Encounter Huangling, Embark on a Dreamlike Pastoral Journey

Stepping into Huangling is like traveling through time and entering a Jiangnan scroll painting preserved by the years. The continuous mountain ranges, rustic Huizhou-style architecture, vibrant 'Shaiqiu' (sun-drying harvest) scenery, and the lingering scent of life in the air – every detail tells Huangling's unique story, captivating me and making me reluctant to leave. Upon arriving at Huangling Scenic Area, I slowly ascended the mountain by cable car, overlooking the vast terraced fields that resembled artworks meticulously carved by nature. In spring, the golden rapeseed flower sea brilliantly complements the villages with white walls and black tiles. In autumn, colorful crops are sun-dried on rooftops, creating the unique "Shaiqiu" landscape. Every casual shot captures stunning scenery. After disembarking the cable car, the first thing that caught my eye was Leixin Bridge, a filming location for "Ode to Joy 2." The bridge is 298.15 meters long, with a 48-meter glass section in the middle. Standing on the bridge, with a deep valley beneath my feet and thousands of acres of terraced fields and lush green forests in the distance, was both thrilling and breathtaking. The scenery below was simply stunning. Following the winding stone path, I arrived at the lively snack street. It gathers various local specialty foods: roasted chicken drumsticks were fragrant and, with one bite, tender and juicy; Gongpo Bing was crispy and delicious, its savory flavor spreading across the tongue; and the sweet candied hawthorn skewers (Bingtang Húlu), with their sweet and sour taste, instantly brought back childhood memories. Eating and strolling along the way, my taste buds were greatly satisfied. Further on, the Shaiqiu Observation Deck is an absolute must-visit! On the scattered Huizhou-style residences, red chili peppers, yellow corn, black soybeans, and other crops are sun-dried in bamboo sieves, creating a visually rich and stunning scene with strong color contrasts, full of the joy of harvest. I excitedly moved among them, getting up close with these colors, and even personally experienced arranging and sun-drying crops, feeling the rustic charm of these farming customs. The Huizhou architecture of the ancient village is also a major highlight. Stepping into Wugui Hall felt like traveling back to ancient times. Exquisite wood, stone, and brick carvings are everywhere; the flowers, birds, fish, and insects on the doors and windows are lifelike, and the mythological stories between the beams and pillars are vivid. Every detail showcases the wisdom and ingenuity of the ancients. Standing in the courtyard of the old house, with sunlight streaming down and light and shadow intertwined, it felt as if I could hear the echoes of history. When tired from exploring, I found a teahouse in Tianjie (Sky Street), sat down, ordered a cup of local fragrant tea, watched the passing tourists, and savored the leisurely pace of Huangling. The shops along the street were dazzling, selling specialty souvenirs, displaying traditional handicrafts, and even making food on-site, creating a bustling atmosphere. As night fell, Huangling transformed into another mysterious appearance. Lights illuminated, outlining the warm contours of the entire ancient village. In the Flowing Light Forest, brilliant lights intertwined with the trees, creating a dreamlike, ethereal scene, as if stepping into a fairy tale world. Huangling Travel Guide - Tickets: Adult ticket for admission + round-trip cable car is 145 RMB. Booking online one day in advance offers a 5 RMB discount. Seniors aged 65 and above get free admission, while seniors aged 60-65 pay 120 RMB. - Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are ideal seasons for visiting. In spring (March-April), rapeseed flowers are in full bloom, enveloping Huangling in a golden sea of flowers. In autumn (September-November), the 'Shaiqiu' scenery is dazzling, with red chili peppers, yellow corn, and other crops adorning the ancient village, creating a lively atmosphere. - Transportation: - By Plane: You can fly to Jingdezhen Airport or Huangshan Airport, then transfer to an airport shuttle bus or take a taxi to Huangling, which is about 80 kilometers away. - By High-speed Rail: First, arrive at Wuyuan High-speed Railway Station, then take a shuttle bus (19 RMB/person, about 1.5 hours), which departs hourly, or carpool (25 RMB/person, about 50 minutes) to the scenic area. - Itinerary: In the morning, ascend the mountain via the B Terraced Field Cable Car, step onto the Leixin Bridge Glass Skywalk to overlook the entire terraced field valley; then head to the snack street to taste local delicacies; subsequently, proceed to the Large Shaiqiu Platform for a panoramic photo with Huangling; then visit the Upside-Down House to experience a wondrous inverted world. In the afternoon, visit Wugui Hall to explore the beauty of Huizhou architecture and take photos at the popular window photo spot; move on to Shai Workshop, an excellent spot for capturing panoramic views of Huangling; pass by the Patriotism Wall to take commemorative photos at this classic photo spot; finally, stroll along Tianjie to appreciate the charm of the ancient streets and alleys, then go to Huaxi Water Street to enjoy the coolness and tranquility, after which you can descend the mountain via the B Terraced Field Cable Car. - Food Recommendations: - Steamed Cake (Zhengqi Gao): Soft and glutinous with a rich rice aroma, topped with minced meat, mushrooms, diced radish, etc. You can taste it in Tianjie. - Qingming Guo (Qingming Festival Dumpling): Made with mugwort juice and glutinous rice flour for the wrapper, with savory fillings like spring bamboo shoots and cured meat, or sweet red bean paste. It's fragrant and delicious. - Preserved Vegetable and Braised Pork Belly Flatbread (Meigancai Kourou Shaobing): A crispy crust encases savory preserved dried vegetables and fatty yet not greasy braised pork belly. One bite is fragrant and delicious. - Mouth-watering Fish (Koushui Yu): The fish is tender, the sauce is rich, and the soybeans inside are soaked in the broth, making them incredibly flavorful. This dish at Zhuxianglou Farmhouse Cuisine is very authentic. - Stinky Mandarin Fish (Chou Guiyu): It smells strong but tastes delicious. The fish meat, after being cured, has a firm texture and a unique flavor. Xiangjian Xiaowei Private Kitchen is worth a try. - Accommodation Suggestions: - Within the Scenic Area: Huangling Shaiqiu Meisu (Beautiful Guesthouse) is recommended. Its exterior retains the rustic and elegant Huizhou architectural style. Inside, it offers various room types, including retro Chinese and minimalist modern styles. Opening the window reveals the beautiful scenery of the ancient village, allowing you to deeply experience the tranquility and beauty of Huangling. However, prices are relatively high, ranging from 800-1500 RMB/room. - Around the Scenic Area: Guesthouses/B&Bs in surrounding villages like Gucun and Chapingtan offer better value for money and allow you to experience simple rural life. However, accommodation conditions vary, so remember to check reviews when booking. For example, Yijing Banshan (Taoyuan Anxia Guesthouse) at the foot of Huangling is surrounded by bamboo forests, offering a tranquil environment. Some room types are available for three-digit prices, and it's close to the Huangling cable car, with the owner also providing pick-up and drop-off services.