Check in the most beautiful niche ancient town in Hezhou, Guangxi, Huangyao Ancient Town practical guide
Preface
Huangyao, a famous town in Guangxi, is located in the lower reaches of the Li River and has a history of nearly a thousand years. Because the town is mostly populated by people with the surnames Huang and Yao, it is named "Huangyao".
Compared to the more widely known Yangshuo, Huangyao is a hidden gem, lesser-known and less visited, preserving its pristine tranquility. Nestled between mountains and water, and surrounded by majestic, emerald peaks rising from the plain, the ancient town only developed during the Ming and Qing dynasties due to commercial development.
The Yao River, Xiaozhu River and Xingning River are as clear as mirrors and meander through the ancient town. There are small bridges, flowing water, towering ancient banyan trees and lush bamboos. Green mountains and green waters are interdependent, and green waters are accompanied by residential houses. The landscape is like the Li River. Compared with the natural scenery, the historical and cultural landscape of Huangyao is more distinctive.
Distribution of scenic spots in the ancient town
The ancient town is surrounded by small hills, which seem to be guarding this quiet town. Outside the ancient town is Huangyao New Street. As the number of residents increases, many food shops have gradually appeared.
The image below shows a guide map of Huangyao Ancient Town, along with a guide to the route. While the town isn't large, it boasts many exquisite attractions. Wandering the streets and alleys is a pleasant experience, as every cobblestone street leads to Rome. The guide map is simply to help you find your desired destination more quickly.
Guo Family Courtyard
Huangyao Ancient Town boasts a typical courtyard-style building, built during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. Its ancestor was Guo Ziyi, a renowned general during the heyday of the Tang Dynasty. This wealthy family, once a prominent household, features the characteristic Lingnan architectural style of moon and sun arches.
Immortal Ancient Well
The water from the ancient wells surges year-round, regardless of drought or flood. The first well is used for food, the second for washing vegetables, and the third, fourth, and fifth wells for washing clothes, farm tools, and hands.
Carp Street
When ancient craftsmen were paving the stone streets, a natural rock protruded from the street, resembling a swimming carp. Hence the name "Carp Street." If you're not careful where you step, you might miss this koi!
Dailong Bridge
Huangyao Bridge is the largest of the 15 ancient bridges. In addition to being a place for pedestrians to travel, the bridge deck is made of stone slabs linked by waist-shaped iron blocks, which can also be used to divert floodwaters during floods. Therefore, Huangyao Bridge has been well preserved after thousands of years. The Hollywood movie "The Painted Veil" was filmed here.
Stone Jumping Bridge
It is made up of 31 stone piers. Every time you lift or step on them, you will feel both anxious and happy. Of course, this place is also very suitable for taking photos.
Dragon Claw Ficus
It is named after its aerial roots that resemble dragon claws. It has been stationed at the entrance of the village for more than 500 years, as if protecting its descendants.
Yingxiu Street
There are many unique shops and bars on the central stone street of Huangyao Ancient Town. You may want to send a letter to your future self.
Attractions around Huangyao
Peak Forest Cycling
In the afternoon, it is a unique experience to ride slowly among the peaks and forests. The fields on both sides are golden and the pastoral scenery is endless.
Sunrise at Dongtanling
Many people don’t know that there is an excellent viewing platform around Huangyao - Dongtanling, which is the commanding height of Huangyao Ancient Town. It is also the best place to overlook the beautiful scenery of the mountains and the entire Huangyao karst landform.
Dongtanling Inn boasts a 270-degree viewing platform, open to visitors, offering breathtaking views at every turn. With its lush green bricks and tiles, distant mountains and nearby water, and hazy mist, every photo is a masterpiece.
Although I have seen many sunrises, I am still shocked and intoxicated by the sunrise over Dongtanling; the clouds and mist keep surging, sometimes appearing on one side and then running to the other side without you noticing.
Huangyao Food Recommendations
Huangyao fermented black beans
Huangyao fermented black beans are a staple of the Huangyao region, considered one of the ancient "Three Treasures of Zhaoping." With a rich history, they were once listed as tribute to the imperial court during the Qing Dynasty. Through the painstaking research of over a decade of generations, this recipe is crafted using Huangyao Town's unique black beans, Xianjing spring water, and the unique craftsmanship of the indigenous people. In Huangyao, fermented black bean pork ribs are one of the most frequently served delicacies.
fermented black bean rice noodles
When visiting Huangyao, you absolutely must try the fermented black bean rice noodles. Freshly made, they have a fresh rice aroma and a smooth, chewy texture. The real kick is in the broth, where the pork is simmered in fermented black bean water. The fermented black bean aroma permeates the meat, while the pork's umami flavor permeates the broth, adding a touch of flavor to the dish. A bowl for breakfast is incredibly smooth and filling for just a few yuan. You could even have three more!
Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce
Huangyao Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce are incredibly delicious! They're so good you can't stop eating them! With a light and nutritious texture, this simple yet satisfying steamed dish is a must-have for both a meal and a drink!
Well Water Stuffed Tofu
The preparation of Huangyao tofu is similar to that of other places, but the taste is unmatched. Unlike other places, Huangyao stuffed tofu is formed into small, uniformly sized and similarly shaped dumplings, so the filling remains. This dish is a common dish in every Huangyao household.
Steamed Fish with Fermented Black Beans
Steamed fish with fermented black beans is also one of Huangyao’s signature dishes. If you taste it carefully, you will find that the fermented black beans contain a strong aroma of wine. This unique taste makes the food of Huangyao Ancient Town unique.
Stuffed Bamboo Shoots
Mazhu bamboo shoots can be seen everywhere in Hezhou. After peeling and washing the freshly dug bamboo shoots, put them into the pot and steam them. After they are cooked, cut them into large pieces and soak them in clean water. After soaking for a long enough time, stuff the chopped stuffing into the bamboo shoots and put them into the pot to cook. The fragrant stuffed bamboo shoots are ready.
Dried bamboo shoots and pork belly
Another common way to cook bamboo shoots is to stir-fry them with pork belly. Since wild bamboo shoots have rough fibers, they taste amazing when paired with pork belly.
Wild Vegetable Soup
After eating too much meat and fish, a bowl of wild vegetable soup is perfect. It does not have the rich aroma of Guangdong's traditional soup, nor is it as monotonous as ordinary home-cooked soup. The unique fragrance and taste of wild vegetables are cooked with lean meat. The method is simple but the taste is particularly novel. You will fall in love with this wild flavor after one bite.
plums
Huangyao's "Nine-Processed Plums" are one of the three treasures. They're steamed ten times, dried nine times, and harvested every few months. The result is a plum with a thick, crisp texture and a perfect balance of sweetness and sourness. They're sold everywhere in the ancient town, and it's a delight to grab a small bag and enjoy while strolling around.
Conclusion
Huangyao is a perfect place for relaxation. The first time I came, I was drawn to its ancient charm, its flowing bridges and water, its artistic and fresh aesthetic. But the second and third time... it was all about finding that empty self, letting my thoughts wander freely in a frozen space and time. Perhaps this is the true meaning of travel.
