Huangling Village
Regarded as one of the prettiest villages in China. Perched on the top of a mountain, Huangling is home to a host of original and restored heritage houses and buildings. This ancient village showcases a spectacular view of the blooming canola fields in the spring and boasts colorful harvest scenes every autumn—making Huangling an architecture lover’s delight and a photographer’s paradise.
A Colorful Mountain Village
Huangling is famous for 晒秋 (Shaiqiu), the traditional practice of drying crops in the autumn. Villagers traditionally spread colorful crops such as peppers, pumpkins, corns and chrysanthemums on wooden racks and balconies around the houses. The result is a remarkably colorful scene against the white walls and dark roofs of the village. It has become one of the iconic images of rural China.
Pick up a tour map at the entrance. Following the map will help ensure you don’t miss any of the major sights. If you’re a photography enthusiast, be sure to stop at the marked viewing platforms—they offer some of the best vantage points for capturing Huangling’s spectacular scenery.
Leixin Bridge stretches for 298.15 meters and stands 97 meters above the ground at its highest point. The central 48-meter section features a glass walkway, offering a thrilling experience that truly tests your courage and nerves—hence the name “Leixin Bridge,” which evokes the idea of testing one’s heart and courage. Standing on Leixin Bridge, you can enjoy sweeping views of Huangling’s spectacular terraced fields. Looking down through the glass walkway, you can also see the forests, unusual rock formations, and streams far below.
Ancient villages in Huizhou traditionally placed great importance on “shuikou” (水口) culture, referring to the point where a waterway flows out of a village. Huangling’s Shuikou Forest is surrounded by numerous ancient trees, including 78 well-preserved specimens such as Chinese yew, fragrant maple, camphor, and ginkgo trees. With its beautiful and peaceful surroundings, it is an ideal place to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the natural scenery. There are many steps inside Huangling village, wear comfortable shoes.
Wuyuan is renowned as a “town of scholars,” with a long tradition of valuing education from generation to generation. As a historic ancient village, Huangling naturally reflects this rich cultural heritage. Huangling Zhushan Academy features a simple, understated architectural style designed to emphasize its educational purpose, with a library on the upper floor. The academy also hosts exhibitions of calligraphy and paintings from time to time, showcasing works in a variety of styles and themes. It is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in Chinese calligraphy and traditional paintings.
Inkstones are an essential part of traditional Chinese calligraphy. She Inkstone (Sheyan), one of the Four Famous Inkstones of ancient China, is crafted from Longwei Stone, which is quarried from Longwei Mountain in Wuyuan.
At the inkstone shop in Huangling, you’ll find an astonishing collection of Longwei inkstones, each featuring unique shapes, exquisite craftsmanship, and meaningful designs. If you have an interest in or knowledge of traditional Chinese inkstones, be sure to step inside and take a closer look—you may even discover an unexpected treasure.
Tianjie (Heavenly Street) is the main street running through Huangling, winding through the village like a jade ribbon and connecting its historic buildings and traditional homes. Along the street, you’ll find rows of Huizhou-style shops filled with a wide variety of Wuyuan specialty products and souvenirs.
Many shops combine a storefront with a workshop behind it, while the enticing aromas of local dishes and snacks fill the air as you stroll along. One of the landmark buildings on Tianjie is Tianjie Restaurant, a great place to stop for a meal. Next to the restaurant, Viewing Platform No. 3 is one of the best spots in the village to admire the scenery—and many of the most spectacular photographs of Huangling’s famous “Autumn Sun-Drying” (Shaiqiu) scenes are taken here.
Accommodations inside Huangling
One advantage of staying overnight is that you can experience a completely different side of Huangling. In the evening, the village’s bridges, streams, traditional houses and illuminated streets create a beautiful atmosphere. Early the next morning, you can enjoy the village and sunrise before the crowds arrive.
Huangling Shaiqiu Meisu
Located within the Huangling Scenic Area, Huangling Shaiqiu Meisu features a traditional Huizhou-style architectural design. The guest rooms are spread throughout the village rather than housed in a single building, but the service is excellent, and some rooms offer beautiful views right outside the window.
If you want to quietly enjoy the morning sunrise, or experience the enchanting evening scenery of the village, when the streams, bridges, and changing lights create a magical atmosphere, staying here is one of the best ways to truly experience Huangling after the day-trippers have left.
Huangling Zhushan Resort Hotel
Huangling Zhushan Resort Hotel opened in 2026. This 145-room hotel enjoys a convenient location within the scenic area, just a short walk from the mountaintop cable car station and within easy walking distance of Huangling’s main street. The rooms are modern, spacious, clean, and well-equipped, with many featuring balconies overlooking the surrounding scenery. Guests can also enjoy a great breakfast, and the hotel provides a convenient shuttle service for getting around the scenic area.
Huangling Yishanju Meisu
Huangling Yishanju Meisu opened in 2022. This 40-room hotel is perched at one of the highest points within the Huangling Scenic Area, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding terraced fields and ancient villages. Guests can enjoy these beautiful vistas right from the comfort of their rooms.
Thoughtfully converted from traditional local residences, the hotel combines charming rustic character with clean, comfortable accommodations. If you want to stay close to nature, wake up to beautiful scenery right outside your window, and experience the unique character of a traditional Huizhou village, Huangling Yishanju is an excellent choice.
Travel Tips:
- Taxi: After arriving at Wuyuan Train Station, follow the signs to the taxi stand. The drive from Wuyuan Train Station to Huangling Village takes approximately 50 minutes, with the fare charged according to the meter
- DiDi(ride hailing service, similar to Uber): if you have DiDi app on your phone, or if you have Alipay on your phone(Alipay includes DiDi service) you can use it when you get off the train. Follow the sign, wait to meet your DiDi driver there
- The entrance ticket: RMB 145-165 (depending on the season) with cable car included and it is not covered in the Combo Ticket for the other villages
- Luggage Storage: Self-service luggage lockers are available at the Visitor Center at the foot of the mountain.
- Spend a night inside Huangling to avoid the crowds and to appreciate the peaceful sunrise and magical evening lights
- 3 hours recommended only for sightseeing and a half-day for sightseeing and taking photos. There are three numbered observation areas for you to take in the magnificent scenery. Pay attention to the marked signs for the best photography-taken spots if you are a photographer
