Tunxi Old Street

Tunxi Old Street is a 900-metre stretch of Song-dynasty lanes in the heart of Huangshan city, often called a living fossil of Huizhou merchant culture. Its wooden shopfronts, stone-flagged paths and Hui-style eaves have survived intact for centuries. With our private guide, you'll skip the tourist traps and meet the artisans, tea masters and ink-makers who keep the old trades alive.

What it is

Tunxi Old Street began in the Southern Song dynasty (12th century) as a riverside market on the Xin'an River, the main trade artery linking Huizhou merchants to Hangzhou and beyond. Over the centuries it grew into the commercial heart of the Huizhou region, its narrow lanes lined with two-storey timber shops in the distinctive Hui style — whitewashed walls, black-tiled roofs, and carved wooden balconies. Today it is a protected 4A scenic area and a rare example of an urban commercial street that has kept its historic layout, scale and function almost unchanged.

The street runs roughly east-west for about 900 metres, from the Ming-dynasty Zhenhai Bridge to the old wharf. Along it you'll find traditional workshops selling She inkstones, Huizhou ink sticks, Xuan paper and bamboo carvings, alongside pharmacies, tea houses and snack stalls. Many buildings date from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and several have been restored with original materials. It remains a working street, not a museum, so you'll see locals shopping alongside visitors. For deeper context, pair it with our Huizhou ancient villages tour.

Highlights

Hui-style architecture — Admire the whitewashed walls, horse-head gables and intricate wooden carvings that define this 800-year-old merchant street.
Traditional workshops — Watch artisans make She inkstones, Huizhou ink sticks and Xuan paper, and buy directly from the makers.
Local snacks — Sample Huangshan shaobing (sesame flatbread), mao tofu and sweet rice cakes fresh from street stalls.
Wan'an Building — Climb this restored Ming-era tower for a rooftop view over the old street and Xin'an River.
Tea culture — Visit a tea house to taste Huangshan Maofeng, one of China's most famous green teas, brewed in the traditional way.

Tourists entering Tunxi Old Street through a stone archway

How to get there

Tunxi Old Street is in central Huangshan city (Tunxi district), about 15 minutes by taxi (¥15–20) from Huangshan Railway Station and 30 minutes (¥30–40) from Huangshan North high-speed rail station. If you're coming from Shanghai or Hangzhou, take the high-speed train to Huangshan North, then a taxi. It's an easy 2–3 hour stroll that pairs well with a morning visit to the nearby Huizhou Culture Museum. Our guide can arrange a private transfer and tailor the timing to avoid tour groups.

Tickets & practical info

Free to enter; individual attractions like Wan'an Building charge ¥20–30. The street is open all day, but shops typically operate 8:30am–9:30pm. No advance booking is needed for the street itself. Bring your passport for any ticketed sites. Most shops accept WeChat Pay and Alipay linked to foreign cards, but small vendors may prefer cash, so carry some ¥10 and ¥20 notes.

Best time to visit

Visit in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) when the weather is mild and the light is soft. Early morning (8–10am) is quietest, with locals opening shutters and few tour groups. Late afternoon (4–6pm) offers warm light for photography and a lively snack scene, but expect more crowds. Avoid Chinese public holidays if you prefer a relaxed pace.

Tips from our guides

Arrive before 9am to photograph the empty stone lanes and catch the street waking up.
Haggle politely at souvenir stalls — starting prices are often 20–30% higher for tourists.
Try the freshly baked Huangshan shaobing from street vendors; they're best hot out of the oven.
Wear comfortable shoes; the stone-flagged path is uneven and slippery when wet.
Ask before photographing artisans at work, and consider buying a small item as a thank-you.

Detailed woodcarving on a Hui-style shopfront in Tunxi Old Street

FAQ

Is Tunxi Old Street worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you appreciate living history and traditional crafts. It's a rare, well-preserved merchant street where you can see artisans at work and taste local specialties, all without an entrance fee.

How long does it take to explore Tunxi Old Street?

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours strolling, shopping and snacking. If you include a tea tasting or workshop visit, allow half a day. Our guide can pace it to your interests.

Can I pay with foreign cards on Tunxi Old Street?

Major shops and tea houses accept WeChat Pay and Alipay linked to international cards. Smaller stalls may only take cash, so carry small notes. ATMs are available nearby.

What food should I try on Tunxi Old Street?

Don't miss Huangshan shaobing (sesame flatbread), mao tofu (fermented tofu), and sweet rice cakes. For a sit-down meal, try local dishes like stinky mandarin fish and bamboo shoots.