DE YUE LOU

I was so lucky to be driven away by the so-called Internet celebrity restaurant Longfeng Hui Cuisine Restaurant (I wrote a bad review for it, and it seems it failed the review), and then I found this restaurant with a better environment and better taste, especially the stinky mandarin fish, braised spare ribs, fresh bamboo shoots and bacon, which are all very authentic. The homemade bayberry wine is not bad, too.

The hotel has good features, next to the ancient city wall of Huizhou, with an ancient atmosphere. The stinky mandarin fish and hairy tofu are both worth tasting, and the per capita consumption is not expensive. I ordered a stinky mandarin fish dry pot for 128, but there was no price on the sign. The stinky mandarin fish next to it was 98. The sign is unclear, which makes people suspect of misleading. Although it is 30 yuan more expensive, it makes people feel uncomfortable. I hope the store can understand consumption.

🌸Transportation Guide🚌 - External Transportation: For high-speed rail, Huangshan North Station is the preferred choice. From there, take the Hongcun shuttle bus (30 RMB/person, 1.5 hours direct). Alternatively, take a bus from the bus station near Tunxi Old Street (25 RMB/person, 2 hours). Driving takes approximately 4 hours from Hefei and 3 hours from Hangzhou. Parking in the scenic area costs 20 RMB/day. - Internal Transportation: Outside vehicles are prohibited from entering Hongcun Scenic Area; the entire area can be explored on foot. If you wish to visit nearby Lucun and Tachuan, you can rent an electric scooter (30 RMB/day) or share a ride (50 RMB/person/day). 🌸Must-See Attractions🏯 - Moon Pond: The "heart" of Hongcun, its crescent-shaped surface reflects the green tiles and white walls of the buildings. In the early morning or after rain, the mist creates a perfect spot for photographing Hui-style architecture. - Nanhu Lake: A spacious lake at the entrance, with weeping willows lining the shore. Enjoy a stroll along the lake or take a small wooden boat (80 yuan/boat, maximum 4 people) to experience the feeling of "walking through a painting." - Chengzhitang Hall: Known as the "Folk Palace," this is the mansion of a wealthy Qing Dynasty merchant. Its brick, wood, and stone carvings are exquisite, especially the "Hundred Children Celebrating the Lantern Festival" wood carving, which is considered a masterpiece. A separate ticket is required (10 yuan/person). - Tachuan Village: Located 2 kilometers from Hongcun, in autumn (November), the tallow trees turn a vibrant red, making it one of China's four most famous autumn landscapes. Entrance fee is 30 yuan/person. 🌸Food Recommendations😋 - Stinky Mandarin Fish: A signature dish of Huizhou cuisine, it smells pungent but tastes delicious. The fish is tender and springy. Recommended restaurants are "Huizhou Renjia" and "Deyuelou" within the scenic area. - Fermented Tofu: Fermented tofu pan-fried until golden brown, served with chili sauce. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it can be found at street stalls (10 yuan/serving). - Hongcun Baked Cake: Filled with preserved mustard greens and diced meat, baked until crispy, makes a great souvenir; 15 yuan/bag at the small shop near the scenic area entrance. - Bamboo Shoot and Pork Belly Stew: Fresh local bamboo shoots paired with pork belly, flavorful and delicious, a must-order dish at farmhouse restaurants. 🌸Accommodation Recommendations🏡 - Guesthouses within the scenic area: Lakeside or street-facing Hui-style courtyard guesthouses are the first choice (200-400 yuan/night), such as "Hongcun Zhenshui Renjia" and "Huali Huawai," offering scenic views and a great experience. - Hotels outside the scenic area: A cost-effective option, 100-200 yuan/night, such as "Hongcun Impression Hotel," a 5-minute walk from the scenic area entrance with convenient parking. - Family/Team Building: Guesthouses with courtyards and tea rooms are recommended; some offer fruit picking and Hui-style paper-cutting experiences. 🌸2 Days 1 Night Itinerary🗓️ - Day 1: Arrive in Hongcun in the morning, check in, and then visit Nanhu Lake → Moon Pond Lake → Chengzhi Hall; stroll through the ancient village alleys in the afternoon, checking out popular shops; enjoy the night view of Moon Pond in the evening and eat Huizhou home-style cuisine. - Day 2: Photograph the morning mist at Moon Pond in the early morning; in the morning, visit Tachuan Village to enjoy the autumn scenery (autumn only) or Lucun Village to see the wood-carved buildings; have a meal of stinky mandarin fish for lunch before returning home. 🌸Useful Tips⚠️ - Tickets are 104 RMB per person, entry is by scanning your ID card, valid for 3 days. Re-entry requires registration at the exit. - Best time to visit: March-April (rapeseed flowers in bloom), November (Tachuan autumn colors). Avoid holidays, otherwise, crowds will affect photo opportunities. - Prices inside the scenic area are relatively high; you can bring your own drinking water. When buying souvenirs, it's recommended to compare prices at different shops; prices for sesame cakes and dried bamboo shoots are negotiable. #HongcunTourism #PlaceYourWeChatFriendsAreAskingAbout #AnhuiHongcun #WalkingAndSingingAnhuiAnqingStation #GoingOutAndHavingFunWithFriends

