Located in the picturesque Wuyuan County of Jiangxi Province, Huangling Village (篁岭村) is a charming ancient village that has stood for over 500 years. Known for its unique architectural beauty, stunning terraced fields, and vibrant cultural experiences, Huangling has earned recognition as one of China’s most beautiful villages by National Geographic. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply looking to immerse yourself in nature, Huangling offers a captivating blend of history, scenic beauty, and local traditions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Huangling Village on the East Route of Wuyuan.
Ticket Information
- Low Season (Jan 1 – Feb 8): 120 RMB including admission and round-trip cable car
- Peak Season (March 9 – April 6, May 1 – May 5, Oct 1 – Oct 7): 150 RMB (Cable car and round-trip: 165 RMB)
- Shoulder Season (Other Dates): 135 RMB (Cable car and round-trip: 145 RMB)
Important Tip: During peak seasons, tickets should be booked online in advance, as there may be no tickets available at the site.
How to Get to Huangling Village
Transportation to Huangling:
- From Wuyuan Train Station to Huangling Visitor Center:
- By Bus: There are regular buses that depart from Wuyuan Station to the Huangling Visitor Center, which takes about 50 minutes and costs around 19 RMB per person.
- By Shared Car: For a more direct and faster option, you can hire a shared car, which takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around 30 RMB per person.
- From the Visitor Center to the Village Entrance:
- If you’re staying within the Huangling Scenic Area, you can take the cable car directly from the visitor center to the mountain top, avoiding long queues.
- If you’re staying at the Xiao Rong Village (晓容村) halfway up the mountain, the hotel owner will provide transportation from the base to the hotel, and the village entrance is just a 10-minute walk from there.
- For other accommodations, you will need to take the cable car back and forth, which can involve long wait times during peak seasons.
Cable Cars in Huangling Village
There are two cable car routes in Huangling:
- Cable Car A (Old Village Cable Car): This cable car takes visitors from the base of the village to the scenic spot near Lei Xin Bridge (垒心桥), going from low to high terrain. It’s the better choice for ascending.
- Cable Car B (Terraced Field Cable Car): This route runs from the terraced fields to the village, going from high to low terrain. It is often less crowded and a good option for descending after visiting the higher viewpoints.
Cable Car Operating Times:
- The last Old Vilalge Cable Car departs at 9:00 PM, while the last Terraced Field Cable Car departs at 5.30 PM
- Maintenance is usually performed from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, so be mindful of this when planning your visit.
Tips for Riding the Cable Cars in Huangling Village
- Recommended Cable Car Routes: Generally, it’s best to take A Cable Car up and B Cable Car down (or vice versa) to avoid retracing your steps and save time. This way, you can enjoy the views both ways without backtracking.
- Most Recommended Option: B Cable Car up, A Cable Car down
- Going from high to low is less tiring, especially if you prefer descending rather than climbing.
- B Cable Car tends to be less crowded, so you can avoid long queues.
- B Cable Car operates until 5:30 PM, while A Cable Car runs until 9:00 PM, giving you more flexibility for returning.
- Important Notes:
- Peak Season Crowds: During the high season, queues for the cable cars can be long, so it’s advisable to arrive early to avoid waiting in line for extended periods.
- B Cable Car Operational Times: The B Cable Car is only available during peak season, and occasionally, both cable cars undergo maintenance. To avoid any inconvenience, call ahead to confirm the operating times and potential maintenance schedules for the cable cars before your visit.
Top Attractions and Best Photography Spots in Huangling Village
1. Huaxi Water Street (花溪水街): A charming commercial cultural street, Huaxi Water Street captures the essence of a traditional Jiangnan water town. Located on a slope, the street features shops lining both sides with a central stream flowing from top to bottom.
2. The Sun-Drying Platform (晒秋大平台): Situated at the highest point of the ancient village, the Sun-Drying Platform offers sweeping panoramic views of Huangling Village. From here, visitors can capture stunning aerial shots of the entire village and the surrounding terraced fields, especially during autumn, when the sun-drying activity is at its peak.
