# Huangling Azalea Blossoms: Unlocking the Four-Season Secret of China's Most Beautiful Village

When spring gently knocks on the earth's door, the Huangling Azalea Garden makes a stunning debut with a breathtaking floral feast. Like a jewel meticulously carved by nature, it's cleverly nestled on the mountainside, with azaleas winding along the slopes—red ones blazing like fire, pink ones soft as rosy clouds, and white ones pure as snow. These three colors interweave to create a vibrant, lively spring tapestry. The Huangling Azalea Garden is truly a treasure trove of azaleas, gathering precious and rare varieties such as Kurume, Kirishima, Otsu, and Hirado. Different varieties bloom in succession, making the flowering period of this floral sea exceptionally long. From early April to early May, for a full month, visitors can immerse themselves in the fragrance and beauty of azaleas. Stepping into the azalea garden, the winding path feels like a gateway to a fairyland. Azaleas sway gracefully on both sides, some in bud, others in full bloom, with a subtle fragrance following you like a shadow. Every step reveals a fresh scene, truly embodying "every step a view, every spot a painting." If you're a fan of traditional Chinese aesthetics, why not wear flowing Hanfu? Under the blue sky and white clouds, let the vibrant azaleas become your most beautiful backdrop. A casual photo will become a stunning traditional-style image worthy of social media fame, as if you've traveled through time to appreciate this spring spectacle with the ancients. ## I. Overview Huangling, a Huizhou ancient village perched on a cliff at an altitude of 600 meters, is famous for its "sun-dried harvest" and hailed as a microcosm of "China's most beautiful village." The scenic area combines terraced flower fields, Hui-style architecture, and folk culture, offering unique scenery in all four seasons: spring features competing azaleas and cherry blossoms, summer offers cool refuge in the Shuikou rainforest, autumn interweaves sun-dried harvests with red maples, and winter brings snowy landscapes and festive atmosphere. In 2025, a panoramic aerial cableway (with 360° transparent cabins) and night light shows were added to enhance the visitor experience. ## II. Must-Visit Attractions ### (1) Natural Wonders **Azalea Garden** From early April to early May, precious varieties like Kurume and Kirishima azaleas spread across the hillside, creating a spring painting with red, pink, and white colors intertwined. Wear Hanfu for photos with the flower sea as a backdrop for instant traditional-style masterpieces. **Terraced Flower Fields** From mid-March to mid-April, thousands of acres of terraced rapeseed flowers bloom. The Leixin Bridge glass walkway is the perfect spot to capture the panoramic "golden snake coiling terraces." The Phase II Gaoling terraces, due to altitude differences, have flowers lasting until mid-April. **Shuikou Rainforest** Tall ancient trees create a canopy, while an artificial mist system creates a "green wonderland" atmosphere. With extremely high negative ion content, it's ideal for oxygen-rich walks and atmospheric photography. ### (2) Cultural Experiences **Sun-Dried Harvest Scenery** The sun-drying viewing platform in the ancient village core is a must-visit. Drying racks on rooftops display seasonal produce like chili peppers, corn, and chrysanthemums, creating unique "sun-drying household" scenes. Morning or dusk photography is recommended to avoid harsh midday light. **Flower Stream Water Street** Mountain springs flow gently, mist drifts over pavilions, and flowers and trees line both sides. At night, illuminated by lights, it resembles a small Lijiang in Jiangnan. **Huangling Ancient Village** Among the Hui-style ancient buildings with their upturned eaves, you can experience folk activities like "doorway wine" and Huizhou wedding processions. The "beauty lean" and window on the second floor of Wugui Hall are popular photo spots, while the sun-drying platform offers a village overview. ### (3) Special Activities **Aerial Zipline** Asia's longest aerial zipline (80 yuan/ride) crosses the valley with panoramic views of the sun-drying scene, perfect