Hidden Gems of Xuancheng Revealed! A Hui-Style Ancient Village Unknown to 99% of Travelers, Breathtakingly Beautiful!

I. Must-Visit Attractions in Xuancheng 1. Jingting Mountain Highlights: Known as the "Poetry Mountain of Jiangnan," Li Bai once wrote here: "Gazing at each other without tiring, only Jingting Mountain remains." Activities: Hiking, visiting Taibai Tower and Yuzhen Princess Temple, ideal for culture and nature lovers. Ticket: Around ¥50 (discounts may apply during off-peak seasons). Transportation: Accessible by bus or taxi from downtown. 2. Taohua Tan (Peach Blossom Pond) Highlights: Famous from Li Bai's poem "To Wang Lun," the pond is crystal clear and especially stunning when peach blossoms bloom on both banks (March-April). Activities: Bamboo rafting, exploring ancient villages (Zhai Village), visiting Tage Ange Pavilion. Ticket: Around ¥60 (includes bamboo raft). Transportation: Direct buses from Xuancheng Bus Station to Taohua Tan Town in Jingxian County. 3. Zhaji Ancient Village Highlights: A well-preserved Ming-Qing era village with Hui-style architecture nestled by mountains and rivers, perfect for photography and sketching. Activities: Strolling on stone-paved paths, visiting Degong Hall and Honglou Bridge, experiencing slow living. Ticket: Around ¥65. Transportation: Take a minibus from Jingxian County (about 1 hour). 4. Longchuan Scenic Area (Jixi) Highlights: A 5A-rated site featuring Hu Clan Ancestral Hall (a national heritage site) and Yishi Shangshu Archway, showcasing the essence of Hui-style architecture. Activities: Exploring ancient ancestral halls, walking along Water Street, hiking Longxu Mountain. Ticket: Around ¥75. Transportation: Take high-speed rail to Jixi North Station, then transfer by bus or taxi. 5. Taiji Cave (Guangde) Highlights: One of East China's largest karst caves, warm in winter and cool in summer, with stunning stalactite formations. Activities: Cave exploration by boat, admiring "Taiji Murals" and other limestone landscapes. Ticket: Around ¥80 (includes boat ride). Transportation: Recommended to drive or take a taxi from Guangde County. II. Xuancheng Food Recommendations 1. Must-Try Local Dishes Jixi "Hu Shi Yipin Pot": A traditional Hui-style banquet dish with layered ingredients. Jingxian "Qinyu Steamed Egg": Steamed with local Qinyu fish, uniquely delicious. Shuiyang Three Treasures: Duck feet wrap, duck wings, and Shuiyang dried tofu—savory and perfect with rice. Jingde Big Pancake: Crispy outside, soft inside, filled with preserved vegetables or meat. 2. Snacks & Breakfast Jixi "Taguo": Similar to stuffed pies, recommended fillings include bamboo shoots and pickled vegetables. Ningguo Mountain Walnuts: A local snack, crispy and flavorful. Guangde "Haozi Baba": A seasonal treat around Qingming Festival, made with glutinous rice and mugwort. 3. Recommended Restaurants Downtown Xuancheng: Huishang Guli (time-honored Hui cuisine, ¥60-80 per person). Shuiyangjiang Road Snack Street (affordable night market). Jixi County: Laomo Hui Cuisine Restaurant (authentic "Hu Shi Yipin Pot"). III. Budget Accommodations 1. Downtown Xuancheng Home Inn·neo (Xuancheng Guogou Plaza Branch) Price: ¥150-200/night Pros: Convenient location near commercial areas. Hanting Hotel (Xuancheng Railway Station Branch) Price: ¥130-180/night Pros: Ideal for high-speed rail travelers. 2. Near Scenic Areas Zhaji Ancient Village: Zhaji Ancient Style Inn (¥100-150/night, traditional charm). Taohua Tan: Taohua Tan Youth Hostel (¥50-80/bed, great for backpackers). IV. Practical Tips 1. Transportation: Downtown attractions are accessible by bus or taxi; remote sites like Zhaji or Taiji Cave are best reached by car or private hire. High-speed rail connects directly to Jixi and Jingxian, with local transfers available. 2. Itinerary Suggestions: 2D1N: Jingting Mountain + downtown food + Taohua Tan. 3D2N: Add Zhaji Ancient Village or Longchuan Scenic Area. 3. Best Seasons: Spring (March-April) for peach blossoms and rapeseed flowers; autumn (October-November) for pleasant hiking weather. 4. Budget Reference: Approx. ¥200-300/day (including meals, accommodation, and tickets).