Tunxi Ancient Street is located in Tunxi District of Huangshan City, Anhui Province, and is one of the best-preserved historic streets in China. With a history spanning more than 2,200 years, Tunxi has long been an important political, cultural, and commercial center in southern Anhui.
During the Qin and Han dynasties, an administrative area was established here. During the Three Kingdoms period, General Mao Gan of the Kingdom of Wu once stationed troops in Tunxi, and the name “Tunxi” gradually became associated with the area.
Today, Tunxi serves as the seat of the Huangshan Municipal Government and is an important tourist center for exploring Mount Huangshan and Huizhou culture.
Tunxi – A Picturesque River Town with Huizhou Heritage
Tunxi is a beautiful hill town surrounded by natural scenery. The green Huashan Hill and Yangmei Hill stand across the city, while the Xin’an River, formed by the meeting of the Hengjiang River and Shuai Shui River, flows through the urban area.
Because of its river landscape, Tunxi is also known as a charming river town. Today, it is recognized as a garden city and the tourism hub of southern Anhui.
Throughout history, Tunxi occupied an important strategic location. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, when Huizhou merchants reached their peak prosperity, Tunxi developed into a thriving commercial center, connecting trade routes and cultural exchanges throughout the region.
Tunxi Ancient Street – A Living Museum of Ming and Qing Culture
Tunxi Ancient Street is also known as “Song Town”, reflecting its traditional architectural style and historical atmosphere. The ancient street is one of the most famous historic districts in China and preserves the appearance of a traditional commercial street from ancient times.
The approximately one-mile-long stone-paved street winds through the center of Tunxi. Both sides are lined with traditional buildings featuring classic Ming and Qing Dynasty architectural styles, including:
* Elegant halls
* Delicate pavilions
* Carved wooden doors and windows
* Black-tiled roofs
* Whitewashed walls
Together with the nearby Xin’an River, the street provides visitors with a vivid picture of social life during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Due to its authentic historical atmosphere, Tunxi Ancient Street has also become a popular filming location. More than 20 films and television dramas based on traditional Chinese stories have been filmed here.
Historic Figures and Cultural Treasures of Tunxi
Tunxi has been the birthplace and home of many famous historical figures. Important cultural attractions include:
* Former Residence of Cheng Dawei – Home of the famous Ming Dynasty mathematician known for his contributions to Chinese mathematics.
* Former Residence of Cheng Minzheng – Residence of the renowned Ming Dynasty scholar and writer.
* Dai Zhen Memorial Museum – Dedicated to the famous Qing Dynasty philosopher.
Tunxi is also famous for traditional handicrafts, especially Huizhou ink sticks, one of China’s most treasured cultural products. The local ink stick factory preserves more than 7,800 traditional ink-making molds, many of which are regarded as national cultural treasures.
Local Products and Best Time to Visit Tunxi
Tunxi is not only a historical destination but also a great place to experience traditional Anhui culture. Famous local products include:
* Tunlu Tea
* Qimen Black Tea (Qihong)
* Taiping Houkui Tea
* Huangshan Maofeng Tea
* Huizhou Ink Sticks
* She Ink Slabs
* Traditional lacquerware
* Bamboo weaving crafts
Together with ink sticks and ink slabs, these traditional crafts represent important elements of China’s Four Treasures of the Study culture.
With a mild climate and pleasant weather throughout the year, Tunxi is suitable for travel in every season. As the gateway to the world-famous Mount Huangshan, Tunxi Ancient Street is an ideal starting point for travelers exploring Huangshan’s natural scenery and Huizhou cultural heritage.
Why Visit Tunxi Ancient Street?
Tunxi Ancient Street offers a unique combination of history, architecture, traditional culture, and local lifestyle. Walking through its ancient stone lanes, visitors can experience centuries of commercial history and admire the elegant beauty of Huizhou architecture.
For travelers visiting Huangshan Mountain, Tunxi Ancient Street is an unmissable cultural attraction and the perfect introduction to the history and traditions of southern Anhui.