Going Through Time in the Modern/Ancient Huangling Village

#magicalxmastrip #xmas2024 Visiting Wuyuan Huangling offers a blend of village charm and natural beauty. The area is divided into two main sections: the village area and the forest area. Village Area: This section showcases traditional Hui-style architecture, with white-walled buildings and black-tiled roofs. The village is renowned for its "晒秋" (shài qiū) tradition, where residents sun-dry crops like chilies and corn in woven baskets, creating vibrant displays. This is most prominent during autumn (September to November). However, much of the village has been renovated, and I, personally, feel it lacks the genuine ancient vibe. Still, it’s picturesque and worth exploring. Forest Area: Adjacent to the village, the forest offers serene walking trails amidst lush greenery including a few thousand-year-old trees. It's an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility away from the busier village paths. Seasonal Attractions: Some areas, like the peach blossom groves, only open during specific seasons. Peach blossoms bloom from late March to early April, making spring an ideal time for flower lovers. Meanwhile, autumn highlights the sun-drying traditions and harvest activities. ----------------------------------- Ticket Information: Adults: 145–165 RMB (depending on the season, including a cable car round-trip ride). Seniors age 65 and Above: 60 RMB (free entry + half price cable car as of year 2024. You should verify the policies again before visiting.) *Tip* There're two entrances - the front entrance is getting through by cable car, the back entrance doesn't need cable car ticket, but you have to take taxi up to the top of the mountain where the back entrance is. Best using this entrance if you stay the night in the village near that entrance. And if using this entrance, you don't have to buy the cable car ticket. ----------------------------------- Time Management Tips: Village Exploration: Spend about 2 hours wandering through the village, capturing photos, and enjoying the local displays. Forest Trails: Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for a relaxed walk through the trails and visiting the ancient trees. Peach Blossoms (Spring): If visiting in late March or early April, plan extra time to enjoy the blooming groves. ----------------------------------- How to Get There By Public Transportation: 1) Taking bus from Wuyuan Train Station (婺源站) - 20 RMB - 9AM - 5 PM 2) Taking bus from Laobei Bus Station (老北站) - 17 RMB - 7AM - 5PM ----------------------------------- Huangling is great for photos, but the ticket price feels a bit steep. The village is small, fully renovated, and pretty commercialized, so it doesn’t really have that ancient vibe some might expect. Still, if you’re curious to check out a place called one of the most beautiful villages in China by National Geographic and China itself, it's worth considering.