Wuyuan Xianggao Ancient City: A Picturesque Hidden Gem in Jiangnan

First Impressions of Xianggao In the coolness of early autumn, I set off on a journey to Wuyuan Xianggao Ancient City. Wuyuan, known as "China's Most Beautiful Countryside," has long shone brightly in the praise of countless travelers. Xianggao Ancient City is a dazzling jewel on this beautiful land, attracting numerous visitors with its profound historical heritage and unique architectural style. Walking into the Corridor of History Stepping into Xianggao Ancient City feels like traveling through a tunnel of time, back to that ancient and mysterious era. The weathered bricks of the ancient city walls bear witness to the vicissitudes of time; the moss on the city gate tower tells stories of past glory. Strolling along the cobblestone alleys, flanked by quaint, antique buildings, every brick and tile seems to narrate the tales of the ancient city. Exploring Historical Sites I first visited the iconic building of Xianggao Ancient City—the Xianggao Tower. This tower soars into the clouds, its body carved with exquisite patterns, and copper bells hang from each eave corner. When the breeze blows, the bells ring melodiously, as if recounting the city's past. Climbing to the top of the tower, I overlooked the entire ancient city: green tiles and white walls arranged in an orderly fashion, distant mountains like ink paintings, and nearby waters shrouded in mist—a breathtaking ink-wash painting slowly unfolding before my eyes. Next, I entered the museum inside the ancient city. It displays a large collection of cultural relics, from ancient pottery and bronze ware to calligraphy, paintings, and porcelain from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Each piece carries the historical and cultural heritage of Xianggao Ancient City and the whole of Wuyuan. Through these artifacts, I seemed to touch the pulse of that era and feel the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients. Experiencing Folk Customs In the ancient city, I not only admired the charm of ancient architecture but also experienced the local folk customs. On a bustling small street, I watched the traditional process of making Wuyuan pastries. The masters skillfully mixed glutinous rice, sesame, red bean paste, and other ingredients, pressed them into molds, and steamed them to perfection. Tasting one bite, it was fragrant, sweet, soft, and left a lasting aroma. Additionally, I participated in a local folk performance. Villagers dressed in festive costumes, beating gongs and drums, singing and dancing to celebrate the harvest. Their smiles were so bright and sincere, deeply conveying the warmth and simplicity of the people on this land. The Tranquility at Nightfall When night falls, Xianggao Ancient City presents a different scene. The ancient city walls are illuminated by lights, appearing more solemn and mysterious. Lanterns in the alleys light up one by one, casting warm glows on the cobblestones, creating a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. I sat in the courtyard of a teahouse, sipping local green tea, listening to the distant sound of the guzheng, and savoring this rare tranquility and beauty. Conclusion This trip to Xianggao Ancient City allowed me not only to appreciate the charm of ancient architecture but also to deeply feel the history, culture, and folk customs of Wuyuan. The people here have created such a beautiful homeland with their wisdom and hard work, making me cherish and love this land even more. I believe that no matter how time changes, Xianggao Ancient City will continue to attract more and more visitors with its unique charm. 1. Core Information - Tickets and Opening Hours: Open year-round for free, no reservation needed! Recommended visiting hours are 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM, with 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM as the golden time to avoid the sun and fully experience both day and night scenes. - Transportation Guide: - High-speed Rail: Taxi from Wuyuan Station takes 8-10 minutes (fare about 10 yuan), or take bus routes 1 or 4 to "Zhuzi Pedestrian Street" stop, then a 5-minute walk. - Self-driving: Navigate to "Xianggao West Lake Dang Cultural Tourism District," government parking lots and North Ring Road parking garage have ample spaces, then walk 400 meters to Biyue Gate to enter. - Airplane: Fly to Huangshan, Jingdezhen, or Sanqing Mountain airports, then transfer by high-speed rail to Wuyuan Station before heading to the city. 2. Must-Visit Spots - North Gate Street: A gathering place for cultural and creative shops and intangible cultural heritage workshops, where you can watch Jialu umbrellas and Hualong woodcarving being made live, and try your hand at rubbing prints and pottery DIY. - Xianru Street: The soul of local cuisine, with over 20 long-established brands clustered here. Start your day with a bowl of Huizhou old wonton and buy a piece of stone cake on the way—full of lively local flavor. - Lilac Rain Alley: Cobblestone roads with white walls and black tiles, vines climbing the walls. The soft light at dusk is perfect for shooting ancient-style photos, and the side alleys are quieter and even more photogenic. - West Lake Dang: Best to visit in the afternoon, where the lake reflects Huizhou-style flying eaves. From 5:00 PM to 5:20 PM, enjoy the "West Lake Flute Melody" folk music performance. The second floor of Chajuejue is an excellent viewing spot. - Must-See Landmarks: Biyue Gate (Tang Dynasty city wall brick restoration, perfect for photos during the blue hour with great atmosphere), Cheng Family Courtyard (exquisitely carved Huizhou-style residence, showcasing wood and brick carving craftsmanship), Filial Piety Archway (a treasure of brick carving art), Lijianjiao (the corner where two alleys intersect, great for detailed photos). 3. Food Recommendations - Must-Try Snacks: Wuyuan steamed rice cake (steamed rice batter served with pickles or minced meat), stone cake (cooked on an iron griddle with a crispy crust), fermented rice fish (a fusion of wine aroma and fresh fish), Qingming cake, and sticky rice cake.