Xiaoqi Village (晓起村), divided into Upper Xiaoqi and Lower Xiaoqi, is located in Wuyuan and dates back to 787 AD. It is the hometown of Jiang Renjing, the Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai during the Qing Dynasty. Known as an ancient cultural eco-village, Xiaoqi features quaint Ming and Qing Dynasty residences, serene winding alleys, stone-paved paths, lush natural surroundings, and ancient trees.
Surrounded by mountains and crossed by a river, Xiaoqi’s buildings primarily date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, each with unique architectural styles. Notable residences like the “Jinshi Mansion,” “Daifu Mansion,” and “Ronglu Mansion” are grand, featuring spacious courtyards, deep halls, and intricately carved doorways that reflect the high status of their owners. The ancient paths and pavilions with stone railings, along with the barely discernible “Jiang Clan Ancestral Hall,” offer glimpses into the village’s historic prominence.
The village boasts a prestigious ancient tree garden with over a thousand old camphor trees, rare large-leaf nanmu, and national first-class species like the Chinese yew. These trees not only testify to the ancestors’ reverence for nature and environmental conservation but also enhance Xiaoqi’s charm.
Upper Xiaoqi offers picturesque hillside landscapes, and the journey upwards to Jiangling reveals some of Wuyuan’s most beautiful scenery. Lower Xiaoqi, encircled by water, is reached by a dirt road branching off from the route to Duanxin, after passing through Maotan Village. Here, two streams converge, creating a tranquil scene.
Xiaoqi is known for producing green tea, with traditional water-powered tea workshops visible at the entrance of Upper Xiaoqi. Numerous tea shops throughout the village offer green tea, and cozy tea houses, some under large camphor trees, provide a serene spot to enjoy a cup of tea while watching the flowing water. Besides green tea, Xiaoqi is famous for its camphor wood products, such as combs and crafts, which are sold in various shops.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 60 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 18.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0793-7410999 |
Location and Transportation
Xiaoqi Village is located at the confluence of Duanxin and Xiaoqi waters, 45 kilometers northeast of Wuyuan County in Shangrao, Jiangxi Province. Lower Xiaoqi is closer to the main road, while Upper Xiaoqi is situated deeper in, so visitors typically explore Lower Xiaoqi first before heading to Upper Xiaoqi.
By Bus: From Wuyuan North Station, take a long-distance bus heading to Xiaochang (晓长), or buses going to Jiangling (江岭), Xitou (溪头), Guankeng (官坑), Qingyuan (庆源), Duanxin (段莘), or Yicun (裔村). Inform the driver you wish to get off at Xiaoqi. The fare is approximately ten yuan.
By Motorcycle: You can take a three-wheeled motorcycle from Jiangwan Town to Xiaoqi or catch a transport vehicle heading towards Xitou or Duanxin and get off at Xiaoqi.
By Car: From Wangkou Town, take a car heading towards Duanxin. After turning onto a dirt road and passing Maotan Village, you will reach Lower Xiaoqi Village, surrounded by ancient trees.
