Xuancheng

Xuancheng (宣城) is a city in Anhui. It has a long history and is known for its traditional culture, especially its connection with Chinese calligraphy and the Four Treasures of the Study (文房四宝) : the writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone. Xuancheng is particularly known for Xuan paper and Xuan brushes, which are important materials for traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting. The city is also a gateway to the scenic areas of southern Anhui.

Xuancheng (宣城) is a city in southeastern Anhui, near the borders with Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

Xuancheng Railway Station is the main railway station for Xuancheng urban area, serving both high‑speed D/G trains and conventional trains. It offers frequent direct services to major Yangtze River Delta cities including Nanjing (~1 hour), Shanghai (1.5-2 hours), Hangzhou and Hefei.

• 30.951389118.7783331 宣城站 (Xuancheng Railway Station), Xuanzhou District. The main railway station serving Xuancheng, with high-speed and conventional train services.  

Other railway stations within Xuancheng’s administrative area serve surrounding counties:

• Jingxian Railway Station for Jing County, Chaji Ancient Village and Taohuatan
• Jixi North Railway Station for Jixi County and Longchuan scenic site.

Check real‑time timetables via China Railway 12306 before departure.

Xuancheng Central Bus Station operates intercity bus routes to cities across Anhui and neighbouring provinces such as Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Suzhou. Buses also run to county-level destinations inside Xuancheng municipality.

There is no airport in central Xuancheng.

• 31.10378118.665742 Wuhu Xuanzhou Airport (芜湖宣州机场), Wanzhi District, Wuhu (About 21 km from downtown Xuancheng). This airport serves both Wuhu and Xuancheng.  

Most international travellers can also consider Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) or Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH), then continue to Xuancheng by train.

Major expressways link Xuancheng with Nanjing, Hangzhou and other cities. Self‑driving is a popular choice for tourists planning to visit scattered ancient villages and mountain sites across southern Anhui.

Xuancheng is a relatively compact city, and taxis and buses are the main ways to get around. Ride-hailing services are also available.

• 30.928569118.761691 Xuancheng Museum (宣城市博物馆), Shuiyangjiang Avenue and Xiangshan Road, Xuanzhou District (take bus 5 to Qixiangju Station or bus 23 to Library South Gate Station.), ☏ +86 563 2826177. Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-17:00; closed Monday except public holidays. The museum presents the history and culture of Xuancheng, with exhibitions covering local history, traditional culture and the Four Treasures of the Study. Free.  
• 30.97216118.7567922 Guangjiao Temple (Xuancheng) (广教寺双塔). Tu-Su 09:00-11:30, 13:30-17:00. Guangjiao Temple is a historic Buddhist site at the foot of Jingting Mountain. Its most distinctive feature is a pair of ancient brick pagodas standing close together. Built during the Northern Song dynasty, the pagodas have a simple, traditional appearance and offer a glimpse into the area's Buddhist heritage. The site is a good stop for visitors interested in ancient architecture and local history, and can be combined with a visit to nearby Jingting Mountain. Free.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 30.954722118.7677783 Xie Tiao Tower (谢朓楼), ☏ +86 563 2828549. 08:00-11:30, 14:00-16:30. Xie Tiao Tower is a famous historical landmark, closely connected with the city's long literary tradition. The tower is named after Xie Tiao, a poet of the Southern Qi dynasty, and was later celebrated by the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai in his poetry. With its traditional Chinese design and elevated structure, it is one of the city's recognizable cultural landmarks and a popular place to learn about Xuancheng's history. Free.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 30.9875118.71594 Jing Ting Mountain (敬亭山), ☏ +86 563 2515869. 8:00-17:30. Jingting Mountain is a scenic mountain area north of downtown Xuancheng, known for its green hills, bamboo forests, tea plantations and traditional pavilions. Walking trails lead visitors through the wooded slopes to viewpoints overlooking the surrounding landscape. The mountain is also closely associated with the poets Xie Tiao and Li Bai, making it a popular destination for both nature lovers and visitors interested in Chinese poetry. ¥50.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 30.930556119.49255 Taiji Cave (太极洞), ☏ +86 563 6850200. 08:00-17:30. Taiji Cave is a large limestone cave system in Guangde, near the border of Anhui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Inside, visitors can explore winding passages, spacious chambers and striking stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by colourful lights. The cave has both dry sections and a water-filled area where visitors can take a boat ride along an underground river. Surrounded by hills and greenery, it is a popular destination for exploring the region's unusual natural landscapes. ¥70.  (updated Oct 2026)

Xuan paper making experience – Join a hands-on workshop in Jing County to learn traditional papermaking techniques and make your own piece of Xuan paper.

Ancient village hiking – Walk through Chaji or Longchuan village to explore Huizhou architecture, local life and countryside scenery.

Xuan paper – High-quality traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy paper, produced in Jing County of Xuancheng.

Xuan writing brush – One of China's famous traditional writing brushes, handmade with local materials.

Xuancheng pot stickers – Local pan-fried dumplings with crispy bottoms, a popular breakfast and street snack.

Water Town three treasures – A local specialty dish with duck feet, fish head and tofu, typical of Xuancheng home-style cuisine.

Huangshan Maofeng tea – One of China's top green teas, commonly served in local restaurants and teahouses.

Southern Anhui rice wine – Traditional sweet rice wine, often paired with home-style village dishes.

Downtown Xuancheng – Budget and mid-range business hotels near the railway station and city centre, convenient for transport.

Jing County / Chaji area – Homestays and boutique inns inside or near ancient villages, ideal for slow travel and scenery.