Wuyuan Xiangao! The moment the fish lanterns light up, you truly understand the night in Jiangnan

Friends! Who understands! Avoid the crowded main scenic area of Wuyuan during National Day, dive straight into the ancient city of Xiangao that can no longer be hidden, and be moved to tears by the fish lantern parade in the ancient Huizhou-style alleys—this is the Jiangnan described by the ancients as "lantern light reflecting on ancient scrolls"～

Xiangao is truly an underestimated cultural secret! Open your window to the flowing water of the bluestone alleys, the stone slabs underfoot polished shiny, look up to see layers of Huizhou-style horse-head walls, and every few steps feels like stepping into a scene from a historical drama📸 The best part is it’s free to enter! Few people, peaceful, and no crowds at all～

🌟My roaming route (tested and no detours!):
People’s Ceremony Platform Central Square (waiting for the fish lantern start) → Lilac Rain Alley (blue tiles dripping rain, very atmospheric) → Ganjiu Alley (hides intangible cultural heritage handmade shops) → Oil Lantern Street (packed with lively local snacks) → Xianru Street (eat Wuyuan specialty dishes) → Lijianjiao (must shoot! The horse-head walls at the intersection of two alleys are amazing) → Lantern Color Square (watch the fire show) → Biyue Gate (prime spot for night photos)

Must especially praise Lijianjiao! Two bluestone alleys intersecting diagonally, horse-head walls with flying eaves overhead, the sunlight casting incredible shadows～ I casually took photos with my phone, every shot looks like it has an “ancient style filter,” and you can slowly explore the architectural details, much more comfortable than just checking in at popular spots～

The best part is Xiangao at night! When it gets dark and the fish lanterns come out, the whole ancient city comes alive✨ Legend has it that these fish lanterns have been passed down in Huizhou for hundreds of years, originally a ritual for fishermen’s blessings. Now, a dozen colorful fish lanterns parade with folk music bands, the lanterns sway gently, light and shadow reflect on the alley walls, and even your footsteps can’t help but slow down～
👉🏻My personal recommendation: wait for the fish lanterns on the second floor of “Chajuejue”! Shooting down from the window, the flying eaves frame the moving fish lanterns, creating an atmosphere that’s instantly perfect for social media, guaranteed to get likes～

Tired of walking? Head straight to the snack street! From Xianru Street to Oil Lantern Street, the aroma is everywhere: freshly steamed cakes soft and savory, Qingming rice cakes wrapped in mugwort fragrance, Huizhou specialty mashed tofu, crispy fried lotus root shreds, eating while walking, 20 RMB per person and you’ll be full🍢 For a proper meal, find a small alley restaurant and order the lotus leaf red carp, it’s unbelievably fresh～

Besides, the alleys hide many surprises: when Kuncha’s folk music ensemble plays “Big Fish & Begonia,” you get goosebumps instantly; fire pot performances, fire knife and fire stick shows amaze the audience, the intangible cultural heritage atmosphere is fully immersive～

📍Address: Wuyuan Xiangao Xihudang Cultural Tourism District
🎫Tickets: Free! Free! Free!
🚗Transport: 15 minutes by taxi from Wuyuan Station, or 400 meters walk from the parking lot if driving, super convenient～

Xiangao has no internet hype, only ancient alleys, lantern light, and the warmth of everyday life～ Here you’ll understand: some beauty is meant to be walked slowly and savored slowly🌙

Post by briannajordancanada | Oct 26, 2025