Likeng

Likeng

Originally named Liyuan, Likeng is located in Tuochuan Township, 56 kilometers from the county seat of Wuyuan. The village was established in the late Northern Song Dynasty. Its residents were known for their love of learning and revered the principles of “upholding Zhu Xi’s integrity, embracing his teachings, and adhering to his rites,” earning praise from scholars as the “source of Neo-Confucianism.”

For hundreds of years, this secluded mountain village has maintained a culture of hard work and study, producing many notable figures. Over the years, it has given rise to 36 officials of seventh rank or higher—including Vice Minister Yu Maoxian, Chief Justice of the Grand Court of Revision Yu Qiyuan, Senior Official Yu Weishu, and Prefect Yu Ziyan—16 successful imperial examination candidates (Jinshi), and 92 scholars, with a remarkable body of written work totaling 333 titles and 582 volumes, five of which (78 volumes) were included in the Siku Quanshu (Complete Library in Four Branches of Literature). This attests to Likeng’s former glory.

Many well-preserved ancient buildings still stand today, such as the “Official Hall” built during the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty by Yu Ziyan, who served as Prefect of Guangzhou; the “Heavenly Official Mansion” constructed during the Tianqi era by Yu Maoxian, Minister of Personnel; the “Minister’s Residence” built during the Wanli era by Yu Maoxue, Vice Minister of Revenue and Minister of Works; the “Ministry of War Mansion” from the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty by Yu Weishu, Senior Official; the “Yiyu Hall” from the Daoguang era by Yu Xianhui, a tea merchant; and the garden-style “Yunxi Villa” and the landscaped “Flower Hall,” along with the legendary “Jin Family Well.” These structures feature white walls, black tiles, upturned eaves, exquisite “three types of carving” craftsmanship, scientifically sound layouts, and a climate that stays warm in winter and cool in summer. They are veritable green gems of ecological civilization and an exhibition garden of architectural art. They have been listed as provincial-level key cultural relics protection units and are among China’s top hundred folk culture villages.

This ancient village cluster in Shangrao, Jiangxi, was part of Wuyuan County under Huizhou’s one-prefecture-six-county administrative system over eight hundred years ago. For a long period in history, it was part of ancient Huizhou, only being administratively reassigned to Jiangxi after the Republic of China era. Therefore, Wuyuan and ancient Huizhou share an inseparable bond. The ancient villages here clearly reflect features of southern Anhui villages—tall horse-head walls, a rich tradition of scholarly achievement, a deep historical heritage, and unique cultural character. In addition, they boast uniquely beautiful rural natural scenery.

Likeng: Source of Neo-Confucianism

Among these ancient villages, Likeng ranks foremost in cultural significance. Named after the concept of “Li” (principle), it is one of China’s top hundred folk culture villages. Though quite remote from Wuyuan’s county seat, it has produced many talented individuals.

Like most southern-style residences, houses in Likeng are built against hillsides, nestled among fields, and follow the flow of streams. At the village entrance stands the “Liyuan Bridge,” explaining the origin of the village’s name. Originally called “Liyuan,” Likeng is known as the “Mountain Village of Jinshi (successful imperial examination candidates)” and boldly proclaims its identity with inscriptions at the entrance: “Shanzhong Zoulu” (Shandong of the Mountains), “Liyuan Yuan” (Source of Principle), and “Bifeng Zhaohan” (Writing Brush Foretelling Greatness). To those unfamiliar with its legacy, these may seem like grandiose boasts—akin to how Sun Wukong might react to the couplet at the Wuzhuang Temple. But in truth, the people of Likeng have long embraced diligence in study, leading to generations of officials. Since the Ming Dynasty, this tiny village has produced 36 officials of seventh rank or higher, 16 Jinshi, 92 scholars, and 333 works spanning 582 volumes, five of which (78 volumes) were included in the Siku Quanshu. Thus, this small mountain village dares to compare itself to “Zoulu,” the homeland of Confucius.

Clean and tidy bluestone paths wind through crisscrossing alleys. Along its 68 streets of varying sizes, visitors can find many well-preserved ancient buildings, including the “Minister’s Residence” of Yu Maoxue, Vice Minister of Revenue and Minister of Works during the Wanli era; the “Heavenly Official Mansion” of Yu Maoxian, Minister of Personnel during the Tianqi era; the “Jiamu Hall” commissioned by imperial decree for Yu Ziyan, Prefect of Guangzhou during the Chongzhen era; the “Simashi Mansion” of Yu Weishu, Senior Official of the Ministry of War in the early Qing Dynasty; and the “Yiyu Hall” of Yu Xianhui, a tea merchant during the Daoguang era.

Age-old residences always have countless stories to tell. Whether the mansions of high-ranking officials and wealthy merchants or the humble lanes of commoners, each holds moving tales. The Heavenly Official Mansion was built in a triangular shape with square beams and columns, sharp-edged and angular, rejecting conventional roundness to symbolize the upright integrity of its owner. In contrast, the road beside the house was deliberately made winding, a reminder to future generations that life is full of challenges and one must strive in all endeavors.

Folklore also has its stories. The tale of the “Three-Foot Lane” recounts a widely circulated anecdote in Huizhou culture. Two neighbors disputed over a wall and land. One family, having an official in the capital, thought they could rely on power and wrote to inform them of the issue. The official replied: “A letter from home, just for a wall; let them have three feet, what harm is there? The Great Wall still stands today, but where is Emperor Qin?” There are countless disputes in the world, big and small—given time, don’t they all fade away like the wind? The Great Wall remains, but Emperor Qin is long gone. Why fight over trivial gains? Upon receiving this reply, the family yielded three feet of land. Learning of this, the neighbors also stepped back, and from then on, the two families lived in harmony.

