Wuyuan -- China's Most Beautiful Village: China's Most Beautiful Village

Author: Zhan Dan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Wuyuan is an ancient county in Jiangxi Province with a long history. Historically, it was under the jurisdiction of Anhui. It was one of the six counties under the ancient Huizhou prefecture. It is the hometown of the famous Southern Song Dynasty philosopher Zhu Xi and the "Father of Chinese Railways," Zhan Tianyou. "A lifetime of obsession, no dreams of Huizhou." The word "Huizhou" is being mentioned more and more by people. Some say it is the home of traditional Chinese culture. The remote mountainous region of Wuyuan has fortunately preserved all the charm of ancient Huizhou.
Here, the folk customs are pure and simple, and the literary tradition is flourishing. Scattered throughout the county are well-preserved ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as pastoral-like landscapes and scenery. It’s like an unfinished watercolor painting, or as if Monet’s impressionism, with beautiful scenes scattered everywhere that could make your film roll run out.
Wuyuan is known for its beautiful mountains and clear waters, with lush pines and bamboos. The ancient residential buildings with upturned eaves wind through the green mountains and clear waters, either nestled among ancient trees and lush forests or reflected in the clear streams and pools. They complement the terraced fields and swirling mist, creating a poetic and picturesque scene. The four seasons each present their own charm, especially in spring and autumn, when the vibrant azaleas and crimson maple leaves cover the mountains like clusters of flames competing for attention. Immersed in such scenery, you can’t help but feel refreshed and reluctant to leave. Wuyuan is renowned for its natural beauty, fertile land, abundant produce, and numerous talented people. It has long been celebrated as a "literary paradise." The place is blessed with talent and has produced many famous figures. The saying "Nine scholars in one family, four ministers in six ministries" speaks to its flourishing literary tradition.
Throughout the county, dense, clear rivers and streams intertwine with bizarre rocks, peaks, ancient trees, tea pavilions, and arched bridges, blending grandeur with delicate beauty. Famous attractions include the Dazhang Mountain and Lingyandong scenic area in the northwest, the Zhiling and Shier Mountain in the northeast, the Fushan in the center, and the Dayoushan in the west, which have been tourist destinations since the Tang and Song dynasties. Su Dongpo, Huang Tingjian, Zongze, Yue Fei, and Zhu Xi, among others, left behind many poems praising Wuyuan. "A half-acre pond, a clear mirror opens, the light of the sky and the shadows of the clouds linger together. How can the water be so clear? Because it has the living water of the source." This is a poem by the famous Southern Song Dynasty philosopher Zhu Xi praising his hometown, Wuyuan. "Two rivers embrace a bright mirror, two bridges fall like rainbows," named after the Tang Dynasty poem, the ancient Rainbow Bridge from the Song Dynasty is a representative of Wuyuan’s arched bridges. Surrounded by dark green mountains, the clear water flows beneath the bridge, with pavilions and stone tables and benches on both sides. Here, you can enjoy tea and chess or admire the scenery, feeling a world away from the hustle and bustle.
About 30 kilometers southwest of the county seat is Wengong Mountain, where 24 ancient cedars were planted by Zhu Xi when he returned to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors (symbolizing the 24 filial virtues). These trees, now over 800 years old, still thrive. The giant ancient cedars are rare in China.
The ecologically beautiful Yuanyang Lake is home to pairs of mandarin ducks, blooming like flowers in the lake, inseparable. Wuyuan is rich in produce, including the world-famous tea "Wu Green," considered one of the finest green teas in China. The delicious Heping red fish is hailed as "heavenly on earth." The "Dragon Tail Inkstone" (Shexuan) from Wuyuan is one of China’s four famous inkstones.
Wuyuan is known as "China’s most beautiful rural area." The natural landscape, composed of mountains, water, bamboo, rocks, trees, bridges, pavilions, streams, beaches, caves, waterfalls, ferry crossings, and ancient residential buildings, creates a paradise-like atmosphere, like an endless landscape painting, forming a unique and beautiful rural scenic area that gives people a sense of returning to nature and transcending the ordinary. For those weary of urban noise and those who love travel, art, and photography, a trip to Wuyuan or gathering creative inspiration is undoubtedly a beautiful experience and a wise choice.