Longchuan (龙川), also known as Kengkou (坑口), is an ancient Huizhou village renowned for its unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Due to its distinctive geographical environment and long-standing historical roots, Longchuan boasts a remarkable landscape that intertwines nature and culture. The village is shaped like a boat anchored by the river, with Longxu Mountain rising to the east, nestled by the Dengyuan River, and surrounded by mountains on all sides.
One of the village’s highlights is the Hu Clan Ancestral Hall, often referred to as the “Number One Ancestral Hall in Jiangnan.” This hall is celebrated as a “Museum of Wood Carving Art” and a “Palace of National Art,” showcasing the finest examples of wood carving in the region. Additionally, the Yi Shi Shangshu Archway, a genuine Ming Dynasty stone archway, is considered the pinnacle of Huizhou stone carving.
Although Longchuan is administratively part of Xuancheng, it is closer to Huangshan City, about 70 kilometers away, making it more convenient to reach from there. The village is crisscrossed by a small stream, with stone steps leading down into the water. Under the eaves of traditional horse-head walls, “Beauty Lean” benches extend towards the stream, where village women still wash clothes in the flowing water, preserving a slow and peaceful pace of life.
Longchuan experiences a subtropical humid monsoon climate, with an annual average temperature of 15.9°C. The spring and autumn seasons are mild and humid, with summer temperatures averaging above 22°C, and the winter average falling below 10°C. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn when the weather is most pleasant.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Longchuan Scenic Area
- Vlog about Longchuan Scenic Area
- Local Delicacies and Specialties
- History of Longchuan Village
- Other Attractions in Jixi Suburbs
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | 75 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.20 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0563-8315763 0086-0563-8315555 |
Location and Transportation
Longchuan Scenic Area is located 11 kilometers east of Jixi County in Xuancheng City, Anhui Province. To reach the area, you can first take a high-speed train to Jixi North Station. From there, a dedicated tourist bus line will take you directly to Longchuan Scenic Area for a fare of just 2 RMB.
Highlights of Longchuan Scenic Area
Yi Shi Shangshu Archway
The Yi Shi Shangshu Archway (奕世尚书坊) is located in Dakengkou Village of Jixi County and was built in 1562 during the 41st year of the Ming Dynasty’s Jiajing reign. This impressive structure stands 10 meters tall and 9 meters wide, made primarily of granite and a special stone known as Chayuan Stone. The archway’s design features four pillars, four crossbeams, and seven horizontal beams. It employs a distinctive construction technique where the structure tapers inward, with the edges of the four main pillars smoothly rounded. Each of the north and south-facing pillars is flanked by protective drum-shaped stones, known as Baogu stones. The roof of the archway is in the Xieshan style, constructed from slabs of Chayuan Stone supported by intricate Dougong brackets. The roof is adorned with pairs of Aoyu (a mythical fish-like creature) on each end of the main ridge, with a flame-like pearl placed in the center, symbolizing prosperity and protection. The eight upward-curving eaves give the structure a sense of dynamic movement. At the center of the archway is a vertical plaque inscribed with the words “恩荣” (Grace and Honor), surrounded by intricate carvings of two dragons playing with a pearl. On the lower panels, the inscriptions “奕世尚书” and “奕世宫保” (Honorary Titles for High-Ranking Officials) are engraved, handwritten by the famous calligrapher Wen Zhengming.
Hu Clan Ancestral Hall
The Hu Clan Ancestral Hall (胡氏宗祠) is located in Kengkou (Longchuan) Village, Yingzhou Town, Jixi County. Historically part of Huizhou, Jixi is known for its strong cultural heritage and the prevalence of ancestral halls. The Hu Clan Ancestral Hall was originally built in 1547 during the 25th year of the Ming Dynasty’s Jiajing reign and was renovated in 1878 during the 4th year of the Qing Dynasty’s Guangxu reign. The hall faces south, with three main sections extending from front to back, covering a total area of 1,729 square meters. The hall’s design harmonizes with the surrounding mountains and water, creating a grand and dynamic presence. The interior of the hall is richly decorated, particularly notable for its well-preserved wood carvings, earning it the title “Treasure House of Huizhou Wood Carving Art.” Longchuan Village is historically significant as it was home to two ministers of the six ministries during the Ming Dynasty and is the birthplace of former Chinese President Hu Jintao. The ancestral hall was designated as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit in 1988. The hall serves as the ancestral temple for prominent figures such as Hu Fu, Minister of the Household Department during the Ming Dynasty, Hu Zongxian, Minister of the Military Department during the Ming Dynasty, and Hu Guangyong, a prominent Qing Dynasty merchant. The Hu Clan Ancestral Hall is praised by experts as an exceptional example of ancient Chinese ancestral halls.
