Travel Report: Wucheng Village, Cangnan County.
Wucheng Village, Cangnan County, China.
November 2018. Jamie and I had just finished the walking trail around the cliffs at Dragon Head Hill. Back on the pretty little beach at Half Moon Bay, I realised that darkness was rapidly setting in. Wucheng Village looked so pretty from across the water, nestled at the foot of the hills with its multicoloured houses. It reminded me a little of Italy’s Burano Island, although Jamie was quick to point out that this village wouldn’t be so charming close up. “It’s very run down” she said, with a furrowed brow. Nevertheless, I knew I had to get over there for a quick look before night engulfed the bay.
Wucheng Village, Cangnan County.
Driving me up a section of the hill, Jamie dropped me off at an entrance road and I jumped out to explore on foot. The place was just silent and I couldn’t help but wonder how many foreign travellers had actually been here.
Wucheng Village, Cangnan County.
Jamie wasn’t wrong about Wucheng’s prevailing vibe. It was exceptionally world weary, but not without its charms. Passing a couple of residential buildings, I was able to peer into junk-ridden courtyards with rusting trucks. On the road itself there were a few modern vehicles and an ancient car that had long ago succumbed to the passing of the seasons. One of the houses had a rack of dried fish outside, another a curtain rail of dangling eels.
Wucheng Village, Cangnan County.
Wucheng Village, Cangnan County.
The main street at Wucheng Village is good for a five minute wander. Several locals let out an audible gasp when I rounded the corner and made my way past the huddle of fish restaurants overlooking Half Moon Bay. In addition to seafood, the village also produces wicker baskets. This grandmother was not at all impressed by my arrival and did everything she could to avoid eye contact.
Wucheng Village, Cangnan County.
From what I can see, Wucheng Village serves only as a place for Chinese tourists to stop, grab a seafood dinner, enjoy the bay views and shoot off again. There are maybe a dozen families here and, as far as I could tell, they don’t even have a general store, let alone a guesthouse.
Half Moon Bay lies about 52 kilometres from Cangnan Railway Station. It took us an hour and fifteen minutes to get there by car. For those looking to take public transport, I’m afraid it’s a massive pain in the ass. The best bet is to hail a DiDi from Cangnan Railway Station. Expect to pay at least 150RMB.
Adventures in China.
Wucheng Village, Cangnan County.
For more on this off-the-beaten track region of China, take a look at my other reports from Cangnan County.
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