The Most Beautiful Self-Driving Routes in Anhui Are in the Southern Anhui, Around Hongcun and Huangshan, Traveling Through Picturesque Landscapes
In March 2021, I planned to climb the mountain described by Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake as "Among all famous mountains within and beyond the seas, none can compare to Huangshan in Huizhou." Would I feel the same as the saying "After climbing Huangshan, no other mountain is worth seeing"?
Departing from Chengdu, I drove straight to southern Anhui. The southern Anhui region is mountainous with rolling hills and winding mountain roads that seem like arms embracing the forests. Driving up, you can not only enjoy the mountain scenery up close but also overlook the lake views from afar. The most beautiful scenery is on the road! Approaching the most beautiful asphalt roads in southern Anhui, Anhui, they slowly stretch into the distance, leading you to a fairyland that fills your heart with longing...
I arrived at "the moving Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival – Tunxi Old Street." Tunxi from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the dawn of the Tang and Song dynasties—over 1,800 years of history lie here. It is the birthplace of the Huizhou merchants, who were once incredibly wealthy. The old street consists of one straight street, three cross streets, and 18 alleys, with over 300 Hui-style buildings built in different eras forming the entire street. It is the most intact ancient street in China with architectural styles from the Southern Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and is a National Key Cultural Heritage Protection Unit. Along with Beijing's Guozijian Street and Suzhou's Pingjiang Road, it is listed as a "China Historical and Cultural Famous Street."
Although the journey to southern Anhui was long, the Volvo V90 Cross Country equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system saved fuel, making long-distance driving time-efficient and worry-free, with smooth and steady starts.
En route, I encountered the ink-wash painting-like Hongcun, with the South Lake stone bridge emerging from the painting. Hongcun is known as the "village in a picture," and its fame is such that too much introduction seems redundant. Hongcun has over 140 well-preserved Ming and Qing residences. It is a World Cultural Heritage site and a filming location for the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
Eating a freshly made green rice ball and a freshly baked Huangshan sesame cake, I realized that the rustic charm of an ancient village can be so captivating. Indeed, "A lifetime of infatuation, without dreams reaching Huizhou."
I felt the ancient people's longing and anticipation for ancient Huizhou. In fact, for a long time in the last century and even earlier, the wealthiest people in China were not those in the coastal areas but the Huizhou merchants and Shanxi merchants, with the Huizhou merchants making the most outstanding economic and cultural contributions. Ancient Huizhou not only has beautiful mountains and rivers and a thriving culture, but its folk customs are also unique. Approaching Huizhou, stepping into the Hui-style residences composed of white walls, gray tiles, staggered horse-head walls, exquisite carvings, and evocative courtyards, it feels like entering a dream homeland, returning to the simple times of the past.
One of China's Eight Great Cuisines: Huizhou Cuisine
That evening, I stayed near Hongcun at the Ramada Huangshan Dongrong, savoring the local Huizhou cuisine, one of China's eight great cuisines. The hotel has a Chinese restaurant—Dongrong Xijia City Guest Restaurant, which combines traditional Huizhou cuisine with Hui-style architecture and Chinese aesthetics, offering classic Huizhou dishes and various fusion specialties. The tofu pot was really delicious.
After dinner, sitting on the hotel room balcony, watching the Zhang River flow gently, and enjoying the river and mountain views and the ink-wash Huizhou scenery—it was truly comfortable and natural.
Camping and Picnicking at the Foot of Huangshan
Leaving Hongcun and heading toward Huangshan, I found a place at the foot of the mountain for outdoor camping, experiencing a leisurely life away from routine. Before getting into the car from the camping tent, I first remotely preheated or precooled the Volvo V90 Cross Country on my phone so the vehicle temperature was adjusted in advance, ensuring a comfortable driving experience. Devoted to a passion, I set off for the next adventure.
Continuing to drive the Volvo V90 Cross Country through the green mountains and clear waters, I opened the electric panoramic sunroof with one touch, taking in the blue sky and white clouds. Turning on the Harman Kardon custom-designed car audio system, no matter which seat in the Volvo cabin, I could enjoy my favorite music freely, with the spring breeze caressing my face, comfortable and pleasant.
Looking at the head-up display, which projected driving information as if floating on the road ahead, I drove toward the dark blue-green peaks—that was Huangshan!
Huangshan, one of China's top ten famous mountains and the most amazing mountain under heaven, is located in Huangshan City, southern Anhui Province. It has 72 peaks, with the main peak Lotus Peak at 1,864 meters above sea level. Along with Bright Summit and Celestial Capital Peak, it is one of the three main peaks of Huangshan and one of the 36 major peaks. Huangshan is a symbol of Anhui tourism and the only mountain scenery among China's top ten scenic spots. It is now a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, a Global Geopark, a national AAAAA tourist attraction, a national scenic area, and a model of national civilized scenic tourism areas. The four wonders of Huangshan are unique pines, strange rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs.
Taking the cable car, I was excited by the increasing unknowns. But as soon as I got out of the cable car, it started raining. Mist and clouds shrouded the area, making it feel like Penglai Island. The thousand-year-old Welcoming Pine remained strong and tall, welcoming visitors from all over. Although it was drizzling, it did not dampen the tourists' enthusiasm for sightseeing. The 80s version of "The Bride with White Hair" was filmed at Huangshan. Unfortunately, due to the rain and thick fog, I did not see the four wonders of Huangshan, only the strange pines vaguely visible in the mist.
Tips for visiting Huangshan:
1. Never go to Huangshan on rainy or overcast days; a sunny day is best, as you are more likely to see the sea of clouds, which is very beautiful!
2. The Huangshan ticket allows two entries within three days, but only if you do not leave the scenic area. Accommodation inside can be expensive.
3. There are two cable car routes. First check a small map, choose the spots you most want to visit, and take the cable car closest to them. The entire journey requires good physical stamina. If you are fit and want to see all attractions, it is recommended to go up via the back mountain (gentler slope) and come down via the front mountain (steep slope).
4. The best season for sea of clouds is from November to May of the following year, with large temperature differences between morning and evening.
5. Although there are cable cars, you will still need to do a lot of walking; sports shoes are essential.
6. Bring a thermos and water. Water on the mountaintop is carried up by porters, so the price is high as you can imagine.
7. If you want to watch the sunrise from the mountaintop, stay at a hotel near Bright Summit.
8. Choose portable food, as it is quite tiring to carry heavy items while climbing. Most paths must be walked on your own.
After reaching the summit of Huangshan, it suddenly started raining with thick fog. I did not find the answer to the saying "After visiting the Five Sacred Mountains, no other mountain is worth seeing; after visiting Huangshan, no other sacred mountain is worth seeing." But so what! Without climbing, how would I know the vastness of one mountain rising above another and the panoramic view of all smaller mountains below? Just like the Volvo V90 Cross Country's panoramic view, presenting a bird's-eye view around the vehicle, allowing me to remain calm and composed even in obstructed spaces, sensing more unknown space.
Youth is about loving what you do and setting out with all your heart. Let your eyes not regret what your body can reach.
The entire Huangshan trip covered over a thousand kilometers. Accompanied by the Volvo V90 Cross Country, a Scandinavian luxury off-road wagon, I could freely switch between travel and daily life. An interesting life consists half of mountains, rivers, and lakes, and half of daily life's warmth. Join the Volvo Wagon Club and continue onward to the mountains and seas! Explore more unknown worlds.
