Tunxi Old Street, Huangshan – A Former Tea Trade Hub

Tunxi Old Street (屯溪老街), located in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, is a historical gem known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and vibrant cultural heritage. The street stretches 1,272 meters in length, with the most notable section spanning 853 meters. Its width varies between 5 to 8 meters. The street features a main thoroughfare, three cross streets, and 18 alleys, lined with over 300 Hui-style buildings from various periods. The layout of the street resembles a fishbone pattern, with the western part being narrower and the eastern part wider.

Nestled at the confluence of the Xin’an River, Hengjiang River, and Shuangshui River, Tunxi Old Street developed around a historical water port. Its picturesque setting has earned it the nickname “a moving Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival.” The street is renowned as one of China’s best-preserved ancient streets, showcasing Southern Song and Ming-Qing architectural styles.

The street’s history dates back to the Ming Dynasty’s Hongzhi era, where it was already referred to as “Tunxi Street.” During the early Qing Dynasty, it expanded significantly, and by the late Qing Dynasty, it had become a major center for tea commerce. The rise of “Tunxi Green Tea” led to a proliferation of tea houses and shops, contributing to the street’s development into a bustling market. By the end of the Qing Dynasty, Tunxi Old Street had evolved into a vibrant commercial hub with diverse industries, including pawnshops, banks, herbal medicine, textiles, and more.

In the Republican era, the street was known as Zhongshan Main Street and hosted key commercial institutions such as the Anhui Tax Bureau, Salt Office, and various trade associations. During times of conflict, Tunxi Old Street experienced an influx of merchants and refugees, leading to a dramatic population increase and economic prosperity. This period earned it the nickname “Little Shanghai,” reflecting its dynamic growth and economic significance.

Today, Tunxi Old Street is celebrated for its rich historical and cultural heritage. Its well-preserved Hui-style architecture offers a glimpse into traditional Chinese urban planning and building techniques. The street’s buildings feature distinctive wooden structures, intricately carved doors and windows, and traditional tile roofs, creating a picturesque and immersive historical experience.

Basic Information

Location and Transportation

Tunxi Old Street is located in the central area of Tunxi District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. To get there, you can take bus 5, 8, 12, 21, 202, or 203 and get off at Laojie Ermalu Stop (老街二马路站).