The Best Ink-Wash Jiangnan Scenery Spot

Chaji, a hidden gem ancient town in Jing County, is a must-visit! This thousand-year-old town preserves nearly 300 Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. Stroll along the bluestone paths and instantly travel back in time～ 🚶One-day tour route: 📍Longkou Old Street: Historical sites like Zhuangyuan Tower and Jinshi Gate let you feel the millennium-old cultural heritage. Don’t forget to check in at the century-old tofu shop on the corner, where freshly ground soy milk smells amazing! 📍Xuxi Riverside: There are many sketching spots along the river. Highly recommend the Yanyu Covered Bridge at Degongting House section, where you can capture stunning reflections on sunny days📸 📍Painter’s Village: Numerous art studios hide in the alleys. You might stumble upon the Chaji Oil Mill, a filming location for "A Bite of China." The 10 RMB per person oil pressing experience is super fun! 📍Erjia Ancestral Hall: The intricately carved gate tower of this Ming dynasty three-courtyard hall hides 108 different calligraphy styles of the character "Shou" (longevity). A must-see for fans of Huizhou architecture details! 🍜 Food Guide: ✅ Chaji Rice Noodles: Wang’s Rice Noodle Shop next to the old supply and marketing cooperative, paired with secret spicy sauce, is amazing ✅ Qin Fish Steamed Egg: At the riverside Qin Fish Shop, you can taste the local specialty Qin fish ✅ Osmanthus Rice Wine: Traditional brewery offers a cup for 5 RMB, perfectly paired with freshly fried stinky tofu 💡 Practical Tips: 1️⃣ The ticket costs 65 RMB but is well worth it. Arrive before 8 AM to enter the ancient town for free (before staff start work) 2️⃣ For self-driving, navigate to "Chaji Ancient Town Parking Lot." It’s about a 3-hour drive from Hefei 3️⃣ During sketching season (March-May / September-November), it’s recommended to stay overnight. The early morning mist in the ancient town is the real highlight