Tunxi Old Street

Description

Tunxi Old Street in Huangshan City, China, isn’t just another “historic lane” you come across on a typical China travel itinerary. It’s the living, breathing heartbeat of Anhui Province’s Huizhou culture, with over 700 years of history dating back to the Song Dynasty. The street’s cobbled pathway stretches a little over a kilometer, an unhurried avenue lined with ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It’s a place that somehow manages to stay honest to its roots despite becoming a major scenic spot (景点) for visitors. The first time one walks down Tunxi Old Street, the scent of roasted tea leaves, the sound of wooden windows being slid open, and the sight of locals still using those carved wooden doors hit the senses all at once — familiar yet foreign in the best way.

What’s rather lovely is that this isn’t some preserved replica; it’s a genuine street where daily life continues. You still see old shopkeepers dusting off their shelves of ink sticks and brushes — the famous “Four Treasures of the Study” that this area has long been known for. In between the shops selling calligraphy materials, tea, and old coins, there might be an old man brewing Huangshan Maofeng tea, pausing now and then to chat with tourists who stumble into his store out of curiosity. Perhaps that’s what sets Tunxi apart — its rhythm. It doesn’t hurry to impress; instead, it lets you sink into its atmosphere at your own pace.

Architecturally, Tunxi Old Street showcases the signature Hui style: whitewashed walls, dark tiled roofs, carved wooden eaves, and heavy stone bases. Walk long enough along the street, and the details start to whisper stories — the brick-accented doorways, the high lattice windows designed for both light and breeze, the green-tiled roofs covered slightly in moss. Each house feels like it’s seen generations come and go. I once visited during a misty March morning, and the subtle drizzle made the stone road glisten like polished jade, the red shop lanterns reflecting softly — utterly mesmerizing, despite the wet shoes.

It’s also an important cultural hub, often considered the best-preserved ancient commercial street in East China. Historically, Tunxi served as the distribution center for merchants traveling through Anhui Province. Huizhou traders brought in goods from all over the country, making it a buzzing old city marketplace. Even today, walking through, you’ll catch whiffs of traditional Chinese medicine being ground in some shops, the faint aroma of oil paint from galleries selling traditional Chinese paintings, and the earthy tones of wood carvings being polished just outside workshop doors. It’s a subtle reminder that heritage and handiwork still coexist here — not just for display but as a continuation of a way of life.

The blend of ancient architecture, authentic culture, and hospitable locals creates this unusual mix: it feels like an open-air museum and yet fully alive. It’s not polished to perfection, and occasionally you might see a scooter parked beside a Ming-style doorway (which might annoy purists, I admit), but that’s precisely what makes it real — Tunxi doesn’t freeze itself in time; it evolves, humbly holding on to its character.

Key Features

• Historical Depth: Dates back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279), with rich Ming and Qing Dynasty influence reflected in its architecture and artifacts.
• Hui-Style Architecture: Characterized by white walls, black tiles, decorated wooden eaves, and intricate brick-wood carvings unique to the Huizhou region of Anhui Province.
• Authentic Artisanship: Traditional workshops selling the “Four Treasures of the Study”: brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, as well as handmade wood carvings and calligraphy tools.
• Cultural Essence: A living museum of Huizhou culture and traditional Chinese commercial history, still home to shopkeepers, artisans, and families.
• Local Delicacies: Small eateries serving Hui cuisine — try the stinky mandarin fish (it tastes way better than it sounds) or crispy sesame pancakes straight from a clay oven.
• Tranquil River Setting: Built along the Xin’an River, the area offers delightful morning views, especially when mist drifts low over the water.
• Charming Nightscapes: Lantern-lit evenings give the street a soft and nostalgic quality, where shadows and reflections merge in the old stone paths.
• Well-Preserved Authenticity: Despite modernization, most buildings remain intact, representing authentic Ming–Qing heritage.
• Cultural Attractions: Home to small private museums, including one of China’s first folk museums dedicated to Huizhou culture and local crafts.
• Accessible for Tours: Central in the Tunxi District of Huangshan City, making it a convenient starting point for nearby Yellow Mountain tours and Huizhou village visits.

