Wuyuan, known as the “most beautiful countryside in China,” with at least 50 old villages, is located northeast of Jiangxi Province, and near Mt Huangshan and Jingdezhen.
Wuyuan is home to a few of the well-preserved ancient architecture in China. Each of those ancient structures has a unique appearance as well as structure. They emerge from among the emerald green mountains and trees, clear rivers along with the crisscrossing paths between the fields. Those structures were built in 740 during the Tang Dynasty; its remoteness and inconvenient transportation protecting its villages’ beauty from a large amount of tourists. Local people there can enjoy the pure, clean brooks, seemingly delicate wooden buildings, unique bridges as well as the tranquil lifestyle, etc…
This village has turned into a ecological, cultural as well as tourist demonstration center of China. The ancient Architectural complexes,caves, blue water, trees as well as rural sceneries; all these form a typical Chinese countryside scene
Wuyuan has become a well known town in the world features in famous Huizhou local culture as well as charming idyllic scenery. Beijing Opera, Hui Opera, the Luo Dance known as the “Dance Live Fossil” as well as the charming tea performance, all these make Wuyuan fascinating tourism destination.
Main Attractions to Visit in Wuyuan
【Likeng Village】
Likeng Village is a cluster of houses constructed along a brook. It is said to be the most scenically beautiful village in the town. The brook is two to three meters wide spanned at different points by makeshift bridges. A rolling stream through the village lived by 260 peasant households along with ancient buildings with its pink walls, black tiles as well as beautiful girls who are washing laundry reflecting from the stream look like a natural scenery.
【Shangxia Xiaoqi】
Shangxia Xiaoqi is a village built in the Song Dynasty. A few special ancient buildings with magnificence and precise craftsmanship can be seen here. The roads of village were made of small stones. A lot of well known ancient trees can be found all over the village.
【Rainbow Bridge】
The Rainbow Bridge is said to be the most beautiful covered bridge in the country. Though the bridge was built 800 years ago, it stands as sturdy as ever. It is used by the local people every day. In order to get to this bridge, tourists need to pass through the oldest lane in Wuyuan.
【Dazhang mountain】
Dazhang Mountain is the northern protective screen of Wuyuan. It is really a distinct mountain as well as a gorge scenic spot with total original natural views. A lot of waterfalls can be seen in the gorge. From a distance, these waterfall look like a jade dragon diving from the sky, shining brightly in the sunlight.
【Yuanyang Lake】
Yuanyang Lake is found in the western town of Wuyuan County. In winter, this lake has attracted numerous mandarin ducks to inhabit to escape the cold season. In 1997, it had been listed as “Provincial Nature Reserve”. Along the Lake is the region of natural vegetation full of evergreen broad-leaved forest, mainly pine. Here, the 24 families as well as the 185 kinds of woody plants cover more than 95% of this area.
Popular Things to Do in Wuyuan
【Watch Rape Flowers and Taste Spring Tea】
Wuyuan is famous for a perfect mass of rape flowers. Rape flowers in Wuyuan are usually in full bloom in late March and early April. The top of terraces around Jiangling Village or the Moon Bay is the best place to get a panoramic view of the vast expanse of golden yellow rape flowers. Qingyuan Village, Shangxia Xiaoqi Village, Wangcha Village is also a good place to watch the Rape flowers sea.
Wuyuan green tea has been famous in Wuyuan for long, especially the spring green tea. If you go there in Spring, you may visit Changxi Village to experience tea culture, where is famous for producing high mountain green tea in Wuyuan.
【See Beautiful Autumn Leaves】
Wuyuan is also very beautiful in late autumn. From October to late November is the best time to water red and yellow leaves, as well as morning mist. When you see villages deep in the mountains are shrouded in mist, a large area of red maple and ginkgo silhouetted against the white walls and black tiles in countryside, looming in the mist, you will find the view is truly fascinating and worth the trip. Shicheng Village, Huangling Village, Sixiyan Village and some other villages are good places to enjoy the autumn view.
【Visit Local Ancient Village in Hui-style】
Wuyuan is the birthplace of the Huizhou culture. Villages around are must go, and you will be attracted by the quiet and simple countryside life there. noticeable Huizhou-style architecture can be found in these old villages, such as, arches, stone tablets, stone bridges, ancient stages, etc.
Travel Guide
【Chinese name】: 婺源
【Best time to visit】: March, April, October and early November are the best time period to visit Wuyuan. March and April is the flower season of rape flower. You will be immersed in the flower sea. October and early November is the best time to see beautiful autumn leaves.
【How to get there】: Wuyuan is located between Huangshan City and Jingdezhen City, and is near to Jiujiang City, Nanchang City and Shangrao City. It takes 1 hour from Jingdezhen, 1.5 hours from Huangshan, 3.5 hours from Nanchang, 1.5 hour from Shangrao and 3 hours from Jiujiang by car. You need to take train or flight to get to these nearby cities first, then transfer to Wuyuan. Usually, tourists visit Huangshan or Jingdezhen or Hangzhou first, then go to Wuyuan.
If you come from Huangshan, you may read the transport details at How to Get to Wuyuan from Huangshan
If you come from Jingdezhen, you may read the transport details at How to Get to Wuyuan from Jingdezhen
Tour Route
If you want to visit all the sites around Wuyuan(including Wangkou Village, Shanghxia Xiaoqi Village, Jiangling Village, Sixiyan Village, Qinghua Town, Rain-bow Bridge, etc.), it needs three days. But it is not necessary to spend so many days there. If you travel from Huangshan or Jingdezhen, one day is enough to visit the main sites around Wuyuan. If your travel in March to see rape flowers, it is recommended to take Eastern Route(Moon Bay-Likeng Village-Xiaoqi Village-Jiangling Village-Qingyuan); if you visit in autumn to see red leaves and morning mist, it is suggested to visit Changxi Village(长溪村) and Shichengcheng Village(石城程村), or Huángling(晓鳙) and Xiaoyōng(篁岭).
• Attractions in Eastern Route: including Wulongyuan rafting, Jiangwan Village, Lihang Village, Wangkou Old Wharf, Xiaoqi eco-village, Jiangling Village, etc..
• Attractions in Northern Route: Congxi Rafting, Wuyuan County Museum, forest water world-Wolong Valley, Tianlingyan Scenic Area, Sixiyan Village, Rainbow Bridge, Lihang village, etc.
• Attractions in Western Route: Mandarin Duck Lake-the largest Mandarin Duck habitat in Asia, Wengong Hill, etc.
The attractions in Wuyuan is quiet abundant and scattered. It is recommended to rent a van with driver and tour guide to guide you around.
Around Wuyuan, there are several famous tourist attractions, such as Lushan Mountain, Yellow Mountain, Wuyi Mountain, Poyang Lake, etc.