Shimen Village
Shimen Village is located in the center of Raoheyuan National Wetland Park, where a river and a crescent-shaped oasis surround the village. Under the ancient trees, in a circular sculpture, two bird statues with blue crowns and yellow throats nestle together. Every year from April to July, the blue-crowned thrushes fly here, build nests and breed in the ancient trees on both sides of the river bank. When these blue-crowned thrushes arrive, the villagers will volunteer patrolling along the river, so that the blue-crowned thrushes can thrive in peace.
Raoheyuan National Wetland Park
Guesthouses, farmhouses, breweries, tea houses, etc. can be found in the village. People come here to walk on the tree lined path, visit Yueliangwan Bamboo Raft Pier, Bird Watching Pavilion, as well as experience cultural scenes such as Zhu Xi’s family motto hanging at the door of every house, the Shenming Pavilion in the center of the village, the heritage workshops and more.
The mysterious blue-crowned thrushes have a population of fewer than 250 individuals worldwide, but this critically endangered species has found its home in Wuyuan, specifically the Shimen Village area, now named as Raoheyuan National Wetland Park.
The Blue-crowned Laughingthrush Science Museum, Wetland Park Research Base are all dedicated to these unique birds.
During the autumn harvest season in Shimen Village, villagers spread golden corn, red peppers and beans of various colors on the drying trays in the village square, forming a colorful harvest scene that attracts tourists to share the happiness of a harvest season.
The bluestone alleyways are clean and tidy, the original and vivid country-themed wall paintings add a bit of artistic flavor to the village, making strolling around the village a real pleasure.
Travel Tips:
- Free entrance to Shimen Village
- Shimen Village and Moon Bay are located across the river from each other, you can visit either one from either side by taking a bamboo raft. Cost is 50 RMB one way