3. The House of Wonders (怪屋): The House of Wonders is a unique attraction that will challenge your perception of space. It consists of two parts: the Upside-Down House (倒屋) and the Slanted House (斜屋). In the Upside-Down House, everything is arranged upside down, from furniture to everyday objects, making it appear as though the world has flipped. In the Slanted House, everything tilts at an angle, creating a disorienting experience for visitors as they walk through the room.
4. Wu Gui Hall (五桂堂): Built during the Qing Dynasty under the reign of Emperor Qianlong, Wu Gui Hall is the ancestral home of the Cao family in Huangling. The hall is an impressive example of traditional Anhui architecture, with exquisite wood carvings and a grand, elegant design. Its name, “Wu Gui” (Five Laurels), symbolizes the Cao family’s wish for descendants to achieve success in imperial exams. The hall is a great place to experience the rich heritage of the region and capture the beauty of classical architectural details.
5. The Sun-Drying Workshop (晒工坊): One of the tallest structures in Huangling Village, the Sun-Drying Workshop offers a fantastic vantage point to capture the famous sun-drying scenes that define this village’s charm. The workshop provides a stunning view of Huangling’s terraced fields and the flower seas in the distance. The platform faces west, making it a perfect location for photographing the village during sunset, as the fading light bathes the landscape in warm hues.
6. Zhongwu Plaza (众屋广场): As the central square of Huangling, Zhongwu Plaza is where villagers gather and interact. This lively area also serves as an excellent spot for visitors to take in the village’s daily life. The square’s observation deck provides a unique angle for photographing the sun-drying scenes, capturing the daily rhythm of the village against the backdrop of terraced fields and traditional homes.
7. Tianjie (天街) Tianjie is the village’s food street, which is laid out according to the “nine lanes and three bridges” structure. The street starts from the Five Phoenix Archway and branches off into nine alleys leading to different parts of the village.The iconic archway, known as the “Sacred Decree Five Phoenix Arch,” was a gift from Emperor Qianlong to a local resident during his 60th birthday celebration.
8. Creative Sun-Drying Platform (创意晒秋台): Located near the Dicos fast food outlet in Tianjie, this creative sun-drying platform is a fun spot for capturing seasonal and festive sun-drying arrangements. During certain events, the platform features creative sun-drying displays with patterns or festive words made from chili peppers and pumpkins, adding an artistic twist to your photos.
9. Folk Culture Museum (民俗展览馆): The Folk Culture Museum is a great place to immerse yourself in the history and customs of Huangling Village. Here, visitors can learn about the local traditions, customs, and the lifestyle of the villagers.
10. Shui Kou Rainforest (水口雨林): Known for its misty atmosphere, Shui Kou Rainforest is a magical spot that creates an ethereal and dreamy setting. The mist typically stops around 5:30 PM, and wearing white clothing enhances the beauty of the photos here, making it an ideal spot for capturing the village’s magical aura.
11. Flowing Light Forest (流光森林): From 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, the Flowing Light Forest transforms into a wonderland of lights. With various lighting effects creating a dreamlike atmosphere, the forest features large mushrooms, a colorful castle, and a floating mountain, all set against an enchanting glow.
12. Yixin Building (怡心楼): Built during the Qing Dynasty, Yixin Building was originally an old cultural station moved from Xucun Town to Huangling. Today, it serves as an exhibition space showcasing the ancient marriage customs of Huizhou.
13. The Republic of China Snow Pavilion (民国飘雪馆): This immersive experience offers a journey into the past, bringing the architectural style of the Republic of China to life. The Snow Pavilion features a realistic simulation of snowfall, creating a picturesque winter scene. It also includes a Dreamlike Starry Sky Art Gallery filled with layers of glowing lanterns, adding to the magical ambiance.
14. Lei Xin Bridge (垒心桥): Famous for being a filming location for the popular Chinese drama Ode to Joy 2, Lei Xin Bridge is a 298.15-meter long bridge with a vertical height of 97 meters. The bridge’s middle section features 48 meters of glass flooring, providing breathtaking views of the terraced fields and the surrounding mountains.
