[2025 She County ] Travel Guide for Yuliang Ancient Dam (Updated Jun)

One of the purposes of this trip to Huizhou Ancient City was to witness the dazzling spectacle of Shexian's intangible cultural heritage—the fish lanterns. The moment I stepped into the Wuta Shezhou Memories Hotel, I was greeted by these magnificent lanterns. In the center of the lobby, two giant fish lanterns hung suspended in the air, their bodies shimmering with radiant colors. Under the warm yellow light, their scales glistened, and their tails seemed to sway gently, as if they might break free from their confines at any moment and leap into the clouds. Gazing up, the intricate framework and delicate paintings spoke volumes about the artisans' exquisite craftsmanship and their deep passion for fish lantern culture, instantly drawing me into a dreamy dance of light and shadow. After dropping off my luggage, I hopped on a Hello shared bike at the entrance and headed to Yuliang Dam. This ancient dam, weathered by centuries, lay across the Xin'an River like a slumbering dragon. Massive granite blocks, each bearing the marks of time, were stacked layer upon layer, whispering tales of history. The river rushed over the dam, churning up snowy white waves and roaring with deafening power, a sight both majestic and awe-inspiring. Standing atop the dam, I gazed at the distant emerald mountains and the leisurely flow of the river below. A gentle breeze brushed my face, bringing a refreshing coolness that lifted my spirits. But what I anticipated even more than the natural scenery was the fish lantern spectacle at Yuliang Dam. Beyond the renowned Zhanqi Fish Lanterns and Wangmantian Fish Lanterns, the Yuliang Fish Lanterns were equally captivating. As night fell, the first lantern to catch my eye was the Carp Lantern—its agile form so lifelike. Its fiery red scales sparkled brilliantly under the moonlight, and its mouth opened and closed as if cheerfully blowing bubbles. Its lively posture seemed ready to leap out of the water at any moment, embodying the auspicious wish of the "Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate." Next, the Dragon-Head Fish Lantern made its grand appearance. With a unique design, its dragon head held high and whiskers flowing, it exuded both majesty and vitality. The fish body was adorned with colorful scales that shimmered under the interplay of light and shadow. Its long, winding form resembled a swimming dragon, majestic and breathtaking, symbolizing people's hopes for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. Finally, the Goldfish Lantern took the stage—its chubby belly and big, round eyes irresistibly charming. Its golden body glowed with an aura of prosperity, and its fins swayed gently as if swimming leisurely through water, conveying blessings of happiness, abundance, and well-being. After the performance, filled with awe and joy, I returned to Wuta Shezhou Memories Hotel. In my room, a tea set printed with fish lantern patterns awaited. I brewed a pot of fragrant tea, watching as the steam curled upward, filling the air with its aroma. Under the soft light, the fish lantern designs on the tea set came to life, as if the lanterns I had just seen had leaped onto the porcelain. Taking a sip, the tea's fragrance spread across my tongue, and the beautiful memories of the lanterns flooded my mind. On this tranquil night, surrounded by the scent of tea and the illusion of fish lanterns, I lost myself in the unique charm of Shezhou, reluctant to wake from this dream.

Yuliang was an important waterway wharf for hundreds of years during the prosperity of Huizhou merchants. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Huizhou merchants, who were once glorious, set off from here to Qiantang and Yangzhou. It can be called the "place where dreams begin" for Huizhou merchants. Besides business trips, it was also a must-pass for government officials, known as the "source of Huizhou merchants." 🌈Highlights: Here lies a nearly 1,400-year-old time code, still preserving the original appearance of ancient streets, water ports, and wharves. Walking into the old street, which stretches for over a kilometer with twists and turns, you'll find more than 10 alleys branching out. The winding and simple bluestone roads, the mottled and time-worn white walls and black tiles, the shops and houses with ancient charm, and the rows of old houses all bear witness to the past prosperity of this water transport port. ✅Must-visit 1: Yuliang Old Street | A living time machine of Huizhou merchants The first wharf of Huizhou merchants, the starting point of the Ming and Qing "Huizhou Merchants' Golden Waterway," a street that supports half of Jiangnan's commercial history. Zhu Xi and Hu Shi have both walked on these bluestone roads. Yao's Ancient Residence: The most impressive "slanted door" in Huizhou (the slanted door frame symbolizes "wealth does not flow out," and it's super stunning to take photos with a wide-angle lens!) Ba Weizuyuan Former Residence: The private residence of the seal carving master hides a "Huizhou-style anti-theft system"—a cobblestone array under the patio! ✅Must-visit 2: Yuliang Dam | A textbook-level water conservancy miracle Built in the Tang Dynasty and reconstructed with Ming Dynasty "black technology," it is the only existing ancient dam with a mortise and tenon structure in China. Each boulder weighs tons, yet it has stood for thousands of years without mortar, earning it the reputation of "Dujiangyan of Jiangnan." 🌈Unlocking the Fun: Walk on the dam crest during the dry season: Touch the concave and convex stone locks. Take a bamboo raft during the flood season: Shuttle through the "Huizhou version of Dujiangyan" and enjoy the scenery on both sides. 📸Recommended photo spots: ✔️Overlooking the S-shaped ancient street from the "Lion Bridge" at the entrance. ✔️Morning mist limited scenery: Rush to the dam crest before 6:30 for a chance to see the sculling boat slowly passing through the dam in the mist, like a real-life ink painting. ✔️Sunset at the wharf: The light and shadow are stunning after 5 o'clock! 🎫Ticket Information: Visiting the ancient town and Yuliang Dam is free. The boat tour costs CNY 20. 🚗Address & Transportation: ✅A ten-minute walk from Huizhou Ancient City. Take Shexian Bus No. 1 to Yuliang Scenic Area Station. ✅From Huangshan North Railway Station, take Tourist Bus No. 1 to Huizhou Ancient City, 9:00-19:40, approximately every hour.