Neighboring Villages

Xiaoxi Like a Tang Poem, Lixi Like a Yuan Opera

If Likeng is a village steeped in the Neo-Confucianism of the Song and Ming Dynasties, then other ancient villages in Wuyuan offer a more leisurely charm. Located 45 kilometers northeast of Wuyuan County, at the confluence of the Duanxin and Xiaoxi rivers, Xiaoxi was established in 787 AD and preserves dozens of official and merchant residences with histories of over 600 years, including the Jinshi Mansion, Daguan Mansion, and Ronglu Mansion. Known for its gifted people and spiritual energy, it holds records of “four Jinshi from one family” and “four generations of first-rank officials.” Vast ancient camphor forests, rare large-leaved nanmu trees, and national first-class tree species such as the southern yew thrive here. The journey from Xiaoxi to another millennia-old village, Qingyuan, passes through Jiangling—the finest natural scenery in Wuyuan. Along the way, terraced fields stretch out with gentle lines, flowing water and cooking smoke creating picture-perfect views.

Little Lixi is famed for its “small bridges, flowing water, and village homes” scene, exuding a strong rural life atmosphere like a poem by Ma Zhiyuan. Stone, wooden, and brick bridges span the stream in various forms, connecting both banks and forming scenic views such as “Twin Bridges Locked” and “Fairy Bridge Nurturing Beauty.” Ducks leisurely paddle beneath the bridges, while locals live freely along the stream—a naturally pure scroll of life. Ancient travelers on horseback might have been moved to homesickness, but today’s urban souls drifting through life can find a sense of home here.

In spring, the ancient villages around Wuyuan are a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The title “China’s Most Beautiful Countryside” was originally bestowed by those who captured countless photos—or filled up SD/XD card storage. In the gentle spring sunshine, pack nothing but your camera and essentials, and vacation in Wuyuan. For such people, this experience is truly priceless.

Choose any village you like among Likeng, Shangxia Xiaoxi, Little Lixi, Sixi Yancun, and Qingyuan. Stay in a place with a bit of history, like the “Yunxi Villa,” and admire the thick or delicate wood carvings on window frames, beams, and lintels. In your free time, listen to the homeowner share old tales. Then visit a place full of stories, like Guangming Teahouse, sip tea, imagine the legendary beauty of Xia Yuer, the “Porcelain Lady,” and reflect on the convergence of Huizhou culture and Jiangxi’s ceramic culture. Don’t forget to try the famous Hébāo Red Carp. After a hearty meal, wander through the winding alleys to explore ancient sites or stroll around the village. And absolutely do not miss visiting the natural surroundings—during the fragrant months of April and May, fields of rapeseed flowers spread like embroidered brocade, with Huizhou-style black-tiled, white-walled houses nestled among them. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a painting, your heart wandering through history.

Index Rankings

Scenic Index: ★★★★★

The “Most Beautiful Countryside”—a title truly well-deserved.

Cultural Index: ★★★★★

Rich in cultural depth—every street, alley, beam, and column offers something to ponder.

Cultural Charm Index: ★★★★☆

A tradition of farming and studying; ancient Nuo dance performances can still be seen in Qingyuan.

Food Index: ★★★★

Featuring Huizhou cuisine—steamed pork with rice flour, mashed tofu, Lixi stewed meat, sweet-and-sour goose neck, as well as specialties like steamed cake, ash paste fruit, wooden core fruit, and wild mugwort fruit—all delight the palate.

Tranquility Index: ★★★★

When wine is good, word spreads—even in recent years as Wuyuan’s fame has grown, you can still find the village’s deep tranquility outside peak tourist seasons and in the early mornings or evenings.

Vacation Comprehensive Rating: ★★★★☆

Suitable for medium to short holidays. The roads between villages can be quite rugged, and various vacation amenities are not yet fully developed. But for the sake of a peaceful mind, such issues can be overlooked.

Special Food Recommendation – Dried Eggplant: The eggplant is chopped, sun-dried, steamed, then mixed with glutinous rice flour, sesame, dried chili, and various seasonings before being sun-dried and sliced. Extremely spicy. There are also mildly spicy options available. Available year-round in small shops along the street.

Four-Word Review: Just Delicious!

Wine-Lees Fish: A long-standing traditional local specialty food from Wuyuan County, made with live freshwater fish, combined with glutinous rice wine, various Chinese herbs, vegetable oil, chili, refined salt, and spices. It has a golden color, is fragrant without being fishy, and the meat is delicious.

Eight-Word Review: Appetizing and refreshing, never gets tiresome even with frequent consumption.

Accommodation: There are hotels and resorts, but conditions are average. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in farmhouses.

Transportation: The ancient villages of Wuyuan are relatively concentrated but are hidden deep in the mountains, making transportation still inconvenient. Traveling from each village to Wuyuan County Town basically requires hiring a private car, and the journey may be quite bumpy. Heading up to Jiangling involves mountain switchbacks. Both drivers and those prone to motion sickness should prepare in advance.

Tuochuan Township: Tuochuan Township is located at the northernmost border of Jiangxi Province. It borders Zheyuan Township to the east, Qinhua Town to the south, Zhangshan Township to the west, and Wangcun Town of Xiuning County, Anhui Province, to the north. The township government is located in Hedong Village, situated in the central part of the region at the mouth of Sanxi, southeast of Tuofengjian. It is named Tuochuan due to the ceaseless, gurgling clear streams. It is 55 kilometers from the county town, covers an area of 91 square kilometers, and administers three administrative villages—Hedong, Hexi, and Likeng—as well as one township-run forest farm. The township has a population of 5,470 and 1,502 households. Tuochuan Township is a traditionally agricultural area, with a total arable land area of 4,411.9 mu, including 4,001… More detailed information on Tuochuan Township++

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