The town of Wuyuan [photo sourse: www.yndaily.com]

--Intro:

In ancient times, Wuyuan county was governed by Anhui Province in eastern China. Merchants from this area spread throughout China around 500 years ago, forging trade relations with dealers from Qingdao to Qinghai. Such were their numbers and business acumen that in some areas, they practically ran the local economy.

Back in their hometowns, these wealthy merchants would often construct majestic homes and elaborate ancestral temples so their families and forefathers could share in their success. Many of these still stand in Wuyuan. Hidden deep in the mountains, the town escaped the wartime devastation that obliterated many other parts of ancient China, and it remains in its original state today.

--What to see:

Wuyuan has at least fifty old villages that have remained almost unchanged over the last century. However, it is known not only for its natural scenery, but also for its glorious past. The remote county was home to some of China's top scholars, including Zhu Xi, a Confucian master in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), and Zhan Tianyou, China's first railway engineer.

It also produced some of the country's richest merchants. The county's glorious past can still be found in its uniquely-built houses, most of which, big or small, feature white walls, black roofs, elegant eaves, and dark green footstones.

1. Sixi Village

The village of Sixi has been home to the Yu clan for generations. Its distinct Anhui architecture houses many fine carvings and other ancient trinkets. The most impressive house in the village is the Jingxu (Respecting Order) Hall, the grand abode of an esteemed and wealthy family. The fourth generation of that family still resides there. Also in Sixi is the "Picture of 100 Longevities", a compound where the Chinese character for longevity is depicted 100 times.

Ninety-six of the characters are carved on the main door -- the other four are hidden, and the challenge for visitors is to locate them!

2. Likeng Village

Likeng Village is a cluster of houses built along a brook, and is said to be the town's most scenically beautiful village. The brook is two to three meters wide, and spanned at various points by makeshift bridges.

3. The Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge [photo source: i78.photobucket.com]

Rainbow Bridge is often touted as the most beautiful covered bridge in the country. Though it was built 800 years ago, during the Southern Song Dynasty, the bridge stands as sturdy as ever, and is used by the villagers every day. To get to the bridge, one must pass through the oldest lane in Wuyuan. Built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the lane is so narrow that people must turn to the side when they meet anyone on the way through.

--What to eat:

1. Stewed red carp

This is a local specialty, prepared with the freshest-possible ingredients.

2. Steamed pork with rice flour

Though this dish is eaten all over the country, the Wuyuan version is slightly different as cured pork is the main ingredient.

--What to buy:

1. Jiangwan snow pear

The delicious Jiangwan snow pear is regarded as the "King of Pears" in southern China, and the fruit was presented to the imperial court as a tribute in feudal China.

2. Wulu Tea:

This locally produced beverage has been popular since ancient times -- it was celebrated as one of China's "six wonders" back in the Song Dynasty, and was a tribute to the imperial courts in the Ming and Qing dynasties. The best brands are Dazhangshan and Tianyou.

3. Inkslab:

The locally made longwei inkslab, or she inkslab is regarded as one of the best in China.

--Getting there:

By Air: The nearest airport to Wuyuan is 98 kilometers away from the county in Jingdezhen. The busier airports of Nanchang and Tunxi are other options, but they are further away.

By Land: There are bus links between Wuyuan and other major cities like Suzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen.

To get around Wuyuan, tourists can avail themselves of its extensive bus and minibus services, or travel with the locals on motorcycles or in cabs.

--Where to Live:

In central part of Wuyuan, Ziyang town, you can find many hotels and guesthouses for tourists. Altogether there are 6 star-rated hotels in the county, one is 3-star and the other 2-star.

Out of Ziyang town, the local residentials are more popular for tourists.

--Tips:

It is advisable to spend two to three days in the villages of Wuyuan, the best way to savour the grand view of China's most beautiful countryside and the serenity of rural life. That means you will have to spare at least one week for the trip. If you have some extra days, a trip to nearby Yellow Mountain (Huangshan) is strongly recommended. There is a direct bus from Wuyuan to the city of Huangshan.

Cost: Around 1,500 yuan ($180 US dollars) per person to cover transportation (hard sleeper train and buses) and basic accommodation for the recommended itinerary: Beijing-Jingdezhen-Wuyuan, Jingdezhen-Beijing.

(CRI January 20, 2009)