Step into the Ancient Villages of Wuyuan and Decode the Poetic Secrets of Huizhou Architecture

## Wuyuan: The Four Seasons Poem of China's Most Beautiful Countryside [Introduction] When the gray tiles and white walls of Huizhou architecture meet the golden sea of flowers, and when the smoke from the ancient village chimneys encounters the misty dawn, this place becomes the idyllic landscape that the world yearns for—Wuyuan. This secret realm, hailed by Chinese National Geography as "China's Most Beautiful Countryside," is telling a different story of Jiangnan with the colors of the four seasons. [Best Time to Visit] 🌸 Spring (March–April): - Jiangling Ten Thousand Mu Terraced Fields of Rape Flowers (mid-to-late March is best) - Sixi Yancun Hundred-Year-Old Magnolia Blossoms - Recommended experience: Photograph the ancient flower village in the morning mist, and participate in local tea picking activities 🍃 Summer (May–August): - Wolong Valley Summer Hiking (the highest waterfall in East China) - Yantian Ancient Camphor Tree Afternoon Tea (cool off under a 1,500-year-old tree) - Featured activities: Dragon Boat Festival zongzi-making experience, summer night firefly watching 🍁 Autumn (September–November): - Huangling Shaiqiu (golden period for photography from September to November) - Shicheng Red Maple (November morning mist intertwined with red leaves) - Hidden surprise: Xiaoqi Village chrysanthemum picking experience ❄️ Winter (December–February): - Likeng Ink Snow Scene (the strongest Lunar New Year flavor) - Changxi Village hot spring experience - Special note: Fewer tourists in winter, suitable for quiet creation [Top 5 Must-See Attractions] 1️⃣ Huangling Shaiqiu Village - Highlight: The shaiqiu landscape selected as the "Most Beautiful Chinese Symbol" - Activity suggestion: Stay in a homestay in the scenic area and experience the beautiful scenery with no one around in the early morning - Ticket + cable car: CNY 145 (it is recommended to buy a package including a homestay) 2️⃣ Jiangling Terraces - World-class photography base, the four viewing platforms each have their own characteristics - Best shooting time: 6:00–7:30am - Transportation tips: There are scenic sightseeing buses in peak season (CNY 20/person) 3️⃣ Likeng - A typical representative of a small bridge, flowing water, and homes - Night tour experience: More charming when the lanterns are lit - Avoiding pitfalls: Avoid the crowds during holidays 4️⃣ Sixi Yancun - Filming location of "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio," rich in Confucian merchant culture - Must-see: Longevity Flower Hall wood carvings, Jingxutang architecture - Featured accommodation: Boutique homestays converted from Ming and Qing ancient houses 5️⃣ Rainbow Bridge - One of the most beautiful covered bridges in China, a Song Dynasty architectural remnant - Surrounding activities: Bamboo rafting (CNY 30/person) - Historical story: Embodiment of 800 years of flood control wisdom [Food Map] 🍲 Must-try specialties: 1. Pocket Red Carp (steamed is the most authentic) - Recommended store: "Liao Chu" Restaurant in the county 2. Huduofu (Wuyuan people must have it for New Year's Eve dinner) 3. Qigao (local specialty breakfast) - Food hunting place: Breakfast stalls on Wengong North Road 🍵 Souvenir recommendations: - Xiaoqi Royal Chrysanthemum (look for the place of origin logo) - Wuyuan Green Tea (Dazhangshan organic tea is the best) - Homemade glutinous rice wine (pay attention to carrying restrictions) [Accommodation Guide] 🏡 Featured accommodation recommendations: - Huangling Shaiqiu Beautiful Accommodation (best viewing location in the scenic area) - Sixi Village's Huamantang Homestay (Qing Dynasty Huizhou merchant mansion) - Jinniu Hotel in the county (value for money choice) 💡 Accommodation tips: Book 1 month in advance during the peak season (spring and autumn), and compare prices on site during the off-season [Transportation Guide] 🚗 Recommended methods: 1. High-speed train to Wuyuan Station + chartered car tour (approx. CNY 300/day) 2. Self-driving tour (be careful when driving on mountain roads) 3. Scenic spot direct bus (there are shuttle buses from the county to various scenic spots) 📌 Internal transportation: - The distance between attractions is far, so it is recommended to plan a circular route - You can buy a scenic spot joint ticket during the peak season (CNY 180/5 days) [3-Day Essential Route] D1: Huangling Shaiqiu (stay in the scenic area) → Jiangwan Ancient Town D2: Xiaoqi → Likeng Night Tour (stay in Sixi Yancun) D3: Sixi Yancun → Rainbow Bridge → Yantian Ancient Camphor [Photography Secrets] 📸 Golden hours: - 30 minutes before and after sunrise (Shicheng, Jiangling) - 1 hour before sunset (Moon Bay) 🎞️ Must-shoot scenes: 1. Huangling Shaiqiu Village morning mist 2. Zhangcun bench bridge reflection 3. Longwei Village Shuikoulin autumn colors [Avoiding Pitfalls] ⚠️ Precautions: - Rape flower season (March) room rates triple, book in advance - Beware of "guides" claiming to be able to enter the scenic spot without tickets - Look for regular stores when purchasing agricultural products [Special Experience] 🔖 Intangible cultural heritage projects: - Jialu oiled paper umbrella making experience (CNY 80/person) - Huizhou architecture mortise and tenon joint study (reservation required) - She Inkstone carving viewing (inside Jiangwan Scenic Area) [Epilogue] In Wuyuan, time seems to be slowly soaked in the landscape. Whether you are a photographer chasing light and shadow, a traveler looking for nostalgia, or an urbanite yearning for a slow life, you can find a place for your soul here. Take this guide and meet the most beautiful countryside in your heart!