HUIZHOU
Across southern Anhui and neighbouring Jiangxi, Huizhou’s legacy lives on in its architecture, ancestral halls, merchant houses and villages set among wooded hills and tea plantations. Here, the celebrated landscapes of Huangshan are only part of the story. Explore the intricate alleyways of historic settlements, discover Jingdezhen’s celebrated porcelain and experience a countryside shaped by trade, craftsmanship and its regional cuisine.
We are particularly drawn to this region for its rich history, exceptionally well-preserved architecture and living craft traditions. Within easy reach of Shanghai, it invites travellers to venture beyond the East Coast’s modern cities and discover another side of China, where historic villages, rural landscapes and centuries-old skills are still part of everyday life.
PLACES TO EXPLORE
HUANGSHAN
Huangshan is a landscape of sculpted granite peaks, ancient pines and seas of clouds that has inspired Chinese poets, painters and calligraphers for generations. Take the cable car to the upper slopes and explore winding trails and stone steps, with sweeping views across the mountain range.
For a more immersive experience, hike to the summit on foot or stay overnight in a mountain hotel to witness sunrise above the clouds.
Suggested stay: 2–3 days
HUIZHOU VILLAGES
Step into old Huizhou, where whitewashed walls, dark tiled roofs and intricate wooden carvings reflect the fortunes of a once-prosperous merchant region. Wander through narrow lanes to find grand merchant mansions, historic schools and traditional workshops, alongside old buildings given new life through contemporary uses.
Explore further by bicycle or electric scooter, following rural roads through fields and along waterways to discover hidden gems and lasting local traditions.
Suggested stay: 1–2 days
WUYUAN & SANQINGSHAN
Wuyuan provides an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside, where Huizhou villages, rolling hills, tea plantations and winding waterways reveal the character of rural Jiangxi. Further south, Sanqingshan’s granite peaks, ancient pines and mist-shrouded forests create a dramatic mountain landscape. Often regarded as Huangshan’s lesser-known counterpart, it offers spectacular panoramas and winding trails through striking scenery, with fewer visitors.
Together, the two destinations bring together the architectural heritage of old Huizhou and the natural grandeur of Jiangxi’s mountains.
Suggested stay: 1–3 days
JINGDEZHEN
For generations, Jingdezhen has shaped China’s ceramic heritage, supplying imperial courts and exporting its wares far beyond its borders. Discover the craft behind this remarkable legacy, from historic kiln sites to workshops where skilled artisans shape clay, refine forms and decorate ceramics by hand. Observe techniques passed down through generations and gain an appreciation for the patience, precision and expertise behind each piece.
In Jingdezhen, an enduring artremains very much alive, preserved through the hands of the craftspeople who continue to practise it today.
Suggested stay: 1–2 days
WHERE TO STAY
From restored historic residences and intimate countryside retreats to design-led hotels with modern comforts, our selected range of accommodation balances the region’s traditional character with contemporary style.
BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION
Smaller properties chosen for their individual character, thoughtful design and personal hospitality, from restored courtyard houses to contemporary hideaways.
CONTEMPORARY HOTELS
Modern architecture, clean-lined design, stylish interiors and up-to-date facilities offer a fresh, urban approach to hospitality.
MOUNTAINS & SCENIC TRAILS
Explore Huangshan’s celebrated peaks and ancient pines, or discover the striking granite formations of Sanqingshan. Beyond the mountain viewpoints, historic postal roads paved with centuries-old stone crisscross the countryside. Once vital links between villages and trading communities, many have fallen into disuse, leaving rewarding hiking routes through forests, valleys and remote settlements. These ancient paths offer a different perspective on the region, combining natural beauty with traces of its past.
ANCIENT VILLAGES & ARCHITECTURE
Discover the region’s distinctive architecture, shaped by merchants who returned home with fortunes accumulated through trade, building residences, bridges and schools guided by Confucian ideals.
From the celebrated village of Hongcun to lesser-known settlements around Huangshan and Wuyuan, wander narrow lanes, admire intricate woodcarvings and ancestral halls, and look beyond the familiar sights to discover the values and ways of life that have endured across generations.
CERAMICS, CRAFTS & CREATIVE CULTURE
Delve into the region’s craft traditions, from the ink stones, brushes and calligraphy utensils associated with Huangshan to Wuyuan’s hand-crafted oil-paper umbrellas, decorated with delicate patterns and vivid colours. In Jingdezhen, discover a ceramic heritage spanning more than a thousand years, where artisans shape, glaze and fire porcelain using techniques refined over generations.
Visit workshops, meet local makers and discover the skill behind these objects, where centuries-old practices continue to inspire contemporary creativity.
GUIDE TO PRICING
Every Huizhou programme is tailored to your interests, travel style and budget, with a Personal Explorer, private transport, meals and your choice of accommodation. As each journey is individually designed, pricing varies according to your preferences and arrangements.
Indicative pricing: RMB 1,200–2,400+ per person per day, depending on group size and programme specifications. Rates are generally lower for groups of six or more and higher for two travellers. Prices assume two people sharing a room.
Travelling with children? Children under 6 travel free of charge, while children aged 6–12 receive a 10% discount on the per-person programme price.