Linkeng

Linkeng

Linkeng is located within Huangnan Township. The majority of its residents bear the surname Mao, and the village has a history of over 700 years. Legend has it that the area was originally inhabited by the Lin family, but for reasons unknown, they swapped residences with the Mao family from nearby Daoji Village. The Maos then settled in Linkeng and have thrived there ever since.

Linkeng first rose to fame after Zhao Qunli, the deputy director of Phoenix TV in Hong Kong and dubbed the “father of aerial photography in China,” tragically died here while on duty. What was once an obscure mountain village quickly transformed into a popular travel destination among backpackers.

Linkeng lives up to its reputation, boasting the most well-preserved mountainous vernacular architecture along the Nanxi River. These wooden houses are over 100 years old, with the oldest dating back more than 200 years.

The exquisitely crafted wooden houses are nestled among green mountains and clear waters, offering a simple and natural charm. The residences built along the hillside are staggered yet harmonious. With bridges, flowing streams, and households scattered across the village, wafts of cooking smoke and drifting clouds create an atmosphere that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into another world.

Admission & Opening Hours

Free. A parking fee of 10 RMB applies if you drive.

Access

Linkeng is situated on the edge of Yongjia County. There are very few direct transport options from Yantou to Linkeng—only two buses per day (5:30 AM from Linkeng arriving in Yantou at 7:00 AM, and 7:15 AM from Yantou to Linkeng arriving at 9:00 AM; 9:30 AM from Linkeng arriving in Yantou at 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM from Yantou to Yantan arriving at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM from Yantan to Linkeng arriving at 3:00 PM).