A historic city in southeastern Anhui famous as the home of Xuan paper (one of the Four Treasures of the Study), the breathtaking Taiji Gorge, and classic Huizhou culture.
Xuancheng is a prefecture-level city in southeastern Anhui Province, located at the intersection of Anhui, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces. With a population of 2.5 million and an area of 12,313 square kilometers, it is a city rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The city is most famous as the home of Xuan paper (xuanzhi), the prized paper that has been essential to Chinese calligraphy and painting for over a thousand years. The paper, made from the bark of the wingceltis tree (qingtan) mixed with rice straw, is known for its incredible durability, soft texture, and ability to absorb ink without bleeding. The traditional hand-making process was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Xuan Paper Culture Park in Jing County preserves and demonstrates this ancient craft.
Xuancheng has deep connections to Chinese literary history. Jingting Mountain was immortalized by the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai, who visited the mountain seven times and wrote his famous poem "Sitting Alone in Face of Peak Jingting" here. The region was also an important center of Huizhou culture, which flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The ancient villages of Longchuan and Zhaji preserve the distinctive white-walled, black-tiled architecture, intricate wood carvings, and scholarly traditions of Huizhou.
The economy of Xuancheng is diverse, with strengths in paper manufacturing, tourism, agricultural products (particularly pecans from Ningguo and chestnuts from Guangde), and emerging industries such as new materials and automotive parts. The city's location in the Yangtze River Delta economic zone provides access to major markets while maintaining its natural and cultural character.
Xuancheng's economy is well-diversified, reflecting its strategic location in the Yangtze River Delta. The paper and cultural products industry is a unique strength, with Xuan paper and other traditional crafts supporting a specialized cultural economy. The Xuan paper industry alone supports thousands of jobs in Jing County.
Tourism is a major and growing sector. Taiji Cave, Zhaji Ancient Town, and the Xuan Paper Culture Park are the top draws, attracting millions of domestic tourists annually. The city promotes itself as a destination for cultural tourism and eco-tourism, leveraging its Huizhou heritage and natural landscapes.
Agriculture contributes significantly, particularly in niche high-value products. Ningguo pecans are a nationally famous product, and Guangde chestnuts are highly prized. Other important agricultural products include tea, bamboo shoots, and traditional Huizhou cured meats.
Manufacturing has grown substantially in recent years, with automotive parts, new building materials, and textile production as key sectors. The city's industrial parks have attracted investment from companies seeking proximity to major Yangtze River Delta markets. In 2025, Xuancheng's GDP reached approximately 180 billion yuan.
Discover the culinary treasures of Xuancheng, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Xuancheng does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest major airports are Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG, about 150 km north) and Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE, about 200 km northwest).
Xuancheng Railway Station with high-speed services to Hefei (1h), Nanjing (1h), Shanghai (2.5h), Hangzhou (1.5h), Beijing (4h)
City buses and intercity buses to major towns. Tourist buses available to Zhaji and Taiji Cave.
Available throughout the city
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the best weather for most destinations in China.
Visit Xuan Paper Culture Park in the morning to see the full paper-making process.
Stay overnight in Zhaji Ancient Town to experience its tranquil atmosphere after the day-trippers leave.
Buy Ningguo pecans and Shuidong dates as souvenirs — they are the region's finest specialties.
Combine Taiji Cave with a visit to nearby Jingting Mountain for a full day of sightseeing.
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