The most off-the-beaten-path small town I visited this year, hoping it becomes popular but not too popular

3-day 2-night sightseeing guide to the hidden gem town in Xiangxi

1. Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge

- Highlight: The world's longest Dong ethnic Wind and Rain Bridge, originally built during the Ming Wanli period, full of local life atmosphere.
- What to do: Experience the locals' leisurely daily life here; the bridge's night view at dusk when the lights come on is very soothing and perfect for photos.

2. Heping Lake (Night Tour)

- Highlight: Take a boat ride at night to appreciate Zhijiang's past and present, with sunset blues and dazzling lights intertwined, and a pleasant river breeze.
- What to do: Choose to take a boat tour at night; the 60-minute ride offers an immersive experience of Zhijiang's beautiful night scenery.

3. Qianyang Ancient Town

- Highlight: With a history of 2,200 years, more original and tranquil than Fenghuang Ancient Town, known as the "Museum of Ming and Qing Architecture in Jiangnan," with little commercial atmosphere and a slow pace of life.
- Must-visit spots:
- Furong Tower: Wang Changling once wrote "A pure heart in a jade pot" here; known as the "Top Scenic Spot in Upper Southern Chu."
- Yuan River: The ancient town is surrounded by water on three sides, where the Yuan River and Wu River converge; watching the sunset by the river in the evening is beautiful.
- Ancient town streets and alleys: Well-preserved bluestone roads and Ming and Qing architecture, great for photography.

4. Hongjiang Ancient Commercial City

- Highlight: Preserves over 380 ancient buildings from the Ming, Qing, and Republic periods, known as the "Pearl of Xiangxi," with the saying "One Hongjiang Ancient Commercial City equals half of China's commercial history."
- What to do:
- Visit old shops: See money shops, escort agencies, commercial houses, guild halls, and feel the prosperity of ancient commerce.
- Night tour: The ancient city has a unique charm under the night lights.
- Photography: High walls, deep courtyards, bluestone alleys, flying eaves, and dougong brackets make for great photos.

5. Yutou Dong Village

- Highlight: Built during the Ming Hongwu period, the village is built tiered on the mountain and is known as the "Little Potala Palace" among Dong villages, original and tranquil.
- What to do:
- Climb high for a panoramic view: In the early morning or dusk, see the mist swirling or the sunset shining over the village.
- See the century-old drum towers: The nine-tiered reed-pipe drum tower is the most exquisite.
- Appreciate the Wind and Rain Bridge: Experience the Dong craftsmen's superb mortise and tenon craftsmanship.

6. Huangdu Dong Cultural Village

- Highlight: Composed of the head village, tail village, plate village, and new village; legend says it was named after the ancient Yelang king passed by and established his capital here.
- What to do: Carefully observe the village's Puxiu Bridge, head village drum tower, tail village drum tower, and other distinctive buildings to feel Dong culture.

Recommended foods: Zhijiang duck, Hongjiang blood rice cake duck, Tongdao Dong pickled fish, Zhijiang sour radish, Huaihua rice noodles, Jixiang Sanbao

Practical Tips:

- It is recommended to rent a car or hire a driver after arriving by high-speed rail for more convenient travel.
- There are many mosquitoes in the mountainous area, so remember to take mosquito repellent measures and bring rain gear to cope with weather changes.