Huangyao Ancient Town

Introducing Huangyao Ancient Town

Huangyao Ancient Town is located in the northeast of Zhaoping County, Hezhou, Guangxi, 40 kilometers from downtown Hezhou and 200 kilometers from Guilin. Huangyao boasts nearly a thousand years of history, originating during the Song Dynasty and reaching its peak during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. The town's name stems from the fact that the Huang and Yao surnames are prevalent in the area.

Huangyao, nestled in the lower reaches of the Li River, is known as a "homeland of poetry." The town boasts six "abundances": numerous mountains, rivers, caves, pavilions, towers, temples, ancestral halls, ancient trees, and couplets and plaques. Where there are mountains, there is water; where there is water, there are bridges; where there are bridges, there are pavilions; where there are pavilions, there are couplets; and where there are couplets, there are plaques, all forming the unique landscape of the ancient town.

The streets here are all paved with black stone slabs. The buildings in the town are built according to the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams. Yaojiang River runs through the town. Many Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings in the town are quite distinctive.

Climate and best time to travel

From late September to early November, the local climate is pleasant, and fruits like persimmons and hawthorns are ripe, offering delicious fresh produce. Also, during the rainy season in March and April, visiting the ancient town and walking on the glistening bluestone slabs after the rain has subsided creates a unique and elegant atmosphere, perfect for taking great photos.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended places to visit:

Huangyao Stone Street

One of Huangyao Ancient Town's most famous attractions, it currently has eight streets: Jinde Street, Yingxiu Street, Tianran Street, Zhongxing Street, Anle Street, Lianli Street, Longpan Street, and Shanbang Street. Yingxiu Street is the widest, with its stone slabs, at approximately five meters. The narrowest point, at the entrance to Yangxiang Lane on Jinde Street, is less than two meters wide. With meat stalls on either side, pedestrians had to brush past each other, causing traffic congestion during market days and festivals. After the restoration of Huangyao Town in 1964, new, wider streets were constructed, but the original stone slabs remained intact.

Stone Jumping Bridge

Also known as Dingbu Bridge, it was built during the Jiajing period of the Qing Dynasty, over 200 years ago. Shitiao Bridge is the most distinctive bridge in Huangyao Ancient Town. It is constructed from 31 stone piers, the taller ones rising above the water, while the shorter ones are buried below, providing support and stability. The 31 piers are spaced according to the pace of a person walking, ensuring ease of travel while minimizing flood discharge.

Immortal Ancient Well

A scenic spot in Huangyao Ancient Town, the water of this ancient well surges year-round, remaining constant despite droughts and floods. Legend has it that water drawn from the spring on the morning of the seventh day of the seventh lunar month remains stale for three years, protecting it from all illnesses. While legends aside, expert testing has revealed that the water actually contains a variety of trace elements, suggesting that drinking it regularly can improve health, if not lifespan.

Recommended play time: 1-2 days

Tickets

100 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Huangyao Ancient Town

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Huangyao Ancient Town is a historical town with a history of over 1,000 years. It retains much of its traditional architecture, featuring ancient buildings, temples, and streets. The town is famous for its picturesque landscape, ancient culture, and historical importance as a commercial and cultural center during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Huangyao Ancient Town is located in Hezhou, Guangxi. It is approximately 20 kilometers from the city center. You can reach the town by taxi or local bus from Hezhou. There is no direct metro connection to the town, and walking is not practical due to the distance from the city center.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Huangyao Ancient Town is open year-round, typically from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the natural beauty of the area is at its peak.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee for Huangyao Ancient Town is approximately 50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the town or online through various Chinese travel platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended to do so during peak seasons or holidays. Booking tickets 1–2 days in advance should suffice.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

A visit to Huangyao Ancient Town typically takes 2 to 4 hours to explore. If you wish to enjoy the scenic surroundings and take your time at each site, you may need up to half a day.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The ancient streets with traditional architecture, offering a glimpse into the town’s history.
• The local temples and historical sites, including the Wang Village Temple and ancient stone bridges.
• The river and surrounding countryside, which offer scenic views and opportunities for a boat ride.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking guides may be available during peak tourist seasons. Audio guides in Mandarin are also offered for a self-paced tour of the town.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The riverside provides excellent views of traditional buildings and the natural landscape.
• The elevated areas near the town’s entrance offer stunning panoramic views of Huangyao and its surroundings.
• Several ancient bridges and temples make for great photo opportunities, especially during the golden hour.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by exploring the main streets of Huangyao Ancient Town, visiting the temples and historical sites along the way. Next, head to the river for a relaxing boat ride. Finish the day by strolling through the quiet alleys and enjoying the town’s serene ambiance.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not typically available in Huangyao Ancient Town. The town is best visited during the day, as it is a historical and cultural site that relies on daylight for visitors to fully experience its beauty.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The town can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, it is recommended to visit on weekdays or during the off-peak seasons (spring and autumn), especially early in the morning.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are basic facilities, including public toilets, rest areas, and small food stalls inside the town. Shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs are also available. However, there are no large restaurants, so it is advisable to bring your own snacks or eat in the city before entering the town.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The town's terrain is mostly flat, but some cobblestone paths may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. It is advisable for families with children and elderly visitors to take it slow and plan accordingly when exploring the town.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is still widely accepted in the town, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are commonly used, especially in shops and food stalls. Credit cards are generally not accepted.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Small local eateries and food stalls inside the town serve traditional Guangxi snacks and dishes.
• For more variety, you can find a selection of restaurants in Hezhou city, which is about 20 km away.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available at local eateries, especially for dishes like stir-fried vegetables and rice. Halal food options are more limited but can be found in Hezhou city.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• There are a few budget guesthouses and inns in Huangyao Ancient Town itself.
• For more comfortable accommodations, consider staying in Hezhou city, where you can find mid-range and luxury hotels.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Hezhou city itself is rich in cultural and historical attractions, including the Hezhou Museum and local temples.
• The Wulingyuan Scenic Area, famous for its karst mountain formations, is also nearby.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are souvenir shops in Huangyao selling local handicrafts, such as woven baskets, pottery, and wooden carvings. Local teas and snacks are also popular souvenirs.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Huangyao, you can take a taxi or bus back to Hezhou city. From Hezhou, you can continue your journey to nearby attractions by bus, taxi, or train. For longer trips, the Hezhou train station offers connections to other major cities in Guangxi.