Top 10 must-see attractions in Anhui

Xidi Ancient Village

Xidi ancient village is situated at the foot of Huangshan Mountain's southern slope. [lotour. com]

Xidi ancient village is situated at the foot of Huangshan Mountain's southern slope. It was originally built during the reign of Emperor Huangyou (1049-1054) of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and rebuilt during the reign (1449-1457) of Emperor Jingtai of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Xidi village contains about 300 buildings in the Hui Style of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Brick and wood dominate, with exquisite stone archways, stone carvings, and stone-paved streets and courtyards. The most popular tourist attractions in Xidi village include Lingyun Pavilion, Ruiyu Pavilion, Cishi House, Daifu House, and Qingyun House.

Travel Tips:

Best time to visit: spring and autumn

Admission: 80 yuan

Getting there: bus from the Yi county bus station.

Chaohu Lake

Covering a circumference of 400 kilometers, Chaohu Lake is located in the middle of Anhui province. [ahnw. gov. cn]

Covering a circumference of 400 kilometers, Chaohu Lake is located in the middle of Anhui province. Shaped like a bird's nest, "Chaohu" means the nest lake. It is the fifth largest freshwater lake in China, and reputed as the "Oriental Geneva" for its location on the Golden Triangle of Anhui.

Chaohu Lake is famous for its landscape. The Gushan Island and the Laoshan Island, like two jewels, are embedded into the middle of the lake. Three hot springs surround the lake, namely Bantang Spring, Fragrant Spring and Tangchi Spring. And there are four national forestry parks and five water-eroded caves along the lakeside.

Travel Tips:

Best time to visit: All year except January and July

Admission: 40 yuan

Getting there: bus from Chaohu city center to the scenic spot.

Tianzhu Mountain

Tianzhu Mountain is located within the boundaries of Qianshan county, Anqing city of Anhui province. [yiqiyou. com]

Tianzhu Mountain is located within the boundaries of Qianshan county, Anqing city of Anhui province. Its highest peak is called "Tianzhu Peak", because it's like a giant pillar reaching into the sky.

There are 45 peaks, 17 ridges, 18 cliffs, 22 caves, 86 grotesque rocks, 18 waterfalls and 17 springs in the Tianzhu Mountain scenic areas. With towering pines, grotesque rocks, running waterfalls and springs, canyons, secluded caves, gorges and ancient mountain strongholds, the mountain is both imposing and tranquil.

Travel Tips:

Best time to visit: March to November

Admission: 150 yuan for the busy season (Mar. 16-Nov. 15), 110 yuan for other months

Getting there: bus from Hefei city, 60 yuan per person.