🔥Hongcun's Ultimate Guide! 5 Hidden Gems to Avoid Crowds and Take Amazing Photos📸 Anyone know what I mean, folks?! Before going to Hongcun, I was worried about falling into the commercial trap, but after going, I realized—choosing the right spots and timing makes this ink-wash wonderland a reality! I've compiled 5 tried-and-tested gems, complete with tips to avoid pitfalls and take great photos. Follow these tips and you can't go wrong! 1️⃣ Nanhu Lake | The Painted Bridge from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"—Absolutely Stunning in the Morning Mist! Hongcun's "face" truly lives up to its name! The moment you enter the scenic area, you're amazed by the clear blue water. White walls and black tiles paired with rapeseed flowers by the lake (perfect for spring!), every shot is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese style. The Painted Bridge is a must-see! The same spot where Li Mu Bai led his horse – go before 7 am for maximum crowds! When shrouded in morning mist, the lake is like a mirror, the reflections breathtakingly beautiful. ✅ Practical Tips: Wear light-colored clothing, stand in the middle of the bridge and shoot from the side, avoiding shops in the background for better photos! 2️⃣ Moon Pond | "China's Most Beautiful Half-Moon Lake," even more stunning at dusk than during the day Jackalized by netizens as the "heart of Hongcun," this crescent-shaped pond is surrounded by ancient buildings, truly a scene at every turn! During the day, it's like an elegant ink painting; at dusk, when the lanterns light up, the atmosphere is electric, the lights reflected on the water, so gentle you'll want to just stand there and daydream. Don't join the tour groups at midday! After 4 pm, the light is softer, and you can even capture the everyday life of locals doing laundry. ✅ Avoid these pitfalls: Don't buy overpriced snacks by the lake; walk 50 meters into the alley for better deals! 3️⃣ Chengzhi Hall | The "Folk Palace" hides Huizhou-style ceilings I'd be heartbroken if I went to Hongcun and didn't see Chengzhi Hall, OK? This Huizhou merchant mansion truly lives up to its reputation. The wood carvings, stone carvings, and brick carvings are exquisitely detailed, even the beams are covered with stories! The biggest surprise is the hidden compartments in the walls, which were said to have been used to store gold and silver jewelry. Exploring it is like opening a blind box! ✅ Useful Tips: I recommend hiring a guide (it's free!), otherwise you really won't understand the intricacies of the ancient architecture. 4️⃣ Water System | Follow the "intestines" of the village to unlock hidden corners Hongcun's most amazing design! A 1200-meter-long water channel runs through the entire village, winding around the houses like an ox's intestines, with clear water flowing in front of every household. Don't worry about getting lost while walking along the irrigation canals! You'll discover many tranquil alleyways away from major tourist attractions, with cobblestone paths and babbling brooks offering an instant escape from the crowds. ✅ How to Play: Enter the village against the current and exit with it. Follow the water flow to unlock many hidden gems for sketching! 5️⃣ Red and White Ancient Trees | "Guardians" at the Village Entrance, Perfect for Atmospheric Photos The "living fossils" of Hongcun! Two 500-year-old trees (red poplar and ginkgo) stand guard at the village entrance. In spring and summer, they are lush and verdant; in autumn, the ginkgo turns golden. Just stand under the trees, and you'll instantly have a classic, ancient feel. In the evening, the setting sun filters through the leaves, casting dappled light that's so gentle you'll want to capture the moment in the photo. ✅ Tip: Stand slightly behind the trees and have a friend take a low-angle shot to create a sense of depth and perspective from the towering trees! 📍 The Most Practical Tips for Hongcun Online - Tickets: 94 RMB online in advance (104 RMB offline), half price for students, multiple entries within 3 days. - Transportation: Take bus No. 10 from Yixian East Station for 8 RMB, much cheaper than a taxi. - Food: Must-try: Stinky mandarin fish (recommended at Deyuelou), freshly baked Huangshan sesame cakes. Don't buy souvenirs in the scenic area; supermarkets outside the village are cheaper. - Off-peak: Go on weekdays! Weekends are twice as crowded. Visiting the core attractions before 8 am or after 6 pm is more comfortable. The beauty of Hongcun isn't about how many attractions you visit, but about slowing down to stroll through the alleys and appreciate the interplay of light and shadow. These 5 hidden gems will help you avoid 90% of the crowds and experience the charm of Huizhou. Save this list and go! #HongcunScenicArea #HongcunTourism #InkPaintingHongcun

