Wuyuan Hiking Routes
| Route Number | Route Name | Distance | Best time to hike |
|---|---|---|---|
|
01 |
~12 km (3-4 hours, moderate) |
Spring (March-April) |
|
|
02 |
~12 km (3–4 hours, moderate) |
Best for Autumn ( mid November to early December) |
|
|
03 |
~9 km (around 3 hours, moderate) |
Spring(canola flowers), Autumn (golden foliage) |
|
|
04 |
~10-12 km (about 3-4 hours, moderate) |
Spring or Autumn |
|
|
05 |
4.5 km (around 1.5 hours, easy) |
Spring or Autumn |
Jiangling Village to Likeng(Little)Village (Classic Scenic Route)
- Distance: ~12 km (3-4 hours)
- Best time to hike: March to April when the canola flowers in full bloom
- Highlights: Panoramic views of terraced canola flowers (best in mid-March to early April); Ancient Hui-style villages with white-walled, black-tiled houses; Passing through small bridges and streams
- Route: Start at Jiangling Village (observation platform for sunrise) → walk along countryside paths → Xiaoqi Village→end at Likeng Village (a well-preserved ancient village)
Tips for hiking from Jiangling Village to Likeng Village
- There are entrance tickets for Jiangling Village, Xiaoqi Village and Likeng Village. Consider combo ticket to save money
- During the high season (mid-March to early April), there are direct buses from Wuyuan Train Station to Jiangling Village
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
Tips for Hiking Shicheng Route
- Shicheng is on the mountain and Changxi is at the bottom of the mountain, it is easier and more relaxing to walk all the way down. If you want a more intense and challenging hike, you can go the other way, that is, hike from Changxi to Shicheng
- There is no road between Shicheng Village and Changxi Village. Although the trail is a mature hiking route, there are many forks along the way, so if you are alone or inexperienced, we recommend hiring a local guide
- Transport: There are buses from Old North Bus Station to Shicheng, but not frequently, we suggest to hire a car (you can arrange a car with your accommodation provider)
- Shicheng-Changxi is unbeatable for autumn foliage viewing in Wuyuan, especially when you visit in mid-November and early December. If you are a photography enthusiast, you can consider staying in Changxi for a night. The sunset in Changxi Village is very beautiful
Guankeng Village to
Lingjiao Village Hike
- Distance: ~9 km (around 3 hours, moderate)
- Best time to hike: Popular in spring (for canola flowers) and autumn (for golden foliage)
- Highlights: This trail is one of the most classic and scenic routes in Wuyuan, passing through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional Hui-style villages; the route is a linear up and downhill, with a clear path, which is signposted
- Route: Start at Guankeng Village, end at Lingjiao Village, a quiet, traditional village with old houses and small streams
Tips for Hiking Guankeng to Lingjiao Route
- The route is stunningly beautiful and it is suitable for all of moderate fitness but in summer, it’s more challenging
- Pass through Hongguan Village as an optional detour. If you take this detour, add ~1.5 km to the hike. Hongguan Village is famous for its giant 1,000-year-old camphor tree
- Cash (some local guides only accept cash payment)
- Free for this route (no ticket checkpoints)
Likeng(Little) to Lingxi/Wang Village Hike
- Distance: ~10-12 km (around 3-4 hours, moderate)
- Best time to hike: March to April, October to November
- Highlights: Ancient Huizhou villages, rice paddies, tea fields, streams, and forested trails
- Route: Start at Likeng Village, a well-preserved ancient village with canals and Ming-Qing architecture. Purchase tickets (~55 RMB) at the entrance, end at Lingxi Village
Tips for Hiking Likeng Village to Lingxi Village Route
- Double-check routes with your accommodation provider before setting out
- From Likeng Village, follow signs or local paths toward Xiaoqi Village or Jiangwan Village initially, then branch off toward Lingxi Village (the entrance to Zhaishanling, about 5.1 km)
- Detour via Wang Village, adds ~2 km but offers more rural views
Youyiling Ancient Trail
- Distance: 4.5 km (around 1.5 hours, easy)
- Best time to hike: Suitable for year round hike, in autumn, the red maple trees along the way are brilliant
- Highlights: The ancient trail is lush with trees and various vegetation all year round. The scenery is picturesque, with pavilions, stone bridges and dams along the way
- Route: Start at Donglingwu Reservoir , about 6 minutes car ride from Wuyuan Train Station. The trail ends at Shangtan Village.
Tips for Hiking Youyiling Ancient Trail
- Youyiling is very close to Wuyuan Train Station, about a 6 minutes car ride from the station to the trail starting point Donglingwu Reservoir. There is a big car park there
- Have lunch at a farmhouse in Shangtan Village, food is really fresh and authentic
