China's Most Beautiful Countryside Is a Sea of Gold in Spring
In the early spring, a golden tide washes over the rolling hills of Wuyuan county. This is the season when the rapeseed flowers bloom, transforming the entire landscape into a vibrant yellow sea, dotted with the iconic, white-walled and black-roofed villages of old China. It is deservedly called "the most beautiful countryside in China," a place where idyllic nature meets timeless architecture.
The best way to experience Wuyuan is to hike or cycle the quiet paths that connect its ancient villages. You’ll pass through terraced fields of brilliant yellow flowers, cross ancient stone bridges over clear streams, and rest under giant, centuries-old camphor trees. You can explore villages like Jiangling, where viewing platforms on the hillside give you a god's-eye view of the golden terraces, or Likeng, a charming hamlet with a river running right through its center, where you can see women washing clothes on the stone steps.
Insider Tip:
While spring (late March to early April) is the most famous season, don't overlook autumn (October-November). The crowds are much smaller, the weather is crisp and clear, and the surrounding maple and tallow trees turn fiery shades of red and orange, creating a stunning contrast with the white-walled villages.
