Shexian Travel Guide

Shexian is a small town to the east of Tunxi in southern Anhui Province, east China, and is a popular daytrip destination from Tunxi. It sits at the foot of the revered Yellow Mountain.

Worth It?: Yes, for Shexian's pristine surroundings and proximity to Huangshan Mountain and Tunxi.
What to Do: see the old gates, climb Yellow Mountain (Huangshan Mountain).
Best Time to Go: late April through October, avoiding late June, July and August.
How Long?: A daytrip to Shexian is enough.
Trivia: Shexian was formerly known as Huizhou, center of the Huizhou culture.

Actually an ancient county, Shexian was around in the 6th century as a cultural center and later as a commercial one under Ming and Qing. It lies near to Huangshan Mountain amid beautiful surroundings and features ancient gates, winding old streets, and cliff side pagodas.

The main landmarks to see in Shexian, apart from Huangshan Mountain, include the original clock tower of Dongqiao Gate (or Yanghe Gate), a two-story tower built during the Ming Dynasty; Taibai Building; the Xin'an Stele Garden; and the Archway of Xuguo. Nearby Qiandao Lake and Jiuhua Mountain are popular side attractions.

Travel to Shexian - Getting There

Tunxi Airport is the convenient way to get to Tunxi and Shexian, with a 40-minute flight from Shanghai Pudong. Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, 200kms east, is the main gateway, however, and a 3-hour transfer away. Buses run to Shexian every 10 minutes from Tunxi, a 45-minute journey.

Shexian Things to Do

Shexian Attractions

Dongqiao Gate

a lofty, two-story gate which is also known as the Yanghe Gate and served as the original clock tower.

Side trips from Shexian

Palace of Nuwa: with its precarious cliff side setting, Nuwa Palace (the first female in Chinese legend) is a must-see if only for the views.
Huangshan Mountain: more commonly known as Yellow Mountain, it is near to Shexian and has numerous spiked peaks in a wonderful setting.