Overview

A 3-day private hiking escape into Huizhou's hidden hills, walking the centuries-old Huikai stone road between remote mountain hamlets, terraced fields and waterfalls on the Anhui-Zhejiang border.

About This Tour

This private 3-day trek explores one of southern Anhui's best-kept secrets, the cluster of remote villages around Baiji, sometimes called 'the little Motuo of the Yangtze south' for its end-of-the-road feel. Run for your group only with an English-speaking guide and private transport from Shanghai or Huangshan, it combines the storied Huizhou (Hui) culture of whitewashed villages and ancestral halls with genuine mountain hiking. The heart of the trip is the Huikai Old Road, a flagstone trade route laid by Hui merchants generations ago, which you walk through quiet fir forest, past mani-like stone markers, ancient red-cedar trees and some of the highest terraced rapeseed fields in Zhejiang (a blaze of yellow in late March and April). You overnight in the old village of Baiji and visit the Baizhangchong Waterfall, said to be the finest in Huizhou. This trip suits travelers of reasonable fitness who want authentic rural China, ancient-trail walking and village life rather than crowds. Best in spring for rapeseed blossom and autumn for clear, cool hiking. Note that village lodging here is simple and traditional. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: late Mar-Apr for terraced rapeseed blossom, and Oct-Nov for crisp clear hiking • Fitness level: moderate; Day 2 is about 11km with roughly 850m of ascent over 5-6 hours • Village accommodation in Baiji is basic and traditional (shared facilities); upgrade options are limited • Roads into Baiji are narrow, so main luggage may be transferred separately by small vehicle • Wear proper hiking shoes and bring rain protection, a daypack and trail snacks • Carry your passport for check-in

Itinerary

Day 1: Shanghai to Shexian | Into Huizhou Country

Your guide and private vehicle collect you in the early afternoon for the roughly 4.5-5 hour drive southwest into the mountains of Huizhou, the historic heart of Hui merchant culture in southern Anhui. As the city falls away you trade highways for narrow valleys of whitewashed villages, ancestral halls and tea-covered hills. You arrive in the old county town of Shexian by early evening and check into your hotel, with time to settle in, enjoy a local dinner and check your hiking gear before an early night. Tomorrow's walk on the ancient road requires a fresh start. Meals: dinner self-arranged en route. Overnight: hotel in Shexian (twin room, private bathroom).

Day 2: Lingjiao to Baiji | The Huikai Old Road

After breakfast a short transfer takes you to Lingjiao village, the trailhead. You set off on an easy stretch through quiet forest before joining the Huikai Old Road, a flagstone trade route built by Hui merchants centuries ago, measuring out the patience of those who carved it. Around midday you picnic beside a stream, then reach Baiji, a small town cradled by mountains, by early afternoon. After dropping your bags you hike on light to Baizhangchong Waterfall, reputed to be the finest in Huizhou, before returning to explore the village. Today's walk is about 11km with roughly 850m of ascent over 5-6 hours. Evening is a shared village dinner and optional bonfire. Meals: breakfast included; picnic lunch and village dinner. Overnight: Baiji village guesthouse (simple, shared facilities).

Day 3: Baiji to Xiashan | Terraces, Forests & Return

After an early breakfast you set out through bamboo and pine on forest paths, opening to dramatic high terraced fields, thousand-year red-cedar trees and seas of wildflowers. You reach Yanchi, a pristine natural village, and in late March and April stand among some of the highest rapeseed terraces in Zhejiang. Continuing past Xiangshan village you cross the Anhui-Zhejiang border at Wangling, descend along the Fenghuang stream and finish at Xiashan village, completing the traverse of the Huikai Old Road. After a farewell lunch you begin the roughly 5.5-hour drive back to Shanghai, arriving in the evening. Today's hike is about 9km with 300m of ascent, around 4 hours and relatively easy. Meals: breakfast included; lunch self-arranged. Overnight: not included (tour ends in Shanghai).

What's Included

✓ Included

English-speaking guide Private vehicle & transfers Guesthouse accommodation per itinerary (twin or village rooms) Breakfasts as specified Listed entrance fees on the route

✕ Not included

International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Most lunches and dinners (often shared village meals, pay locally) Personal expenses and snacks Camping gear rental if chosen Tips for guide and driver

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.

Traveler Reviews

4.8★★★★★Based on 188 reviews

Natalie Y.🇳🇿 New Zealand★★★★★2026-02

For us, what stayed with me wasn't the booking or the car. It was the time at the trail, when we could slow down and actually look around. My only advice is not to shorten the time at the trail.

Emma Z.🇯🇵 Japan★★★★★2024-05

Practically speaking, pickup and the trail start were timed well, so we were walking before the busiest part of the day. Water and rest stops were discussed clearly. For 3 days around Guangzhou, the pace felt about right.

Priya S.🇲🇽 Mexico★★★★☆2024-08

Expect uneven ground and a few sections where conversation stops because everyone is concentrating on their feet. The views near the trail repay the effort. I would keep the Guangzhou outline as it was.

James Z.🇿🇦 South Africa★★★★★2024-03

Honestly, I tend to switch off when tours become a stream of dates. Here, the stories around Guangzhou gave me enough to hold on to without overloading the day. I would still leave extra time for the trail.

Nina E.🇸🇪 Sweden★★★★★2025-06

In short, good pacing, clear pickup and enough time at the trail. That is the whole review.

Baiji Ancient Villages 3-Day Trek on the Huikai Old Road, Southern Anhui