Travel Through a Millennium-Old Huizhou Dream

Stop squeezing into those popular ancient towns! This "Hidden Huizhou Secret" in Jiangxi offers night views so stunning your camera memory will explode🌟 Are you, like me, already tired of the same old ancient town tours? You've seen countless white walls and black tiles, and grown bored of commercialized snack streets, always hoping to find a place that combines ancient charm with surprises, where you can truly relax and soak it all in. Today, I’m uncovering a treasure hidden in Wuyuan, Shangrao, Jiangxi. It’s called Wunvzhou—a "hidden" resort area with mythology at its core and Huizhou spirit in its soul. By day, it’s like an ink painting; by night, a feast of light and shadow. After reading this guide, you’ll realize that the romance of Jiangnan can be experienced in a whole new way! First, understand: what makes Wunvzhou so special? Many people visit Wuyuan just to see the rapeseed flowers or stroll through Likeng, but few know that just a 10-minute drive from Wuyuan High-Speed Rail Station lies Wunvzhou, which holds a different kind of Huizhou romance. It’s not a replica ancient village; instead, it centers on the local myth of "Wunv Flying to Heaven," blending Huizhou architecture, scenic landscapes, and modern light and shadow technology to create a "living" Huizhou cultural experience. Here, you can see the poetic reflection of white walls and black tiles in clear waters, witness the breathtaking spectacle of iron flowers flying through the sky and lights illuminating towers; you can make a piece of She inkstone by hand or stroll the water street in Hanfu; you can play with your kids all day or find a tea house to enjoy a slow moment. It breaks the stereotype that "ancient towns are just about old houses," turning "sightseeing" into an "immersive experience"—this is what sets it apart from other ancient towns. A must-see for night owls: from dusk till late night, every moment is "legendary" The soul of Wunvzhou comes alive at night. I recommend starting your visit at 5 PM to catch every light and shadow spectacle. 17:00-17:40: Huishi Street Food & Hanfu Dress-Up First, rent a Hanfu outfit on Huishi Street, costing 50-80 RMB per person, including makeup and props. I recommend Tang-style qixiong ruqun or Song-style beizi, which match the night scenery perfectly. Wearing Hanfu while wandering the night market and tasting Wuyuan snacks—soft and sweet Wuyuan steamed cakes, savory Qingming rice cakes—eat as you stroll and soak in the lively local atmosphere. 17:40-18:10: Fish Pattern Square · Huachao Parade (Fridays and Saturdays) Huachao Festival is a traditional Huizhou holiday. During the parade, NPCs dressed in ancient costumes lead flower floats, showering "peony petal rain." You can even recite poetry with "Li Bai"—answer correctly for a small gift, or laugh along if you don’t. Be sure to stand by the roadside to interact and take immersive photos. 18:20-18:50: Baoyu Tower · Grand Bonfire Party After dark, a bonfire lights up under Baoyu Tower. Join the crowd dancing around the fire, listen to lively music, and feel the warm atmosphere. This is the "blue hour," perfect for photos with the bonfire and Baoyu Tower in the same frame, creating a layered visual effect. 19:10-19:20: Baoyu Tower · Iron Flower Performance Make sure to stand on the second floor of Lianli Bridge! The iron flower artist will pour molten iron onto the tower, instantly creating a spectacular "fire dragon swallowing the tower" scene. The fiery glow lights up the night sky, even more stunning than fireworks. Remember to shoot in live mode on your phone to capture the most beautiful moment. 20:00-20:50: "Meet Wuyuan" Live Show This is the highlight of the night tour! Based on the Wunv legend, the show uses the lake as a stage, combining lights, water mist, and holographic projection to tell the story of Wunv protecting her homeland. When the "Wunv Flying to Heaven" light and shadow appear in the night sky, the whole audience can’t help but exclaim—this is not just a show, but a double impact of visual and emotional experience. Hotel guests receive VIP tickets with excellent seats. 