On April 28, the event Walking atop the Wumeng Mountains — Hiking Tour along the Baili Gallery of Wujiang River in Bijie kicked off at Huawu Village, Xinren Township, Qianxi City.
"Rain cannot dampen our enthusiasm!"
Cheers and words of encouragement echoed among the crowd. At the starting signal, over 500 hiking enthusiasts gathered at Huawu Square, fully equipped with backpacks, trekking poles and raincoats, forming a vibrant sea of people. Some came here for the first time with curiosity, while others revisited the place with fond remembrance.
"Hiking in Huawu Village means walking in a painted scenery, treading the road of development."
Tao Yue, a hiker from Guiyang, adjusted her backpack straps and recalled memories of the past. She visited Huawu Village more than a decade ago, when the roads were dusty and it was hard to find a place to dine. Coming back this time, she could hardly recognize the village. Winding tourist roads stretch far, complete with parking lots and a tourist service center.
The transformation all began with these roads
In recent years, tourist roads have run through Huawu Village, riverside footpaths connect scenic spots one after another, and supporting facilities including parking lots and tourist service centers have been completed one after another. A cluster of boutique homestays such as Huadu Li, Puxu and Tashan Ji line the routes, making hiking here a leisurely and delightful experience.
The booming hiking trend reflects a shift in travel preferences: from merely sightseeing mountains and rivers to wandering among nature, and from fleeting stop-and-go visits to immersive in-depth experiences. More and more outdoor enthusiasts pursue not just reaching a destination, but enjoying the journey itself.
The hiking routes in Huawu Village perfectly cater to this demand
Route 1: Wujiang Secret Trail, 4.35 km long, ideal for families and beginner hikers;
Route 2: Sanjiang Ancient Trail, 9.3 km along the river, passing ancient salt trails with a close view of the Yachi River Bridge;
Route 3: Migration Ancient Trail, 6.3 km, integrating historical culture and film shooting check-in spots.
The three well-structured routes cater to hikers of different ages and physical fitness levels, allowing everyone to find a pace that suits them.
Deng Yu, a hiker originally from Qianxi who lives in Guiyang, has witnessed the great changes of her hometown. Wandering among the mountains, she sighed emotionally:
"We build roads through mountains and bridges across rivers. The determination of people in Bijie to build a better hometown is fully embodied in these roads."
Improved transportation networks and accessible public services underpin this poetic hiking experience. In the past, hikers had to carry all supplies by themselves. Now, footpaths are clearly marked, supply stations are reasonably distributed, and shuttle buses are available at the finish line. Mass-market, lightweight hiking has become a reality.
Along the way, hikers often encounter scenes familiar from the screen. Following the hit TV drama Deep in the Wumeng Mountains, the filming site of "Fat Brother’s Restaurant" has become a new landmark in Huawu Village. At the filming location "Old Apricot Tree Homestead", groups of hikers take photos and check in. The real landscape blends with stories on screen, leaving many amazed:
"The scenery in person is even more stunning; it feels like stepping right into the drama."
Such vitality permeates every corner of Huawu Village. Young people who once worked away have returned home one after another. Some renovate old houses into homestays, some run local-flavor restaurants, and others set up small stalls at their doorsteps.
People all sigh with emotion:
"The mountains and rivers remain the same, but the lives of people living among them have truly been transformed."
The river winds like a green ribbon, the Yachi River Bridge spans across the banks, and new houses scatter among the mountains. Hikers return to Huawu Square along the mountain paths, accompanied by melodious lusheng music and graceful Miao dances. Some sort out their equipment, some buy local specialties, and others take group photos with villagers, filling the square with laughter and joy.
Many pack up their belongings yet linger on, gazing back at the vast canyon. Some plan to bring friends next time, while others make an appointment to return next spring.
From sightseeing landscapes to wandering among nature, the hiking routes of Huawu Village，lead visitors past magnificent canyons and grand bridges,
and into an idyllic countryside scroll brimming with earthly warmth and hope.
