Avoid the Crowds at Huangling! A Guide to Hiking and Flower Viewing on the Hui-Rao Ancient Trail

The annual rapeseed flower season is coming soon, and Wuyuan's Huangling is always a popular flower viewing destination for people in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai areas. However, the crowds can be a headache. If you're a hiking enthusiast who wants to hike a lesser-known trail and enjoy the beautiful rapeseed flowers, then the seasonal Hui-Rao Ancient Trail is the perfect choice for you! Save this guide, invite your friends, and pick a weekend at the end of February to go on a flower-viewing hike! 📍Hui-Rao Ancient Trail The Hui-Rao Ancient Trail was built in the Tang Dynasty and was once a must-pass route for merchants traveling from north of the Yangtze River to Huizhou, Raozhou, and other places. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, with green tea fields and blooming camellias, cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, and pear blossoms, creating a strong spring atmosphere. However, the most anticipated sight is the vast golden rapeseed flower fields that come into view when you reach the foot of the mountain from ancient Huizhou to ancient Raozhou. Compared to hiking on a sunny day, I prefer a light rain, as it offers the chance to encounter stunning sea clouds and experience the unique poetic charm of Jiangnan while strolling among the white walls and black tiles of Hui-style architecture. 🚩Route Plan The starting point is Zhangqian Village in Xiuning County, passing through Luan Bridge, Zhelingtou (the border between Anhui and Jiangxi, as well as Xiuning County and Wuyuan County), Lingjiao Village, Xikeng, Duancun, and finally reaching Hongguan Village. 🕐Hiking Duration The trail is about 10–12 km in a straight line, with an elevation gain of less than 400 meters, and the entire hike is expected to take 5–6 hours.