21:00-21:15: Golden Pavilion Water Stage · Iron Flower After the show, head to the Golden Pavilion to watch the intangible cultural heritage iron flower performance. Molten iron at 1600°C is thrown into the air by craftsmen, instantly turning into a sky full of stars, splashing sparks on the water surface. Wearing Hanfu and watching from the shore feels like traveling back to ancient times. The shock is something you have to see to believe. 21:30-22:00: Wenchang Bridge · Light Show & Fireworks Finally, go to Wenchang Bridge for the light and fireworks show. The lights dye the bridge in rainbow colors, reflecting dreamily in the water. When fireworks bloom in the night sky, the entire Wunvzhou lights up. Remember to make a wish with your companions—the romance level maxes out. Practical Tips: Avoid pitfalls & save money, head out right after reading Tickets & Transportation: How to get the best deal? 🌈 Tickets: Night tour ticket (entry after 16:00) 110 RMB, includes all shows; Day tour ticket 80 RMB, no shows included; Students with ID 88 RMB (includes shows); Annual pass 198 RMB/year, great for locals around Shangrao. 🚦 Transportation: Take the high-speed train to "Wuyuan Station," then a 10-minute taxi ride to Wunvzhou, about 20 RMB fare; if driving, free parking is available in the park. 📝 Tips: Stay at hotels inside the park (such as Wumeng Hotel, Qingzao Hotel) and get two tickets plus VIP tickets for "Meet Wuyuan," which is more cost-effective than buying tickets separately and staying outside. 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations: Stay in the right place for double the experience ✅ Wumeng Hotel: Rating ★★★★★ Around 300 RMB per person, Chinese garden style, spacious and clean rooms. Highlights include free Hanfu experience with makeup, butler service so you don’t have to carry luggage, free afternoon tea and late-night snacks. Close to all attractions, you can walk back to the hotel after the night show. ✅ Qingzao Hotel: Rating ★★★★ Ideal for young people, industrial design with themed and family rooms. Cheaper than Wumeng Hotel, around 200 RMB per person, right at Huishi Street, super convenient for food and shopping. Food Guide: Don’t just eat snacks, try these local dishes 🌟 Must-try dishes: ✅ Lotus Leaf Red Carp: Wuyuan specialty, tender meat, best steamed. ✅ Stinky Mandarin Fish: Classic Huizhou dish, smells strong but tastes delicious, firm fish meat. ✅ Braised Tofu: Soft and fragrant, made with tofu, minced meat, and dried bamboo shoots, perfect with rice. ✅ Qingming Rice Cake: Sweet and savory versions, made with mugwort skin, filled with dried bamboo shoots and minced meat or red bean paste. 👍 Recommended restaurants: ✅ Waterside Restaurant: Good environment, authentic dishes, suitable for full meals. ✅ Riverside Snack Street: Great for strolling and tasting various snacks. ✅ Tea House: When tired, enjoy Wuyuan green tea with some snacks and savor the slow pace. Exclusive Tips: Hidden activities to make your trip extra special 1. Take photos of the empty water street at 4 AM: At 4 AM, Huishi Street is deserted, the water surface is mirror-like, and the reflection of white walls and black tiles looks like an ink painting. Ask security to turn on the lights. 2. Sing mountain songs with boatmen: On the old dock, take a rowboat and sing mountain songs with the boatman, who will sing Huizhou folk songs. If you respond a few lines, he might give you a wildflower. 3. Collect stamps to exchange for souvenirs: There are 6 stamp points in the park (Xiyuan, Art Museum, Wedding Customs Museum, Wuxian Temple, Wumeng Hotel, Visitor Center). Collect all 6 stamps to redeem limited edition souvenirs like bookmarks and postcards, very meaningful keepsakes. 4. Take martial arts style photos: Rent a Feiyu costume at the Jin Yong Martial Arts Museum, pair it with a bamboo hat, and take photos on the small bridge in Xiyuan to instantly become a Jianghu hero. Why is Wunvzhou worth a visit? It’s not a "check-in and forget" spot, but a place where you can slow down, feel culture, and enjoy romance. Here, you can be a cultural explorer, a family traveler, a Hanfu enthusiast, or a night light chaser. Whatever your identity, you’ll find your own joy here. Don’t be put off by those overcrowded popular ancient towns. Come to Wunvzhou and discover Jiangnan romance in a new way. Trust me, when you see iron flowers blooming across the sky, walk the water street in Hanfu, and are moved by the story in "Meet Wuyuan," you’ll understand: the true meaning of travel is to encounter such surprises.