Huizhou Culture: Best Huangshan Cultural Tour Experiences

Huizhou culture, or Hui culture for short, is one of the three most prominent regional cultures in China. It is the culture of the Huizhou region in southern Anhui Province, namely the present-day Huangshan City and parts of Jixi County. Huizhou culture is a significant part of Chinese heritage because it has made great contributions to Chinese commerce, architecture, cuisine, and arts.

During Ming and Qing dynasties, the Huizhou region was a center of commerce in China. Huizhou merchants, known as “Huishang,” established extensive trade networks across the country, bringing significant economic growth to the region, which allowed different aspects of Huizhou culture to thrive.

This article will introduce you to the four most renowned aspects of Huizhou culture, production of the Four Treasures of the Study, Hui Architecture, Hui Cuisine, and Hui Opera. Moreover, if you’re traveling to Huangshan, we have also included the best places to experience Huizhou culture including hands-on experiences, comprehensive museums, and a taste of the authentic local life.

1. Production of the Four Treasures of the Study

The Four Treasures of the Study refer to the essential tools used in Chinese calligraphy, the writing brush, ink stick, ink stone, and xuan paper. Historically, they have been considered the basic materials needed for a scholar’s work in the study, and the Huizhou region is known to produce some of the finest of them.

Four Treasures of the Study store in Huangshan

Writing Brush

First off, the writing brush is obviously important for a Chinese calligraphy artist, and the process of making one is meticulous and artistic in itself. It involves 108 steps in total, including 72 steps to go through on the head of the brush alone, choosing the brush, trimming, straightening, rolling, clipping, and more.

You can witness this process or even experience for yourself at a local writing brush shop on Tunxi Ancient Street in Huangshan under the guidance of a traditional artisan. It’ll be an excellent opportunity to experience Huizhou culture for yourself.

Ink Stick

Ink stick is a solid ink used for Chinese calligraphy and brush paintings, and Huizhou ink stick has been regarded as one of the top four in China since Tang Dynasty. The making of it involves mixing, hammering, and kneading the ink dough, molding, and carving. The finished ink stick is not only judged by its practicality, but also its aesthetic appearance.

One of the best places to learn about ink stick making and taking part in the process yourself is Hu Kaiwen Ink Factory. With a history of over 200 years, it continues the tradition of the old Hu Kaiwen’s handcrafted ink-making techniques. You will be instructed by a professional craftsman to create your own ink stick or make your attempt at gilding.

Ink Stone

Ink stones made in the Huizhou region is called She ink stone (She Yan). It is one of the most famous specialties of Huizhou culture. The ink stone is used for the grinding and containment of ink, usually made of stone, clay, bronze, iron, or porcelain. The making of ink stones mostly focuses on carving. On your Huangshan tour, you can see some of China’s finest She ink stones at Huizhou Culture Museum.

Xuan Paper

Xuan paper, or rice paper, is known for its softness, thinness, and fine texture, perfect for the artistic expression of Chinese calligraphy and brush paintings. The 108 steps for making xuan paper involves filtering, drying, and ironing. You can learn more about arts made with xuan paper and its production process at China Xuan Paper Museum.

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2. Hui Architecture: Three Carvings

Another highlight of your Huizhou culture experience will be Huizhou architecture. It is characterized by white walls, black-tiled roofs, flying eaves, and stone-paved alleyways. In total, there’re over 4,900 ancient structures within Huangshan city, including UNESCO World heritage sites Hongcun Village and Xidi Ancient Village. Specifically, it is most renowned for its Three Carvings, wood, brick, and stone.

Wood Carving

Wood carvings in Huizhou not only decorate ancient homes and corridors. They also record and visualize many folk narratives. Often found around screened windows and on banisters, Huizhou wood carving vividly depicts legends and famous anecdotes of the region with different characters and landscapes. You can find well-preserved wood carvings at Hui Style Carving Museum.

Brick Carving

Huizhou brick carvings are mostly used to decorate doorways. There are flat and three-dimensional carvings. The subject usually involves local plants and flowers, animals, and traditional folktales. Observe the ancient carvings as you explore Xidi Ancient Village, which is known as a living museum of Huizhou Architecture.

Stone Carving

Stone carvings are more common in Huizhou architecture, mainly used for the decoration of pillars, walls, plaques, and other places in the house. Take a Huangshan tour to local villages and witness the wonders of Huizhou culture in person.

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3. Hui Cuisine

Hui cuisine, or Anhui cuisine, is one of the eight major cuisines of China, which means it is very characteristic to its region and has become well-loved by people across the nation. Hui cuisine uses local ingredients, is heavy on oil and coloring. Braising and stewing make the dishes thick and flavorful. Classic dishes include Stewed Turtle with Ham, Honeycomb Tofu, and Stinky Mandarin Fish.

Food is an important aspect of Huizhou culture and Chinese culture in general. You can find authentic Hui cuisine on Tunxi Ancient Street and satisfy your tastebuds on the best Huangshan tour.

4. Hui Opera

Hui Opera is one of the five major Chinese operas originated in the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty, which means it has a history of more than 300 years. It is well loved by the audience for its high-pitched singing and dramatic performance style. There’re beautiful dances, exciting fight scenes, and light-hearted comedies.