
Huanglongyan She Ethnic Culture Tourist Area is located in Gaozhang Mountains, Zhangxi She Ethnic Township, Dongyuan County, 59 kilometers away from Heyuan City. It is a best place to appreciate ethnic customs and admire the beautiful scenery of karst caves.
The scenic area covers an area of about 20 square kilometers and consists of Gaozhang Mountain, Shixingdi Reservoir, seven caves including Huanglong Cave, Ceshan Cave, Yanyan Cave, as well as the She ethnic culture exhibition hall, She ethnic performances and other projects.
Huanglongyan Karst Cave , 60 meters deep and covering approximately 3,900 square meters, is known as the "Underground Dragon Palace" for its secluded, deep, mysterious, and dangerous landscape. The rippling waters of the Shixingdi Reservoir and numerous rare Lingnan flowers and plants, such as the "Sparrow Flower," are also stunning sights within the scenic area. The She ethnic group's totem exhibition hall and performances offer a glimpse into their unique culture.
The "Recruiting Festival" held on the ninth day of the fourth lunar month every year is the most grand festival for the local She ethnic group. She song and dance performances and exhibitions on She production, life, and culture offer an opportunity to experience the customs of this ethnic minority up close.
Recommended play time: 2-4 hours
45 yuan/person
8:30-18:00
Huanglongyan is an ancient village in Heyuan, Guangdong, with a history spanning over 500 years. It is renowned for its well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture, traditional bridges, temples, and waterway network, reflecting the cultural and historical heritage of the region.
Huanglongyan is located in Heyuan City, Guangdong Province. Visitors can reach it by taxi or private car from Heyuan city center. Local buses also connect the village to nearby towns. Walking is the best way to explore the village streets and waterways.
The village is generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for comfortable weather and scenic views.
Entrance fees are usually around 60–80 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through official tourism platforms.
Booking in advance is recommended during weekends, holidays, or for group visits. Generally, 1–3 days ahead is sufficient.
Plan for 3–5 hours to fully explore the village, historic streets, bridges, temples, and waterways.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available. Audio guides are limited and may not be offered in foreign languages.
Start at the main entrance, follow the canal-side streets, visit temples and clan halls, explore ancient alleys, then end with a boat ride for scenic perspectives.
Night visits are generally not allowed. Occasional cultural performances or seasonal events may be organized during holidays.
Weekdays are the least crowded. Weekends and national holidays see larger visitor numbers.
Many streets are pedestrian-friendly, suitable for children and elderly. Some cobblestone alleys and bridges may be challenging for disabled visitors.
Cash is useful for small purchases. Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted.
Vegetarian options are available in some restaurants. Halal options are limited and may require prior inquiry.