Folk Activities in Huangling Village
Dragon Dance Feast / Dragon Bench (舞龙灯盛宴/龙板凳)
- Introduction: The Dragon Dance Feast is one of Huangling’s most exciting folk events. A lively procession of dragon lanterns weaves its way through the ancient village, bringing energy and festive spirit to the area.
- Time: 19:10–19:40 (Fridays and Saturdays)
- Route: The dance starts from the Folk Culture Museum (民俗展览馆), moving through Tianjie Street (天街), Zhongwu Plaza (众屋广场), and ending at the Food Street.
Lantern Night Walk (提灯夜游)
- Introduction: Wander through the ancient village under the starry sky while carrying a traditional lantern. Lanterns are available for free to all participants, adding a magical touch to the evening walk.
- Time: 19:10–19:40
- Route: Starting from the Folk Culture Museum (民俗展览馆), the walk follows Tianjie Street (天街), passes through Zhongwu Plaza (众屋广场), and leads to the enchanting Flowing Light Forest (流光森林).
Market Events
- Introduction: In summer, there is a cool summer market for visitors to explore, while the Lunar New Year brings a folk market that offers local crafts and traditional goods.
- Location: Zhongwu Plaza (众屋广场)
Best Time to Visit Huangling Village
Best Time to Experience Autumn Colors
- Sun-Drying Scenes: Visible year-round, the iconic sun-drying of crops is a highlight of the village’s agricultural traditions.
- Chrysanthemums: Best viewed from late October to mid-November.
- Persimmons: Mid-October to mid-January is the best time to enjoy the vibrant color of ripening persimmons .
- Red Maples: These brilliant autumn leaves can be admired from early November to mid-December.
- Ginkgo Trees: Ginkgo trees turn a brilliant yellow from mid-November to early December.
Best Time to Enjoy Flowers:
- Rapeseed Flowers: Mid-March to mid-April (3月中旬～4月中旬) is when the rapeseed fields bloom, painting the landscape in yellow. This is a particularly popular time for visitors to come and photograph the flowers against the backdrop of the terraced fields.
Map and Suggested Routes for Exploring Huangling Village
Viewing the Terraced Fields from the Cable Car: Ride the cable car from the terraced fields up the mountain. Continue walking to Lei Xin Bridge (垒心桥), a popular photo spot. From there, proceed towards the zipline and follow the path to the rapeseed flower viewing platform. You can take a short walk down to get a closer view of the fields.
Viewing the Village from the Cable Car: Ride the cable car to Lei Xin Bridge (垒心桥), and then continue through Food Street to the Sun-Drying Platform (晒秋平台). Visit the House of Wonders (怪屋), Wu Gui Hall (五桂堂), Shui He Tang (水和堂), and the Sun-Drying Workshop (晒工坊). Make sure to stop by Yixin Building (怡心楼) and Ai Guo Wall (爱国墙) along the way. From there, continue through the Flower Creek Water Street (花溪水街), passing by the Floating House (悬浮屋) and heading back towards Huangling Art Museum (篁岭美术馆). End your visit by taking the cable car down to the ancient village.
Ancient Village Cable Car Route: Take the cable car to the village, passing through Tianjie Street (天街) (the food street), Flower Creek Water Street (花溪水街), the Sun-Drying Workshop (晒工坊), Wu Gui Hall (五桂堂), and the House of Wonders (怪屋). Don’t miss the scenic spots at Food Street (小吃街), Sun-Drying Platform (晒秋平台), and Lei Xin Bridge (垒心桥). The route also includes the Terraced Fields View Platform and Woyu Bridge (卧云桥), offering a complete tour of the cultural and natural highlights of the area.
