Jiangmen Hidden Gems: Scholar Villages & Langqin Bay
Dive deep into the natural and cultural secrets of Heshan, Enping, and Taishan
Jiangmen is more than just the famous Kaiping Diaolou. In this vast region, you can overlook the Xijiang River from Dayan Mountain, soak up scholarly history at the Xiema Juren Village, and watch the sunset on the pristine shores of Langqin Bay. Join us on an off-the-beaten-path discovery.
When we talk about Jiangmen, the Republic-era architecture of Kaiping Diaolou and Chikan Ancient Town usually comes to mind. However, this vast area known as "Wuyi" holds natural and historical treasures far richer than we imagine. Today, we avoid the popular tourist spots and head deep into Heshan, Enping, and Taishan to uncover Jiangmen's hidden gems.
The Green Wings Over Xijiang: Dayan Mountain
Our first stop is Heshan City in northern Jiangmen. Here lies Dayan Mountain, named because its shape resembles a flying wild goose. As the green lung of Heshan, the mountain is covered in dense vegetation, acting as a massive natural oxygen bar. Walking slowly up the tree-lined path, you pass the tranquil Xianyu Lake and the historic Haihui Temple. When you reach the Jiyuan Pagoda at the summit, the view opens up completely: the mighty Xijiang River winds below, and the Jiangmen cityscape stretches out in the distance, offering an incredibly refreshing sight.
The Legend of 285 Scholars: Xiema Village
Next, we drive west to Enping to visit the Xiema Juren Village. This is a legendary village in the history of China's imperial examinations. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, this small village produced a staggering 285 scholars and officials. Walking into the village, you'll find its layout strictly follows Feng Shui principles, with alleys arranged like the ribs of a horse. The village is filled with ancestral halls, ancient stone steles, and "merit poles," all telling the story of an intense devotion to education. Touch the Zhuangyuan (Top Scholar) Bridge at the entrance and feel the centuries of scholarly aura.
An Unspoiled Crescent: Langqin Bay
On day three, we head south to the coastline of Taishan. Compared to the crowded Shangchuan and Xiachuan islands, Langqin Bay in Beidou Town remains much quieter and more pristine. It is a crescent-shaped bay stretching for kilometers, featuring fine sand and crystal-clear water. The bay's most unique feature is the abundance of bizarrely shaped rocks scattered along the shore, sculpted by years of sea erosion. At dusk, sitting on a giant rock, watching the sunset turn the sea golden and the waves crash into white foam, is an unforgettably peaceful and magnificent experience.
Dayan Mountain and Guifeng Mountain are close to downtown Jiangmen and accessible by city buses. Xiema Village in Enping and Langqin Bay in Taishan are remote with poor public transport; renting a car in Jiangmen is highly recommended.
Bring mosquito repellent when hiking Dayan Mountain in summer. Hire a local guide at Xiema Village to truly understand the stories behind the scholars. Beware of undercurrents at Langqin Bay and do not swim in unmanaged areas. The best time to see the red maples at Guifeng Mountain is from late December to early January.