Western Route of Wuyuan – Breathtaking Scenery

The beauty of Wuyuan lies in its ancient villages with white walls and gray tiles nestled in mountain valleys, vast fields of rapeseed flowers, bamboo groves, and crystal-clear spring waters. This region is rich in poetic charm and embodies the essence of old Huizhou culture. The Western Route of Wuyuan showcases the most exquisite landscapes of both mountains and waters, leaving visitors with lasting memories.

Along the Western Route, the attractions are dispersed and located farther from the county seat. Key highlights include Wengong Mountain, known for its stunning views and cultural significance, and the picturesque Mandarin Duck Lake, where visitors can enjoy tranquil scenery and reflections of the surrounding nature. Further west, travelers can also explore Jingdezhen, the renowned porcelain capital, adding a unique cultural dimension to the journey. This route promises a delightful experience, combining natural beauty with rich heritage, perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of Wuyuan.

Travel Information about Western Route of Wuyuan

Ticket and Opening Hours

Best Time to Visit

The stunning landscapes can be enjoyed year-round. However, summer is particularly pleasant for visiting Wengong Mountain and Yuanyang Lake, where you can experience the refreshing coolness of the mountains and the clear waters of the lake.

Transportation to the Attractions

Location:

• Yuanyang Lake is located in Fuchun Town, in the western part of Wuyuan County.
• Wengong Mountain is situated in the southern part of Wuyuan County.
• Youshan Village is found in ZhenTou Town, also within Wuyuan County.

Getting There: Take a high-speed train to Wuyuan, and then transfer to the shuttle buses that connect to various scenic areas.

Highlights of Western Route of Wuyuan

Wengong Mountain

Wengong Mountain (文公山), originally named Jiulao Furong Mountain, spans an area of approximately 2 million square meters, with its main peak rising to about 315 meters. This mountain holds cultural significance as the hometown of Zhu Xi, a prominent Confucian scholar. The mountain is named after him because his ancestral tomb is located partway up its slopes.

Surrounding Wengong Mountain is a vast expanse of broadleaf forests, boasting a forest coverage rate of 95%. This lush environment is teeming with wildlife, including golden cats, deer, and pheasants, creating a vibrant ecosystem.

Zhu Xi’s ancestral tomb faces southeast and was originally encircled by 24 cedar trees he personally planted, symbolizing “the 24 Filial Exemplars.” After 800 years, 16 of these trees still thrive today, with the tallest reaching about 38.7 meters, earning the title of “King of South Cedars in Jiangnan.”

Among the attractions at Wengong Mountain are Wengong Lake, which is nestled in Xiaolin Village and surrounded by dense forest, and the ancient post road, a thousand-year-old path hidden in the wilderness. Additionally, the Zhu Xi Memorial Hall commemorates his life and achievements, while his ancestral tomb and the nearby Jiqing Pavilion offer resting spots for travelers.

Mandarin Duck Lake

Mandarin Duck Lake (鸳鸯湖), originally known as Datangwu Reservoir, is a medium-sized water reservoir completed in the 1960s. In the early 1980s, the beautiful surrounding environment attracted numerous mandarin ducks to winter here, leading to its renaming in 1986. Since then, the lake has become a popular destination for researchers, ornithologists, and visitors from around the world, often praised as a “tranquil green world” and described as a “pure land beyond the dust.”

The lake area is characterized by a diverse natural vegetation, predominantly consisting of evergreen broadleaf forests and Masson pine. Preliminary studies have identified 89 animal species in the region, including 17 mammals, 22 reptiles and amphibians, and 50 bird species. The mandarin duck population is particularly notable, with numbers sometimes exceeding 2,000 pairs, representing two-thirds of the known global wild mandarin duck population. This makes Mandarin Duck Lake the largest wintering habitat for wild mandarin ducks in Asia and beyond.

Youshan Village

Youshan Village (游山村) is a historic cultural village in Jiangxi Province, home to over 700 households and more than 3,000 residents, with over 95% of them sharing the surname Dong. Nestled next to Fuliang County in Jingdezhen, the village is located near the famous religious mountain, Fengyou Mountain. This advantageous geographical location, combined with its stunning natural scenery and well-preserved ancient architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, has made Youshan Village a burgeoning tourist destination in Wuyuan and northeastern Jiangxi.

The village remains largely undeveloped, serving as a true representation of an ecological Huizhou ancient village. Its construction is deeply influenced by Taoist culture, with a clear stream flowing through the village in a Taiji (yin-yang) S-shaped curve. The picturesque scene of small bridges over flowing waters creates a stunning backdrop for visitors. Walking through Youshan Village feels like drifting between history and reality, allowing visitors to listen to ancient legends and feel the pulse of Huizhou culture.