Ancient Huizhou, as a prefecture with six counties under its jurisdiction in history, was endowed with unique geographical environment and historical relics, which nurtured the distinctive Huizhou culture.
The region is dominated by hilly terrain. Many of the ancient Huizhou paths are built along the mountains and rivers. In spring, rapeseed flowers bloom along the paths, and the black, white, and gray toned ancient Huizhou-style buildings dot the landscape. The blending natural beauty with cultural history makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Xie Minyi (1st L) and her teammates ride for training on the country road in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province, March 26, 2023.(Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Yixian County, one of the six counties of ancient Huizhou, is located at the southern foot of Huangshan Mountain. The China Huangshan (Yixian) International Cycling Open is held here for 18 consecutive years, as brand events achieving high-quality integration of sports and tourism.
Xie Minyi (3rd R, front) gets ready to start during the women's elite road cycling race at the 18th China Huangshan (Yixian) International Cycling Open in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province, March 26, 2023.(Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
This year's Huangshan cycling race attracted more than 1,700 riders both at home and overseas.
Xie Minyi (R) poses for photos in the rapeseed flowers fields in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province, March 26, 2023.(Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Xie Minyi, a rider of the Neza women's team, finished fifth in the elite division of the women's road cycling race.
Xie Minyi smells rapeseed flowers during her cycling training on the country road in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province, March 26, 2023.(Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Xie works in Shanghai, but Huangshan cycling track is one of her favorite routes. She said that riding in Huangshan can relieve the work pressure in a metropolis and help her find the feeling of returning to nature.
Arming Schober rides past rapeseed flower fields in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province, March 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
Arming Schober, a German owner of a homestay in Tachuan Village of Yixian County, participated in the 18th China Huangshan (Yixian) International Cycling Open.
Arming Schober rides past a stone bridge in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province, March 23, 2023. (Photo by Shi Yalei/Xinhua)
Arming was born in Innsbruck, Austria. He traveled in Huangshan Mountain with his family in 2021 and was attracted by the simple folk customs, beautiful environment and unique Huizhou-style architecture.
Arming Schober cuts pizza for guests in the homestay kitchen in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province, March 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
Arming and his wife Huang Qiong took over an ancient Huizhou house and started a homestay business. As a cycling enthusiast, he said that riding here makes him feel like he has returned to his hometown in the Alps.
Ma Qinghai, a villager of Shangtan Village, rows a bamboo raft in Ziyang Town of Wuyuan County, east China's Jiangxi Province, March 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
This aerial photo taken on March 30, 2023 shows Ma Qinghai, a villager of Shangtan Village, rowing a bamboo raft in Ziyang Town of Wuyuan County, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang)
Wuyuan County, one of the six counties of ancient Huizhou, covers an area of nearly 3,000 square kilometers. Waterways in Wuyuan are narrow and densely interconnected. Locals often row bamboo rafts on the river. Rowing bamboo rafts is the unique exercise for villagers here, Ma said.
Liu Long goes paddle boarding in Wuyuan County of east China's Jiangxi Province, March 29, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Taking advantage of the rural revitalization and development in towns and villages in Wuyuan County, Liu Long, a post-80 generation from northwest China, came to Nankeng Village in Jiangwan Town of Wuyuan County in 2019 to operate a homestay.
Liu Long reads in his guesthouse in Wuyuan County of east China's Jiangxi Province, March 29, 2023. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang)
Liu Long carries a paddle board and leaves his guesthouse in Wuyuan County of east China's Jiangxi Province, March 29, 2023.(Xinhua/Wan Xiang)
With a river in front of his homestay, Liu tried paddle boarding to get closer contact with nature. In the summer, his guests also went paddle boarding with him, which gradually became a "selling point" for the homestay.
Liu Long goes paddle boarding in Wuyuan County of east China's Jiangxi Province, March 29, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Produced by Xinhua Global Service■
