Tao Xu
What You'll Learn
I've been to Tunxi Ancient Street four times over the past six years, dragging friends, family, and even a grumpy teenager along. Every time someone asks me “Is Tunxi Ancient Street worth visiting?” I pause before answering. Because the truth is – it depends on what you're looking for.
Let me break it down without the usual travel guide fluff.
First Impression: Bustling but Charming
Stepping onto the street, you're hit with a wave of smells – sizzling stinky tofu, osmanthus cakes, and cigarette smoke from old men playing cards. The stone-paved lanes are lined with Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, most of which house shops selling tea, wooden carvings, and Mao badges.
During peak hours (10am–4pm), it's packed with tour groups waving flags. I almost regretted my first visit because of the crowds. But if you come early (before 9am) or after 6pm, the street transforms. Soft lantern light, fewer people, and the sounds of mahjong from open windows make it feel authentic.
What to Do on Tunxi Ancient Street
1. Visit the Wanan Ancient Bridge
At the eastern end of the street, the Wanan Bridge (built in the Song dynasty) is a stunning stone arch bridge spanning the Xin'an River. Walk across at sunset – the light hits the old buildings perfectly. I once saw a wedding photoshoot here; the red dresses against the grey stone were unforgettable.
2. Explore the Side Alleys
The main drag is fun, but the real magic is in the narrow side alleys. Liyuan Alley and Yongxin Alley have residential homes, tiny temples, and locals hanging laundry. I stumbled upon a small ancestral hall with intricate wood carvings – no entrance fee, just a quiet old man reading a newspaper inside.
3. Check out the Tunxi Museum (Free!)
Located inside a restored mansion, this free museum displays local history, ancient currency, and traditional tools. It's small but well-curated. I spent about 45 minutes there. Open 9am–5pm, closed on Mondays.
Shopping & Snacks: What's Worth It?
| Item | Price Range (CNY) | Worth Buying? | My Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maotai-flavored ice cream | 30–50 | No (gimmicky) | Tastes like cheap liqueur; skip. |
| Huizhou stinky tofu | 15–20 per 5 pieces | Yes (try once) | Go to Lao Jie Stinky Tofu (corner of Main St & Alley 3). Crispy outside, soft inside. |
| Osmanthus cakes | 25–40 for a pack | Yes | Slightly sweet, floral aroma. Yipinxiang brand is best. |
| Hand-carved wood figurines | 80–300 | If you bargain well | Starting price is 3x the real value. I got a 12cm Guanyin for 80 (asked 200). |
| Yellow Mountain tea (Maofeng) | 50–200 per 50g | Yes, from reputable shops | Don't buy from pushy sellers. Go to Xie Yuda Tea House – they let you taste first. |
Practical Tips for Visiting Tunxi Ancient Street
Getting There
From Huangshan Tunxi International Airport, taxi costs about 30 CNY (15 min). From Huangshan North Railway Station (high-speed), take Bus 21 or 32 to “Tunxi Old Street” stop (40 min, 2 CNY). The bus drops you at the west entrance. If you're coming from Huangshan Scenic Area (Tangkou), there are direct buses to Tunxi – about 1 hour, 20 CNY.
Best Time to Visit
- Early morning (7–9am): No crowds, shops opening, cool air.
- Evening (6–9pm): Lanterns lit, locals stroll, dinner time.
- Avoid midday (11am–3pm): Tour groups, heat, long lines for snacks.
How Much Time to Budget
2–3 hours if you just walk the main street. 4–5 hours if you explore alleys, museums, and sit for tea. I usually spend half a day here and then walk across the river to the modern side for dinner.
Payment & Language
Most vendors accept WeChat Pay and Alipay. Cash works too, but you'll get strange looks. International credit cards are almost nowhere accepted – bring a Chinese friend or get a digital wallet set up. English is rarely spoken; I recommend downloading the Google Translate app with Camera mode to read signs and menus.
Accessibility
The street is flat cobblestone – doable with a stroller but bumpy. There are no ramps for wheelchairs in most shops. I saw a man in a wheelchair struggle to get past the high doorstep of a tea house. Not ideal for mobility issues.
The Verdict: Should You Go?
If you're already in Huangshan city (Tunxi district), it's a solid half-day filler. But is it worth a special trip? Only if you appreciate old architecture and want to see a commercialized but living ancient street. For a more authentic alternative nearby, consider Chengkan Village (25 min drive) – it's less touristy and has similar Ming buildings.
Would I go again? Yes, but only in early morning or late evening. And I'd skip the overpriced snacks and focus on the alleys and river view.
Frequently Asked Questions
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