Tucked away on the eastern route of Wuyuan, Likeng Village (李坑村) is a picturesque ancient settlement that offers visitors a step back in time. Known for its distinctive Hui-style architecture, clear mountain streams, and tranquil rural landscape, Likeng is an ideal destination for photographers, artists, and nature lovers alike. With its beautiful mix of old wooden bridges, traditional white walls and black tiles, and meandering rivers, this charming village captures the essence of “small bridges, flowing water, and people’s homes” in perfect harmony. Whether you’re exploring its quiet lanes or admiring the serene beauty of its surroundings, Likeng offers a truly captivating experience.
Transportation to Likeng Village
Likeng is situated approximately 12 kilometers from Wuyuan County, making it one of the closest scenic areas to the county center, especially in the eastern route of Wuyuan’s famous attractions. The village is a National AAAA-level scenic area, drawing both tourists and photographers alike with its well-preserved traditional charm.
There are several convenient ways to reach Likeng:
- By Taxi: A taxi from Wuyuan County to Likeng costs around 30 RMB.
- By Shared Car: If you’re traveling with others, a shared car ride can cost about 15 RMB.
- By Tourist Bus: For a more affordable option, take the East Route tourist bus. The fare is 7 RMB per ride, with two buses available daily:
- First route: Departs from the Wuyuan Railway Station to Jiangwan, with buses running every half hour from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Second route: Departs from Huadu Hotel to Wulongyuan, running every 1.5 hours from 6:40 AM to 3:20 PM.
Ticket Information
For those who plan to visit multiple Wuyuan attractions, the Wuyuan Scenic Area offers various ticket options:
- Five-Day Pass: 176 RMB
- One-Day Pass: 148 RMB
- Free Entry: For seniors over 65 years old.
If you’re visiting just Likeng, individual tickets are required:
- Adults: 55 RMB
- Children (6-17 years, or under 150 cm): 27.5 RMB
- Seniors (60-65 years): 27.5 RMB
- Free Admission: Children under 120 cm and seniors over 65 years old.
Key Highlights and Features of Likeng
Likeng Village’s architecture showcases the renowned Hui-style, making it an ideal destination for artists, photographers, and culture enthusiasts. The ancient village is blessed with crystal-clear rivers, lush mountains, and a pleasant environment. Throughout the village, you’ll find well-preserved buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with residential homes nestled along the streams and built into the mountainsides. The white walls and black tiles of the buildings, along with their irregular, staggered layout, create a distinctive aesthetic. The village’s narrow alleys are interwoven with winding streams, and its streets are connected by dozens of stone, wood, and brick bridges. Among the many picturesque sights are two clear streams, willow trees that seem to fly in the breeze, overlapping bridges, moonlit fountains, the sound of temple bells, and the graceful beauty of the fairy bridge, all forming a breathtaking scene
Best Time to Visit Likeng
The best times to visit Likeng are during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and the surrounding countryside is at its most beautiful. April, in particular, is a great time to visit as the rapeseed flowers are in full bloom, creating a stunning yellow contrast against the whitewashed walls of the buildings.
If you’re looking to avoid large crowds, it’s advisable to visit during weekdays, especially Monday to Thursday, as weekends and holidays tend to attract more tourists and artists, particularly during the summer. In the early morning, a thin mist often hovers over the village, adding to its ethereal and picturesque atmosphere, making it an ideal time for photography.
Tips for Exploring Likeng
- Walk at Your Own Pace: Likeng Village isn’t large, and you can easily explore the main sights in about 1-2 hours. The best way to experience the village is to take your time, wander through the narrow alleys, and enjoy the architecture and serene landscape.
- Skip the Bamboo Raft Ride: While some visitors opt for a bamboo raft ride along the river, the waters in Likeng are narrow and not particularly clean, which can make the experience less enjoyable.
- Don’t Miss the Scenic Views: Be sure to visit the village at different times of the day to see the changing light and reflections in the water, which offers a variety of picturesque scenes for photographers.
- Get the Full Experience: If you’re not in a rush, consider taking the village’s shuttle bus (5 RMB), but it’s only a 15-minute walk from the entrance and the walk itself offers a scenic route.