Anhui

Anhui is a hidden gem that deserves more hype. I spent a week based in Tunxi, taking day trips to Xidi and the surrounding rice terraces. The weather was perfect, the street food was cheap and amazing, and the people were so welcoming. One evening I just sat by the Xin'an River watching the lights reflect on the water — pure peace. If you love history, nature, and comfort food, put Anhui on your list. Absolutely five stars.

I cannot recommend Anhui enough. From the winding lanes of Hongcun to the jaw-dropping sunset over Huangshan, every moment was magical. The air smelled of pine and rain, and the local tea was some of the best I've ever had. I loved how the villages kept their old-world character despite being touristy. The transportation between cities was smooth too. This trip reminded me why I love slow travel. Ten out of ten.

Anhui completely blew me away. I came for Huangshan and stayed for the countryside. The granite peaks, the hot springs, the misty mornings — it felt like stepping into a Chinese ink painting. Even the smaller sights like Tangmo and Chengkan were peaceful and full of charm. Every meal of bamboo shoots and river fish was delicious. I already want to go back. Genuinely one of my favorite provinces in China.

We spent five days in Anhui and saw Hongcun, Huangshan, and a small village near Shexian. The highlights were definitely the old Huizhou architecture and the sunrise from the mountain — totally worth the early wake-up. I gave it four stars because getting around between villages was harder than expected. The buses were infrequent and we ended up overpaying for taxis. Still, the food was fantastic and the locals were kind. Would recommend with some planning.

Honestly, I wanted to love Anhui more than I did. The scenery around Huangshan is beautiful, but the main mountain trails were so crowded we barely moved for an hour. The ticket prices and packed shuttle buses also felt like a lot just to wait in line. If you go, try the quieter paths or visit on a weekday. It's a good province, but my experience was a little too stressful to call great.

Had really high hopes for Huangshan but unfortunately got hit with heavy fog and rain the whole day. Could barely see ten feet ahead, let alone the famous granite peaks. The guide said it's common in spring, but still a bummer. Also, the steps were super slippery and some areas were closed. I'm sure it's amazing in good weather, but my experience was a letdown. Maybe try autumn instead.