We can probably never obtain a complete picture of any region's history, but we can certainly attempt to do so more easily in some places that in others. The Ancient Huizhou area, on the southern tip of Anhui Province, is one place where you can easily visualize the past, especially its heyday of four hundred years ago, by strolling among old streets, picturesque countryside, and enchanting villages. For centuries, limited farmland in Huizhou area drove local people to go all out for survival, bringing about the legendary success of Hui merchants who dominated Chinese business world up until the 19th century. The huge amount of wealth accumulated by Hui merchants transformed into numerous townships, markets, docks and villages, most of them remain intact sheltered by the hilly terrains.

On the first day, we have cycle to a village where is home of dozens of Ming and Qing Dynasty houses that were relocated three decades ago. Cycling in these flat and countryside paved roads is a good start and warm-up of the trip!!

Next day, the trip continues to Thousand-island Lake direction. We will be cycling along the river down the main Lake area with villages dotted in both riverbanks. All these villages have been there for more than 100 years. Later of the day, we have a chance taking a small boat crossing river and hike around.

The last day, boat ride in the Lake and head back to Shanghai after lunch.