Warmly welcomed and professionally guided by the Anhui tourism board, about 80 tour operators of the tourism industry from abroad have been guests in the province of Anhui. For two and half a days in June we have been touring around to discover the top sights there.

As a tour operator from Germany, China Tours Hamburg, I got the chance to explore the area of Huangshan city under the local guidance of the Jeffrey, Sunny, Kiki and Janice.

Arriving late night from Shanghai the first impression of the province has been the fantastic, colorful illuminations of Tunxi. Not only the river banks of Hengjiang River and Xin’an River, but also the bridges and buildings were shining bright and made the city a lively and vibrant place. Hosted at the four-star Huishang International Hotel, we enjoyed a comfortable and pleasant stay there for three nights.

The Guest-greeting Pine on Huangshan Mountain

The first attraction visited next morning was the famous Huangshan Mountain (Yellow Mountain). As expected by its foregoing reputation, the site perfectly honored its mythical character. Thick clouds made the inspiring shaped rocks look powerful, mysterious and peaceful the same time. Result: lots of taken photographs. After touring round the different routes that circle the mountain, we returned to Tunxi late that afternoon. Thanks to a rich dinner we drove with refilled stomachs to Laojie Street, an ancient street in Tunxi for souvenir hunting. One word: lovely.

Laojie Street (Ancient Street), an ancient street in Tunxi for souvenir hunting.

The next day we were up for the well known UNESCO labeled World Heritage village Hongcun. Wonderfully located at the remote countryside, it has excelled our expectations. Although packed with tourists, it is a treasure of its own. Surrounded by small rivers, its houses are both ancient and well maintained at once. Take care, you can get lost in exploration and feel put back a 100 years in time at this place.

The Moon Pond in Hongcun Village

Later following another superb meal we headed for Shexian county. We got to see impressing temples and houses in that upcoming county, where a lot has already been refurbished and daily places are being additionally finished. That rich day packed with impressions was completed by a final, really tasty dinner at the stylish Wan Tsui Restaurant.

Tangyue Archway Group in Shexian county. There are altogether seven memorial archways in the group, arranged in order of loyalty, filial piety, moral integrity and justice, with the last in the middle.

The next morning it was about time to leave Tunxi. My suitcase was packed with the glorious 4:1 world-cup victory against England and the various rich impressions of lovely Anhui. Finally I have to express my thanks to the Anhui tourism board for its great hospitality and professional and very friendly guidance.

See you in Anhui,

Andreas Flück, Sales Manager China Tours Hamburg