Things to do in Shaowu

When visiting Fuzhou, a leisurely stroll through the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys is a must. Walking on the cool cobblestone streets, looking up at the staggered saddle-shaped walls, white walls and gray tiles, you'll see the quintessential old Fuzhou. No need to rush to see the must-see spots; just wander into any alley, and you'll find ancient houses and courtyards brimming with stories. The streets are bustling with the aroma of everyday life—meat dumplings, fish balls, and peanut soup fill the air—a truly blissful experience as you stroll and savor the delicious treats.

Qiandao Lake's charm lies in its expansive and expansive island layout, clean water, and strong sense of natural beauty, making it ideal for leisurely vacations and road trips around the lake. Taking a boat to the islands is a unique feature, but the boat routes are fixed, and long queues at the docks can occur during holidays. The attractions are scattered, making it inconvenient without a car. The overall pace is relaxed, not suitable for those seeking a dense itinerary; those who prefer lake views, leisurely walks, and a slower pace will enjoy it.

Teacher Xiaoyu's explanation was excellent. She really wanted to tell us about the treasures of the Jiangxi Provincial Museum in a short time. You could feel her passion for her work. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to hear her explanation.

It's worth a visit. The scenic area is large, and there are park bus stops that stop at each attraction, which is very convenient. Since I went during the off-season, the experience was still quite good.

📍Location: Huizhou District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. A national 5A-level scenic spot and a national historical and cultural village, belonging to the ancient villages of Huizhou in southern Anhui. Famous saying: "Visit Chengkan, and your life will be free of obstacles." Originally named Longxi, it was first built in the Eastern Han Dynasty, about 1800 years ago. Zhu Xi praised it: "Chengkan, the village of two sages, is the number one village in Jiangnan." Key attractions: 1. Luodongshu Ancestral Hall (Baolun Pavilion) | Top priority. Known as the number one ancestral hall in Jiangnan, it is one of the two national protected sites in the village and a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty ancestral halls. 1. **Hall 1:** Four massive golden nanmu pillars inside the hall, with Ming Dynasty painted beams—the ceiling of this ancient Huizhou building is a must-see. 2. **Yongxing Lake:** A lake at the village entrance, reflecting the white walls and black tiles, perfect for daytime photos; also the main venue for the fish lantern parade, creating a strong atmosphere at night. 3. **Bagua Gate:** A popular photo spot, a filming location for the TV series "Joy of Life," featuring an arched gate; great for creating depth-of-field shots with a telephoto lens. 4. **Changchun Society:** One of the oldest existing community houses in Huizhou, used for worshipping the land and grains, a remnant from the Song Dynasty. 5. **Huanxiu Bridge, Autumn Harvest Square, and Numerous Ming and Qing Dynasty Residences:** Over 150 ancient buildings from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties are preserved. The number of Ming Dynasty buildings is among the highest in southern Anhui. Ancient bridges, wells, and watchtowers are scattered throughout the village, giving it a more vibrant, lived-in atmosphere than Hongcun and Xidi, while attracting fewer tourists. **Reminder:** Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours during the day; for a more leisurely stroll and photo opportunity, an overnight stay is recommended.

It's great, but you need to allow enough time for the bullet train. The best arrangement is to plan all activities in the morning, take the cable car up the mountain, then the bullet train, followed by the high-speed rail, have lunch in Dajue Town, and go rafting in the afternoon. One day is just right. The local bread is really delicious; I thought I bought too much when I bought it, but then I realized I bought too little! 😀

Kaiyuan Temple, a thousand-year-old temple, boasts imposing twin pagodas and towering banyan trees, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Just a wall away lies West Street, a vibrant hub of activity, with its exquisitely carved ancient buildings that blend the diverse cultures of the Maritime Silk Road, making it a worthwhile destination to savor and appreciate the rich heritage of Quanzhou.

My initial impression of Huizhou was breathtaking, especially its architecture. However, after visiting the ancient city, Qiankou residences, and then Xidi and Nanping, I wasn't as impressed. I recommend visiting Xidi; Nanping is quite remote and difficult to access, especially on the return trip.

I took a two-day road trip to Lishui with friends. On the second afternoon, we went to Yunhe Terraces. We drove there ourselves, so we didn't have to take the scenic area shuttle bus. First stop: Jiuqu Yunhuan (Nine-Bend Cloud Ring). Vast terraced fields, golden yellow in autumn, absolutely stunning! Second stop: Kenggen Stone Village (Kenggen Stone Village). A centuries-old stone-walled village. And Baiyin Valley. We didn't have enough time, so we skipped Qixingdun.