#favouriteitinerary Yuliang Dam is an ancient water conservancy project that is still in use today. This remarkable engineering feat remains one of the key attractions in the ancient city of Huizhou, showcasing the ingenuity and practical achievements of ancient Chinese infrastructure. Personal Opinion: In my opinion, Yuliang Dam is a captivating destination for those interested in historical engineering and ancient waterworks. Its enduring functionality and significance make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the ancient city of Huizhou.

Hey guys! You must come to Yuliang Ancient Town in Huizhou, Anhui! 😎 Yuliang Ancient Town is located in the southeast of Shexian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. It is one of China's famous historical and cultural cities and the birthplace of Huizhou merchants. The history of this ancient town can be traced back to 759 AD, when the current market was formed, with a history of more than 1,000 years. Yuliang Ancient Town is a must-pass road for ancient Huizhou merchants to travel back and forth, known as the "source of Huizhou merchants." The Yuliang Dam here spans the Lianjiang River and has a history of more than 1,400 years. It is a water conservancy facility comparable to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System in Sichuan. The well-preserved ancient buildings, ancient streets, ancient bridges, and other cultural heritage in Yuliang Ancient Town bear witness to its former glory. It was once an important water and land transportation hub and commercial center in ancient Huizhou, and one of the important birthplaces of Huizhou merchants. Come here and feel the historical charm of Huizhou merchants! 💖

If you like photography, this is the right place to go. There are beautiful scenery and cultural activities, and no tickets are required😃; 1️⃣Yuliang Dam, located in Yuliang Village, Huicheng Town, She County, Huangshan City, was first built in the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. It has a history of nearly 1,400 years. It is one of the famous water conservancy projects in ancient China and the largest water conservancy project in ancient She County; 2️⃣Yuliang Ancient Town: It is surrounded by mountains and rivers, and still preserves the original appearance of ancient streets, water ports and docks. It is an important waterway dock where Huizhou merchants prospered for hundreds of years; ✅ Tour order: Xin'an Ancient Road starts - Baiyun Zen Temple-Li Bai's Inquiry-Shizi Bridge-Baweizu's Former Residence-Yulin Street-Baibu Stone Steps-Yuliang Dam-Wangxian Bridge-Ziyang Bridge, travel from west to east, and from Ziyang Bridge, you can travel in the opposite direction; 😋 Food: 1️⃣Two Trees Wonton Shop: Fish Bubble Wontons, super thin skin, delicious; 2️⃣Cat and Coffee Shop: The boss is very enthusiastic, he is a worker returning from Shanghai, and their coffee is good; 🚄 Transportation: Take the high-speed rail to Shexian North Station, then take bus No. 701 or 702 to reach Huizhou Ancient City, and then take a taxi~

Escape the summer heat in Yuliang Ancient Village, Anhui, and boat on the Yuliang Dam In summer, hide away in the ancient villages of Anhui, by the Lianjiang River, where the mountains are clear and the water is beautiful, a natural oxygen bar, a great place to play in the water and cool off. Attraction Recommendations Yuliang Ancient Village Located on the banks of the Lianjiang River in Shexian, Anhui, it was an important transportation hub for Huizhou merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties over a period of more than 500 years. Yuliang Old Street Attraction recommendations Yuliang Old Street was first established in the early Tang Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,200 years. It is the birthplace of Huizhou merchant trade. Hui-style Residences Yuliang Old Street is built along the riverbank, with streets paved with pebbles resembling fish scales. Along the fish scale stone road, there are two-story Hui-style residences. There are traditional Tai-men buildings, as well as stilted buildings that allow one to climb high and look far, earning it the reputation of the number one water street in the south of the Yangtze River. Lianjiang River The old street is by the river, which is the Lianjiang River. On one side of the riverbank, surrounded by mountains, the Yuliang Dam, known as the number one Dujiangyan in the south of the Yangtze River, is facing the old street. You can boat on the Lianjiang River. Yuliang Dam The Yuliang Dam was originally built during the Sui Dynasty, and the dam seen today was rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty. Walking on the dam, one can reach the six counties of Huizhou upstream, and Hangzhou downstream. In summer, you can play in the water. 16-hole Stone Bridge This stone arch bridge was built during the Hongzhi period of the Ming Dynasty, spanning the Lianjiang River. It was once the essential route for entering Huizhou city from Yi County, Xiuning, and Qimen County. Accommodation: Recommended in the Huizhou city area or the ancient city, convenient for travel, standard rooms starting from 100 yuan Food Recommendations: Huizhou Mao Tofu

Less than 2 kilometers away from the ancient city of Huizhou, Yuliang Dam is definitely worth a visit. The simple small town and the bustling ancient city of Huizhou form a strong contrast. The ancient town of Yuliang was founded in the Tang Dynasty. The Yuliang Dam in the small town is a famous water conservancy project, with the same principle as Dujiangyan. When the river flow is small, it only flows through the middle part built by huge stones. When the river flow is large, it can flow over a wider stone dam, full of the wisdom of the ancients. For friends who like photography, it is recommended to go in the morning, because the sun can shine on the houses along the river in the ancient town of Yuliang (it will be backlit in the afternoon).