Travel Back in Time Through the Ming and Qing Dynasties in an Ancient Village

✨ Zhang Guying Village, a "Folk Palace" with over 500 years of history, features blue bricks, black tiles, and a maze of alleys—perfect for a leisurely journey back to the Ming and Qing eras. Save this guide and let's unlock the best way to explore this ancient village together!

🚶 One-Day Highlights Tour: How to Explore the Ancient Village

· Morning: Discover the Beauty of Ancient Architecture
Start your exploration at the grand main gate, and don’t forget to snap a photo here📸. Then wander through the maze-like alleys, closely observing the vivid wood, stone, and brick carvings, and experience the architectural wisdom of “no sun exposure on clear days, no wet shoes in rain or snow.”

· Noon: Taste the Countryside Flavors
Hungry? Have lunch at a farmhouse restaurant in the village! The firewood crispy rice is fragrant and delicious, the clear stewed native chicken soup is fresh and nourishing, and the specialty side dishes like fried tofu and fermented tofu will surely satisfy your appetite.

· Afternoon: Immerse Yourself in Culture and Art
Visit the Ancestral Hall to learn about the Zhang family’s heritage and family teachings, and feel the strong family culture. Then take a leisurely stroll along the creekside corridor, enjoying the soothing sound of flowing water. Also, the Zhang Guying Rural Art Museum and Technology Experience Hall are great spots to check out—you can appreciate art or use VR to enjoy a fun journey through time. Finally, climb Dragon-shaped Mountain⛰️ for a panoramic view of the village; the continuous blue-tiled roofs will definitely amaze you.

📸 Highlights and Experiences

· Ancient Architecture Complex: Check out this vast structure where “every house is connected, every household linked.” Over 1,700 rooms are connected by 62 alleys, making it feel like walking through a maze!
· Folk Activities: At Wangjiaduan, try on Hanfu costumes and stroll along the bluestone paths—every photo you take will look like a masterpiece. You can even try grinding soy milk with a stone mill to experience the wisdom of ancient labor.
· Specialty Food and Shopping: Fried tofu and fermented tofu are local specialties you can buy to take home. The soft and chewy fennel rice cakes are also worth trying.

📌 Pre-Trip Tips

· Tickets: Adult tickets are 50 RMB; discounts are available for students, seniors, etc. Remember to bring valid ID.
· Transportation:
· Self-drive: From Changsha, take the Jinggang’ao Expressway to the Rongjiawan toll station, then follow X108 → X037 to reach the village.
· Bus: Direct buses are available from Yueyang Wulipai Bus Station or Changsha East Bus Station.
· Best Time to Visit: May to October, when the weather is warm and the village looks even more rustic surrounded by greenery.
· Notes:
· The village alleys are complex; follow a guide or use an electronic guide to avoid getting lost.
· Respect local customs and keep quiet.
· Mosquitoes are common in summer, so bring insect repellent; keep warm in winter.

Hope this guide helps you enjoy your visit to Zhang Guying Village. Have a wonderful slow-paced time in the ancient village!🎉