Lingjiao Village
Lingjiao Village was founded in the late Tang Dynasty (AD 921). Located 50 kilometers from downtown Wuyuan, it once served as the northern gateway to ancient Wuyuan. Lingjiao is a traditional ancient village made up of five natural villages: Duan Village, Hedong Village, Hexi Village, Li Village, and Xikeng Village, each with its own distinctive natural scenery and cultural heritage. The area is home to some of the Wuyuan’s best-preserved ancient post roads, including the Hui-Rao Ancient Trail, the Zheling Ancient Trail, and the classic hiking route from Lingjiao to Guankeng.
Tourism in the village remains largely undeveloped, and the local people are simple, sincere, and welcoming. Over time, Lingjiao Village has gradually gained wider recognition and entered the public eye. It has become one of the key areas for outdoor activities in Wuyuan, attracting lots of visitors each year who come to hike the ancient trails and enjoy the mountain views. Artists and photography enthusiasts also visit in a steady stream.
Peaceful countryside vibe: Lingjiao Village is far removed from the hustle and bustle, blessed with high mountains and clear waters, and characterized by many Huizhou style homes with white walls and dark-tiled roofs. The scenery is especially beautiful in spring and autumn, when pastoral landscapes complement the ancient paths. In mid-March and early April, this area is considered the off the beaten path spots to enjoy the blooming canola flowers in Wuyuan.
Tree of Strength: At the village entrance of Lingjiao Village stands an ancient camphor tree respectfully known by locals as “Tree of Strength.” The tree is estimated to be 300–500 years old and is said to have been personally planted by Zhan Yuanyi, a renowned feng shui master of the Yuan Dynasty. For centuries, villagers have regarded it as their guardian spirit.
In 2007, the tree was struck by lightning, and a fire burned for three days and three nights, hollowing out the trunk. Remarkably, the following spring it sprouted new branches, and to this day it remains lush and vigorous—truly living up to its name, “Tree of Strength.”
The Hui–Rao Ancient Trail is a historically significant ancient post road located in Wuyuan County, Jiangxi Province. It connected ancient Huizhou (around today’s Huangshan area) with Raozhou (present-day Shangrao) and served as an important route for cultural exchange and the transportation of goods between the Hui and Rao regions. Crossing mountain ranges, passing through valleys, and following rivers, the trail is often praised as “a historic pathway embedded in a landscape of mountains and waters.” It has long been favored by Huizhou merchants of the past and is now popular with visitors and hiking enthusiasts alike.
This segment of the Hui-Rao Ancient Trail starts in Xikeng Village (part of Lingjiao Village), after reaching the top (Zheling) -a place marks the boundary of ancient states Wu and Chu, the trail ends in Zhangqian Village in Anhui Province.
Lingjiao to Guankeng Hiking Trail: The hiking route from Lingjiao to Guankeng is considered a classic. First, it is not very demanding and can be completed in about three hours. In addition, it’s hard to get lost—you simply follow the ancient bluestone-paved post road, with a pavilion appearing at regular intervals along the way. This route is the best-preserved full-length stone-slab ancient trail in Wuyuan and is an ideal choice for hiking enthusiasts.
The trailhead starts in Li Village (part of Lingjiao Village), after passing Shang-ao Pavilion, Xia-ao Pavilion and Zhu-er Pavilion, the trail ends in Guankeng Village. This trail is about 9km, well signposted, well paved, takes about 3 hours.
Zheling Ancient Trail: The trail starts in Lingjiao Village, but the trailhead is actual Xikeng Village (part of Lingjiao village). After passing through the residential area of Xikeng Village, you begin the ascent of the New Zheling trail. Along the way, you pass three pavilions before reaching the ridge top, which marks the boundary between Wu and Chu. On the descent, you can either return the same way or take the Old Zheling trail. A winding mountain road (about 7km) has now been built along the old trail, and while it has caused some damage to the trail, many sections remain well preserved. Those with enough stamina can continue hiking all the way back to Lingjiao village.
Travel Tips:
- Free entrance to Lingjiao Village.
- There is no direct bus from Wuyuan Train Station to Lingjiao village, but Wuyuan Bus Station has direct buses to Lingjiao Village (last stop) . The current schedules: 7:30, 10:10, 11:10; 12:50, 14:20; 15:40
- There is a very popular hiking route from Lingjiao Village to Guankeng Village
- Chaguan Village, Hongguan Village and Lingjiao Village are very close to each other, people usually visit these three villages together.
