Wuyuan Travel Guide – How to Plan a Perfect Wuyuan Trip
Wuyuan is a small county nestled in the northeast of Jiangxi, at the junction of Jiangxi, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces. It is widely recognized as “the most beautiful countryside in China”, being blessed with stunning landscapes and numerous well-preserved ancient Hui-style villages. The county impresses most people with the sight of the vast golden blooming rape flowers cascading along the mountain slopes in spring and the scene of the traditional Shaiqiu (drying crops) in autumn, and has become a popular destination for any Jiangxi trip.
Though evokes a sense of seclusion, Wuyuan is actually not that difficult to access. A high-speed train ride from Shanghai or Hangzhou to Wuyuan takes no more than 3 hours. And from Huangshan or Jingdezhen, the high-speed train takes even no more than 30 mins.
Want to know more highlights of Wuyuan? This complete Wuyuan Travel Guide is here to help. Detailed information about attractions, travel routes, top things to do, accommodation, how to get to, etc. are all helpful for you to plan your perfect trip to Wuyuan.
- Chinese Name: 婺源（wù yuán）
- Location: In the northeastern part of Jiangxi Province, at the border with Anhui and Zhejiang provinces
- Population: 319,900in 2023
- Area: 2,967 square kilometers
Reasons to Visit Wuyuan
- Picturesque natural scenery in different seasons: The blooming rape flowers contrast the white and grey Hui-style architecture and green tea plants in spring; vibrant countryside view decorated with red maple leaves and golden rice fields in autumn.
- Ancient villages with exquisite architecture: Wuyuan is home to many ancient villagesfrom the Ming and Qing dynasties where exquisite architecture and historic customs are well preserved.
- Profound Hui culture: As one of the significant birthplaces of Hui culture, Wuyuan preserves many Hui cultural treasures besides Hui-style architecture, including Hui opera, Hui cuisine, and exquisite Huizhouthree carvings (stone, wood, and brick carvings).
- Shaiqiu tradition: Each autumn, local farmers will dry crops on rooftops or windowsills, and this traditional farming activity is called Shaiqiu. The colorful crops and antique houses create a picturesque rural scenery.
- Tranquil rural life: Thanks to the relatively isolated location, some villages in Wuyuan still preserve their intact rural landscapes, customs, and traditional life.
Wuyuan History
The history of Wuyuan County can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty in 740 AD when it was officially established as Wuyuan County under Huizhou Prefecture. That’s the main reason for its rich Hui architecture and culture.
Starting from the Song Dynasty, this region became a center of culture and education and has nurtured many notable historical figures, including the literati Zhu Bian, the Neo-Confucian scholar Zhu Xi, the seal engraver He Zhen, and the railroad engineer Zhan Tianyou.
Until 1949, Wuyuan was administratively under the jurisdiction of Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province.
The most highlighted attractions of Wuyuan are its many well-preserved ancient villages, which are living history museums of iconic Hui-style architecture and authentic rural life. These villages are just several minutes’ drive from each other and are surrounded by vast terraced fields which offer various charming scenery in different seasons.
Top Things to Do in Wuyuan
Besides the ancient villages, there are also many activities and experiences in Wuyuan for your better appreciation of its natural and cultural charms.
View the Sea of Rapeseed Flowers in Spring
Amazing vast plantation of rapeseed flowers is a unique farming feature in Wuyuan since its terraced fields are great for planting rapeseed flowers. This creates its stunning golden flower sea in spring, making it one of the four great seas of flowers in China.
Jiangling Village is the top recommended place to view this stunning scenery, with its terraced fields of rapeseed flowers creating a layered, picturesque landscape.
Viewing tips: The best time to view the sea of rapeseed flowers in Wuyuan is from mid-March to early April.
Try Tea Picking and Making
When traveling to Wuyuan in spring, the tea picking and making experience is another can’t-miss, being both culturally immersive and visually delightful. Tea gardens here are picturesquely terraced, offering stunning scenery.
Once served as a tribute tea during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Wuyuan boasts a profound tea culture and a long tea cultivation history. Its excellent environment has given rise to several reputable teas. Among them, Wuyuan Green Tea is especially outstanding for its high-quality and has won numerous awards globally. Wuyuan green tea-making techniques were listed as an intangible cultural heritage in 2014.
Tips:
- Best Time for Tea Picking: Late March to early May
- Recommended Places: Xiaoqi Village, Zhangshan Village, Dazhangshan Fozi Pit.
Experience Traditional Shaiqiu Culture
Shaiqiu, meaning dry crops in autumn, is a traditional farming practice to enhance food preservation. An iconic scenery in Wuyuan, the traditional shaiqiu practice offers one of the best photo opportunities in Wuyuan, especially in Huangling Village. During autumn, after the crop harvest, local villaers will engage in this traditional practice by drying their crops of different colors, including chili peppers, corn, rice, etc., on rooftops or windowsills. The colorful crops alongside with the ancient Hui-style houses create a vivid rural scenery and a unique visual art form.
Enjoy Nuo Dance
Nuo Dance is an ancient and mystical traditional Chinese dance that is popular in Jiangnan areas, especially in Wuyuan. Originating from ancient shamanistic and sacrificial rituals, this traditional dance performance now is usually held on important traditional festivals and important life events to pray for good fortune.