Hu Zongxian’s Mansion
Hu Zongxian’s Mansion (胡宗宪少保府), now serving as an Anti-Piracy Memorial Hall, presents the life and achievements of Hu Zongxian in a detailed and engaging manner. The memorial is divided into four distinct sections, each focusing on a different aspect of his life. The first section covers Hu Zongxian’s background and early career, offering visitors insight into his upbringing and the events that shaped him. Moving through the exhibition, visitors learn about the dire situation caused by the Wokou pirates and how Hu was entrusted with the crucial mission to defend China’s southeastern coast. The narrative then shifts to highlight Hu Zongxian’s strategic brilliance and bravery, showcasing his successful efforts in securing the coastal regions. The final part of the exhibition delves into the tragic end of Hu Zongxian, who was wrongfully accused and died in prison. This section also explores how his legacy continues to resonate. The exhibition creatively combines images, multimedia, and advanced technology, using modern sound, light, and visual effects to bring Hu Zongxian’s heroic deeds to life.
Xiangxian Shrine
The Xiangxian Shrine (乡贤祠) is dedicated to honoring virtuous individuals from the local area, known for their high moral character, scholarship, or governance. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, those who were highly respected were posthumously recognized by local officials and had their names enshrined in the county’s Xiangxian Shrine. These individuals were honored with rituals during the spring and autumn seasons. According to the Jiaqing Edition of the Jixi County Gazetteer (published in 1810), 15 such individuals were venerated in Jixi County’s Xiangxian Shrine, including three from Longchuan. In addition to the Xiangxian Shrine, Longchuan had the “Hall of Reverence,” a sacred place for clan members to honor their ancestors and uphold their heritage. This hall recorded the names of respected clan members throughout Longchuan’s history and illustrated the life stories of eight particularly esteemed individuals. These illustrations were used as part of Longchuan’s local education initiatives, serving as a foundation for teaching the community about the virtues and achievements of their ancestors.
Xuan Paper Workshop
One of the highlights of Longchuan, known as “Dragon Grass of Pure Heart,” is closely tied to the area’s unique natural resources and traditional papermaking techniques. “Dragon Grass” refers to a plant that grows abundantly on Longxu Mountain, named for its long, thin, and flexible fibers resembling dragon whiskers. This grass, known for its exceptional strength and elasticity, makes an ideal raw material for papermaking. The mountain was named Longxu because of its rich supply of this plant. The “Pure Heart” in the name refers to the Chengxintang, where the finely crafted paper made from dragon grass is stored. The Longchuan Scenic Area has successfully revived and showcased this intangible cultural heritage by restoring the ancient papermaking techniques of Chengxintang. Visitors can witness the traditional papermaking process and even participate in the experience, gaining a deeper understanding of this ancient craft.
Longchuan Water Street
Longchuan Water Street (龙川水街) is a picturesque 500-meter-long street, with its water sourced from the foothills of Shijinsan Mountain. The water flows southward through Lingli, turns eastward, and enters Longchuan Village under Fengshan Mountain, eventually merging into the Dengyuan River. With a riverbed gradient of 500:1, the water flows gently during the dry season and rushes forcefully during the flood season, cleansing the village of all dirt and impurities. The riverbanks are constructed from bluestone and granite, with steep sides and stone steps leading down to the river, making it easy for residents to access the water for washing and other needs. One section of the river, resembling a small dock, was built in the early Qing Dynasty using bluestone and granite. Along the Water Street, many historical buildings and cultural relics can be found, each rich in local characteristics and of significant cultural value, offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s historical and cultural heritage.
Vlog about Longchuan Scenic Area
Local Delicacies and Specialties
Jixi Mountain Pecans (绩溪山核桃): Matured around the time of the White Dew each year, Jixi mountain pecans are a naturally wild fruit, known as one of the most nutritious varieties among China’s many nuts. These pure, green products are prized for their rich flavor and high nutritional value.
