A Dreamy Spring Trip to Wuyuan
Introduction
In April 2020, I embarked on a 5 – day journey to Wuyuan with my friends, spending around 2000 yuan per person. Our trip was filled with delicious food, great photo – taking opportunities, and a free – spirited, cost – effective exploration.
Huangling in Wuyuan
The Sea of Rapeseed Flowers
Wuyuan, hailed as “China’s Most Beautiful Village,” is a paradise in spring. When I first arrived at Huangling’s terraced fields on the highlands, I was stunned by the sight of tens of thousands of mu of rapeseed flowers in full bloom. They stretched out like a golden ocean, like an army on the move or a wriggling golden snake. As I walked into this sea of flowers, the sweet fragrance filled my lungs, and the golden color blinded my eyes. I felt like a white cloud floating into the flowers, gradually merging with nature, creating a perfect ink – wash painting.
The Ancient Village and the “Autumn Harvest Display”
Huangling Ancient Village is a typical mountain – dwelling village with unique Hui – style architecture built along the mountains. It is surrounded by thousands of ancient trees and the much – anticipated rapeseed flower terraces. The most famous thing about Huangling is the “Autumn Harvest Display.” It’s a typical rural custom with strong regional characteristics. In fact, this kind of display is not only seen in autumn but throughout the year. When I visited, I still saw the colorful display of crops on the round drying trays in front of the hundreds of Hui – style ancient houses on the slope, creating a unique and beautiful picture.
The Scenic Spots in Huangling
- The Terraced Fields and the Viewing Platform: Standing on the viewing platform, I saw the famous first – phase rapeseed flower terraced fields. Unfortunately, the flowers in the first – phase had withered, but luckily, the second – phase on the other side of the mountain was still in full bloom.
- Leixin Bridge: At the entrance of the village, there’s a memorial archway. After walking up the mountain for a while, I reached Leixin Bridge, a popular internet – famous bridge and one of the filming locations for the TV series Ode to Joy 2. The 298.15 – meter – long cable – supported bridge has a 98 – meter vertical height, and its middle section is a 48 – meter glass walkway. Walking on it, I could enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery while feeling the thrill.
- Woyun Suspension Bridge: From Leixin Bridge, I could overlook Woyun Suspension Bridge in the distance. With a length of 186 meters, it’s the longest suspension bridge in Jiangxi Province, with a high load – bearing capacity of 20 tons. It’s an excellent place to enjoy the terraced rapeseed flower sea in spring.
- Taking the Cable Car to the Second – phase Flower Sea: After crossing Leixin Bridge, I took the cable car to the top of the mountain. In just a few minutes, I was on the top. Looking down, the whole second – phase rapeseed flower sea was in front of me, in its most beautiful state.
Likeng
Likeng is an ancient village mainly inhabited by the Li family. It combines the architectural features of Wuzhen and the strange rock scenery of Tuerling. The unique Hui – style architecture here gives people a sense of peace and tranquility. As soon as I entered the village, I saw a large camphor tree at the entrance. It’s over a hundred years old, with a thick trunk and lush, moss – covered branches. According to the guide, local people believe that if a newborn baby has trouble sleeping, they can come here to pray for the baby’s peace, and it seems to work! A small stream divides the village into two parts. Along the stream, there are stone roads, and various bridges connect the two sides. The village is full of ancient buildings, and the shops along the stream offer all kinds of handicrafts and delicious food.
Shuishanghe in Wuyuan
Walking into Shuishanghe in Wuyuan is like stepping into an ancient Huizhou grand garden. There is an ancient stage, an academy, and dozens of Hui – style ancient buildings neatly arranged on both sides of a clear stream. The scene of small bridges over flowing water makes you feel as if you’ve returned to your hometown in a dream.
- The Architectural and Cultural Attractions: The carvings in the Hui – style buildings here are amazing. When I visited a wedding room, the large Chinese character “Xi” (meaning happiness) in the middle of the living room made the room very festive. The beams in the living room were full of Huizhou charm, with delicate wood carvings everywhere. I also watched a tea – making performance in Shanghe Academy. The girls in beautiful wedding – like dresses made tea with elegant movements, making it an artistic experience.
