Tachuan Village is located midway between Hongcun and Mukeng Bamboo Sea, 2.5 kilometers away from each. This Hui-style hamlet, also known as Tashang, is named for its ancient residences built against the mountain in tiers resembling a pagoda, and a stream flowing through the village.
Tachuan is renowned for its autumn scenery, which attracts countless photographers every late autumn. Early autumn begins in mid-October, but the best time to appreciate the autumn colors is in late November. At this time, the hillsides are adorned with the variegated colors of the Chinese tallow trees, and the village with white walls and black tiles rises with the curling smoke of cooking fires, presenting a picturesque scene akin to an oil painting. It is recommended to call local inns in advance to inquire about the red leaf conditions; otherwise, one might be disappointed if they miss the autumn colors. While Tachuan’s pastoral scenery is also commendable, it can lead to a psychological disparity when compared to the autumn colors, and the village’s old houses cannot match the splendor of Hongcun. During autumn, traffic on the 102 township road is heavy, making it advisable to walk from Hongcun to Tachuan. Several viewing platforms are located along the 102 township road, marked with signs. The first photography spot is about 200 meters west of Tachuan, offering views of Tachuan and Hengchuan villages. The second spot requires climbing a small hill from the township road to capture the panoramic view of Tachuan. Continuing along the township road for another 150 meters is the third photography spot, also offering views of Tachuan and Hengchuan villages. After turning a bend, a small hill on the right side of the road provides the fourth photography spot, with views of Tachuan and Hengchuan villages. The fifth photography spot is at the entrance of the Hongcun tunnel, offering an expansive view that includes Xie Li, Fengdeng villages, and Qishu Lake. The 102 township road is a popular hiking route. If you have more time, consider taking the circular route from Hongcun to Fengdeng to Xie Li to Tachuan and back to Hongcun, which is lined with pastoral scenery. Instead of heading north on the 102 township road from Hongcun’s South Lake, take the southeast 066 township road. First, you will encounter Qishu Lake, where you can photograph sunrises and pitch tents. Following the lake and passing by Xie Li Mountain Villa, take the northern fork and continue north to reach Xie Li village. Ask locals in Xie Li how to get onto the highway; the road near Xie Li is the Hongcun tunnel on the 102 township road. East of the tunnel is Mukeng Bamboo Sea, and west along the 102 township road leads to Tachuan and Hongcun. The circular route is not difficult to navigate, as it is mostly paved. It is about 2 kilometers from Hongcun to Xie Li Mountain Villa, 300 meters from Xie Li Mountain Villa to Fengdeng village, 2 kilometers from Fengdeng village to Xie Li, 2.5 kilometers from Hongcun tunnel to Tachuan, and 2.5 kilometers from Tachuan to Hongcun. The entire loop can be completed in a day. Since dusk and dawn are optimal photography times, it is suggested that photography enthusiasts depart from Hongcun in the afternoon and spend the night in Mukeng Bamboo Sea or Tachuan. Accommodation in Tachuan and Mukeng Bamboo Sea is decent, with private bathrooms and hot water. For a more luxurious stay, consider lodging in Hongcun.In Hongcun, Xieli Villa, Xieli, Mükeng Bamboo Sea, and Tachuan, there are places to eat. Dishes are mainly rural local dishes such as winter bamboo shoots and native chickens. Seasonal vegetables are very fresh. In autumn, you can also buy persimmons from local people. Opening hours: Open all year round from 07:30 to 17:00. Preferential policies: Children: Children under 6 years old (inclusive) accompanied by guardians and holding the original of their valid ID card or household register or children with a height of 1.2 meters (inclusive) or below are free. The elderly: Elderly people aged 65 years old (inclusive) and above holding their ID cards are free; elderly people aged 60 years old (inclusive) to 65 years old (exclusive) holding the original of their ID cards are half price. Disabled people: With valid certificates, free. Journalists: With valid certificates, free. Tour guides: With valid certificates, free. Minors: Minors aged 6 years old (exclusive) to 18 years old (inclusive) holding the original of their valid ID card or household register are half price. Students: Full-time undergraduate and below students holding their student ID cards are half price. Active servicemen and retired cadres: Active servicemen and retired military cadres holding soldiers’ cards or officers’ cards are half price. Supplementary note: The above information is for reference only. Specific information please refer to the disclosure on the day at the scenic spot. Service facilities: Toilets: There are multiple toilets in the park, all with signs. Must-see tips: 1. In autumn in Tachuan, in addition to red leaves, there are also chrysanthemums to see. In addition, the rape blossoms in March and April here are also worth seeing. 2. The fourth shooting point on Township Road 102 is relatively hidden. When going up the hillock, be careful not to trample on crops. 3. Don’t be discouraged if you didn’t capture the fog or cooking smoke of Tachuan. Wait patiently. In the peak season of enjoying autumn, some photography enthusiasts will bring their own smoke cakes to create a misty effect. 4. For tourists hiking the Hongcun-Fengdeng-Xieli-Tachuan-Hongcun loop, Hongcun, Mükeng Bamboo Sea, and Tachuan can be used as supply points, but it is still recommended to bring some dry food. 5. If you order native chicken at a local farmhouse, it is recommended to watch the owner catch and kill the live chicken to avoid being replaced by a frozen chicken.
