Small but perfectly formed(3)

3. Wuyuan, Jiangxi province

Home to some of the most beautiful villages in China, Wuyuan is known for its traditional residential houses built up to 1,000 years ago.

Wuyuan, in northeast of Jingxi province, has more than 50 old villages and houses typically have white walls and are three-story buildings. Sculpted woodcarvings can be seen on the houses and best-preserved temples.

Villages like Likeng and Sixi are famous for their idyllic present and glorious past. They are home to top scholars, such as Zhuxi, the Confucius master from the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The county was also noted for producing rich merchants and top officials in ancient times.

The best time to visit is in March and April when the fields are covered by yellow rapeseed.

During this season, the mountains are aflame with azaleas, green tea trees dot the slopes of mountains and farmers drive their ducks to ponds. It is a countryside symphony.

If you go

Visitors need to fly to Jingdezhen in Jiangxi province, or Huangshan in Anhui province, and then take a one-hour bus ride to Wuyuan county. To explore more of the villages, visitors can either take a minibus or ride a bike. Tickets priced 180 yuan ($29) grant five-day entry to all scenic spots. The county has lots of hotels and villages offering simple and cheap accommodation costing less than 100 yuan per night.