- The Natural Scenery: The Yanhu Lake here is a great place to relax. You can either stay in the pavilion in the lake and enjoy the 360 – degree view of the mountains, water, and Hui – style buildings, or take a boat on the lake and watch the fish swimming around.
Jiangwan Ancient Town
Jiangwan is a 5A – level scenic area in Wuyuan. The Xiaojiang Ancestral Hall at the entrance is a magnificent Hui – style building. It was first built in 1587, destroyed during the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom period, and rebuilt in 1924. It was once regarded as “the best ancestral hall among the seventy famous ancestral halls in the south of the Yangtze River” and is the top of the four ancient buildings in Wuyuan.
- The Ancient Architecture and Culture: The village is full of Hui – style ancient buildings such as Sansheng Hall, Dunchong Hall, and Peixin Hall. The unique feature of Hui – style architecture is the patio in the middle of the house with a large vat for collecting rainwater, which not only prevents fires but also symbolizes the idea of keeping wealth within the family. The carvings on the buildings, including stone, wood, and brick carvings, are extremely delicate, showing the high – level craftsmanship of that time. There is also a mysterious door in a small alley that has remained open for hundreds of years. It has a beautiful horse – head wall stone carving on it, and its unique design is related to the family’s hope of having an official in the family.
- The Local Talent and the Garden: The village is known for its talented people, with 38 Jinshi (successful candidates in the imperial examinations) coming from here. The Xiangxian Garden is like a back garden for the villagers. It has a long corridor, a small lake, and a mountain with lush ancient trees. There is also a statue garden that tells the stories of the village’s famous people from ancient times to the present.
Jiangling
Jiangling is a must – visit place in Wuyuan. In March, the rapeseed flowers here are in full bloom. The terraced fields of rapeseed flowers stretch from the top of the mountain to the valley. In the morning, I walked up to the viewing platform. Although I didn’t see the sunrise due to the cloudy weather, I was still amazed by the sea of clouds floating above the rapeseed fields. As the clouds gradually dispersed, I could see the remaining rapeseed flowers on the mountain – top terraces. The combination of the golden rapeseed flowers, the distant mountains, and the nearby water is truly a sight to behold, making people reluctant to leave.
Dreamy Hometown in Wuyuan
The Spring Scenery
In spring, Wuyuan is a land of flowers, with bright yellow rapeseed flowers, white pear blossoms, and pink peach blossoms. When I arrived at the Dreamy Hometown Resort Town, I walked on the path of Taoyuan Yisu. The pink peach blossoms were in full bloom. The white walls, black tiles, and unique horse – head walls of the buildings, along with the green trees and colorful flowers on both sides of the path, created a poetic and picturesque scene.
The Water Rafting and Performances
In the afternoon, I took a bamboo raft on the Xingjiang River near the town. It was like a journey in a water town in the south of the Yangtze River. Girls with oil – paper umbrellas stood at the front of the raft, and the gentle breeze made their clothes flutter. The scenery of mountains, water, and the raft formed a beautiful ink – wash painting. There were also many performances in the town. I saw a girl dressed as a Tang – dynasty woman performing as an “不倒翁” in the Jinshi Square. Her sweet smile and elegant dance won the hearts of the tourists.
The Night View and Entertainment
At night, the town became very lively. Red lanterns were hung high, creating a festive and romantic atmosphere. The night view of the ancient town was beautiful. There were also many night – only performances, and you could also experience time – traveling, do research studies, taste local food, look for mysterious places, and take a bamboo raft, providing a unique one – stop vacation experience. There is also a “Fantasy World” room in the town, which is like a maze with many mirrors and colorful lights, making it a fun place to explore.
Conclusion
March is the most beautiful season in Wuyuan. The sea of rapeseed flowers, the unique Hui – style architecture, the simple rural customs, and the delicious local food all make Wuyuan a place that you don’t want to miss. If you come here, you’ll surely be captivated by its charm and create unforgettable memories.
