Tunxi Old Street（屯溪老街）Travel Guide
Nov 12, 2024
by orient china travel
Tunxi Old Street Travel Guide for Foreigners
Location and History
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- Location: Tunxi Old Street is located in the center of Tunxi District, which is the area where the Huangshan City government is situated.
- History: It dates back to the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), with a history of several centuries. Emperor Huizong (1082 - 1135) moved his seat of government to Lin'an (now Hangzhou), and many architects and workmen were conscripted to construct the new capital. After returning to their hometown, they imitated the structural style to build architecture along the street, thus forming Tunxi Old Street. In the early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), a merchant in Anhui invested in building 47 stores to attract businessmen, which contributed to its connection with the outside world. Gradually, it developed into the distribution center for materials in and out of Anhui in the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911).
Scenic Spots
- Traditional Architecture: The street is paved with maroon flagstones and has a total length of 1,273 meters (about 1,392 yards), with 895 meters (about 979 yards) being the pedestrian commercial street. The shops on both sides are generally two or three stories high, featuring the local Anhui style of a stone base, brick construction, and tile roof. The layout of these buildings commonly has shops in the front and houses and workshops at the rear.
- Museums: There are two well-known museums here. One is the Tunxi Museum, where the first floor displays furniture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and the upstairs has an exhibition of calligraphy, paintings, and china. The other is Wan Cui Lou, a four-story structure which is the first private museum of ancient architectural style. The first floor displays or sells famous ink stones and the Four Treasures of the Study (writing brushes, ink sticks, ink slabs, and paper). Here you can find the biggest inkstone weighing more than 12,500 kilograms (about 27,558 pounds). The second floor exhibits cultural relics and other artworks collected by the museum's owner.
- Ancient Bridge: At the western end of the old street, there is an ancient bridge named Zhenhai, which was originally built in 1536 and is worth a quick visit.
Shopping and Dining
- Shopping: Along the street, there are many shops selling a variety of items. You can find inkstones, brushes, local teas, and other curios and knick-knacks. It is a great place for tourists to buy souvenirs rich in Chinese culture at relatively lower prices.
- Dining: There are local food stalls and restaurants offering delicious Anhui cuisine. You can taste local specialties such as Mao Tofu (fermented tofu with a unique flavor), Huangshan Steamed Buns, and various other local dishes.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit Tunxi Old Street throughout the year. However, spring and autumn are relatively more comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time for strolling and exploring.
You can visit Tunxi Old Street throughout the year. However, spring and autumn are relatively more comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time for strolling and exploring.
Practical Information
- Opening Hours: The street is open all day.
- Entrance Fee: Free.
- Transportation: You can take buses such as No. 1 to Er Ma Lu or No. 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 15, or 21 to Yu Zhong Hua Yuan to get there.
When visiting Tunxi Old Street, remember to respect the local culture and traditions, and enjoy the unique charm of this ancient street.