Exploring Wujiang Village: Guizhou’s Riverside Gem
Part 2 of 3 – A Recce Tour with Golden Century Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd
Read Part 1 first: From Guilin to Guizhou: An Exploration of Culture, Cuisine & Community at Wujiang Village
Day 3 began on a gentle note at the Guizhounese Academy Hotel, also known as Wujiang Zhaiqian College Hotel. We made our way to the dining hall promptly at 7am, lured by the scent of breakfast. While this buffet was modest compared to the grand presentation at Guilin’s Eeril Hotel, it was heartwarming in its simplicity. Aside from Guizhou bee hoon, the highlight was freshly cooked mee at the live-action stall: a nostalgic and hearty way to begin a countryside morning.
Surprisingly, during our meal, our thoughts drifted elsewhere. We were eager to dress up in traditional Hanfu for a unique photo opportunity.
A Hanfu Experience
Guests at Guizhounese Academy Hotel were treated to a complimentary two-hour Hanfu rental. While women could choose from a delightful assortment of flowing garments, men’s options were comparatively limited. Initially, two hours seemed far too short, but as the sun shone and the layers grew warm, we found ourselves grateful for the time limit.
Still, the experience was magical – walking through the ancient village in elegant robes brought history to life. For those undeterred by the heat, an all-day rental is available at RMB98.
A Banquet at Mount Shine Hotel
Lunch saw us seated at Mount Shine Hotel, where yet another gastronomic spectacle awaited.
More than ten dishes filled the table in a colourful, flavourful spread. Two stood out: the Signature Wujiang Tofu Fish; light, tender, and steeped in umami. Then there were the Salt & Pepper Freshwater Prawns, their shells crisped to perfection, infused with a bold, fragrant seasoning.
After lunch, we attended an update on Wujiang Village’s transformation, officially known as the Guizhou Wujiang Village Resort. The session shed light on the collaborative redevelopment led by the Chinese Government, with support from the private sector, farmers’ association, and local communities.
The vision is clear: to cultivate a living heritage village that balances culture, ecology, and rural revitalisation.
Strolling Through a Living Scroll
With the session concluded, the afternoon was ours to explore. Under the soft glow of daylight, Wujiang Village unfurled like a scene from a Chinese painting. Stilted wooden homes reflected in jade-green waters, arched stone bridges casting delicate curves, and a gentle mist framing the distant mountains.
We took our time exploring, cooling off with ice cream, and soaking in the awesome atmosphere. Amid traditional snack stalls, we were delighted to find stylish cafés popping up, proof of the village development efforts to attract both the young and the nostalgic.
Gliding the River: A Wupeng Boat Ride
As late afternoon light mellowed, we boarded a Wupeng boat, a black-canopied vessel iconic to the region. The short 10-minute cruise (RMB60 per adult; RMB30 per child, one way) offered a serene glide past stilted homes and lush riverbanks. It’s worth noting that there are two piers in the village.
Upon returning to shore, we visited Canyon Hotel to view their diverse room types: twin, triple, and family suites.
Wujiang Village now boasts five hotels and fourteen homestays, accommodating up to 35,000 visitors in total during peak periods. It’s an impressive evolution for what was once a quiet riverside settlement.
Dusk in Wujiang Village
Our evening meal at Jiang Nan Xiao Guan was nothing short of regal. The highlight? Mui Choy Kau Yuk (梅菜扣肉) – steamed pork belly with preserved mustard greens. Each tender slice melted in the mouth, its richness attractively offset by the tangy greens. It was indeed a dish that silenced the table.
As night fell, the village shimmered with life. Some of us explored local crafts or hopped between cafés, while others attended the stunning Wujiang Star Music & Water Dance Show, complete with a synchronised drone performance over Huilong Island.
Soon, a lively bonfire party kicked off, where Miao dancers in vibrant costumes led tourists into a joyful circle of music and movement, circling the fire pit. Others retired early, their energy spent after a fulfilling day.
Saying Goodbye to Wujiang Village
Day Four greeted us with a sense of melancholy as we took one final look at the Guizhounese Academy Hotel and the village that had captured our hearts.
Leaving the Wujiang Village, our first stop was lunch at Huixiantong Restaurant; another delicious spread, though the star was a simple plate of stir-fried mixed vegetables that felt refreshingly light after days of indulgence.
Once lunch wrapped up, we rushed to Guiyangbei Railway Station (North Guiyang Railway Station) and boarded our train back to Guilinxi Railway Station (West Guilin Railway Station). At RMB159 (around MYR94), the 2-hour 47-minute ride offered a moment of quiet reflection as we travelled through Guizhou’s scenic landscapes.
Homecoming to Guilin
Back in Guilin, we made a beeline for Chunji Roast Goose at its Qixing branch. While the goose was well-prepared, it was the BBQ pork that stole the show. It was nothing like the red-hued char siew of Malaysia. This version was brown, tender, and melt-in-the-mouth succulent, with a hint of caramelisation that lingered lovingly on the tongue.
A quick shopping stop at the All Good Supermarket in Guomao Yihua City had us chuckling at the unusually massive fruits and vegetables on display. Nature’s oddities, perhaps?
Finally, we returned to our familiar base: Eeril Hotel (also known as Guilin Huiyu Hotel), where a well-deserved rest awaited after an unforgettable journey through Wujiang’s riverside wonder.
Stay tuned for Part 3 of our travelogue to discover what Days 5 & 6 had in store!
Read Part 2 (Days 3 & 4): Exploring Wujiang Village: Guizhou’s Riverside Gem
This exploration was made possible by the kind invitation of Golden Century Tour & Travel Sdn. Bhd. All observations and reflections shared are entirely the writer’s own.
