Name: Wuyuan

Chinese name: 婺源县

Province: Jiangxi

Status: Xian

Population: 341,000 inhabitants

Area: 3,947 km²

The Wuyuan region, not far from Jingdezhen in northeastern Jiangxi, unfolds one of China's most stunning rural landscapes. Dotted with villages nestled in mountain valleys, Wuyuan is a wonderful destination for encountering remote communities and immersing yourself in a China that remains largely underdeveloped—a glimpse of what ancient China once was.

Wuyuan is also the name of a village frequently used as a starting point for exploring the surrounding nature and settlements.

History

The county of Wuyuan was once under the jurisdiction of the Shezhou prefecture in Anhui province.

It was subsequently governed by the Hui prefecture through the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.

In 1934, Wuyuan xian was transferred to Jiangxi province.

Today

A journey through China's most rural areas can be an enriching experience. Still remote, in the unspoiled countryside of southern China, small villages persist against development and the country's accelerating growth elsewhere.

Wuyuan reveals fantastic landscapes still untouched by urbanization, formed by rolling hills, streams and cultivated fields. A handful of small villages with traditional houses dot the verdant landscape here and there, offering a charm found nowhere else.

Starting from the village of Wuyuan, set out to discover this China that feels like yesterday and meet villagers—still unaccustomed to crossing paths with foreign travelers—living at the peaceful rhythm of traditional rural life.

Xiao Likeng Village

Not to be confused with Da Likeng village, this picturesque settlement enjoys an enchanting setting on the riverbank. Its narrow alleys, connected by old stone bridges, are lined with houses and laundry spots in the architectural style of the Huizhou era. Climbing the hill overlooking the village, you'll enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the dwellings and surrounding nature.

Da Likeng Village

Now popular with tourists, this village features lovely residences with courtyards that can be discovered by peering through doorways. Some of these buildings have been converted into antique shops or small museums, yet this detracts nothing from the charm and authenticity of the place.

Xiaoqi Village

Overlooking the river, this charming village is divided into two: Upper Xiaoqi (Shang Xiaoqi) and Lower Xiaoqi (Xia Xiaoqi), revealing a way of life seemingly frozen in time. Surrounded by mountains, the village radiates a peaceful atmosphere you have no desire to disturb.

Jialu Village

Renowned for its handcrafted bamboo umbrellas, this village is certainly worth a detour if only to visit its umbrella factory, which has become an art form in this remote region. Take advantage of the stop to acquire a magnificent handmade umbrella—truly one of a kind.

Sixi Village

This picturesque settlement is a genuine open-air museum. Though notably more touristy than its neighbors, its appeal remains considerable. Its historic houses are open to the public and can be visited at leisure, revealing authentically preserved interiors.

Dazhangshan Township

This small village situated at 1,600 meters altitude overlooks the region and reveals all its surrounding beauty. Still very untouched by tourism, the village lives according to the seasons and traditions its inhabitants are determined to preserve.

Climate

With a humid subtropical monsoon climate, Wuyuan xian enjoys four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature hovers around 16°C, with temperatures reaching 35°C in July. The rainy season occurs between April and June.

The best time to visit the Wuyuan region is March to April to enjoy the flowering season. From August to October, the countryside takes on beautiful autumn orange hues, revealing an entirely different charm.

Train

Wuyuan's small railway station sits on the Beijing-Hefei-Fuzhou high-speed rail line. This railway is among China's most scenic. It serves, among others, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Huangshan, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Nanchang, Hefei, Jinan, Qingdao, Tianjin, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

Long-distance buses

Regular buses depart from regional cities including Jingdezhen and Qinghua heading to Wuyuan.

From Tunxi in Anhui, buses connect to the county. Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuhan and Guangzhou also offer bus services to explore this rural region.

Buses link the villages to one another. Taxis are also available for daily hire.

You can also rent motorcycles or scooters with or without a driver for the day from the village of Wuyuan.