Accidentally entering Shangtan Village in Wuyuan, encountering a real-life Peach Blossom Land

Have you ever had moments when life feels overwhelming, and you just desperately want to escape to a quiet place to throw away all your worries? I had that strong feeling recently, and then I discovered Shangtan Village. Unexpectedly, that visit completely healed me💕

First encounter: A poetic and picturesque paradise

As soon as I arrived at Shangtan Village, the thousand-year-old camphor tree at the village entrance stood like a giant, instantly capturing my attention. Its sturdy branches and lush leaves seemed to tell me the village’s thousand-year story. Next to the ancient camphor tree was the bench bridge featured in the movie "I Am Not Madame Bovary," made by linking wooden planks with iron chains, spanning across the clear stream. I carefully walked on it, the planks gently swaying with each step, feeling like I had stepped right into a movie scene🎞️

Walking along the stream, on both sides were Hui-style houses with white walls and black tiles, reflected beautifully in the emerald water. By the stream, a few elderly women were washing clothes, the sound of pounding mixed with the babbling water, composing a unique pastoral melody. Further ahead were vast fields of rapeseed flowers (I was lucky to visit during the blooming season), the golden sea of flowers contrasting with the ancient village like a natural ink painting, perfect for wallpaper with just a snap.

Strolling: Feeling the village’s simple life and tranquility

Entering the village, the winding bluestone paths led me through ancient buildings. There was no sign of over-commercialization, no souvenir shops or noisy tourists everywhere, only occasional villagers passing by with simple smiles, warmly greeting me.

I casually wandered into a small alley where the weathered old walls were covered with green vines, and wildflowers bloomed freely in the corners. From deep in the alley came the laughter of children. Following the sound, I saw several kids playing in an open space; their innocent laughter reminded me of my own childhood. Further on, there was a small grocery store with local specialties and handicrafts displayed at the door. I went in and chatted with the owner, who introduced me to the village’s history and customs and enthusiastically recommended local delicacies to try.

Experience: Returning to the true slow life

In Shangtan Village, I also tried bamboo raft drifting. Sitting on the raft, drifting slowly downstream, the breeze gently brushed my cheeks, carrying the scent of flowers and earth. The man steering the raft was a native villager, skillfully paddling while telling me interesting stories about the village. I closed my eyes, listening to the water and birdsong, feeling the warmth of the sunlight on my body. At that moment, all pressure and worries vanished, and I seemed to find peace deep within my heart.

At night, I stayed in a guesthouse in the village, converted from a 300-year-old Hui-style ancient residence. The room preserved the original look of the old house, with wooden furniture and carved doors and windows, exuding rustic charm everywhere. Lying in bed, listening to occasional dog barks outside the window, I quickly fell into a sweet dream.

Farewell: Reluctance and attachment

When leaving Shangtan Village, my heart was full of reluctance. This small ancient village felt like a paradise, letting me escape the city’s noise and chaos and experience the purest beauty of life. Here, time seemed to slow down, and I learned to calm my mind to feel everything around me and discover those little joys we often overlook.

If you also long for a trip away from the hustle and bustle, why not visit Shangtan Village? Here, you can encounter the thousand-year-old camphor tree, stroll on bluestone paths, experience bamboo raft drifting, taste local delicacies, and feel that long-lost tranquility and warmth. Trust me, once you come, you will definitely fall in love with this real-life Peach Blossom Land🌼