Stop only knowing Huangshan! Chizhou is Anhui’s hidden travel gem

Family, this time I went to Chizhou and was truly captivated by this small city in southern Anhui 🤌 Poetic landscapes, lively local life, and a serene Buddhist atmosphere—Chizhou is full of surprises everywhere! Here’s a Chizhou travel guide for you to quickly save and immerse yourself in the beauty of Chizhou～ 🌅 Recommended Attractions 1. Xinghua Village: “May I ask where the tavern is? The shepherd boy points to Xinghua Village from afar.” Yes, it’s here! The scenic area is full of the charm of Jiangnan water towns, with white walls, black tiles, small bridges, and flowing water, as if traveling back to the poetic times of a thousand years ago. It’s especially beautiful in spring from March to April when the rapeseed flowers bloom, perfect for photos 📸 Ticket: 80 RMB (discounts available for online advance booking) Visiting time: 2 hours Tip: Wear light-colored clothes for better photos. There are electric carts in the scenic area if you don’t want to walk～ 2. Chizhou Museum: If you want to understand Chizhou’s history and culture, this is the place! The museum uses cultural relics, old photos, and scene restorations to thoroughly tell Chizhou’s past. There’s also an intangible cultural heritage exhibition area where you can see Qingyang opera costumes and props. If you’re lucky, you might catch a live bamboo weaving performance by a heritage inheritor! Opening hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (closed on Mondays, last entry at 16:30) Reservation: Free, book in advance via the “Chizhou Museum” WeChat official account Visiting time: 1.5 hours Tip: There’s an interactive experience area where you can try rubbing ancient poems—perfect for families with kids～ 3. Pingtian Lake Scenic Area: Chizhou’s “city living room,” the lake is very wide, about the size of 10 West Lakes! In the early morning, it’s shrouded in mist; at dusk, the sunset reflects on the lake, sparkling beautifully and leaving you speechless! You can walk along the lakeside trail 🚶‍♀️ or rent a bike for a super relaxing ride. Ticket: Free Visiting time: 1.5 hours Tip: Fewer people and better light early morning and evening. It’s windy by the lake, so bring a jacket. You can also take a boat tour around the lake～ 4. Jiuhuashan Foot·Kecun Old Street: A lively old street filled with local life, lined with shops selling incense, specialties, and snacks. You must try Chizhou’s small rice cakes, both the savory radish and meat filling and the sweet red bean paste are amazing. The crust is crispy, the filling is full, and they cost only 1.5 RMB each—great value! Visiting time: 1.5 hours Recommended experience: Buy a bag of Jiuhua Polygonatum as a souvenir, have a cup of Jiuhua Buddhist tea at an old street teahouse, and feel the locals’ leisurely pace～ 🍱 Food Guide 1. Stinky Mandarin Fish: The top dish on Chizhou’s dining table! Wild mandarin fish from Qiupu River is traditionally salted, pan-fried until golden on both sides, then braised. It smells pungent but tastes delicious, with firm fish meat like garlic cloves—super satisfying with every bite! 2. Guichi Small Rice Cake: The soul breakfast of Chizhou people, the flour crust is baked crispy and crumbly, the radish filling mixed with lard and scallions is incredibly fragrant! The pickled vegetable filling is also very tasty. Be sure to eat it hot! 3. Dongzhi Rice Dumplings: Made with rice flour, steamed they are soft and tender; pan-fried, the edges are crispy while the inside is chewy. The filling is a combination of pork, tofu, and shiitake mushrooms, full of fresh flavor—one bite and you can’t stop! 🚗 Transportation Guide 1. External transportation: You can take the high-speed train 🚄 to Chizhou Station, which is very convenient. You can also fly to Chizhou Jiuhuashan Airport, but flights are relatively limited. 2. Internal transportation: Taxis are convenient within the city, and there are buses to various attractions. For Jiuhuashan, there are direct shuttle buses from the city to the scenic area. 🏠 Accommodation Suggestions 1. City center: Many accommodation options with good value, convenient for travel and dining. 2. Jiuhuashan foot: If you plan to visit Jiuhuashan, staying at the foot of the mountain saves time and lets you enjoy the mountain’s tranquility in the morning. 📅 Travel Tips 1. Best travel time: Spring (March to May) to see flowers in Xinghua Village; autumn (September to November) is cool and perfect for hiking and sightseeing. 2. Jiuhuashan notes: Don’t step on thresholds when entering temples; photography is prohibited inside the Flesh Body Hall. Tickets allow re-entry within 24 hours, remember to register～ Chizhou is truly a super hidden travel gem, without the crowds of popular spots but with unique charm. Find a time to come and experience this comfort and beauty in Chizhou 💕