During the performances, performers wear exaggerated and colorful masks that are carved from wood and lavish traditional costumes. By mimicking ancient soldiers, scholars, or mythological figures, the shows will offer visitors a good chance to look into ancient Chinese religious beliefs, philosophical thoughts, and aesthetics.
Wuyuan Tour Routes
Based on the scattered attractions in Wuyuan’s countryside, Wuyuan can be broadly divided into three routes, each of which offers unique natural and cultural features.
East Route:
- Features: This is the most popular route concentrated in the eastern part of Wuyuan, covering many ancient Hui-style villages. Jiangling Village – the best place to admire terraced rapeseed flower fields, and Huangling Village – the best spot to encounter traditional shaiqiu practice, are both located on the east route.
- Attractions: Moon Bay – Likeng Village – Wangkou Village – Jiangwan Village – Huangling Village – Xiaoqi Village – Jiangling Village
North Route:
- Features: This line offers both stunning natural landscapes and historical exploration. Suitable for people who want to enjoy the picturesque autumn views of Wuyuan while admiring its ancient villages, bridges, and caves.
- Attractions: Sixiyan Village – Rainbow Bridge – Wolong Valley – Lingyan Cave – Shicheng Village – Jujing Village
West Route:
- Features: A less-traveled route suitable for people who want to avoid crowds and enjoy an immersive scenic trip.
- Attractions: Wengong Mountain – Fuchun Ancient Town- Mandarin Duck Lake – Linsheng Ecological Tea Garde
How Many Days for a Wuyuan Trip?
1 Day
For people with extremely limited time, you can arrange one day to Wuyuan during the rapeseed flower season or the period for shaiqiu in autumn, and focus on Jiangling and Huangling Villages for the iconic scenery.
2-3 Days
With 2-3 days available, you can enjoy a quick exploration of some essential attractions. Try to cover some major attractions on one or two of its three travel routes. For example, you can visit Moon Bay, Likeng Village, and Huangling Village on the east route, and Sixiyan Village and Rainbow Bridge on the north route.
4 or More Days
With four or more days, you can cover major attractions on all three routes in Wuyuan, and enjoy some in-depth activities, like sampling local cuisine, enjoying local folk culture, and ample time for photography.
To maximize your time, it’s recommended to book a private tour from an experienced travel agency, like chinaxiantour.com, and with a local guide and private transfer between attractions all be well arranged.
Recommended China Tours including Wuyuan
Wuyuan Weather and Best Time to Visit
Wuyuan enjoys a mid-subtropical humid monsoon climate, featuring four distinct seasons and abundant rainfall. April to June are the months seeing the most rainfall throughout the year. The average temperatures usually hover around 0°C in January, and about 25°C in July. The summer highs can even exceed 38°C occasionally.
Generally, Wuyuan is beautiful and suitable to visit all year round. While, spring months from mid-March to early April and autumn months from late-August to mid-December are the best times to visit to catch Wuyuan’s two iconic scenes: the sea of golden rapeseed flowers and the traditional shaiqiu practice.
Wuyuan Transportation: How to Get to and Travel around
How to Get to Wuyuan?
Visitors can reach Wuyuan easily through high-speed trains, flights, and land transfers.
By air:
Currently, there is no airport in Wuyuan. Three airports near Wuyuan are Huangshan Tunxi International Airport, Shangrao Sanqingshan Airport, and Jingdezhen Luojia Airport. For either of these three airports, visitors can reach Wuyuan by high-speed trains or land transfers within 1-2.5 hours.
By train:
Wuyuan Station is the only railway station serving Wuyuan, offering both high-speed and regular trains to/from many domestic cities. If your city has no direct trains available, you can travel to Shangrao High-speed Rail Station first before transferring to Wuyuan.
By land transfer:
Long-distance buses are also convenient if you plan to transfer to Wuyuan from nearby cities like Jingdezhen, Shangrao, Nanchang, Huangshan, Shanghai, etc.
How to Travel Around Wuyuan?
After arriving at Wuyuan, there are buses connecting major attractions and villages. Direct tourist buses are available from Wuyuan High-speed Rail Station to Huangling Village, running every 15 minutes. Please note that the bus system in Wuyuan may not be as developed as in larger cities, with fewer routes and schedules.
Taxis are available in Wuyuan County and major scenic spots, allowing more convenience and flexibility.
Considering the unfixed buses and limited taxis, visitors are highly recommended to travel with a local travel agency, with a local guide, driver and private vehicle, etc. all included.
Where to Stay in Wuyuan?
Wuyuan offers various hotel types, from luxury star-rated hotels and chain hotels to theme hotels and budget inns, to cater to travelers of different preferences and budgets. Just note that, luxury and starred hotels are relatively limited, and may not offer the same comfort level as those in big cities.
When traveling in Wuyuan, most people choose to stay overnight in the county area or inside the major scenic spots/villages.
The county area is where you can find more accommodation options and convenient transportation to most scenic areas. While staying in popular villages or attractions, like Huangling, Likeng, Rainbow Bridge, Jiangling, or Jiangwan, allows easy access to the scenic spot and more in-depth experience. Though accommodations in villages are not really star-rated, they are generally clean and comfortable and rich in local characteristics.
You can also contact us to mention your requirements for the accommodation, and our expert team is happy to help you to choose the best hotel.
