Sixi and Yancun Villages

Upper and Lower Xiaoqi

Upper and Lower Xiaoqi are the two most beautiful villages in Wuyuan. This area preserves some of the best-kept natural scenery in Wuyuan and best embodies the region's pastoral theme. The key is to set aside time and savour them slowly. Upper Xiaoqi is known for its hillside farmland. From here you can continue up to Jiangling, where the views of fields and countryside make it one of the most beautiful spots in Wuyuan. Lower Xiaoqi is distinguished by the water that winds around the village. When travelling from Wangkou Town toward Duanxin (段辛), turn onto a dirt road. Lower Xiaoqi, surrounded by ancient trees, sits where two streams meet.

Jiangwan

Jiangwan is an ancient village rich in Huizhou cultural heritage, famous as the hometown of Jiang Zemin. It still preserves Ming and Qing official residences such as the Yushi Mansion and the Zhongxian Mansion, as well as Huizhou-style merchant houses such as the Tengjia Old House and Peixin Hall. Four ancient gate pavilions, Donghe, Nanguan, Xi'an and Beiyue, are also part of the village's landscape. Among its sights, the Xiaojiang Ancestral Hall was once hailed as 'the finest of the 70 famous ancestral halls in the Jiangnan region.'

¥60 · 3 hours

Likeng Scenic Area

Likeng is one of the most famous villages in Wuyuan and is considered one of China's most beautiful villages. Its architecture is distinctively Hui-style. The village has a long tradition of scholarship and has produced many talented people. Ming and Qing period buildings are scattered throughout the village, and residential compounds are built along the stream. Likeng grilled meat (zhirou) and Huagu shiji (a shiitake and chicken dish) are farmhouse specialties you must try here, and pairing them with Likeng glutinous rice wine makes the meal even better.

¥60 · 2–3 hours

Likeng Village (Ikeng)

Ikeng Village was founded in the early Southern Song dynasty. Its villagers are well-educated and courteous to their neighbours. The village preserves many Ming and Qing official residences, such as the Shangshu Residence, the Tianguan Shangqing Residence and Jiamu Hall. All are exquisitely crafted, with bracketed eaves and upturned roof corners. Pine trees and bamboo set off the black-tiled, white-walled houses, while ancient paths, stone bridges and rushing streams complete a picture of remarkable harmony.

¥60 · 2 hours

Jiangling

'You haven't truly seen Wuyuan until you've been to Jiangling.' Jiangling is the most beautiful village for viewing terraced rapeseed fields. From the high ground you can see the most magnificent rapeseed flowers and the most graceful Hui-style houses. The best viewpoint is on the hill, where the rapeseed flowers blanket the slopes in a spectacular display just before Qingming Festival. The hills are not high, but the paths are dirt roads that become difficult in the rain. You can also take a motorbike taxi up and down.

¥80 · 4 hours

Shicheng Village

Shicheng Village is home to a remarkable collection of ancient trees, with groves of rare species. Its more than 100 maple trees are especially striking. From mid-to-late November, when the maple leaves begin to turn red, photography enthusiasts arrive at dawn and stay until dusk. The vivid colours set against black-and-white ancient houses form a natural giant palette. In autumn in Wuyuan, Shicheng and Changxi are two villages not to be missed.

2–3 hours