In the Secret Realm of Southwest Hunan, I Found the "Ancient Tree Kingdom" Hidden by Time

In the Secret Realm of Southwest Hunan, I Found the "Ancient Tree Kingdom" Hidden by Time

Who says you have to fight through crowds to see ancient villages? This time, in Shangbao Village, Suining, Hunan, I truly touched the door to a "time secret realm"—this place is simply a traditional Chinese ancient village enveloped by ancient trees, where even the wind carries the scent of old stories!

As soon as I entered the village, I was stunned. Ancient trees that several people couldn't embrace were everywhere, their branches covering more than half the sky, and sunlight filtering through like scattered gold dust. Walking on the bluestone paths, you might find centuries-old sweetgum and ginkgo trees beside your feet. The patterns on their bark are deeper than the wrinkles of the village elders. I heard some of these trees have been standing here since the Ming and Qing dynasties, watching generations live their lives.

The old houses in the village are also very interesting, not the deliberately renovated "influencer-style" ones. The adobe walls show the marks of time, and although the carvings on the wooden window frames are somewhat faded, you can still see the craftsmanship of yesteryear. Just chat with an aunt sitting at her doorstep shelling beans, and she can tell you for half an hour about the village's old customs, such as which ancient tree used to be the villagers' meeting place, or which old house produced a scholar. It warms your heart to listen.

Here are some practical tips, follow them and you can't go wrong!

- Don't wear high heels! The bluestone paths in the village can tire your feet after a while, and some places are a bit slippery. Sneakers or flat shoes are most suitable, and you can stop anytime to lean against an ancient tree for photos.
- Bring a light jacket! There are many trees in the mountains, so even in summer, it's cooler than in the city. The temperature difference between morning and evening is significant, so a thin jacket can protect you from both sun and cold. Don't wait until you catch a cold to regret it.
- Be sure to try the local farm dishes! The vegetables grown by the villagers themselves and the free-range chickens cooked in a wood-fired stove are especially fragrant. Remember to tell your guesthouse owner in advance; they can help prepare it, which is more cost-effective and authentic than eating out.

Post by Scarlett.Rivera.51 | Oct 24, 2025