A truly off-the-beaten-path, less crowded, and treasure-filled small town for reverse National Day travel

🌄 The top choice for escaping the crowds this National Day! This hidden small town on the Guangdong-Jiangxi border holds an Oriental wonder you don’t know about. If it weren’t for CCTV’s recommendation, I might have missed Longnan, the "Kingdom of Walled Villages." Just 2 hours by high-speed train from Guangzhou and only 3 hours by car, it’s truly a less crowded treasure spot.

🚗 Transportation Guide

· High-speed train direct to "Longnan East Station," car rental recommended after arrival
· Attractions are spread out, self-driving is the best option (20-40 minutes driving between spots)

🏯 Must-Visit Walled Villages List

1️⃣ Guanxi Wei · The King of Walled Villages

▫️ Guinness World Record holder - largest square walled village
▫️ See 6 distinctive walled villages at once, known as the "Open-Air Walled Village Museum"
▫️ Exquisitely carved archways and battlements, a testament to Hakka wisdom

2️⃣ Yanyi Wei · Defensive Peak

▫️ The tallest existing walled village, 4 stories with 14-meter stone walls towering like mountains
▫️ Still inhabited by original residents, blending everyday life with historical atmosphere
▫️ Touch the weathered walls and feel the war years from 400 years ago

3️⃣ Wushi Wei · Aesthetic Model

▫️ Circular outside, square inside layout, reflecting the philosophy of "round heaven and square earth"
▫️ Well-preserved Ming dynasty brick carvings and murals, with lively flying eaves and beasts
▫️ Symmetrical central axis design showcasing the essence of ancient Chinese architecture

4️⃣ Taiping Bridge · Masterpiece

▫️ Double-arched stone bridge built under the supervision of Wang Yangming
▫️ Featured in "World Bridge Panorama" as an architectural gem
▫️ Close to Yanyi Wei, can be visited on the same route

💡 Travel Tips

✅ Reserve 2 days to slowly appreciate the details of the walled village architecture
✅ Hire a local guide to better understand the Hakka culture behind it
✅ Take photos in front of the walled villages at dusk, the warm yellow stone walls match the sunset perfectly
✅ Try authentic local dishes like Hakka stuffed tofu and preserved vegetable pork belly

🗺️ Recommended Itinerary

Day 1 Guanxi Wei (morning) → Hakka cuisine (lunch) → Yanyi Wei + Taiping Bridge (afternoon)
Day 2 Wushi Wei (morning) → Walled village homestay experience (afternoon) → Return trip

✨ Standing before the giant walled village, you suddenly understand what "architecture is a frozen epic" means. This National Day, escape the crowds and start a true cultural quest in Longnan!