Xinhuang Dong Autonomous County Travel, Huaihua City, Hunan Province

Xinhuang Dong Autonomous County, Huaihua City, Hunan Province - the ancient Yelang Kingdom on the border of Hunan and Guizhou, integrating grand canyon wonders, Dong ethnic culture, and historical relics. It features distinctive scenic spots such as Yelang Grand Canyon, Longxi Ancient Town, and Yanlai Temple. Experience the diverse customs of "canyon secret realm + Dong ethnic charm + ancient temple Zen meaning" in one day.

1508
square kilometers of regional area
240,000+
permanent resident population
1
provincial-level scenic area (Yelang Grand Canyon)
76%
Dong ethnic population ratio
Yelang Grand Canyon Landscape in Xinhuang Dong Autonomous County
Yelang Grand Canyon - Natural Wonder of Xinhuang
Yelang Grand Canyon is famous for its precipitous canyon landforms and clear streams. The canyon is lined with towering strange peaks and dense vegetation, making it an ideal destination for experiencing natural scenery and outdoor adventures, showcasing the unique karst landform characteristics of Xinhuang.

One-Day Dong Ethnic Culture Tour in Xinhuang Dong Autonomous County

Explore the grand canyon, seek seclusion in the ancient town, and taste the charm of Dong ethnic culture

Tour Duration
1 Day
Main Destinations
Yelang Grand Canyon, Longxi Ancient Town, Yanlai Temple, Wushui River Scenic Belt, Xinhuang Dong Ethnic Culture Museum
Suitable for
Ethnic culture lovers, nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, historical and cultural researchers
Per Capita Budget
¥70-¥160
1
Natural Wonders and Dong Ethnic Culture Tour
Yelang Grand Canyon · Longxi Ancient Town · Yanlai Temple
Tour Highlights

Visit Yelang Grand Canyon in the morning to experience natural wonders; explore Longxi Ancient Town and Yanlai Temple in the afternoon to experience Dong ethnic culture; stroll along the Wushui River Scenic Belt in the evening and visit the Dong Ethnic Culture Museum.

Attraction Arrangement
Yelang Grand Canyon
A provincial-level scenic area, the canyon is about 15 kilometers long and up to 300 meters deep, famous for its danger, strangeness, beauty, and seclusion. The canyon is lined with towering strange peaks, clear streams, and dense vegetation, known as the "Little Zhangjiajie". You can hike through it to admire natural landscapes such as waterfalls, deep pools, and exotic rocks, making it an ideal place for outdoor adventures and photography creation.
Longxi Ancient Town
A famous historical and cultural town in China founded in the Ming Dynasty, it is an important Dong ethnic settlement on the border of Hunan and Guizhou. The ancient town preserves a large number of traditional Dong ethnic buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with crisscross bluestone roads and distinctive Dong drum towers and wind-rain bridges. The town is rich in Dong ethnic customs, where you can enjoy performances of intangible cultural heritage such as the Grand Song of the Dong and Dong opera.
Yanlai Temple
A Buddhist temple founded in the Ming Dynasty, located among the surrounding mountains. The temple has simple and elegant buildings, including the Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall, and Scripture Collection Pavilion. With a long history and prosperous incense, it is an important Buddhist activity site on the border of Hunan and Guizhou. Climbing the temple offers a panoramic view of Xinhuang County.
Wushui River Scenic Belt
An ecological landscape belt built along both banks of the Wushui River, about 6 kilometers long, with clear river water and beautiful scenery on both banks. It is equipped with facilities such as a Dong ethnic culture corridor, water-friendly platforms, and leisure trails, making it an important place to enjoy Xinhuang's natural scenery and experience Dong ethnic customs, with particularly charming scenery in the evening.
Xinhuang Dong Ethnic Culture Museum
A thematic museum comprehensively displaying the history and culture of the Dong ethnic group in Xinhuang, with a rich collection including various cultural relics such as Dong ethnic costumes, silver ornaments, production tools, daily necessities, and religious artifacts. Through physical exhibits, scene restoration, and multimedia displays, it systematically introduces the historical origin, cultural characteristics, and folk customs of the Dong ethnic group in Xinhuang.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take the Huaihua-Xinhuang special bus from Huaihua urban area to reach the county seat
  • Yelang Grand Canyon is about 20 kilometers from the county seat, need to transfer to local transportation
  • The distance between various attractions is moderate, it is recommended to charter a car or take a taxi
  • There are buses connecting major attractions in the county seat
Ticket Information
  • Yelang Grand Canyon: ¥50 per person (half price for students)
  • Longxi Ancient Town: Free
  • Yanlai Temple: ¥10 per person
  • Wushui River Scenic Belt: Free
  • Xinhuang Dong Ethnic Culture Museum: Free (registration required)
Food Recommendations
  • Xinhuang Huang Beef
  • Dong Ethnic Pickled Fish
  • Oil Tea
  • Blood Rice Cake Duck
  • Artemisia Baba

Must-Try Foods in Xinhuang Dong Autonomous County

Xinhuang Huang Beef

A specialty of Xinhuang and a National Geographical Indication Product of China. Selected high-quality local yellow cattle, with tender meat, mellow taste, and rich nutrition. It can be cooked in various ways such as hot pot, barbecue, and stir-frying. It is the most representative food in Xinhuang and is deeply loved by tourists.

Dong Ethnic Pickled Fish

A traditional characteristic dish of the Dong ethnic group in Xinhuang. Selected fresh river fish, matched with glutinous rice, chili, ginger and other ingredients, made by the traditional fermentation process of the Dong ethnic group. The fish meat is sour and fragrant with a unique flavor, which is a representative dish of Dong ethnic food culture, reflecting the unique dietary wisdom of the Dong ethnic group.

Oil Tea

A traditional drink of the Dong ethnic group in Xinhuang, made from raw materials such as tea leaves, glutinous rice, peanuts, and sesame through multiple processes such as stir-frying and boiling. It has a rich flavor and rich nutrition, and is an important drink for the Dong ethnic group to entertain guests, reflecting the unique tea culture of the Dong ethnic group.

Travel Tips for Xinhuang Dong Autonomous County
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-May): Rich in Dong ethnic festival activities, pleasant climate
  • Autumn (September-November): Cool weather, comfortable canyon tour
  • Sixth day of the sixth lunar month: Traditional ancestor worship festival of the Dong ethnic group, rich cultural activities
  • Avoid the rainy season to prevent slippery roads in the canyon affecting the tour
Must-Experience Activities
  • Hiking and exploring natural wonders in Yelang Grand Canyon
  • Experience original Dong ethnic customs in Longxi Ancient Town
  • Climb Yanlai Temple to enjoy the panoramic view of the county seat
  • Stroll and relax along the Wushui River Scenic Belt
  • Taste Xinhuang Huang Beef and Dong ethnic oil tea
Budget Reference
  • Tickets and transportation: ¥40-80 (including attraction tickets and transportation fees)
  • Catering: ¥40-70 per day
  • Shopping: ¥30-60 (Dong ethnic handicrafts, Huang beef, etc.)
  • Total: ¥70-160
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What equipment is needed for hiking in Yelang Grand Canyon? → It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes and bring drinking water
  • When can I enjoy the Grand Song of the Dong? → Performances are often held on holidays and weekends
  • Where to taste the most authentic Xinhuang Huang Beef? → Local characteristic restaurants and farmhouses
  • What is the accommodation condition in Xinhuang? → There are hotels in the county seat and characteristic homestays in the ancient town

Explore Travel in Each District and County of Huaihua City