Longchuan Scenic Area is located in Jixi County, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area features Hui-style architecture and natural landscapes, covering an area of approximately 3.5 square kilometers. The core area contains over 30 ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including ancestral halls, memorial archways, and traditional residences that are typical of Hui-style architecture. Longchuan Village has a history of more than 1,600 years and is known as the "First Ancient Village of Huizhou".
History and Culture
Longchuan Village was established during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, with a history spanning over 1,600 years. It is an ancient settlement where the Hu clan lived together as a family group. The Hu Clan Ancestral Hall in the village was built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty and is one of the largest and best-preserved ancestral halls in Huizhou, renowned as the "First Ancestral Hall of Jiangnan".
Longchuan has produced many outstanding figures throughout history, including Hu Fu, Minister of Revenue, and Hu Zongxian, Minister of War during the Ming Dynasty, both from the Hu clan of Longchuan. The village has a strong literary tradition, with 24 jinshi (metropolitan graduates) and 68 juren (provincial graduates) throughout history, earning it the reputation of "Village of Jinshi".
The architectural layout of Longchuan reflects typical Huizhou feng shui concepts. The entire village resembles a sailing ship, symbolizing "smooth sailing". The water system surrounding the village forms a "water street" landscape, embodying the Huizhou people's residential philosophy of "harmony between man and nature".
Main Attractions
Hu Clan Ancestral Hall
The Hu Clan Ancestral Hall was built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, covering an area of 1,729 square meters with three courtyards and seven bays. It is a model of Huizhou ancestral hall architecture. The hall features exquisite wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone carvings, with the "Lotus Pillar" and "Hundred Deer" wood carvings being particularly famous.
Yishi Shangshu Archway
The Yishi Shangshu Archway was built in the 41st year of Jiajing (1562) to commemorate Hu Fu, Minister of Revenue, and Hu Zongxian, Minister of War. The 10-meter-high archway has four pillars, three gates, and five stories, with exquisite stone carvings, representing a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty stone archways.
Longchuan Water Street
Longchuan Water Street runs along the Longchuan River for about 600 meters, with ancient residences on both banks and winding flagstone paths. There are more than ten ancient bridges on the water street, forming a typical Jiangnan water town landscape of "small bridges, flowing water, and households".
Hu Zongxian's Former Residence
Hu Zongxian's Former Residence was built in the Ming Dynasty and is a typical Hui-style residential building. The residence has three courtyards and two skywells, with halls such as the "Qing Shen Hall", showcasing the living scenes of Ming Dynasty officials and Hu Zongxian's historical deeds in resisting Japanese pirates.
Cuisine
Jixi Taguo
Jixi Taguo is a local traditional snack made with rice flour skin wrapped with pickles, dried tofu and other fillings, fried until golden and crispy, with a crispy outside and tender inside, savory and delicious.
Hu Shi Yipin Pot
Hu Shi Yipin Pot originates from Jixi traditional hot pot, using local ingredients such as free-range chicken, ham, and dried bamboo shoots, slowly stewed to create a delicious and flavorful soup. It is said to be the favorite hometown dish of Mr. Hu Shi.
Huizhou Hairy Tofu
Huizhou Hairy Tofu is a specialty fermented soybean product with white mycelium on the surface. After frying, it becomes crispy outside and tender inside, with a unique aroma, often served with chili sauce.
Ticket Information
The ticket price for Longchuan Scenic Area is 75 yuan per person, with half-price discounts available for students and seniors. The scenic area is open daily from 8:00 to 17:00, and the recommended visiting time is 3-4 hours.
Recommended Tour Route
Recommended tour route: Scenic area entrance → Yishi Shangshu Archway → Hu Clan Ancestral Hall → Hu Zongxian's Former Residence → Longchuan Water Street → Ancient Residential Complex → Exit. This route allows visitors to explore the main attractions in sequence and experience the architectural features and cultural heritage of the ancient Huizhou village.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Drive about 60 kilometers from Xuancheng city center along Provincial Highway S215 towards Jixi
- Public bus: Take the Longchuan Scenic Area shuttle bus from Jixi County, about 30 minutes
- High-speed rail: Take high-speed rail to Jixi North Station, then transfer to scenic area shuttle or taxi for about 15 minutes
Must-See Attractions
- Hu Clan Ancestral Hall - Model of Huizhou ancestral hall architecture with exquisite wood carvings
- Yishi Shangshu Archway - Masterpiece of Ming Dynasty stone archways with fine carvings
- Longchuan Water Street - Typical Jiangnan water town landscape with small bridges and flowing water
Travel Tips
- The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, avoiding the rainy season and extreme heat
- Consider hiring a guide to better understand Huizhou culture
- Wear comfortable shoes as the flagstone paths are uneven
- Bring sun protection as the summer sun can be intense
- Allow enough time for photography as the ancient architecture is very photogenic
Precautions
- Protect cultural relics and historic sites - do not touch carvings and murals
- Smoking and open flames are prohibited in the scenic area
- Maintain environmental hygiene and dispose of waste properly
- Be careful when walking on the wet flagstones of the water street
- Respect local customs and avoid loud noises