Autumn/Winter Huangshan Travel Guide ❄️ Unlock the Secrets to Avoiding Crowds in this Fairyland Hey everyone! Autumn and winter in Huangshan are like a filtered, divine paradise! As a "professional autumn/winter visitor" who has been to Huangshan for two consecutive years, today I'm sharing my secret guide and hard-earned experience to guarantee you avoid the crowds and fill up your phone's memory with amazing photos! 📸 ✨ Three Must-Visit Highlights in Autumn/Winter 1️⃣ A Sea of ​​Clouds Attack, Bringing an Ethereal Buff Autumn and winter are the peak seasons for Huangshan's sea of ​​clouds, especially after a rain shower! Standing atop Bright Summit, the clouds roll like cotton candy, and the Tyndall effect of sunlight filtering through the mist makes every shot look like a scene from "Journey to the West"! ☁️ I was freezing at 5 AM waiting for the sunrise, but the sight of the sunrise painting the sea of ​​clouds gold was definitely worth the price of admission! (Personally tested: Secure your spot at Bright Summit (C-position) an hour in advance!) 2️⃣ Rime Ice + Snowscape: A Southerner's Delight From December to February, Huangshan transforms into a winter wonderland! Tree branches are laden with glistening rime ice, and strangely shaped pines and rocks are covered in snow. The West Sea Grand Canyon and Shixin Peak, in particular, are like stepping into Elsa's castle! ❄️ Last time I took photos in the snow wearing Hanfu, my WeChat Moments were flooded with questions! (⚠️ Bring anti-slip crampons! They cost 30 yuan on the mountain, but only 15 yuan at the foot!) 3️⃣ Autumn Foliage and Colorful Forests: A Drowned Palette From late October to November, Huangshan enters its "oil painting mode"! Fiery red maple leaves and golden tallow trees, paired with verdant pines, make hiking in the West Sea Grand Canyon feel like walking through a flowing painting. 🍁 I recommend visiting Paiyun Pavilion in the early morning; the morning mist swirling around the colorful forests is breathtaking! (Off-peak tip: The fewest people are before 8 AM on weekdays!) 🚡 Tested and tested route (lazy person's version) - Day 1: Yunggu Cableway up the mountain → Shixin Peak (photograph the unique pine trees and rime ice) → Mengbi Shenghua (Dream Pen Blossoms) → Lion Peak sunset - Day 2: Bright Summit sunrise → West Sea Grand Canyon hike (take the mini train to save energy) → Yupinglou Welcoming Pine photo → Cableway down the mountain - Day 3: Rest in Hongcun/Tachuan Ancient Village (red leaves + Hui-style architecture are a perfect match!) (✅Snag a view room at Baiyun Hotel on the mountaintop, open the window and you'll see a sea of ​​clouds! If you're on a tight budget, stay at Beihai Hotel, super cost-effective~) 🍲 Foodie's Guide Must-try top-tier Hui cuisine—stinky mandarin fish with hairy tofu! At the foot of the mountain, in Tangkou Town, the "Huizhou Renjia" chicken soup is 68 yuan/pot, so fresh you'll lick the bowl clean! The stir-fried eggs with stone ear fungus and hairy tofu at Deyuelou Restaurant in Hongcun are absolutely amazing! Remember to pair them with a cup of rice wine to warm up! 💡 Lessons Learned Through Hard Work - Clothing Formula: Thermal underwear + sweater + windproof down jacket (nighttime temperatures at the summit can drop to -10℃!) - Equipment Protection: Use hand warmers on your phone! The low temperatures will shut it down instantly; I almost missed the sunrise photos 😭 - Off-Peak Tip: On holidays, the cable car queues are long in the morning; the afternoons are less crowded and offer better scenery! Huangshan Autumn/Winter Limited Time Offer #SeaofCloudsFairyland #JiangsuZhejiangShanghaiSurroundingTrips #OffTheBeatenPathTravelDestinations #TravelTrafficAvoidanceGuide #PlacesYouGetAskedAboutOnWeChat #AJourneyLikeASong #SeeTheMostBeautifulSunset #ScenicSpotPhotographyGuide #ExhibitionsWithBeautifulPhotos