Maple-Viewing Paradise, Photographer’s Dream
Shicheng Village
Shicheng Scenic Area is one of Wuyuan’s best destinations for autumn maple viewing and photography!
Located 58 km from downtown Wuyuan and situated in Dazhangshan Township in northwestern Wuyuan County, Shicheng is renowned among photographers in China and around the world for its brilliant red maple leaves, morning mist, sunrise, and traditional Huizhou architecture.
In late autumn, the maple trees burst into vibrant shades of red, while morning mist lingers among the treetops, making the colorful foliage appear and disappear through the faint morning light. Combined with the wisps of cooking smoke rising from village homes and the smoke from burning oil-tea camellia shells, the scene takes on a dreamlike, almost fairy-tale quality.
Shicheng is one of the finest places in Wuyuan to admire autumn foliage and a favorite destination for photography enthusiasts.
What makes Shicheng different from simply visiting a maple forest? red maple trees + white Huizhou houses + black roofs + mountains + morning mist, the combination is unusually beautiful, you don’t get to see it anywhere else.
Best months for photography and viewing: November to early December, mid-November is ideal.
Best time for viewing and photography: Early in the morning, when the sun rises above the mountain, approximately 6:55–9:30 a.m. However, some photography enthusiasts arrive at the viewing platform as early as 5:00 a.m. to secure the best spots before dawn (around 6:25 a.m) and wait for the ideal shooting conditions.
Shicheng Village itself is beautiful. There are two villages in the scenic area: Cheng Village and Dai Village. Shicheng still contains some traditional Huizhou-style architecture, with white walls and dark tiled roofs scattered among the hills and old trees, so Shicheng is not just a viewpoint—you can walk through an authentic old village environment.
Shicheng is home to a well-preserved natural collection of ancient trees, with towering old-growth trees and many unusual species growing throughout the area. The dominant species is the maple, with more than 100 trees, some reaching over 35 meters in height. Among the maple trees, you’ll also find mountain cherry, nanmu, Chinese yew, Chinese plum yew, Hangzhou elm, rough-leaved tree, evergreen oak, and locust trees, creating a diverse and beautiful natural landscape. Beyond admiring the spectacular maple foliage and taking photographs, don’t miss the opportunity to appreciate Shicheng’s ancient trees and beautiful natural surroundings.
There are two villages in the scenic area: Cheng Village and Dai Village. Staying in either village is convenient for photography, and there is essentially no significant difference between the two. Dai Village is closer to the viewing platform, while Cheng Village is closer to the maple forest. The two villages are separated by a small hill, and vehicles can drive directly into both villages. If you want to take the stunning Shicheng autumn scenery, you need to stay overnight in Shicheng. There are many homestays and guest houses, old or new, in the scenic area, most of them provide authentic and delicious Wuyuan local dishes, it’s really worth staying overnight.
Walking and hiking in Wuyuan is very popular, the hiking trail from Shicheng Village to Changxi Village is one of the favorite hikes. This ancient stone path is about 12 km long, it travels through mountains and valleys, passing fields, streams and villages. Along the way, enjoy the tranquil and remoteness, at the same time, pay attention to the direction, its very easy to get lost as there is no cellphone signal in the area. If you are not sure where you are, ask villagers for direction or hire a guide, safety first.
Classic Shicheng to Changxi Hike
- Distance: ~12 km (3–4 hours, moderate)
- Best time to hike: Mid November and early December (peak red maple leaves season)
- Highlights: Shicheng’s sunrise ( famous for misty mornings with ancient maple trees and Hui-style villages); forest trails (quiet paths through hills, bamboo groves, and tea fields); Changxi Village (A secluded village with crimson maple trees in autumn)
- Route: Start at Shicheng Village (arrive before dawn for sunrise photos); Follow the stone-paved trail toward Changxi(signs mark the way); Pass through Dazhangshan Mountain area—gentle uphill/downhill; End at Changxi Village, where you can rest at a guesthouse
Travel Tips:
- Entrance Ticket: 60 RMB or Combo Ticket. More info on Wuyuan Ticket Information.
- Public Transportation: From Wuyuan Old North Bus Station, there are a few buses going to Shicheng daily (8:50, 11:00, 14:00, 15:20), schedules may adjust from time to time, check the posted bus schedules at the bus station, or call 0793-7200123 to confirm the schedule. Please remember to ask the bus driver for the return bus schedule and where to get on the bus, as there is no bus station or bus schedule posted anywhere in Shicheng, only the bus driver has the information. The bus ride is about one hour and twenty minutes and the bus fee is 20RMB.
- It’s not very convenient to use public transportation to Shicheng as a tourist, we recommend self-driving or hire a car. You are expected to pay 300-500 RMB for a day if you hire a car, agree the price before getting in the car.
- Driving direction: from Wuyuan Country North Exit (highway), drive towards Qinghua Town, which is about 24 km from downtown Wuyuan, it is an easy drive. After Qinghua Town, drive towards Dazhang Mountain direction, you will arrive in Shicheng in about an hour. Warning: the road leading to Shicheng Village is a winding mountain road with some sharp turns and steep hills, if you are a new driver or not used to mountain driving, it is recommended to hire a car.
- There are two attractions nearby: Lingyan Cave is only 6km away, it’s on the way to Shicheng, the bus has a stop there. Jujing Village is only 10km away, it is said to be the most rounded village in the world. It’s worth a half hour stop to take some panoramic photos above an observation deck.
