Xuancheng

Xuancheng is a small city in southern Anhui that combines deep cultural heritage with mountain-and-water scenery. Li Bai climbed Jingting Mountain seven times and left behind the timeless line, “We gaze at each other, never tiring.” Below is a classic 3-day, 2-night travel guide covering the city’s cultural highlights as well as nearby ancient villages and landscapes.

3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Poetry Mountain and Urban Culture

In the morning, head to Jingting Mountain and check in at Taibai Duzuo Tower. In the afternoon, visit the Xuancheng Museum and Xie Tiao Tower, then watch the sunset at Wanling Lake in the evening. At night, go to Fazhi Road to try spicy glass noodles and xiaocai noodles. Recommended accommodation areas include Guogou Plaza or near Wanda.

• Day 2: Intangible Heritage and Ancient Village Wandering

In the morning, visit the China Xuan Paper Culture Park and try the paper-pulp lifting experience. In the afternoon, head to Taohua Tan to take in the poetic mood of “Peach Blossom Pool is a thousand feet deep.” Stay overnight at a guesthouse in Chaji Ancient Village and enjoy farmhouse dishes.

• Day 3: Ming-Qing Ancient Village and Return Trip

In the morning, stroll through Chaji Ancient Village and follow Xu Creek to admire its Ming and Qing dynasty architectural complex. In the afternoon, depending on your schedule, you can choose to visit the Wannan Sichuan-Tibet Route or return to the city for your onward journey.

Must-Visit Attractions

Must-Try Food List

Transportation and Accommodation Tips

• Transportation: Attractions in the urban area are clustered together, making taxis and buses very convenient. However, for surrounding counties and districts such as Jing County and Jixi, it is strongly recommended to drive yourself or hire a car, around 300 yuan per day. Public transport departures are limited, and some sections are mountain roads, so drive carefully.
• Accommodation: In the city, Guogou Plaza or the area near Wanda is the best choice, with convenient dining and transport. If you want to see morning mist at Taohua Tan or experience the night scenery of an ancient village, stay at a guesthouse around Chaji or Taohua Tan.

Pitfalls and Things to Note

• Ticket Discounts: Jingting Mountain offers free entry before 7 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Students can get half-price tickets at most attractions with a student ID, so be sure to carry it with you.
• Opening Hours: Xuancheng Museum and the Xuan Paper Culture Park are closed on Mondays, so confirm ahead of your trip.
• Spending Reminder: Do not buy the Four Treasures of the Study at high prices inside scenic areas, as markups are steep. For city snacks, try to go to Fazhi Road or places downstairs in residential neighborhoods, and avoid spending at internet-famous shops that aggressively solicit customers.