Tracing The Essence of Ink, Embracing The Beauty of Huizhou A Spring Team Building Journey To Xuancheng And Huangshan

As the warm spring breeze swept through in March, our company embarked on a two‑day team building trip to Xuancheng and Huangshan. The journey was designed to blend cultural heritage with natural beauty, allowing everyone to relax and recharge. From experiencing the millennium‑old art of Xuan paper at the China Xuan Paper Cultural Park, to wandering through Huangtian Village, the filming location of the hit series Like a Flowing River, and immersing ourselves in the golden rapeseed flowers of Lu Village and the dreamy peach blossoms of Wuli Village—it was not just a getaway, but a deep dive into craftsmanship and springtime charm.

Day 1: A Thousand Years of Paper, a Journey into Craftsmanship

Stop 1: China Xuan Paper Cultural Park – The Legend of a Timeless Art

After a pleasant morning drive, we arrived in Jing County and enjoyed a local lunch featuring specialties like Maolin Paste (a savory thick soup), Tingxi Lanxiang Chicken, and steamed rice with pork. Energized, we headed to our first destination—the China Xuan Paper Cultural Park.

The museum itself, with its elegant architecture resembling layers of stacked Xuan paper, was a sight to behold. Here, we uncovered the secrets behind the saying “paper lasts a thousand years.” From the raw materials—blue sandalwood bark and paddy straw—to the 108 intricate steps of traditional craftsmanship, every sheet of Xuan paper embodies the dedication of master artisans.

We were particularly amazed by the “Three‑Zhang‑Three Giant Xuan Paper” (11m × 3.3m) on display, a true marvel. As both a national and UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, Xuan paper making is not only a treasure of Chinese civilization but also a profound cultural inspiration for all of us. Team members turned into travel photographers, capturing artistic shots against the white walls of the museum, the timber structures of ancient workshops, and the bamboo screens used for drying paper—light‑colored or traditional attire perfectly complemented the scenery.

Stop 2: Huangtian Village – Stepping into the Old Times of Like a Flowing River

Leaving the fragrance of ink behind, we drove to Huangtian Village, which dates back to the Jiayou period of the Northern Song Dynasty. This thousand‑year‑old village is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site and gained fame as a filming location for the acclaimed series Like a Flowing River.

Strolling along the flagstone paths, we noticed preserved propaganda slogans from the early reform era, instantly transporting us back in time. We visited the unique “Ship‑Shaped House” (Ducheng Hall), marveling at its architecture symbolizing filial piety, and stopped by Peifeng Pavilion to appreciate the village’s deep scholarly traditions. The “Water‑Ground Patterned Bricks,” known for not gathering dust even after centuries, were another testament to the ingenuity of ancient craftsmanship.

As night fell, we enjoyed a delicious dinner featuring the renowned Taiping Lake Fish Head Soup, a perfect end to our first day.

Day 2: Spring Blossoms – A Romantic Encounter with Huizhou

Stop 3: Lu Village – “No. 1 Woodcarving Tower” Amidst Rapeseed Flowers

After a hearty breakfast, we set off for Lu Village. Located about one kilometer north of Hongcun, nestled against Yangchan Ridge, Lu Village is famous for being “the No. 1 Woodcarving Village in Huizhou.”

The highlight is the woodcarving complex built over 20 years by Lu Bangxie, a fourth‑rank official during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty. Every intricately carved detail reflects extraordinary artistry. In spring, however, the most breathtaking view lies beyond the carvings. From the viewing platform, we looked out over a sea of golden rapeseed flowers interspersed with white‑walled, black‑tiled Hui‑style houses—a quintessential watertown scene of southern Anhui. We strolled through the flower fields, soaking in the fresh spring air and capturing countless photos.

Stop 4: Wuli Village – A Real‑Life Peach Blossom Spring

Our final stop was Wuli Village, home to a thousand‑acre peach orchard. Unlike flat farmlands elsewhere, the peach trees here thrive on rolling hills, creating a three‑dimensional rural landscape.

As we walked along the winding paths, the pink peach blossoms were in full bloom, contrasting beautifully with the scattered Hui‑style houses and villagers working in the fields. It truly felt like stepping into a real‑life “Peach Blossom Spring.” Laughter echoed through the orchard as everyone enjoyed the unexpected joy of walking amidst blossoms—a perfect, rosy‑hued ending to our team building trip.

Conclusion

Though short, these two days were rich with experiences. At the China Xuan Paper Cultural Park, we gained a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship; in Huangtian Village, we walked through layers of time; in Lu Village, we embraced the vitality of spring; and in Wuli Village, we found poetic serenity.

The best teams are those that can fight side by side, yet also share moments of joy and natural beauty together. With these wonderful spring memories, we return to work with renewed energy and enthusiasm—ready to embrace the season ahead and continue striving together.

Looking forward to our next adventure!