Overview

A private two-day trek along the centuries-old Huizhou merchant road, linking whitewashed Ming-Qing villages, terraced fields and bamboo groves on the Anhui-Jiangxi border.

About This Tour

Walk the same flagstone paths that Huizhou salt, tea and ink merchants trod for centuries on this private two-day trek through one of southern China's most photogenic countrysides. Crossing the misty mountain border between Anhui and Jiangxi, you trace the ancient Hui-Rao merchant road from the remote village of Guankeng to Hongguan, the famous 'first gate' of the route and a renowned producer of imperial Huizhou ink, then onward to the scholarly old hamlet of Likeng. Along the way you pass arched stone bridges, roadside pavilions, ancient camphor trees, brooks and clusters of black-tiled, white-walled Hui-style houses set among bamboo and (in spring) seas of golden rapeseed flowers. Nights are spent in a village guesthouse where you can wander lamplit lanes, sip coffee in a small cafe and stargaze under famously dark skies. This trip suits travelers who want authentic rural China beyond the crowds, with private transport, a private English-speaking guide and an itinerary you can pace yourself. Best in spring (March-April) for the rapeseed bloom or autumn for clear skies. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: March-April for rapeseed blooms, or autumn for clear weather • Fitness level: moderate; total ~23 km over two days with cumulative ascent ~900 m • Bring a headlamp or flashlight • Village accommodation is simple but clean; en-suite twin rooms • Trail can be muddy after rain; wear proper hiking shoes

Itinerary

Day 1: Guankeng to Hongguan | Into the Ancient Trail

After a morning drive from the city (about 4-5 hours with a lunch stop en route), arrive around midday at Guankeng, a secluded mountain village ringed on three sides by peaks, its central plain ablaze with rapeseed flowers in spring. Begin trekking the Hui-Wu ancient road. By mid-afternoon you reach Lingjiao, an old village dense with Ming and Qing architecture, framed by fields, streams, ancient trees and waterfalls. Around 17:00 arrive at the trek's first highlight, Hongguan, the historic 'first gate' of the Huizhou merchant route and a celebrated center of imperial ink-making, where many master ink-makers' homes still stand. Photographers should detour to nearby Chaguan village for its famous old bridge at dusk. Today covers about 12 km with roughly 400 m of ascent. Check into a village guesthouse, share an optional group dinner, then wander the lanes, visit a small bar or cafe, and stargaze. Meals: L (own/group), D (own/group). Overnight: Hongguan village guesthouse.

Day 2: Hongguan to Likeng | Through Tea-Merchant Country

Early risers can catch sunrise over the Hui-style rooftops of Hongguan. Around 07:30 set off trekking the next stretch of the ancient road toward Likeng, following the centuries-old trade routes once walked by Huizhou merchants carrying salt, tea and mountain goods. You pass through the small, little-visited village of Xiaotuo, where in spring rapeseed fields meet white-walled houses in a classic Huizhou landscape. By around midday reach Likeng, a quiet, beautifully preserved village often called a forgotten heartland of Neo-Confucian scholarship, full of half-open wooden doors and weathered walls. Today's walk is about 11 km with roughly 500 m of ascent. After lunch in Likeng, drive back to the city, arriving in the evening (about 5-6 hours). Meals: B (guesthouse), L (own/group). Note: the route enters Likeng from the rear to avoid the main gate; carry a small fee in case tickets are checked.

What's Included

✓ Included

Private English-speaking guide Private vehicle & all transfers 1 night village guesthouse (en-suite twin room) Breakfast on Day 2 Trekking route arrangement & support

✕ Not included

International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Most meals (lunch/dinner) Personal expenses Tips Likeng village entrance ticket if checked (~CNY 20)

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 18 reviews

Priya G.🇲🇾 Malaysia★★★★★2024-08

My camera roll says the trail was the big moment. My actual favourite was Guangzhou; it felt less obvious and more personal.

Chloe Z.🇿🇦 South Africa★★★★★2026-03

What helped was simple: transport to the trailhead was the piece I would not have wanted to arrange myself. Once there, the day felt simple.

Hannah E.🇯🇵 Japan★★★★☆2025-06

Looking back, my legs noticed the climbs the next morning. I would still do the same route, just with lighter shoes and fewer things in my daypack. I would keep the Guangzhou outline as it was.

Laura R.🇸🇪 Sweden★★★★★2025-01

Looking back, I would book this again for the pacing, not because every stop was spectacular. The ordinary transitions made Guangzhou feel like a place rather than a set of postcards.

Felix A.🇮🇪 Ireland★★★★★2025-04

In short, worth doing for the trail; worth remembering for the small stops in between.

Huizhou-Wuyuan Ancient Merchant Trail: 2-Day Private Trek Through Anhui & Jiangxi Villages