¥400–500/day). Xuan paper workshop experience.
Premium Traveler: ¥700–1,200/day
Boutique guesthouse in ancient village (¥400–600/night). Private guide specializing in Huizhou culture. Premium Xuan paper purchase. Multi-course Huizhou banquet.
🌤️ Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (March–May): Best Season. Jing County tea harvest (April). Jingting Mountain surrounded by spring greenery. Ancient villages amid blossoming rapeseed fields. Pleasant hiking temperatures. Li Bai poetry festivals in April.
☀️ Summer (June–August): Lush Mountains. Zhangshan Canyon waterfalls at full flow. Taiji Cave's 18°C offers natural cooling. Mountain bamboo forests provide shade. Afternoon thunderstorms common.
🍂 Autumn (September–November): Stunning. Jingting Mountain autumn colors. Xuan paper production at its peak (best weather for drying paper sheets). Ancient villages amid golden rice harvest. Huizhou Cultural Festival in October.
❄️ Winter (December–February): Quiet Beauty. Ancient villages under dusting of snow are magical. Taiji Cave warm refuge. Xuan paper workshops offer winter demonstrations. Lowest prices and fewest tourists.
💡 Practical Travel Tips
- Buy Xuan paper at the source: Xuan Paper Cultural Park sells authentic, certified Xuan paper. Prices range from ¥50 for a small pack of practice sheets to ¥5,000+ for premium artist-grade paper. The park shop is reliably authentic.
- Ancient villages are the real draw: Xuancheng's greatest treasures are its Huizhou villages — Longchuan, Zhaji, Huangtian. They're less famous than Xidi/Hongcun but equally beautiful and far less crowded with tour groups.
- Xuancheng as Huangshan gateway: Xuancheng is an excellent alternative base for visiting the cultural side of the Huangshan region, with cheaper accommodation and excellent HSR connections. Combine Xuancheng's paper culture with Huangshan's mountain scenery for a perfect 5-day southern Anhui itinerary.
- Paper-making workshop: The hands-on paper-making experience at the Cultural Park (¥30) lets you make your own sheet of Xuan paper. It's harder than it looks and deeply satisfying.
- Best photo spots: Jingting Mountain's summit pavilion at sunrise, Longchuan Village's stream with white-walled houses reflected at golden hour, and Zhaji Ancient Village's arched bridges in morning mist are the top photography locations.
- Combine with Huangshan: Xuancheng + Huangshan + Hongcun/Xidi is the classic southern Anhui circuit. Xuancheng offers the cultural depth (paper, ink, ancient villages) while Huangshan delivers the epic mountain scenery. Budget 5-7 days for the complete experience.
- Bus 101 to Jing County: From Xuancheng Bus Station, Bus 101 departs every 30 minutes to Jing County (1hr, ¥20) — your gateway to Xuan Paper Cultural Park and Zhaji Ancient Village. The bus is comfortable and air-conditioned.
Nearby Destinations in Anhui
Travel Essentials for Visiting Xuancheng
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable weather for exploring Xuancheng. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is cold but offers fewer crowds and lower prices. Check the seasonal highlights section above for month-by-month guidance.
Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language. English is not widely spoken outside of major hotel chains, so downloading a translation app (such as Pleco, Google Translate with offline Chinese pack, or Baidu Translate) before your trip is highly recommended. Learning a few basic phrases — "ni hao" (hello), "xie xie" (thank you), "duo shao qian" (how much) — will be greatly appreciated by locals.
Currency & Payments: China uses the Renminbi (RMB/CNY). While cash is still accepted everywhere, mobile payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate daily transactions. International visitors can now link foreign credit cards to Alipay (set up before arriving in China). Carry some cash (¥500–1,000) as backup for small street vendors and rural areas. ATMs accepting foreign cards are available at major bank branches.
