Shexian County
Shexian County boasts numerous attractions, including the renowned Huizhou Ancient City, Tangyue Archway Complex and Bao Family Garden, Chengkan Village, the Huizhou Merchants’ Grand Courtyard (Xiyuan), and the Xin’an River Scenic Gallery.
These sites exude quiet simplicity—free from gaudy lights and noisy crowds. Instead, they feature blue-tiled roofs, horse-head walls, and lattice windows with hanging eaves, creating an atmosphere so captivating that Shexian County is an absolute must-visit destination during your Huangshan travel.
Shexian County Facts
What to See & Do in Shexian County
Today, Shexian County offers travelers an unparalleled journey back in time, where ancient streets whisper tales of scholarly achievement and commercial success in Huizhou Ancient Town and Chengkan Village, and where masterful Huizhou architecture—from grand ancestral halls to intricate memorial archways in Tangyue Village—stands as a testament to a rich and enduring legacy. Your Huangshan tour experience is incomplete without exploring this cultural treasure trove.
Walk Through History in Huizhou Ancient Town
Huizhou Ancient Town, situated on the northern bank of the Lian River in SheXian County. It is the heart of SheXian County, a renowned historical and cultural city in China, and served as the seat of Huizhou Prefecture.Huizhou Ancient Town was founded during the Qin Dynasty. Since the Tang Dynasty, it has consistently served as the seat of government for the Hui Commandery, Prefecture, and Province. Consequently, the county seat and provincial seat coexisted within the same city walls, creating a unique “city-within-a-city” layout. Huizhou Ancient City is the birthplace of “Huizhou School,” one of China’s three major regional schools of thought, and is celebrated as “the Confucian heartland of the southeast, a land of propriety and ritual.”
The ancient town comprises an inner city and an outer wall, featuring four gates—east, west, south, and north. It also preserves defensive structures like the barbican, city gates, ancient streets, and narrow alleys.
Huizhou Ancient Town is open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with an admission fee of 80 yuan. A recommended visit duration is two to three hours.
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Behold the Stone Chronicles at Tangyue Archways
The Tangyue Archways, situated on East Avenue in Tangyue Village, Zhengcun Town, Shexian County, Anhui Province, stands as a representative masterpiece of ancient Huizhou architectural art from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
In Chinese culture, building archways represented the highest aspiration for ancient Chinese people, bringing immense glory not only to individuals and their families but also ensuring the names of their forebears would be immortalized for posterity. Among all the Hui-style archways and Huangshan City’s attractions, the Tangyue Memorial Archways still stands out with its unique charm.
The seven memorial archways of Tangyue not only embody the ethical principles of loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and righteousness from the Cheng-Zhu School of Neo-Confucianism within Huizhou culture, but also encompass a profoundly rich humanistic history centered on people. They stand as significant witnesses to the Huizhou merchants’ dominance in commerce for over three centuries. Each arch tells a moving story woven with deep emotion about Bao Family of Tangyue Village.
The Tangyue Archways is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with an admission fee of 65 yuan. A recommended visit duration is about one hour.
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Decode Mysticism at Chengkan Village
With over 1,800 years of history, Chengkan Village stands as a marvel in China’s ancient village development. The entire settlement was meticulously planned according to the Bagua feng shui principles of the I Ching (易经), nestled against mountains and beside water.Chengkan Village’s layout features three main streets and ninety-nine alleys, forming a labyrinthine network. For centuries, it has upheld the legendary “cross Chengkan’s threshold and live a life free of obstacles” culture, regarded by many as a sacred sanctuary.
Every evening, barring heavy rain, the square in Chengkan Village hosts a performance of the 600-year-old intangible cultural heritage of Huizhou: the fish lantern dance. You can rent a small fish lantern for 20 yuan to take photos.
The Chengkan Village is open from 8:30AM to 6:00 PM, with an admission fee of 107 yuan. A recommended visit duration is about half a day or one day.
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How to Get to Shexian County
The primary gateway to Shexian County is through Huangshan City and taking the bus is the most economical way. From Huangshan North Station, you can take Bus Route 1 for 10 yuan per person, which takes about 1 hour to reach Huizhou Ancient Town.
Alternatively, from Huangshan Station, you can take a minibus heading toward Shexian County for 5-6 yuan per person, with the entire journey taking approximately 40 minutes.
Enjoy an Exploratory Journey together with Easy Tour China
If you want to unlock the deep cultural secrets of Shexian County of Huangshan city with a thoughtfully planned journey, you can explore it with Easy tour China. Not only Huangshan Mountain, but also ancient towns such as Xidi and Hongcun ancient villages, to fully immerse yourself in the region’s beauty and history. Easy Tour China will specialize in creating personalized itineraries that go beyond the surface. Let us craft your perfect trip to this cornerstone of Huizhou culture.
Here are a few suggested itineraries that feature Shexian County:
