Daydreaming in Huangyao Ancient Town, Hezhou

Pre-Trip Preparation

- Documents: Bring valid IDs like your ID card. Students, seniors, and others eligible for discounted tickets should remember to bring relevant certificates.
- Clothing: Comfortable cloth shoes or sneakers are recommended. Bring long sleeves for spring/autumn, and sun protection/insect repellent for summer.
- Other items: Phone, camera, chargers, power bank, and personal medications as needed.

Transportation Guide

- High-speed rail: Take the train to "Hezhou Station", then transfer to the tourist shuttle (26 daily departures) directly to the ancient town. 1h15min ride, ¥30 fare.
- Self-drive: Navigate to "Huangyao Ancient Town Visitor Center". Parking available at ¥10/day for cars.
- Flight/bus: Direct shuttles available from Guilin/Yangshuo areas, taking 2-3.5 hours.

Must-Visit Spots

- Dailong Bridge: The iconic Ming Dynasty bridge. At dawn mist or sunset, its reflection resembles a golden dragon - a photographer's paradise.
- Guo Family Compound: Qing official residence featuring Lingnan architecture with ornate wood carvings and ancient anti-theft mechanisms.
- Dragon Claw Banyan: 500-year-old tree with drooping branches like dragon claws, featured in TV drama "Tea Is Hometown's Stronger".
- Immortal Ancient Well: Crystal-clear water divided into drinking/washing zones, still sustaining locals today.
- Ancient Opera Stage: Built in 1524 with exquisite carvings and couplets, hosting Guiju opera performances during festivals.

Local Delicacies

- Huangyao Stuffed Tofu: Crispy outside, tender inside with rich bean aroma.
- Fermented Black Bean Banquet: Dishes like steamed ribs or stir-fried bitter melon with Huangyao's signature black beans.
- Stuffed River Snails: Minced pork stuffed into snail shells for unique flavor.
- Oil Tea: Ginger tea served with puffed rice and peanuts, perfect for warming up.

Accommodation Options

- Ancient Town B&Bs: Like "Faraway Home" or "Dimple Inn" - converted century-old houses where you can sleep to the sound of flowing water.
- Outside Hotels: Such as "Huangyao Guesthouse" with parking and breakfast, 10-min walk to town.

Itinerary Suggestions

- Day1: Enter through Yingshou Street archway → Dragon Gate Banyan → Guo Compound → Sima Residence → Lunch (black bean dishes) → Hanfu photoshoot → Cafe hopping → Pottery making → Evening dessert under Dragon Claw Banyan → Night stroll along Hulong Street.
- Day2: Taxi to Baishan Village → Karst landscape hike → Farmhouse lunch → Explore Beilai Village's Ming-Qing architecture → Return to mail postcards at Huangyao Post Office → Buy chili sauce at Anle Temple Street.