Internet & Connectivity: Many Western websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter/X) are blocked in China. Purchase an eSIM or VPN service before arriving — VPNs cannot be downloaded once inside China. Local SIM cards from China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom are available at airports and official stores (bring your passport). Free WiFi is common in hotels and cafes, but requires a Chinese phone number for registration.
Getting Around: Didi (China's Uber equivalent) is the most convenient way to navigate Xuancheng. Download the app before your trip — it has an English interface and accepts international credit cards when linked properly. For non-Chinese speakers, Didi's built-in messaging translation feature is a lifesaver — drivers will send you messages in Chinese, and the app translates them to English automatically. Public buses are affordable (¥1–2 per ride) and cover all major routes, but announcements and route information are in Chinese only — having your destination written in Chinese characters is essential. If you're visiting multiple countryside attractions, hiring a private car through your hotel for the full day (typically ¥350–500) is often more cost-effective and far less stressful than coordinating multiple Didi rides to remote locations. Taxis are plentiful and metered with starting fares of ¥6–8; always have your destination address written in Chinese to show the driver. For day trips to countryside attractions outside the city center, consider hiring a private car with driver through your hotel or via Didi's 'rent a car' feature (typically ¥350–500 for a full day). Electric scooters and shared bicycles are available through apps like Meituan and HelloBike, though you'll need a Chinese payment method to unlock them.
Health & Safety: Xuancheng is generally very safe for tourists with low crime rates. Tap water is NOT safe to drink — always use bottled or boiled water. Carry tissues and hand sanitizer, as public restrooms may not provide toilet paper or soap. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is strongly recommended. Pharmacies (药店) are widely available; look for the green cross sign. Major hospitals have international departments, though English-speaking staff may be limited in smaller cities like Xuancheng.
What to Pack for Xuancheng
- Comfortable walking shoes: You will walk extensively — ancient city walls, mountain trails, temple complexes, and sprawling museums all demand comfortable footwear. Break in new shoes before your trip.
- Weather-appropriate layers: Xuancheng experiences distinct seasons. Spring and autumn call for light layers (a jacket for evenings), summer requires breathable fabrics and sun protection, and winter demands a proper coat, gloves, and thermal layers — temperatures can drop below freezing.
- Portable power bank: Your phone is your map, translator, camera, and payment device. A high-capacity power bank (10,000mAh+) is essential for full-day excursions. Bring your charging cable and a universal travel adapter.
- Pocket tissues & hand sanitizer: Public restrooms frequently lack toilet paper and soap. Carry a small pack of tissues and alcohol-based hand sanitizer at all times — you will use them daily.
- Photocopies of passport & visa: Keep digital and physical copies of your passport photo page and Chinese visa separate from the originals. Hotels are required to register foreign guests with local police — having copies speeds up check-in.
- Small daypack: A lightweight backpack is invaluable for carrying water, snacks, camera gear, and layers during day trips. Look for one with anti-theft features (locking zippers, hidden pockets).
- Medications & first aid: Bring any prescription medications in their original containers with a doctor's note. Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamines, and motion sickness pills are wise additions — pharmacy brands in China differ from Western equivalents.
- Reusable water bottle with filter: Since tap water is not potable, a reusable bottle with a built-in filter (like LifeStraw or Grayl) will save money, reduce plastic waste, and ensure you always have safe drinking water. Bottled water is widely available, but single-use plastic waste is a serious environmental concern in China.
- Small gifts from home: If you plan to interact extensively with locals — homestays, guided tours, tea house visits — small tokens from your home country (postcards, souvenir pins, packaged candies) are deeply appreciated. Gift-giving is an important part of Chinese social culture, and presenting a small gift when invited to someone's home or after receiving exceptional service is considered polite.
- Hotel address card in Chinese: Before leaving your hotel each day, take a business card from the front desk (or ask staff to write the hotel's name and address in Chinese on a slip of paper). If your phone dies, you get lost, or you need to show a taxi driver where you're staying, this card is your guaranteed way home. Most hotels have these cards ready at reception — just ask.