for thrill-seekers. **Night Tour 2.0** Every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, light shows in the flowing forest and drone performances light up the night sky. Don't miss the intangible cultural heritage dragon lantern parade in front of the ancestral hall square. ## III. Practical Information ### (1) Tickets and Transportation **Tickets:** Entrance ticket + round-trip cable car: 145 yuan; student ticket: 60 yuan (student ID required); free admission for visitors over 65. Night tour ticket: 170 yuan (includes next day admission), ideal for off-peak visits. **Transportation:** - High-speed rail: Wuyuan Station → direct shuttle to scenic area (20 yuan/person, 40 minutes, 8 buses daily). - Self-driving: Navigate to Huangling Scenic Area, exit at Jiangwan Highway exit, ample free parking available. - Nearby connections: Direct buses from Tunxi Old Street and Jingdezhen City, starting from 29.9 yuan. ### (2) Accommodation Recommendations **Mountaintop Stays:** Sun-drying Boutique Stay (800-1,500 yuan/night), window views of terraced fields, includes breakfast for two + ticket package, VIP access to avoid lines. **Mid-mountain Value Option:** Xiaoyong Village Shuya Inn (150 yuan per person), 4-minute walk to scenic area, includes home-cooked meals. **Night View Exclusive:** Tianjie Hotel (exclusive access to empty sun-drying scenes after 9 PM), a hidden gem for photography enthusiasts. ### (3) Food Recommendations **Tianjie Restaurant:** Steam cake, red carp in lotus leaf, wine lees fish, authentic Wuyuan flavors. **Flower Town Farmhouse:** Fresh pepper fish, home-style stir-fried pork, wood ear mushroom with eggs, located opposite the ticket center with rustic decor and friendly service. **Countryside Flavors Private Kitchen:** Stinky mandarin fish, pearl meatballs, homemade tofu paste, paired with local drink "Wuli Blooming," refreshing and palate-cleansing. ### (4) Important Notes **Clothing:** Many stone steps in the scenic area; sports shoes or flats recommended, avoid high heels. **Sun protection:** Strong UV rays in mountainous areas; bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Mosquito repellent needed in summer. **Expenses:** Commercial street prices are relatively high (bottled water: 8 yuan); bring your own water bottle to fill with mountain spring water. **Cable car hours:** Peak season operation until 8:30 PM; arrive before 7:30 AM to avoid crowds. ## IV. Itinerary Planning ### (1) One-Day Highlights Route **Morning:** Cable car → Sun-drying Square → Tianjie Ancient Lane → Wugui Hall → Adventure Forest **Afternoon:** Walk to Leixin Bridge → Flower Stream Water Street → Mountainside Secret Hot Spring → Shuikou Rainforest **Evening:** Night light show → Intangible heritage dragon lantern parade (Fridays and Saturdays) ### (2) Three-Day In-Depth Tour **Day 1:** Wuyuan Station → Huangling, visit Azalea Garden, Cherry Blossom Corridor, Flower Stream Water Street, overnight at mountaintop accommodation. **Day 2:** Sun-drying viewing platform → lunch at Tianjie Restaurant → Leixin Bridge → aerial zipline → Shuikou Rainforest, traditional Chinese-style photography experience. **Day 3:** Huangling → Jiangwan Scenic Area → Wangkou Ancient Village, taste local snacks before departure. ## V. Seasonal Special Activities **Spring (March-May):** Participate in rapeseed farming experience, make your own rapeseed oil; wear Hanfu for traditional-style photos during azalea season. **Autumn (September-November):** Photograph sun-drying scenes of chili peppers, corn and other crops during the Sun-drying Festival (June-December), with mid-October to mid-November being the best viewing period. **Winter (January-February):** Capture "Huangling snow scenes" after snowfall, participate in winter solstice folk culture season, experience fireside tea brewing and hot spring bathing. Huangling, named "China's most beautiful village" by National Geographic, has become a year-round tourist destination with its unique geographical features and rich cultural heritage. Whether it's spring flower seas, autumn sun-drying scenes, or winter snow landscapes, you'll find your own poetic distance in the fusion of ancient village and nature.