Wuyuan Xiaqi Village | Deep Bluestone Alleys and Charming Horse-Head Walls, Ancient Camphor Trees and Riverside Life

The morning mist hadn't completely dissipated when I stepped into Xiaqi Village in Wuyuan. 🌄 Here, there's no grand hustle and bustle, only tranquility and authenticity steeped in time. The poetic charm of "deep bluestone alleys with charming horse-head walls, thick with life by the ancient camphor-lined stream" instantly captivated me.

* Strolling Through Bluestone Alleys, Touching the Soul of Huizhou: Beneath my feet were smooth, winding bluestone paths that seemed to echo with history. On either side stood well-proportioned ancient Huizhou-style houses, their iconic horse-head walls towering high, their clean, strong lines sketching unique silhouettes in the morning light 🏯. Wandering through the narrow alleys, the mottled white walls, exquisite brick and wood carvings, and occasional greenery peeking over courtyard walls made every step feel like turning the pages of an ancient picture book. The serene elegance weathered by time is a texture that photos can't fully capture.

* Under the Millennium-Old Camphor Tree, Encountering Riverside Life: At the village center, the thousand-year-old camphor tree 🌳 is the absolute soul of the place! Its lush, sprawling canopy nearly covers the entire riverside square. The most moving scene unfolds beneath the tree: clear stream water gurgles past, while a few grandmothers kneel on stone steps washing clothes 💦, the rhythmic sound of wooden paddles beating against fabric ringing crisp and clear; grandfathers sit on stone benches under the tree, smoking pipes and chatting idly; children chase and laugh nearby. Smoke from cooking fires curls up between the black-tiled roofs, filling the air with the aroma of wood-fired meals. 💨 This vivid, warm slice of everyday life makes one instantly forget the rush of the city, as hearts grow calm like the flowing stream.

* Autumn Harvest Season, a Feast of Colors: If you visit in late autumn (around late October to November), Xiaqi becomes even more intensely beautiful! Every household's drying racks, eaves, and open spaces are covered with fiery red peppers 🌶️, golden corn 🌽, orange pumpkin slices, snow-white chrysanthemum petals... 🎨 Like an overturned palette, these vibrant hues against the backdrop of ancient Huizhou architecture create striking harvest tableaus. Sunlight spills down, warm and cozy, the air sweet with sunshine and fruit. I couldn't resist taking countless photos—each frame looked like a postcard!

📌 Insider Tips:

1. Go early! The best time to enter the village is before 7 AM when there are few tourists, the light is soft, and you can capture the purest alleys and horse-head walls while immersing yourself in the peaceful atmosphere.
2. The Camphor Tree is the center: Use the ancient camphor as your landmark—the surrounding riverside, alleys, and old houses are all worth exploring to experience villagers' daily lives.
3. Harvest season timing: To see the most vibrant harvest displays, be sure to visit in late autumn, preferably on sunny days for the best effect.
4. Slow down: Xiaqi is small—no need to rush. Find a riverside rock to sit on, listen to the water, and watch villagers at work to truly grasp its essence.
5. Transportation: Self-driving or private cars are most convenient. There are buses between Wuyuan's attractions, but they take time. Xiaqi Village is often combined with visits to Jiangling and Huangling.

💖 Final Thoughts: Xiaqi's beauty lies not in grandeur but in details and daily life. It's like a flowing pastoral poem—bluestone alleys etched with the resilience of time, horse-head walls narrating Huizhou's pride, while the life that rises under ancient camphor trees by the stream is its warmest, most touching heartbeat. If you yearn for a peaceful, rustic nostalgia, this place deserves your slow footsteps and savoring. ✨

Post by Henry Martin47 Stillness | Aug 9, 2025