Just returned from Shexian County, sharing some honest thoughts

Hey guys🌼 I recently visited the Xin'an River Painting Gallery in Shexian and was literally speechless by its beauty! Here's my fresh-off-the-press travel guide for you👇 ✨Classic Attractions Recommendation‌ 📍‌Huizhou Ancient City‌ ‌Highlights‌: One of China's four great ancient cities, featuring well-preserved Ming-Qing architecture including Xu Guo Stone Archway, Huizhou Government Office, and Doushan Street. ‌Experience‌: Stroll along ancient city walls to feel centuries of history; visit Huizhou History Museum to understand Huizhou culture. ‌Tips‌: Some minor attractions require separate tickets - combo tickets offer better value. ‌📍Tangyue Memorial Archways & Bao's Garden‌ ‌Highlights‌: Seven magnificent Ming-Qing archways in a row; Bao's Garden represents Huizhou-style bonsai art. ‌Experience‌: Hear stories of loyalty and filial piety behind the archways; admire exquisite bonsai. ‌Tips‌: The archways and garden are adjacent - visit both together. ‌📍Xin'an River Landscape Gallery‌ ‌Highlights‌: Boat cruise showcasing picturesque riverside scenery with white-walled villages against green mountains. ‌Experience‌: Visit Zhangtan Bridal Museum, Jiusha Ancient Village, and watch fishing performances. ‌Tips‌: Best viewed during spring rapeseed bloom; morning cruises offer softer light. ‌📍Yangchan Earth Buildings‌ ‌Highlights‌: Terraced yellow-earth buildings with black-tiled roofs showcasing primitive beauty. ‌Experience‌: Hike or drive to hilltop for panoramic views; perfect for sunrise/sunset photography. ‌Tips‌: Wear comfortable shoes for rugged paths; bring snacks as no restaurants available. ‌📍Xucun Village‌ ‌Highlights‌: Millennium-old village preserving Ming-Qing architecture like Gaoyang Covered Bridge and Five-Horse Archway. ‌Experience‌: Enjoy tranquil atmosphere; visit Xu Clan Ancestral Hall and Dabangbo Hall. ‌Tips‌: Less crowded - ideal for quiet travelers. ‌🍛Local Delicacies‌ ✅‌Huizhou Stinky Mandarin Fish‌ ‌Specialty‌: Fermented fish with pungent aroma but tender, delicious meat. ‌Recommended‌: Longfeng Huizhou Cuisine (Ancient City branch), Piyun Mountain Villa. ‌✅Hairy Tofu‌ ‌Specialty‌: White-mold-covered tofu, crispy outside and tender inside, best with chili sauce. ‌Recommended‌: Shendu Wu Shengli Hairy Tofu, snack stalls near Lao Hu Kaiwen Ink Factory. ‌✅Stone Griddle Cakes‌ ‌Specialty‌: Crispy fried pies with preserved vegetable/pork fillings. ‌Recommended‌: Zhangji Stone Griddle Cakes in Yuliang Community. ‌✅Huizhou Noodles with Toppings‌ ‌Specialty‌: Handmade noodles with pork belly/bamboo shoot toppings in rich broth. ‌Recommended‌: Shexian Old Noodle House (inside Huizhou Ancient City). ‌✅Huizhou Pastries‌ ‌Specialty‌: Dingshi Crisp (sesame candy), Huimo Crisp, frozen rice candy - sweet but not cloying. ‌Recommended‌: Feihu Food Factory on Doushan Street, Two Trees in Yuliang. ‌🏠Accommodation‌ ✔️‌Luxury Hotels‌ ‌Anruo Hotel Shexian‌: Historic building renovation blending tradition with modern design. ‌Parkview Lakeside Hotel Shexian‌: Lakeside location with excellent facilities. ‌✔️Boutique Stays‌ ‌HUALUXE Tea Culture Homestay‌: Tea-themed lodging offering tea ceremony experiences. ‌Yongshe Homestay Shexian‌: Spacious riverside rooms ideal for families. ‌Budget Options‌ ‌Hanting Hotel (Huizhou Ancient City Branch)‌: Great value with convenient location. ‌🚗Practical Tips‌ ‌🚘Transportation‌ ‌Getting There‌: Direct buses from Huangshan North Station; drive via Jingtai/Shangrui Expressway. ‌Local Travel‌: Walk within ancient city; charter cars/day tours recommended for Yangchan/Xin'an River. ‌ ‌⚠️Notes‌ Huizhou Ancient City is free but minor attractions require tickets - combo tickets recommended. Watch your step on Yangchan's mountain paths - wear anti-slip shoes. When trying hairy tofu/stinky fish, sample small portions first in case the flavors are too strong.