Wuyuan, praised by National Geographic as “the most beautiful countryside in China,” is a paradise of verdant mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and iconic Hui-style architecture. While most visitors flock to commercialized spots like Huangling, we ventured off the beaten path to explore seven serene, free-entry villages. Each village has its own unique charm, offering an authentic glimpse into the timeless beauty of Hui culture.
Our route began at the Jiangwan Highway Exit and took us through Shangtan (上坦村), Longwei (龙尾村), Qingyuan (庆源古村), Sanyanqiao (三眼桥), Chaguan (察关村), and finally ended at Chapingtan (查平坦). Along the way, we also encountered breathtaking sights like the Fengshan Longtian Tower (凤山龙天塔) and the scenic “Rainbow Road.”
1. Shangtan (上坦村): A Movie-worthy Riverside Retreat
Shangtan is home to a magnificent camphor tree that extends gracefully over the river. This spot served as a filming location for the movie I Am Not Madame Bovary, making it a must-visit for film enthusiasts. The village also features a charming “bench bridge” on the other side, where you can capture stunning photos of green hills, clear waters, and Hui-style houses. Don’t miss the bamboo raft experience, priced at just 30 RMB per person- arguably the most affordable and serene rafting experience in Wuyuan. Glide across the emerald river, breathe in the fresh air, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
2. Longwei (龙尾村): A Morning Paradise Beneath the Mist
Longwei quickly became our favorite village during this trip. Nestled at the foot of the Jiangling Scenic Area, this picturesque village is surrounded by vast fields of rapeseed flowers and a gentle creek. A newly built fish-scale dam adds to the village’s charm. Mornings in Longwei are magical, with mist blanketing the mountains and gradually dissipating as the sun rises. The rapeseed fields and whitewashed walls come to life in the soft morning light. Relax by the creek on a bamboo chair, watching fish play in the water and bamboo leaves rustle in the breeze – it’s a perfect scene for photography.
3. Qingyuan (庆源古村): The Timeless Beauty of Sanyanqiao
On the way to Qingyuan, you’ll pass a serene reservoir surrounded by lush greenery, reminiscent of Xinjiang’s landscapes. The main highlight here is Sanyanqiao (三眼桥), an ancient stone bridge that stands partially collapsed in a vast riverbed. Its remaining stone arches form a striking geometric pattern, offering a unique sense of beauty. From Sanyanqiao, you’ll enter the stunning “Rainbow Road,” a scenic route connecting numerous villages. This road offers a mesmerizing blend of mountain views, terraced flower fields, ancient trees, creeks, and smoking chimneys from old villages. Convenient parking spots along the route make it perfect for a leisurely drive with plenty of photo opportunities.
4. Fengshan (凤山): Iconic Views with Rapeseed Fields
Fengshan is renowned for its white Longtian Tower, surrounded by golden rapeseed fields that evoke the idyllic landscapes depicted in Chinese textbooks. The combination of the bright flowers and the elegant tower is a sight you won’t want to miss.
5. Chaguan (察关村): Bridges and Timeless Atmosphere
Chaguan, located near Hongguan, is a hotspot for photography enthusiasts. Its main attraction is an impressive single-arched stone bridge spanning a tranquil creek. The bridge’s grand design exudes an air of history and significance. This site also served as a filming location for I Am Not Madame Bovary, particularly the memorable scene of an elderly man leading a cow across the bridge, adding a touch of poetic nostalgia.
6. Hongguan (虹关村): A Kingdom of Ancient Camphor Trees
Hongguan is famous for its ancient camphor trees, especially one that has been crowned one of Jiangxi’s “Top Ten Ancient Camphor Trees.” This colossal tree dominates the landscape like a natural umbrella, dwarfing the nearby trees, some of which are centuries old themselves. Standing beneath this ancient giant is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience, one that truly showcases the wonders of nature.
7. Chapingtan (查平坦): The Village Above the Clouds
Our final destination, Chapingtan, is the most distinctive village of the trip. Perched high in the mountains, this “village in the clouds” offers spectacular views and a peaceful atmosphere. The journey requires navigating a winding mountain road, but the effort is well worth it. Chapingtan retains many of its original mud-walled houses, scattered across the village in a picturesque arrangement that feels like stepping into the pages of National Geographic.
Behind the village lies a circular forest trail with three observation decks, each offering panoramic views of the village and its surroundings. The combination of ancient architecture and pristine natural beauty makes Chapingtan a fitting end to this unforgettable journey.