Jixi Dried Bamboo Shoots (绩溪燕笋干): Dried bamboo shoots, made from tender bamboo shoots, are a premium ingredient essential in traditional dishes. Jixi’s green bamboo shoots stand out for their unique taste and high nutritional content, making them a treasured wild, pollution-free food.
Jinshan Shiyu Tea (金山时雨茶): Jinshan Shiyu is a top-grade green tea that originated during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, initially known as Jinshan Mingwu. Once a tribute tea, it is produced in Shangjinshan of Shangzhuang Town, and it is named after “Shiyu,” a synonym for fine tea in southern Anhui. This tea is produced in the hometown of Hu Shi, a renowned scholar.
Jixi Green Tea (绩溪绿茶): Harvested every year between Qingming and Grain Rain, Jixi green tea is made by selecting the plump, tender buds and manually frying them. The resulting tea is cherished for its fresh aroma and delicate flavor.
Duzi Shrimp Tofu (杜字虾米豆腐干): Duzi shrimp tofu is a unique local product that can be cut into thin strips or slices. When torn apart, the fine texture reveals a shrimp inside. This versatile food can be enjoyed as a snack, paired with tea or wine, or used as an ingredient in various dishes, offering a distinctive taste in every bite.
Hu Shi’s Yipin Pot (胡适一品锅): Yipin Pot is a traditional dish from the Lingbei area of ancient Huizhou, particularly popular during festivals, banquets, and weddings. It was also a favorite of the famous scholar Hu Shi. When Hu served as the president of Peking University, he used this dish to entertain his son-in-law, Liang Shiqiu, who praised it with the words: “Yipin Pot, with its diverse layers of three, five, or seven ingredients, offers a flavor so captivating that one can’t leave the table without returning to the pot.”
History of Longchuan Village
Longchuan Village, with a history spanning over 1,600 years, is a well-preserved ancient settlement in China. Originally a barren riverbank covered with yellow dogwood bushes, the area was known as “Jinglinli,” named after the abundant production of golden honey (huangjing) in the region. In 318 AD, a military official named Hu Yan was stationed in Shezhou as an attendant on horseback. In the third year of the Xiankang period (337 AD), Hu Yan traveled to Huayang Town and came across this scenic spot. He was captivated by the area’s beauty, which featured “Dragon Peak rising in the east, Jiguang Peak standing in the west, heavenly horses galloping in the south, and the long, winding Tengyuan River flowing from the north.” Enchanted by the clear waters and lush mountains, Hu Yan decided to settle here with his clan, marking the beginning of the Longchuan Hu lineage.
In 766 AD, during the second year of the Yongtai period in the Tang Dynasty, Huayang Town was separated from Shexian County to establish Jixi County, to which Longchuan belonged. Over the centuries, the administrative affiliations of Huizhou Prefecture and Jixi County underwent several changes, but Longchuan Village always remained a part of these territories.
The Ming Dynasty was the golden age of Longchuan Village. During this period, the village flourished, with a large population and a prosperous economy. Education and the imperial examination system were highly valued, earning Longchuan the reputation of being a “village of scholars.” Over a dozen villagers successfully passed the imperial exams, the most notable being Hu Fu, who became a Jinshi (successful candidate) in 1478 during the Chenghua reign. He later served as the Grand Preceptor of the Crown Prince and Minister of the Household Department in Nanjing. Another prominent figure was Hu Zongxian, who became a Jinshi in 1538 during the Jiajing reign, eventually rising to the position of Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince and Minister of War. During the Ming Dynasty’s peak, the village’s architectural layout expanded to cover the entire “boat-shaped” area of Longchuan.
However, with the onset of the Qing Dynasty, Longchuan began to decline. The once-prestigious official careers of its residents faded, the population gradually decreased, and many buildings fell into disrepair. The village’s architectural footprint, once encompassing the entire boat-shaped area, gradually shrank to the northern part of Longchuan River, where most of the remaining structures are now concentrated.
We stayed in a small courtyard near the scenic area, which made it very convenient to visit Longchuan Village. After 5 PM, we could enter the scenic area for free through a small path next to the main entrance. Following the stream, we came across the Hu Zongxian Archway, which looked incredibly majestic. A few smaller attractions were closed at this time, but continuing on, we saw a reddish-brown bridge that looked beautiful against the evening light, with the sunset… Read more »