Tunxi

屯溪

Gateway town to Huangshan, preserving authentic Ming and Qing architecture along Lao Jie (Old Street) with traditional shops and teahouses. An excellent base for mountain trekking with charming riverside setting.

Things to do

• Explore Lao Jie (Old Street) — Walk the beautifully preserved Ming and Qing dynasty street lined with traditional wooden-fronted shops, antique dealers, teahouses, and local artisans selling ink, brushes, and paper.
• Visit Huangshan Scenic Area — Trek to China's most famous granite peaks with cable cars, stone pathways, and sunrise views from cloud-shrouded summits just 1.5 hours north of Tunxi.
• Wander Tunxi Riverside Promenade — Stroll along the scenic Xin'an River waterfront at dusk, enjoying evening light reflecting off traditional architecture and local evening markets.
• Tour the Anhui Museum of Wooden Carvings — Admire intricate wooden architectural elements, roof ornaments, and furniture salvaged from local Ming and Qing buildings throughout the region.
• Browse Antique Teahouse Culture — Spend an afternoon in a traditional teahouse sampling local Keemun black tea or Huangshan Maofeng green tea while observing calligraphy artists and local regulars.
• Visit Tangxi Ancient Village — Explore this well-preserved Qing-era village 15km south with ancestral halls, narrow lanes, and a slower pace reflecting old Anhui merchant culture.

Food to try

• Huangshan Maofeng Tea — The region's prized green tea with delicate chestnut flavor, best enjoyed fresh in local teahouses or purchased directly from Lao Jie shops for its fresh vegetal aroma.
• Stone Frog (石蛙) — Local mountain frog caught from Huangshan streams, braised in clay pots with ginger and mushrooms, considered a regional delicacy.
• Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) — Fermented tofu squares fried until crispy outside and creamy inside, served with spicy dipping sauce at street stalls throughout Lao Jie.
• Huangshan Bamboo Shoots (笋) — Tender spring bamboo shoots grilled or braised in clay vessels, a seasonal specialty reflecting the mountain's culinary tradition.
• Xin'an River Fish (新安江鱼) — Freshwater fish steamed whole with Huangshan peppers and Keemun vinegar, highlighting local river ingredients and regional spice profiles.
• Tunxi Sesame Candy (芝麻糖) — Traditional brittle made with sesame seeds and malt syrup, sold in small wrapped portions at historic sweet shops on Lao Jie.

Local customs & good to know

• Tea ceremony etiquette — When invited to tea, tap your fingers on the table as a silent thank-you when the server pours; refusing tea outright is considered rude, so accept at least a small cup.
• Respect for antique dealers — Lao Jie merchants take pride in authenticity and historical knowledge; asking questions shows respect, but aggressive bargaining on genuine antiques may offend long-established shop owners.
• Mountain hiking preparation — Locals expect visitors to Huangshan to start early (5am+) to catch sunrise; wearing proper hiking shoes is essential as stone steps are steep and weather changes rapidly.
• Photography permissions — Always ask before photographing shop interiors, elderly locals, or family-run teahouses, as many residents value privacy and traditional spaces should be approached respectfully.