Accommodation Guide for Huangling Village
1. Staying Within the Scenic Area
The most convenient but also the most expensive option is staying directly within the Huangling Scenic Area (篁岭景区). There are only three hotels inside the area: Shaqiu Mei Su (晒秋美宿), Tianjie Hotel (天街酒店), Yishanju (倚山居). These hotels are all managed by the scenic area and come with a set of benefits and drawbacks.
How to Check-in: You will check in at the Ancient Village Cable Car Visitor Center (古村索道游客中心) at the foot of the mountain. From there, you’ll take the cable car to the mountain’s top and transfer to a shuttle bus that takes you to your hotel. If you’re driving, you’ll still need to take the shuttle bus from the parking area to your accommodation. After check-in, hotel staff will assist in transporting your luggage to your room. When leaving, your luggage will be delivered to the cable car station for you to ride back down.
Advantages: You can stay directly inside the scenic area, allowing for maximum flexibility in terms of timing and activities.
Disadvantages: There are fewer choices, and the rooms are generally more expensive.
2. Staying in Xiaorong Village – Halfway Up the Mountain
Another popular choice for visitors is to stay in Xiaorong Village (晓容村), which is located halfway up the mountain. This village used to be called Xiaoyong Village (晓鳙村), but the name was changed due to the difficulty of pronouncing the original name. Xiaorong Village offers a more budget-friendly option with great value.
How to Check-in: Visitors generally head to the foot of the mountain’s visitor center and then contact the innkeeper in Xiaorong Village to arrange a pickup. If you’re driving, you can go directly to Xiaorong Village, but it’s essential to contact the innkeeper in advance to ensure a parking spot. From Xiaorong Village, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the scenic area entrance. Upon checking out, inns will provide transport to the foot of the mountain’s visitor center.
Advantages:
- Affordable: Prices are significantly cheaper than those inside the scenic area, offering great value for money.
- Avoid Long Cable Car Lines: In peak seasons, the cable car can have long lines, but staying in Xiaorong Village lets you skip the cable car, saving time.
- Ticket Purchase: You can buy Huangling Scenic Area tickets at the entrance of Xiaorong Village, and by showing your hotel reservation, you can purchase tickets without the cable car (costing 120 RMB). This offers more flexibility.
- Freedom in Timing: There is more flexibility in your schedule. You don’t have to adhere to cable car hours, and you can leave the area anytime you want (unlike staying in the scenic area, where you must leave before the cable car closes, typically around 8:30 PM).
Disadvantages: Xiaorong Village is slightly farther from the scenic area. You’ll need to walk a bit further, including a short staircase and bridge to the ticketing area, which takes about 10 minutes. While the walk is manageable, it may not be ideal for those with limited mobility.
3. Staying at the Foot of the Mountain
For those on a tighter budget or looking for more accommodation options, staying at the foot of the mountain offers plenty of affordable choices.
Advantages: A wide variety of budget-friendly inns and guesthouses are available, providing more flexibility for different budgets.
Disadvantages: The major downside is the need to take the cable car to reach the scenic area, which limits your freedom of movement. You also need to return to the foot of the mountain before the cable car closes, generally by 8:30 PM.
Visitor Tips for Huangling Village
- Explore at a Relaxed Pace: Huangling Village is a place meant for leisurely exploration, where visitors can soak in the early morning and evening atmosphere. Take your time to enjoy the tranquility of the village and its natural beauty.
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to start exploring is around 3 – 4 PM, so you can experience the late afternoon sunset and stay for the beautiful night views and folk activities. Aim to head back down around 8:30 PM.
- Luggage Storage: There are luggage storage services available near the entrance of the scenic area. Small items are 5 RMB, and larger items are 10 RMB.
- Dining Options: If staying in a homestay in Xiaorong Village (晓容村), the owner typically prepares homemade meals. Alternatively, there are dining options available within the scenic area.
- Avoid Crowds During Peak Season: Cable cars can be crowded during peak tourist seasons, so it’s advisable to arrive early to avoid long queues.
- Clothing Recommendations: For the best photos, wear warm-toned clothing, which blends beautifully with the natural surroundings, especially during sunset and the autumn months.