Best Time to Visit

Generally, the best time to visit Tunxi Old Street is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is pleasant, neither too humid like mid-summer nor too freezing as in winter. Personally, I think April has a kind of charm—with soft sunlight filtering between rooftops and occasional drizzles that make everything smell like petrichor and tea. During this period, artisans often work with their doors open, and it’s easier to chat with locals about their crafts.

If you go in winter, the air can get quite crisp, which adds a certain quietness — fewer crowds, more room to breathe. Summers, however, bring not just tourists but also a bit of that sticky Anhui heat, so keep a bottle of water handy and maybe a hand fan. That said, the street takes on an enchanting glow at night year-round. Once the red lanterns light up, even the hum of the city fades into something peaceful.

How to Get There

Tunxi Old Street is located in the Tunxi District of Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China — conveniently central for travelers exploring the region. Huangshan City is the main gateway to the iconic Yellow Mountain, so most visitors end up here either before or after their mountain adventures. The local transportation setup makes visiting quite straightforward.

From Huangshan Tunxi International Airport, the street is about a 15-minute drive by taxi. If arriving by high-speed rail, disembark at Huangshan North Railway Station, and it’ll be roughly a 30-minute car ride to the heart of Tunxi District. Buses are reliable, though I’d suggest taking a taxi or car hire if you’re carrying luggage—it’s simply easier.

Once you’re there, it’s best to explore on foot. Cars are restricted from the main pedestrian sections, and honestly, you wouldn’t want it any other way. The street is easy to navigate — mostly flat, though a bit slippery after rain (trust me, those polished stones have a mind of their own). If you’re traveling from nearby Huizhou villages like Hongcun or Xidi, local buses or organized day tours run regular routes that include stops at Tunxi.

Tips for Visiting

Having meandered through Tunxi Old Street more times than I care to admit, here are a few things I’ve learned the hard way — or rather, with dusty shoes and a belly full of tea samples:

• Go early in the morning. Around 8 or 9 a.m., the shops are just opening, and the aromas of steamed buns and roasted nuts fill the air. By noon, it gets busier, and you’ll be weaving through both tourists and bicycles.
• Bring cash. Although mobile payments dominate in China, a few of the more traditional artisans still prefer cash, especially for small items like handmade trinkets or tea samples.
• Talk to the locals. Many of them are second or third-generation shop owners who’ve been here since before Huangshan became globally known. Ask them about Huizhou ink or wood carvings—they’ll probably light up and maybe throw in a story or two.
• Take breaks often. There are quiet tea houses tucked between the main buildings. Sit down, sip slowly, and watch life move by — it’s arguably the best part of being here.
• Mind your footwear. Those beautiful stone pavements become uneven in places and slippery when wet. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
• Stay for the evening. Even if you’re tired, stick around until the lanterns come alive. The same street that looked quaint by day feels almost cinematic by night.
• Photographers’ heaven. The lines, angles, and textures of Hui-style architecture are perfect for photos, especially if you enjoy capturing traditional Chinese design. Early morning light or late afternoon shadows do wonders here.
• Combine visits. Since Tunxi is central, plan your trip to include nearby attractions — perhaps the Huizhou ancient villages, the Yellow Mountain scenic area, or one of the local tea farms.

And one final thought: Tunxi Old Street isn’t about ticking boxes or following a guided brochure path. It’s one of those places that rewards curiosity. Peek behind a narrow alley, chat with an old merchant, or simply pause by the river bridge and watch locals fishing at dusk. That’s where its real charm lies — in those authentic, unscripted moments that connect you to centuries of life still pulsing steadily through this old yet ever-enduring street in the heart of Huangshan City, Anhui Province.

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