Wuyuan Hides a "Circular Secret"! An 800-Year-Old Village Encircled by a Stream, Even Navigation Gets Confused

When I stood at the viewing platform on the hillside behind Jujing Village, my drone almost crashed into a horse-head wall—the village before me was tightly embraced by a small stream, round like a jade disc polished by time. Even the most seasoned photographers couldn’t help but exclaim, "This isn’t just a village; it’s the earth’s fingerprint!" As Wuyuan’s "roundest" ancient village, Jujing is full of mind-blowing details: the circular boundary drawn by Southern Song Dynasty migrants using the stream is more precise than modern GPS; the stone-paved paths at villagers’ doorsteps hide drainage secrets, ensuring no flooding even on rainy days; even the old camphor tree at the village entrance grows toward the center. This exploration completely redefined my idea of a "traditional village." 1. Finding Answers in a Circular Village, Every Step a Surprise Upon entering the village, I was amused by an elderly man giving directions: "Forget navigation—just follow the stream!" Later, I realized this stream, looping around the village, was the most reliable "compass." 1.1 The Stream’s Circle Holds Southern Song Survival Wisdom From the viewing platform, Jujing looks like it was drawn with a compass—black-tiled, white-walled houses line the stream, forming a perfect circle, while the stream itself wraps around the village like an emerald ribbon. Teacher He from the village explained that this was the design of the founding ancestor, He Jia, during the Southern Song Dynasty: "The hills block cold winds, the water gathers wealth, and the circular layout deters bandits." Walking along the stream today, you can still see grooves in the stone slabs—ancient "drainage codes" to prevent flooding. 1.2 From Ming Dynasty Archways to Viral "Sun-Drying Autumn," Layers of Time The "He Clan Ancestral Hall" at the village entrance holds a fun fact: its main gate faces the center, and its roof ornaments feature two extra mythical beasts. "This was a special imperial privilege," said the caretaker, flipping through the clan records. "Our ancestors produced three prefectural governors!" Behind the hall is a viral "sun-drying autumn" spot, where bamboo trays of chili peppers, corn, and rice form colorful patterns, complementing the circular village. One auntie livestreamed, "See how round this is? Just like a mooncake!" 1.3 The "Philosophy of Life" Hidden in Alleyways The most fascinating part was exploring the village’s narrow lanes. The seemingly chaotic stone paths all lead to the central threshing ground, and every household’s back door faces the stream, making washing vegetables and clothes effortless. At the "Century-Old Tofu Shop," the owner chilled tofu in the stream: "This water stays warm in winter and cool in summer, making the tofu extra tender." Squatting by the stream, I tested the water—crisp and clear, reflecting horse-head walls and clouds, perfect for instant wallpapers. 2. Practical Guide: Unlocking the Circular Code Jujing is small, but to fully appreciate it, remember these tips: How to Get There? Two Options - For drivers: Navigate to "Jujing Village" from Wuyuan County (1-hour drive). Free parking is available at the entrance, followed by a 5-minute walk to the viewing platform. Arrive before 8 AM to avoid tour groups. - Public transport: Take a bus from Wuyuan North Station to Dazhangshan Town and ask to alight at "Jujing Junction," then walk 10 minutes into the village. Bus schedules align with those to Lingyan Cave—time it right. Viewing Platform Photography Tips (Avoiding Crowds) The free hillside platform offers the best panoramic shots. To dodge crowds: arrive before 7 AM for misty morning shots or after 5 PM when tour groups leave, capturing the golden sunset glow. The village alleys are also photogenic—stand mid-path for a top-down shot featuring the stream, horse-head walls, and the village’s circular outline, guaranteed to wow your social feed. Stay Overnight for the Full Experience Book a night at "Streamside Homestay." The owner leads morning jogs around the village: "A 30-minute loop beats the gym!" Join locals washing veggies by the stream at dawn, savor the hostess’s "streamwater fish stew" at noon, and listen to elders’ tales at the threshing ground at dusk—unmatched by county stays. During my visit, a bonfire dance circled the village, mirroring its shape in a magical ritual. 3. Nearby Combos: Fitting the Circular Village into Your Itinerary Pair Jujing with these spots for a richer trip: - Lingyan Cave + Jujing Day Trip: Morning cave exploration, afternoon village sunset—20 minutes apart, blending nature and culture. - Wolong Valley + Jujing + Yantian 3-Day Trip: Day 1 for valley streams, Day 2 for village life, Day 3 for lotus fields—perfect for families and seniors. - Hidden Gem Route: Jujing + Hongguan Village: Hongguan boasts the "Jiangnan’s First Camphor Tree" and ancient post roads—20 minutes from Jujing, offering rawer village vibes. Must-Try Local Flavors - Dishes: Streamwater tofu pot (local beans + streamwater, pudding-soft), steamed stream fish (tiny fish with rice flour, umami-packed), dried pumpkin stir-fried with bacon (sweetened by grandma’s sun-drying). - Top Pick: "Jujing Family" by the stream serves live fish scooped from bamboo baskets—$7 per person for a feast. - Souvenirs: Village tea and dried pumpkin, packed in bamboo leaves for a rustic touch. Why Jujing is an Underrated Treasure While Wuyuan’s Huangling and Jiangwan steal the spotlight, Jujing’s "circular marvel" flies under the radar. Unspoiled by commercialization, it preserves centuries-old lifestyles. Here, the circle isn’t just a shape—it’s ancient wisdom in harmony with nature. Like the old camphor tree watching the stream loop for 800 years, witnessing villagers transition from farming to livestreaming, yet always rooted toward the center. Standing beneath it, I grasped: true "wholeness" isn’t perfection—it’s Jujing’s circle, where nature, history, and life entwine in harmony.