Gou Lan Yao Village

What are the most recommended things to do in Gou Lan Yao Village?

Walk through the village to admire traditional Yao-style wooden houses and architecture.
Experience local Yao culture, including music, dance, and handicrafts.
Hike nearby hills and scenic trails for panoramic views of the village and surrounding landscapes.
Participate in local festivals or seasonal cultural events if available.
Sample traditional Hunan and Yao cuisine at village eateries.
Take photography of terraced fields, rivers, and village scenery.

Introducing Gou Lan Yao Village

Gou Lan Yao Village is a castle-like Yao village in Lanxi Yao Township, Jiangyong County, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province. Located approximately 35 kilometers from Jiangyong County, it covers an area of 6 square kilometers and was first built during the Ming Dynasty. It is the home of the Gou Lan Yao, one of Jiangyong County's "Four Major Yao" groups. It is also a remarkably well-preserved ancestral home of the Yao people, earning the reputation of a "paradise on earth."

The Yao village still retains over 300 dwellings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as smaller landscapes like community altars, dance and singing stages, pavilions and bridges, and larger structures like the Panwang Temple, Xianggong Temple, Shuilong Temple, and Guan Gong Temple. Goulan Yao Village also boasts the unique custom of the "Mud Washing Festival."

On October 7, 2019, the State Council of the People's Republic of China announced Gou Lan Yao Village as the eighth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. In 2023, Gou Lan Yao Village was upgraded to a national 4A scenic spot.

Climate and best time to travel

Yongzhou has distinct seasons, making it suitable for travel year-round. However, spring and autumn are the best times to visit, as the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities are more comfortable.

Every year on the 13th day of the fifth lunar month, the Yao ethnic group holds the traditional Mud Washing Festival. In 2012, the custom of the "Mud Washing Festival" was selected into the third batch of Hunan Province's intangible cultural heritage list.

On this day, the Yao people hold folk activities such as dragon and lion dances, worshiping gate towers, and practicing stick boxing to worship the "God of Grain", praying for good weather, peace and prosperity for the country and the people. It is also the day when the Yao people finish spring planting, put away their plows and rakes, and wash their feet when they go ashore, which is also the meaning of "washing away the mud".

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

【Recommended attractions】

→Shuilong Temple

The ancient Gou Lan Yao believed in celestial gods, Shinto, and spirits. The Shuilong Temple served as a venue for their religious ceremonies. Research indicates that the temple and its murals were built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. Although the temple has fallen into disrepair, 162 square meters of murals remain.

→Defensive buildings

The defensive buildings adapted to local conditions are mainly composed of ancient village walls, watchtowers, gatehouses, surname gatehouses and alley gates. They have a single function, mainly for defense. Usually, gun loopholes and lookout holes are set on the buildings to resist foreign enemies in wartime. Traditional dwellings are mainly courtyard-style dwellings, which are mainly used by the Yao people to live in and resist foreign enemies. Usually, defensive measures such as building closed and tall outer walls and setting narrow doors and windows are adopted to make the dwellings form a functional pattern of "living and defense in one".

【Recommended Play Time】

2-3 hours

Tickets

The ticket price for Gou Lan Yao Village is 35 yuan per person

Attraction opening hours

Open all year round

Most Popular FAQs for Gou Lan Yao Village

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

Gou Lan Yao Village is a traditional settlement of the Yao ethnic group in Hunan Province. It is significant for preserving Yao cultural heritage, traditional architecture, and agricultural practices, providing insight into rural ethnic life in China.

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

The village is located in a mountainous area of Hunan Province. Visitors can reach it by regional bus or taxi from nearby cities such as Yongzhou. Walking is necessary to explore the village and surrounding natural trails.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The village is generally accessible daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn for mild weather and scenic beauty, or during Yao cultural festivals.

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

Entrance is usually free for the village itself. Some cultural exhibitions or guided experiences may charge a small fee, payable on-site.

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

Booking is generally not required for visiting the village. If joining guided tours or participating in cultural workshops, advance booking of 1–2 days may be recommended.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

2–4 hours to explore the village streets and cultural sites; a full day if including hikes and cultural activities.

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

Traditional Yao wooden houses and village streets
Village temples and ancestral halls
Local markets and craft shops
Terraced fields and riverside areas
Scenic hills and viewpoints surrounding the village

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

Local guided tours may be arranged in Mandarin or English. Audio guides are generally not available.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Hilltops overlooking the village and terraced fields
Rivers and waterfalls near the village
Traditional houses and narrow alleys
During cultural events or festivals for vibrant scenes

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the main village entrance → walk through streets and homes → visit cultural halls → explore local markets → hike nearby scenic trails → finish at riverside or viewpoints.

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

Night visits are limited due to minimal lighting. Special tours or cultural demonstrations may be arranged on festival days.

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

The village is usually quiet on weekdays and off-season. Weekends and festivals attract more visitors.

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

Basic facilities include small restaurants, local snack vendors, limited public toilets, and craft shops. Rest areas are minimal.

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

The village has uneven terrain and stairs in some areas, which may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can explore most parts safely.