(A hidden gem in Hunan that I really hope doesn’t get popular...

Hunan hidden gem alert! I’m afraid this thousand-year-old Miao village will become famous😭

Weekend trips with kids or girlfriends in Changsha, stop squeezing into Fenghuang! Last week I rushed to Dehang Miao Village, fewer people, beautiful scenery, and cooler weather. I regret not discovering it earlier! An original ecological Miao village + Liusha Waterfall + world-class bridge, two days of fun that make you not want to leave✨

Dehang Miao Village | A secret place wrapped by mountains!

It’s a 3.5-hour self-drive from Changsha to the parking lot. Entering the village was breathtaking! Surrounded by green mountains on all sides, looking up is full of greenery🌿 There’s currently the “Crab Encounter at Dehang” event, where kids can do crab DIY, stream trekking with melon eating, and catch loaches. Both adults and kids had a blast!
The stone paths in the village have a great vibe, every photo looks like an original ecological masterpiece, and it’s so nice to take pictures away from the crowds!

Jielong Bridge | The birthplace of the cover photo!

You must cross this bridge to get to Liusha Waterfall. The creek flows around the arch bridge, with mountains behind it, a real-life “Yearning for Life” scene📸 I took photos here for 20 minutes. When the sunlight shines down, the water sparkles, and the original photos straight from my phone all look great!
Walking on the bridge listening to the sound of the creek, the wind carries the scent of grass and trees, 100 times more comfortable than an air-conditioned room~

Liusha Waterfall | A fairyland on the cliff!

It’s a 10-minute walk along the path. The waterfall hangs on the cliff like a thin veil flowing down🌊 The pool below is stunningly green. Standing by the pool, you can feel the mist on your face, instantly cooling off the summer heat!
I recommend wearing light-colored clothes and taking photos from the side of the waterfall to maximize the atmosphere. Your friends will flood you with questions about the location!

Aizhai Bridge | A must-see even if your legs go weak!

This world-class bridge is truly amazing! It spans the entire canyon. Standing on it looking down makes your palms sweat😱 You can also try bungee jumping and cloud walking. If you’re brave, you must try it!
In the afternoon when the sun is good, the bridge looks stunning against the blue sky and green mountains. Every casual shot is a breathtaking landscape photo~

Dehang Illusion | A show you watch while eating!

One of the most interesting performances I’ve seen in recent years! It’s not a seated show but “walk, watch, and eat” along the way, with Miao snacks served🍘 At the end, you sit in a circular open-air theater where you can see the surrounding mountains. The performance is very immersive, definitely worth it with your eyes closed!

Transportation & Tips💡

1. Drive directly from Changsha and navigate to “Dehang Miao Village Parking Lot.” The road conditions are good, even beginners can drive~
2. Take the high-speed train to Jishou East Station, then a half-hour taxi to the village, which saves more time!
3. Remember to bring slippers and a change of clothes for stream trekking. The stones are slippery, so don’t wear white sneakers!
4. There are many farmhouse dishes in the village. I recommend sour soup fish and cured meat, very authentic!

This hidden Miao village is truly a treasure, with few people, beautiful scenery, and lots of fun. I’m afraid it will be popular next time I come! If you don’t know where to go this summer vacation, trust me and rush here. You definitely won’t regret it!

Post by DIYDesignDen | Oct 16, 2025