Nanjing to Shexian Two-Day Super Detailed Guide (Including Transportation/Itinerary/Must-See Highlights)

I. Transportation Methods (Nanjing → Shexian) - High-speed rail: Nanjing Railway Station/Nanjing South Railway Station → Shexian North Railway Station, approximately 2 hours total journey. After exiting the station, you can take a taxi or rent a car to the attractions, suitable for tourists who prefer speed and don't want to drive themselves. - Self-driving: Depart from Nanjing via Ningwu Expressway, Huyu Expressway, etc., approximately 3 hours total journey. High flexibility, can directly reach attractions like Yangchan Tulou and Shendu Pier, especially suitable for families or group travel. II. Two-Day Itinerary Planning Day 1: In-depth Tour of Cultural Heritage and Ancient Charm 1. Arrive in Shexian + Check-in: Prioritize accommodation near Doushan Street in the ancient city (such as the recommended "Yueqi Xishi Yinji"). Start the itinerary after dropping off luggage; you can explore the ancient city on foot. 2. Huizhou Ancient City (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM) - A free 5A scenic spot, one of China's four ancient cities. Focus on exploring Ming and Qing Ancient Street and Xu Guo Stone Archway. Walk on the bluestone paths to experience the ancient charm, suitable for street photography and cultural photos. - In the evening, you can eat local snacks in the ancient city. Find a good spot in advance to wait for the evening fish lantern parade (usually starts around 7:30 PM; the swaying lanterns create a wonderful atmosphere). 3. Xucun Village (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, recommended to visit in the morning) - A niche, original ecological ancient village with over 1800 years of history, known as "Huizhou's First Jinshi Village." Must-visit spots include Gaoyang Covered Bridge (ancient bridge reflected in the water, great for photos), Daguan Pavilion, and Wuma Archway. It's quiet with fewer crowds, allowing for an immersive experience of ancient village life. 4. Tangyue Memorial Archway Complex (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM) - Seven archways spanning the Ming and Qing dynasties, each with a story behind it. It's a living fossil of Huizhou culture and a filming location for the first episode of "Dream of the Red Chamber." You can follow a guide to learn about the history behind the archways and experience Huizhou merchant culture. Day 2: Healing Tour of Scenic Landscapes 1. Xin'an River Landscape Gallery (8:30 AM - 12:00 PM) - Navigate to "Shexian Shendu Pier," buy a boat ticket and go upstream (approx. 3 hours total journey). Along the banks are Huizhou-style villages, green mountains, and clear waters, like a moving landscape painting. The boat will stop at three villages where you can disembark to explore ancient villages and experience rural life. 2. Yangchan Tulou (1:30 PM - 3:30 PM) - A cluster of earthen buildings hidden deep in the mountains, built against the hillside. The red earthen walls against the green mountains create a vibrant, lived-in atmosphere. It's recommended to climb to the high observation deck for photos; light-colored clothing will make for better pictures. 3. Xiong Village Zhushan Academy (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM) - A low-key yet profound ancient academy that once produced a Qing Dynasty prime minister. The architecture retains its original structure, and the pond and ancient pavilion in the courtyard are elegant. It's suitable for quietly experiencing Huizhou academy culture before returning to Nanjing. III. Must-Try Food Recommendations - Main dishes: Stinky Mandarin Fish (firm texture, a Huizhou specialty, recommended at old-brand restaurants in the ancient city). - Snacks: Huangshan Small Shortbread (sweet and savory options, can be bought as souvenirs), Stone Cake (thin crust, ample filling, with pickled vegetable or meat filling options), Red Bean Fermented Rice (sweet and refreshing, suitable after meals). IV. Practical Travel Tips 1. Transportation: Shexian attractions are spread out. It is highly recommended to rent a car or self-drive, as public transportation is infrequent. Self-driving saves time, especially for Yangchan Tulou, which requires driving on winding mountain roads. 2. Photography: Huizhou Ancient City is suitable for ancient-style and cultural photos; for Xin'an River Landscape Gallery, choose a sunny day for brighter mountain and water colors; the afternoon light is best at Yangchan Tulou for more layered photos. 3. Notes: The fish lantern parade schedule is not fixed; you can ask your guesthouse owner in advance. For the Xin'an River boat tour, it's recommended to book tickets online in advance to avoid queuing. From the Yangchan Tulou parking lot to the observation deck, there's a short walk, so wear comfortable shoes.