Xinan River

Xin'an River flows the territory of Xiuningn town inside Huangshan City. It extends eastwards to the west of Zhejiang Province. It joins Lanjiang River in Jiande via Chunan, and then flows into Qiantang River, being the source of Qiantang River. This river has a length of 373 km, and the drainage area covers more than 11,000 square kilometers. The source of Xin'an River is Fengcun River, Dayuan River and Shuaishui River that located in Huaiyu Moutain in Xiuning Town, Anhui Province. And then it flows eastwards though Chun’an Town, Jiande City, Tonglu City, Fuyang City, and then inflow into Qiantang River.



This river has an important significance for the local economy, for it is a vital waterway for the local people. They Ship out timber and local agricultural products and transfers in salt and manufactured goods. Along the river, Tunxi Town, Yuliang Town Shendu Town used to have bustling river ports in old days.

 

What to See along Xin'an River

Thousand-Island Lake Scenic Area
Thousand-Island Lake Scenic Area is also called Xinanjiang River Reservoir. It is located in Chunan County, Zhejiang Province. This reservoir was built in the 1950s. The dam of this reservoir is 105 m high and 462 m long. The widest site of the reservoir is about 10 kilometers. Under normal water level, this reservoir covers an area of about 580 square kilometers, 104 times larger than West Lake in Hangzhou water. And the storage capacity of the reservoir is up to 17.8 billion cubic meters, more than 3000 times larger than West Lake.



Xin'an River Landscape Gallery Scenic Area
Xin'an River Landscape Gallery Scenic Area is located in the historical and cultural Shexian Town (originally known as Huizhou). This scenic area is more than 100 miles long. It belongs to a national AAAA level scenic spot. Visitors usually hike along this scenic area, for they can catch the fantastic view of the river.


Fields along the River
Fields along the River take you into a Utopian world, especially in spring when the rape flowers and the local loquat bloom and in autumn when the grass turns yellow. These two seasons are the best time to travel to the river, for you can get the most beautiful scenery. During this time, wondering through the countryside is with no doubt an amazing chance for relaxation and a escape from the hustle and bustle modern city life.

Except for the above mentioned watch points, there are still a lot of things which are waiting for your exploration, such as, Wan’an Ancient Town in Xiuning Town, Qiyun Mountain Scenic Area, Tunxi Old Street, Yansi Ancient Town, Huizhou Ancient Town, and other world famous tourist destinations. 

What to do

Boat drifting
Scenic spots along the Xinan River make the sailing more interesting. The most exiting project of Xin'an River boat drifting is "drifting in fog". In winter and summer season, or after a storm, there is a very unique form of advection fog above the river. With the wind and flowing river, the fog move slowly. When you are taking a boat drifting above the river, with the beautiful mountain scenery by the both sides of the river, it makes you feel like immersed in the dream-like paradise.

Hiking Adventures:
The Xin’an River Scenic Area offers several hiking trails through mountains, valleys, and forests, perfect for nature enthusiasts who want to explore off-the-beaten paths and discover hidden relics and waterfalls.

Photography:
With its combination of natural beauty, ancient villages, and cultural depth, Xin’an River provides endless inspiration for photographers. Whether it’s capturing mist-covered peaks or the daily life of riverside villagers, every frame tells a story.

Natural Scenery

Crystal-Clear Water:
Xin’an River is renowned for its exceptionally clear water. The river surface acts like a natural mirror, reflecting lush hills and blue skies, creating the poetic scene described as “People walk in the mirror; birds fly through the painting.”

Magnificent Mountains and Water:
The river winds through dramatic mountain ranges, where cliffs rise sharply like knife edges. The river alternates between calm stretches and rapid flows, forming shallow beaches, gorges, and waterfalls such as Miantan and Zhangtan, showcasing nature’s grandeur.

Four Seasons of Beauty:
In spring, vast fields of golden rapeseed flowers bloom across the countryside, filling the air with fragrance. Summer brings lush greenery as branches hang heavy with ripe loquats, adding vitality to the riverbanks. When autumn arrives, Jiusha Village becomes a painter’s palette of warm hues during the harvest season, with colorful crops drying in the sun. In winter, the river transforms into a serene wonderland, where snow-capped banks and misty reflections create a tranquil, silver-white landscape—each season as picturesque as a scroll painting.

Cultural Landscapes

Huizhou-Style Villages:
Along the river lie well-preserved Huizhou ancient villages such as Yuetang, Zhangtan, and Miantan, known for their whitewashed walls, grey-tiled roofs, and horse-head gables. These villages exude elegance and showcase the architectural style unique to Anhui Province.

Ancient Residences and Architecture:
The riverbanks are dotted with ancestral halls, stone archways, and old mansions that bear witness to Huizhou’s rich history. These architectural gems not only have high artistic value but also preserve centuries of local traditions and craftsmanship.

Xin’an Painting School:
Xin’an River is the birthplace of the Xin’an Painting School, one of the most influential art movements in China during the Qing Dynasty. Renowned painter Jian Jiang once created his famous “Morning River Breeze” painting here, depicting Xin’an’s tranquil winter scenery. Today, the area continues to attract artists and photographers seeking inspiration.

How to Get There

Public transportation to the Xin’an River Scenic Area is not as developed as in urban destinations. The most convenient and worry-free way to visit is to join a local Huangshan tour group, which typically includes transportation, guide services, and key scenic spots such as Shexian, Qiyun Mountain, and the Xin’an River Landscape Gallery.

Alternatively, independent travelers can take a bus or taxi from Tunxi District (Huangshan City) to Shexian County, then hire a local driver to explore various viewpoints along the river.