Huangling Village
Huangling Village, perched on the slopes of Mount Daqing in Jiangxi’s Wuyuan County, is a UNESCO-recognized “hilltop wonder” renowned for its terraced fields, Ming-Dynasty architecture, and the age-old tradition of shai qiu (drying autumn harvests on bamboo racks). Dating back to the 14th century, this “hanging village” clings to contours like a living tapestry, offering a journey through China’s rural heritage with cobblestone lanes, ancestral halls, and panoramic views of mist-clad valleys.
Historical Overview
Founded during the early Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) by members of the Cao clan, Huangling thrived as a trading hub for tea, timber, and medicinal herbs. Its unique shai qiu practice, documented since the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), became a UNESCO-listed element of “Intangible Cultural Heritage” in 2014. The village survived the Taiping Rebellion and Cultural Revolution largely intact, preserving over 120 Ming-Qing residences. In 2010, it was integrated into China’s “National Rural Heritage Program,” launching its revival as a cultural tourism site.
Structural Layout
The village cascades downhill in five tiers:
Upper Tier: The Jixiang Ancestral Hall, a Ming-era structure with woodcarvings of the “24 Filial Exemplars.”
Middle Tiers: Residential zones with tianjing (courtyard homes) featuring fire-proof “horse-head” gables.
Lower Tiers: Farmland terraces and the Shaiqiu Workshop, demonstrating crop-drying techniques.
Riverside Zone: A 1.5-km boardwalk along the Lekai Stream, dotted with water-powered rice mills.
Observation Decks: The Yunti Platform and Sunhang Pavilion for valley vistas.
Major Attractions
Shaiqiu Racks: Over 1,000 wooden racks adorned with chili peppers, chrysanthemums, and maize (September–November).
Jixiang Ancestral Hall: A 15th-century hall with a 300-year-old “Goddess of Mercy” statue and murals of harvest rituals.
Glass Skywalk: A 200-meter-long bridge suspended above the terraces, offering bird’s-eye village views.
Lekai Stream Boardwalk: Paths flanked by ancient camphor trees and stone weirs.
Folk Art Museum: Exhibits on Huizhou inkstick-making, bamboo weaving, and opera mask carving.
Night Lantern Festival: Illuminated lanterns and huangmei opera performances (March–April).
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 Hours):
Entrance → Upper Tier (Jixiang Hall) → Middle Tiers (Residential Alleys) → Shaiqiu Racks → Lekai Boardwalk → Exit.
Highlights: Core architecture and autumn harvest displays.
- Extended Route (4–5 Hours):
Entrance → Glass Skywalk → Folk Art Museum → Ancestral Hall → Terraced Fields → Sunhang Pavilion → Night Lantern Festival.
Highlights: Adventure, culture, and sunset views.
- Cultural Route (Full Day):
Morning: Ancestral Hall rituals, inkstick workshop, and tea ceremony.
Afternoon: Terrace farming demo, bamboo weaving, and Huangmei opera.
Evening: Lantern Festival and riverside banquet.
Highlights: Immersive rural crafts and cuisine.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via 携程 (Ctrip) or 飞猪 (Fliggy) up to 7 days in advance.
On-Site: Tickets at the village entrance; queues longest 10 AM–2 PM.
- Prices:
Peak Season (March–April, September–November): ¥145 (adults), ¥75 (students/seniors).
Off-Season: ¥120 (adults), ¥60 (students/seniors).
Combination Ticket (Skywalk + Museum): ¥190.
Transportation
Air: Fly to Jingdezhen Luojia Airport (70 km) or Huangshan Tunxi Airport (90 km), then taxi (1.5 hours).
Train: High-speed rail to Wuyuan Station, then bus (40 minutes).
Bus: Direct buses from Wuyuan County to Huangling (¥20, 1 hour).
Within Village: Free shuttle buses between tiers.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Seasons: Spring (March–April) for rapeseed blooms; autumn (September–November) for shai qiu.
Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends draw 10,000+ visitors.
- Essentials:
Wear hiking shoes (steep inclines).
Bring a telephoto lens for terrace shots.
Try qizi cake (sesame-filled pastry) and hongyu (blush tea).
Prohibited: Drones, smoking in forests, and touching shai qiu racks.
FAQ
When can the best effect of the autumn harvest display in Huangling Village be seen?
The best time to see the autumn harvest display is from late September to early November. During this period, local villagers will dry various agricultural products like red peppers, corns and pumpkins on the wooden racks outside their houses, creating a colorful and charming scene.
What items are included in the tickets for Huangling Village?
The tickets usually include access to the main scenic areas like the terraced fields, ancient residential areas, Huaxi Water Street and some folk cultural exhibition halls. But some special experiences like taking a cable car might need to be paid separately.
How to get to Huangling Village from Wuyuan County?
You can take a shuttle bus directly from the Wuyuan Bus Station to Huangling Village. There are also some tourist buses available during the peak season. Or you can take a taxi which is more convenient but relatively more expensive.
Can you take public transportation to tour around Huangling Village?
There are electric sightseeing cars in the village that can take you to different scenic spots. It's a convenient way to save energy and time during your visit.
What are the special delicacies in Huangling Village?
There are many, such as the Steamed Rice Cake with Preserved Meat, which combines the fragrance of the rice cake with the savory taste of the preserved meat. And the Braised Bamboo Shoots in Brown Sauce is also very popular, with its fresh and tender texture.
