Huangling Village (Wuyuan)

An ancient Huizhou village hanging on a cliff (Wuyuan county town entry: see 18d-4), world-famous for its Shaiqiu — sun-drying of the autumn harvest — folk custom. Along Tianjie (Sky Street), Huizhou-style dwellings rise in stacked layers, while drying trays of red chilies, imperial chrysanthemums, and corn compose a kind of land art; the Leixin suspension bridge and the terraced flower sea (rapeseed blooms shot in spring) are the two signature photo spots. Huangling village was founded around the Ming dynasty (according to records) and reached its height in the Qing dynasty as merchants returned home to build residences; buildings such as the Cao Clan Ancestral Hall are well preserved. The Shaiqiu farming custom has been chosen as one of the 'Most Beautiful China Symbols'; September to November is the best viewing period, making it a pilgrimage site for sketchers, photographers, and East Asian visitors.

Getting there: High-speed rail, Wuyuan Station, then shuttle bus approx. 40 minutes