Things To Do
in Yi Xian

A regional specialty often braised slowly with soy and spices; available at traditional guesthouses and mid-range restaurants around Hongcun and Tunxi.

Must-Try!

Tender pork belly slow-cooked with soy, sugar and local spices, commonly found in family restaurants and banquet menus.

A fermented tofu with a distinctive aroma and deep flavor, usually fried or braised — try it at village stalls or small eateries for an authentic taste.

Fragrant green tea grown on nearby hillsides; buy fresh leaves from plantations or taste brewed tea at local teahouses.

Small vendors sell steamed buns, rice cakes, skewers, and local pasteries; a good place to sample quick local snacks and buy tea leaves.

Weekly or daily markets in smaller villages where you can find fresh vegetables, bamboo shoots, local eggs and homemade pickles — great for interacting with locals and tasting seasonal produce.

Don't climb on or touch delicate wooden carvings and ancestral tablets; follow signage and show respect inside ancestral halls and private courtyards.

Some traditional guesthouses may ask you to remove shoes before entering inner courtyards or rooms — follow host cues and use slippers if provided.

Address elders respectfully, avoid loud public arguments and use two hands when offering or receiving gifts or business cards.

Always ask permission before taking close-up photos of people, especially in small rural communities, and be mindful of private property.

Tipping is not widely expected in small restaurants or taxis in Yi County; rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated but not required. In higher-end hotels or private guides, a modest tip is welcome but still discretionary.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are ubiquitous in towns; cash (RMB) remains important in villages and small stalls. International credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants in Tunxi but not reliable in rural spots — carry cash or enable mobile pay with a local SIM or banking setup.

Mild temperatures, blossoming trees and tea-planting season; excellent for photography with fresh greens and fewer tourists than autumn. Expect occasional rain — bring a light rain jacket.

Warm and humid with occasional heavy rain and thunderstorms; Huangshan trails can be foggy and visibility variable. It’s lush and green but pack for heat and humidity and be prepared for crowded weekends.

Arguably the best time to visit: cool, clear days, stable weather and autumn foliage on higher slopes. Expect more tourists during national holidays (e.g., Golden Week) — book accommodation in advance.

Cold, damp weather with possible snow in higher elevations and on Huangshan; fewer visitors and dramatic snowscapes but some guesthouses and services may reduce hours.