Zha Ji, an ancient Huizhou-style village established in the early Tang Dynasty, is nestled more than 20 kilometers from Taohuatan, where the legendary Li Bai penned the line “The Peach Blossom Pond is a thousand feet deep.” This village, inhabited by the Zha family since their ancestor Zha Wenxi settled here, is a popular tourist destination often visited in conjunction with Taohuatan.
The village is characterized by its Huizhou-style architecture, with white walls and black tiles, built along the converging streams of Cenxi, Xuxi, and Shixi. Numerous ancestral halls dot the landscape, showcasing the exquisite Huizhou-style three carvings—brick, wood, and stone. The village is also frequented by students who come to sketch, adding a vibrant touch to the scenery.
The main tourist route in Zha Ji is circular, with the main entrance on the east side. At the entrance of the pedestrian street (New Street), the Anhui Zha Ji Art Museum houses a treasure trove of cultural relics, including jade ware, ancient building components, and steles, which are worth a visit if time permits.
Once inside the village, it’s recommended to start with the southern half of the circular route, where the scenic spots along Xuxi Stream are more concentrated. Notable sites include Baogong Ancestral Hall, rebuilt during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, and Degong Hall, a unique archway-built house from the Yuan Dynasty with pillars of precious nanmu wood. Airi Hall, a Ming Dynasty building featured in the horror film ‘The Deserted Inn,’ is unfortunately not open to the public.
Continuing westward along Xuxi Stream, one should take note of the ancient bridges of various shapes. The Honglou Bridge of the Ming Dynasty, for instance, is accompanied by a unique Honglou Pavilion. Further west, beyond sites like Honggong Ancestral Hall, lies the Painters’ Village, a hub for artists, and Yuegui Villa, Hu Ge’s hometown in ‘Inspiration for Life.’
The northern half of the circular route offers attractions such as Yuqing Hall of the Qing Dynasty and Xiangyi Hall of the Ming Dynasty. Erjia Ancestral Hall stands out as the largest in the village, built in the early Qing Dynasty, with its three carvings being a must-see.
As you near the pedestrian street again, don’t overlook the unassuming Cunrentang pharmacy, where the knowledgeable owner is well-versed in Chinese medicine. For those who prefer a more rustic experience, a fork in the road leads to Qingshan, where one can cross a mountain ridge to visit Qingshan Tower and immerse in the tea-scented mists. Alternatively, one can take a half-mountain walk along Zha Ji Primary School, Fafeng Well, and Linzhi Bridge, or climb Rusong Mountain to visit Rusong Tower. A ride to Hou’an, 5 kilometers northeast, offers a visit to the former residence memorial hall of Wang Jiaxiang and pastoral scenery.
Bicycles can be rented on the pedestrian street or in some inns, and locals are always ready to assist with directions.
Accommodation and dining in Zha Ji are convenient, with inns offering local specialties such as maodoufu (stinky tofu), tea, osmanthus rice wine, chestnuts, and kiwis in autumn. While the accommodation in the village’s depths is simple, the scenery is delightful. The pedestrian street at the village entrance is popular with students and offers entertainment like billiards, internet cafes, and KTV. Some inns even have observation decks for photography, though a fee may apply for non-guests, such as at the well-regarded Guangyuanlou.
Zha Ji is open all year round and all day, with online ticket pickup available from 8:00 to 16:30. For preferential policies, children under 1.2 meters in height or under 6 years old enter for free, while minors aged 6 to 18 enjoy half-price admission. The elderly aged 65 and above enter for free, and those aged 60 to 65 with senior citizen cards or ID cards receive half-price admission.Students: Students in school with valid certificates are half price.
Military personnel: Active-duty military personnel and retired military cadres with valid certificates are free.
College, middle school and primary school students on group visits: College, middle school and primary school students on group visits to educational bases are free.
Supplementary note: Other preferential policies: Local residents of Jingxian County, members of the China Photographers Association, members of the Anhui Photographers Association, members of the China Artists Association, members of the Anhui Artists Association, members of the China Calligraphy Artists Association, and members of the Anhui Calligraphy Artists Association are exempt from tickets with valid certificates; tourists surnamed Zha are half price with their ID cards. (Note: Due to the overloaded reception of the scenic area during the Qingming Festival, May Day holiday and National Day holiday, this preferential policy is not enjoyed during this period. Please travel off-peak!)
The above information is for reference only. The specific information shall be subject to the disclosure of the scenic area on the same day.
Service facilities:
Parking lot: [Zha Ji Ancient Village Parking Lot]. Reference price: Subject to the actual situation of the scenic area. Address: At the scenic area ticket office and tourist service center. Parking spaces: 400.
