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
1
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.
2
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
Laura K.🇮🇹 Italy★★★★★2025-04
We travelled with elderly parents and the pace in China suited everyone perfectly.
Lena I.🇸🇬 Singapore★★★★★2026-04
Flexible, friendly and professional. We would book this China tour again in a heartbeat.
Camille G.🇨🇭 Switzerland★★★★★2025-03
The little touches — water, snacks, shade breaks — made our China day so comfortable.
Julia E.🇧🇪 Belgium★★★★☆2026-03
Booking, payment and pickup were all effortless. China was simply outstanding.