Tunxi Ancient Street
Located in the heart of Tunxi District, Huangshan City, Tunxi Ancient Street is a historic commercial thoroughfare that has been trading for over 800 years. Stretching 1,273 meters (895 meters of pedestrian walkway), this maroon flagstone street is lined with two‑ and three‑story Hui‑style buildings featuring stone bases, brick walls, and tiled roofs. The classic “shop front, house or workshop rear” layout gives the street an authentic, living history feel.
From Song Dynasty to “Oriental Ancient Rome”
The street’s origins trace back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279), when architects and workmen from Huangshan returned home after building Emperor Huizong’s new capital in Hangzhou. They imitated the capital’s style, creating the first ancient street. During the early Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), a local merchant funded 47 shops to attract traders, turning Tunxi into a regional distribution hub. By the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), it had become the main gateway for goods flowing in and out of Anhui Province.
An American professor once marveled that he had found an “Oriental Ancient Rome.” Today, the street is also a favorite natural studio for film and TV productions.
What to Buy & See
Tunxi Ancient Street is a paradise for souvenir hunters seeking authentic Chinese culture at reasonable prices. Shops offer:
•The Four Treasures of the Study – writing brushes, ink sticks, ink slabs, and paper
•Local teas – Huangshan’s famous Maofeng green tea
•Mao badges – collectible pins from the Cultural Revolution era
•Curios, antiques, and knick‑knacks
Two Must‑Visit Museums
| Museum | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Tunxi Museum | First floor: Ming & Qing dynasty furniture. Second floor: calligraphy, paintings, and porcelain. |
| Wancuilou | A four‑story private museum – the first of its kind. Ground floor: Four Treasures of the Study on display and for sale, including the world’s largest inkstone (over 12,500 kg!). Second floor: cultural relics and artworks collected by the owner. |
Why You Can’t Miss It
•One of the best‑preserved ancient commercial streets in southern China
•Free to enter and open daily
•Perfect for evening strolls – the street glows with red lanterns
•Centrally located and easy to reach from anywhere in Huangshan City
•A living open‑air museum of Hui‑style architecture
Whether you are a history buff, a calligraphy lover, or just looking for unique souvenirs, Tunxi Ancient Street delivers an unforgettable taste of old China in the heart of modern Huangshan.
