Huangyao Ancient Town Photography Guide

👍 Top Recommendations:
1. Sunrise Photography at Dailong Bridge
Best Time: 6:00-7:30 AM (when morning mist lingers)
Secret Angle: Crouch on the stone path under the bridge, use a wide-angle lens to capture reflections + panoramic bridge views

📝 Tips:
During rainy season, the bridge arch forms a natural "water curtain cave" effect

2. Water Drawing at Immortal Ancient Well
Secret: Five wells for drinking, washing veggies, and laundry (illustrated signs nearby)
Experience: Draw water with a wooden bucket to wash your face—locals say it "absorbs immortal energy"

3. Exploring the Guo Family Compound
Highlight: Qing Dynasty merchant mansion with hidden **"treasury tunnel"** (guide required)
Story: Roof tiles have anti-counterfeit marks to prevent worker theft

🍽 Dining Recommendations:

4. Ancient Well Fermented Bean Noodles
Recommended Shop: "Grandma's Bean Noodles" at town entrance (uses Immortal Well water for broth)
Pro Tip: Add homemade chili sauce + pickled beans for enhanced flavor

5. Handmade Mugwort Cakes
Location: Under old banyan tree on Zhongxing Street (fresh at 3 PM)
Fillings: Sweet or savory—sesame peanut lava version sells out fast

6. Huangyao Stuffed Tofu
Must-Try: "Yaojiang Spring" on Longpan Street
Secret: Tofu curdled with well water, filling includes wild pine mushrooms

Cultural Immersion Experiences
7. Lantern Night Walk (Mid-Autumn Festival Exclusive)
Ritual: Rent pomelo lanterns for moonlit stone path magic
Alternative: Buy bamboo lanterns (¥15) year-round

8. Intangible Heritage Fish-Scale Tile Making
Workshop: Near Anle Temple (¥50 to make personalized tiles)

9. Teapot Boiling in Ancient Courtyard B&Bs
Top Picks: "Serendipity" / "Ink Inn"
Vibe: Roast tangerines in 100-year-old houses while listening to rain on tiles

10. "Glowstone" Lane on Carp Street
Phenomenon: Certain stones faintly glow when wet (contain fluorite)

🕙 Operating Hours:
Ticket/Entry Time
08:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30)
Town Access
24/7 (attractions require tickets)
🌙 Free Night Entry
18:30-08:00 next day
Main street/shops open
Core attractions closed (Dailong Bridge/wells require daytime tickets)
Night Highlights: Lanterns (19:00-22:00), live music bars, night snacks

📅 Seasonal Adjustments
1. Peak Season (Apr-Oct)
Extended ticket sales until 18:30 (weekends/holidays)
New "Starlight Night Market" (Fri/Sat 19:30-23:00)
2. Off-Season (Nov-Mar)
Last ticket sale 17:00 (entry closes 16:30)

📝 Important Notes:
⚠️ Key Reminders
1. Ticket Checks:
Daytime entry requires tickets (random checks at 9 gates—keep stub until exit)
2. Rainy Days: Some sites close during storms (e.g., Guo Family tunnel)
3. Golden Hours: **7:00-9:00 AM**—crowd-free photography prime time
16:00-18:00—magical sunset + lantern lighting

📍 Address:
Huangyao Ancient Town Scenic Area, Huangyao Town, Zhaoping County, Hezhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

🚉 Transportation:
🚗 Driving
Navigate to "Huangyao Ancient Town Main Gate"
Recommended Route (from Hezhou downtown):
Hezhou → Shankun Expressway (G78) → Baomao Expressway (G65) → Huangyao Exit → 10-min drive on County Road X723
From Guilin/Yangshuo: Baomao Expressway (G65) → Huangyao Exit (~2 hours)
Parking: Main gate lot (¥20/day)
Free parking outside town (10-min walk, ideal for overnight stays)

🚌 Public Transport
High-Speed Rail
To "Hezhou Station" → Transfer to Huangyao shuttle bus (~1 hour, ¥30, last bus 18:00)
Or carpool/taxi (~¥150, negotiable to ¥120)
Long-Distance Bus
Direct buses from Guilin/Yangshuo/Guangzhou to "Huangyao Bus Station" (10-min walk to site)

📝 Pro Tips:
Landmarks
50km from Hezhou (~1 hour drive)
Nearby: Gupo Mountain National Forest Park (70km), Yangshuo West Street (120km)
Look for "Huangyao Ancient Town" archway at entrance
Key Advice
1. Navigation: Avoid distant "Huangyao Parking" tags—aim for main gate (near Dailong Bridge)
2. Tickets: Daytime entry requires validation (online tickets need 2-hour advance purchase, onsite ¥88)
3. Night Perks: Free main street access after 18:30, but core sites (wells/ancestral halls) require daytime tickets
4. Rain Caution: Slippery stone paths—wear anti-slip shoes