Wugongling in She County: Huizhou's Hidden Gem Among the Cloud Terraces

Deep in the mountains of She County lies a village favored by time—Wugongling. Unlike the well-known Hongcun and Xidi, it remains a "private treasure" in the hearts of hiking enthusiasts and cultural travelers, famed for its layered cloud terraces and authentic Huizhou charm.

Driving up the winding mountain road, the greenery outside the window grows denser. After the last turn, the entire expanse of terraces suddenly unfolds before your eyes. Unlike the orderly plains rice fields, Wugongling’s terraces follow the mountain’s undulations, stretching from the foot of the mountain up to 800 meters in elevation. The ridges wrap around the hills like silver chains. In spring, the water in the terraces reflects the blue sky; in summer, waves of green rice roll over the slopes; autumn brings golden fields that dye the forests; and in winter, snow covers the terraces like an ink painting. Each season offers a different breathtaking view. These terraces are not naturally formed but were painstakingly carved out by villagers in the 1960s using hoes and carrying poles on the rocky slopes. Every inch of land holds the resilience of "battling nature," and today they are a provincially protected cultural relic, quietly telling stories of the past.

Entering the village, the bluestone paths wind through every household. The horse-head walls glow a gentle gray-white in the sunlight. Moss on the corners, old wells in front of doors, strings of corn and red chili peppers hanging under the eaves—all reflect the warmth of daily life. Many old houses retain the essence of Huizhou architecture. Though the carved window lattices and wooden door frames show some wear, they exude a rustic solidity. Occasionally, you might meet an elder sitting on the doorstep basking in the sun, greeting you in the soft Huizhou dialect and offering a cup of home-roasted green tea, whose aroma is filled with the freshness of the mountains.

To deeply experience Wugongling’s beauty, consider hiking along the terrace trails. Setting out early in the morning, the mountain mist still lingers, and the terraces appear faintly through the clouds, as if stepping into a fairyland. Reaching the high viewing platform, you can take in the entire village and terraces. The rustling of rice stalks in the breeze and distant bird calls compose the most soothing natural symphony. At dusk, the setting sun gilds the terraces, smoke curls up from village chimneys, and the shifting light and shadows reveal the peacefulness of time.

Here, there is no commercial hustle, only the purest mountains, waters, and culture. Whether you want to escape the city’s noise for tranquility or explore the deep agricultural civilization of Huizhou, Wugongling offers an unforgettable secret journey—among the cloud terraces, reading the weight of time and encountering the essence of life.

Post by elora_4556 | Oct 21, 2025