Here we provide you information on 12 tourist routes to travel around and experience the breathtaking beauty and rich culture of Anhui province during 2010 Shanghai Expo. Here's Line One.

Tourist spots along the line: Huangshan Mountain→Xidi Village→Hongcun Village→Jixi Longchuan→Hu Ancestral Halls→Hucun Village

What's so special about the line:

The simplest art forms can sometimes be the most artistic, and is a popular spot for celebrities seeking escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The World Heritage Culture Tour blends magnificent landscape with splendid ancient culture , charming visitors with its nature and culture.

The route presents the beautiful landscape of Huizhou and its cultural heritage as a poetic romance, so visitors may have an overall idea of the old countries from aspects of folk houses, ancestral halls, archways, old bridges, old-fashioned school, Chinese Opera, painting, medicine, crafts, business group, customs and thoughts. These are important, as it does not only show a fraction of what life was like in a traditional Chinese society during the Ming and Qing Dynasty, but also denote the inner spiritual meaning under these heritages, helping us gain a deeper and better understanding of this old but magical land.

Huangshan Mountain purifies as well as deepens the Hui Culture; meanwhile Hui Culture contributes to the charms of Huangshan scenery. The ancestral halls have witnessed generations of history; with villagers living together harmoniously. The ancestral halls, the family museums, are what people residing elsewhere can only dream of.

Like many other families in Huizhou, the Hu Family in Xidi also had a long story attached to it. Li was the original family name for the Hu Family, who were the descendents of Li Shimin, an emperor during the Tang Dynasty. After moving to Huizhou, they became commoners. By the end of 2000, Xidi was listed as a World Culture Heritage spot by UNESCO. Experts said these villages are the living evidence of old Chinese culture and a model of Chinese countryside architecture. Hongcun, whose map is shaped like a cow, is also on the list. The green mountains and clear water in Hongcun convey the sense of beauty to every visitor.

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Editor: Li Jing

Photo from Anhui Tourism Magazine