Visiting Chengkan: A Life Free of Trouble

| Discover a 1,800-Year-Old Ancient Village in Southern China. Visiting Chengkan: A Life Free of Trouble | Discover a 1,800-Year-Old Ancient Village in Southern China Hidden among the picturesque landscapes of southern Anhui Province lies Chengkan, an ancient village gently touched by time. With a history of over 1,800 years, it was praised by Zhu Xi as the "best village in southern China." The entire village was designed and built according to the principles of feng shui and the I Ching’s Bagua, featuring three streets and ninety-nine lanes that resemble a maze, earning it the reputation of "China's best feng shui village." Come to Chengkan, make a wish for a life free of troubles, and embark on a romantic journey through time. I. Basic Information - Address: Chengkan Village, Chengkan Town, Huizhou District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province - Tickets: 107 CNY/person. Tickets can be purchased in advance on major travel platforms or the "Chengkan Smart Travel" mini-program. Free admission on Wednesdays, but reservations must be made one day in advance through the mini-program. - Opening hours: 7:30 am to 5:00 pm II. Climate and Temperature Chengkan has a subtropical monsoon humid climate with four distinct seasons and moderate rainfall. The average annual temperature is 16°C (61°F), with the highest temperature around 40°C (104°F) and the lowest around -10°C (14°F). The average annual rainfall is 1,450 mm, with concentrated summer rains, frequent droughts in late summer and autumn, and less rain in winter. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Chengkan. In spring, the sea of rapeseed flowers complements the white walls and black tiles of the village, while in autumn, the Shaiqiu Square is a riot of color, and the climate is very pleasant. Although summer is hot, you can enjoy the lotus flowers, and in winter, you may have the chance to see the ancient village covered in snow, which has a unique charm. Remember to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack appropriate clothing. III. Transportation Guide - High-speed rail: Arrive at Huangshan North Station. From there, a 25-minute taxi ride will take you directly to Chengkan Scenic Area for about 45 CNY. You can also take a bus, which takes about an hour, but buses are infrequent, so pay attention to the timetable. - By car: Navigate directly to "Chengkan Scenic Area Parking Lot." The parking fee is 10 CNY per visit. The scenery along the way is beautiful, and you can stop to take photos at any time, but be careful driving as there are many curves on the mountain roads. - Transportation within the scenic area: The roads in Chengkan Ancient Town are narrow, so walking is the main mode of transportation. Driving inside the town is not recommended. IV. Tour Routes - Classic one-day tour route: - Morning: South Gate of the scenic area → Bagua Gate (take photos like those in the TV series Joy of Life) → Five Blessings Bridge → Shaiqiu Square (filming location of Where Are We Going, Dad?) → Ping'an Kan (meaning "visiting Chengkan for a life free of trouble") → Lingxiu Pavilion. - Lunch: Enjoy local cuisine at restaurants in the scenic area. - Afternoon: Xiawu → Yanyi Hall (ancestral home of Luo Pin, one of the "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou") → Zhongying Tower → Lodongshu Ancestral Hall (ancestral hall with a Huizhou-style ceiling, four golden nanmu pillars, and exquisite carved wooden caissons) → Changchun Temple → Huanxiu Bridge (a wooden bridge from the Yuan Dynasty offering panoramic views of the ancient village). - In-depth two-day tour route: - Day 1: Arrive in Chengkan in the morning, check in to your accommodation, and visit Yongxing Lake, where you can enjoy a boat ride. In the afternoon, follow the first half of the classic one-day tour route, and experience the night view of the ancient town in the evening. - Day 2: Get up early to enjoy the morning scenery of the ancient village, then follow the second half of the classic one-day tour route. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Tangmo Scenic Area or Xixinan Ancient Village. V. Nearby Attractions - Tangmo Scenic Area: About 15 minutes by car. This ancient village features waterside gardens and idyllic scenery, earning it the reputation of "China's best waterside garden village." The Jingting Pavilion in Tangan Garden houses calligraphy steles by famous artists from various dynasties, which are well worth seeing. - Xixinan Ancient Village: About 20 minutes by car. Known as the "Emerald City," this village features maple and poplar forests, streams, ancient bridges, and old houses, creating a picturesque landscape perfect for taking photos. - Huizhou Ancient City: About 30 minutes by car. One of the four best-preserved ancient cities in China, it boasts attractions such as the Xu Guo Stone Archway, Nanqiao Tower, and the Huizhou Prefecture Yamen, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. VI. Food Recommendations - Hairy Tofu: Covered in white filaments, it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside after being pan-fried. Dipped in a special sauce, it offers a delicious blend of bean and sauce flavors, making it a must-try snack in Chengkan. - Stinky Mandarin Fish: Smells stinky but tastes delicious. The fish meat is flaky and tender, with a unique flavor after special marination, leaving a lasting impression. - Huangshan Sesame Seed Cakes: Filled with preserved mustard greens and pork, these cakes have a crispy crust and a savory filling. Perfect as a snack to enjoy while strolling around. - Chengkan Guo: A local specialty with a crispy crust and a sweet filling. Available in various flavors, it represents the authentic culinary experience of the ancient village. - Huizhou Free-Range Chicken Soup: Made with free-range chickens raised by local farmers, the soup is clear and transparent, with fragrant and flavorful meat, rich in nutrients. VII. Accommodation Recommendations - Shude Hall Hotel: Overlooking Yongxing Lake, this hotel features Huizhou-style architecture, underfloor heating, and private hot springs. Enjoy a hot spring bath while watching the snow in winter or admire the lotus flowers and listen to the rain in summer. - Ancient Village Homestays: Experience the authentic village life by staying in a century-old house. At night, red lanterns reflect on the river surface, and the starry sky is visible overhead, creating a poetic atmosphere. - Hotels near the scenic area: If you prefer more comprehensive facilities and a more comfortable environment, hotels near the scenic area are also a good choice, offering convenient access to the attractions. VIII. Photo Spots - Bagua Gate: The iconic landmark of Chengkan, consisting of eight gatehouses symbolizing the Bagua symbol. Take photos like those in the TV series Joy of Life. - Shaiqiu Square: In autumn, the square is covered with colorful crops such as corn and chili peppers, creating a perfect backdrop for photos. In other seasons, there are decorations such as fish lanterns. The best panoramic view is from the second floor. - Yongxing Lake: In summer, lotus flowers are in full bloom, and you can take photos of the reflections of the lotus flowers and bridges from a boat. In winter, the withered lotus leaves and reeds offer a different kind of beauty. - Lodongshu Ancestral Hall: Take photos of the scenery outside through the windows from inside the hall, or take vertical photos of the carved stone window frames of the side doors, or capture the dappled light coming through the windows at noon. - Huanxiu Bridge: Standing on the bridge, with the white walls, black tiles, and distant mountains as the backdrop, you can capture a timeless atmosphere. IX. Important Notes ⚠️ - Anti-slip measures: The village has stone-paved roads, so be extra careful to avoid slipping on rainy days or when wearing high heels. - Tour guide services: Many villagers will offer tour guide services for around 20 CNY. You can politely decline if you don't need them. However, if you want to learn more about the history and culture of the ancient village, hiring a tour guide can be helpful. - Food and drinks: Food and drink options inside the scenic area are limited and relatively expensive. You can bring your own food and water. However, don't miss the local cuisine, so plan your meals accordingly. - Management issues: The management within the scenic area may not be perfect, such as irregular ticket checking and incomplete facilities. Be prepared for this in advance. - Respect local customs: Respect local customs and traditions during your visit. Protect the ancient buildings, do not scribble or graffiti, and do not touch cultural relics without permission.