Shexian County, the birthplace of the unique Huizhou Culture, is located at the southe foot of Yellow Mountain, in the upper reaches of the Xin'an River. The area is best known for tea, architecture, the art of the bonsai, and inkstones.
The influence of the Huizhou Culture and the prosperity of the area have eaed Shexian County the title "Zou-Lu of the Southwest", which references the hometown of Confucius and Mencius, Zou-Lu, meaning that Shexian is the southweste home of art and culture in China. Huizhou Culture is known for Xin'an painting, Huizhou architecture, and Xin'an medicine. Shexian County has produced many artists, philosophers, among them being the great educator Tao Xingzhi and master painter Huang Binhong.
Shexian County has many well-preserved courtyards, gardens, pagodas and bridges, most of which were built during Ming and Qing Dynasties, and some constructed as early as the Song Dynasty. These historical sites are described as gems of ancient Chinese architecture. In particular, the elegantly constructed ancient residential houses, ancestral temples, and memorial archways are unique in China. Experts refer to them as the Three Wonders of ancient architecture. The most famous ones are: Tangyue Archways, Xuguo Archway, Doushan Street and Yuliang Dam.
Maihuayu Village, located on the south bank of the Xin'an River, is known for something rather unique: it is the home of Huizhou horticulture. Most villagers are expert gardeners that specialize in raising bonsai. Shexian is in fact one of the places where the art of the bonsai originated.
In addition, Shexian also produces excellent inkstones that are used for calligraphy and painting. The art of the inkstone has been famous for over 800 years, and the She Inkstone is among the best in China.
