Longhui County Tourism, Shaoyang City, Hunan Province
Longhui County, Shaoyang City, Hunan Province — a cultural secret place in the hinterland of central Hunan, integrating Huayao customs, celebrity's hometown, and ecological landscapes. It features distinctive scenic spots such as Huayao Ancient Village, Wei Yuan's Former Residence, and Huxing Mountain. Experience the diverse customs of "folk treasure + ancient sage's legacy + terraced fields and sea of clouds" in 2 days.
2-Day Cultural & Natural Tour of Longhui County
Explore Huayao culture, trace the footsteps of ancient sages, enjoy terraced fields, and experience intangible cultural heritage
In the morning, walk into Huayao Ancient Village to admire the unique cross-stitch embroidery costumes and architecture; in the afternoon, visit Chongmudang Ancient Village to experience the original style of thousands of years old trees integrated with Yao stockade.
- Take the tourist special line from Longhui County to Huxing Mountain Yao Ethnic Township (about 2 hours)
- You can take local motorcycle taxis or walk to visit the ancient village
- Some sections are mountain roads, it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes
- Self-driving vehicles need to be parked in designated parking lots
- Huayao Ancient Village: ¥60 per person
- Chongmudang Ancient Village: Free
- Folk performance: ¥30 per person (optional)
- Stir-fried Pig Blood Balls with Bacon
- Huayao Camellia Oil Tea
- Longhui Three Spices (Chili, Ginger, Garlic)
- Glutinous Rice Ciba
In the morning, visit Wei Yuan's Former Residence to comprehend the spirit of the pioneer of modern Chinese thought; climb to the top of Huxing Mountain to overlook the terraced fields and sea of clouds; in the afternoon, go to Tantou Ancient Town to experience the production techniques of Tantou New Year Paintings, a national intangible cultural heritage.
- Wei Yuan's Former Residence is about 60 kilometers from Longhui County, self-driving or taking township buses is recommended
- It is about 80 kilometers from Huxing Mountain to Tantou Ancient Town, 2 hours by self-driving
- Tantou Ancient Town is about 30 kilometers from Longhui County, accessible by bus directly
- Some viewing platforms of Huxing Mountain need to be reached on foot, about 2 hours round trip
- Huxing Mountain has a high altitude, with large temperature difference between morning and evening, it is recommended to prepare a coat
- Tantou New Year Painting experience needs to be booked 1 day in advance
- Photography is prohibited in Wei Yuan's Former Residence
- Some sections of Huxing Mountain may be muddy on rainy days, please pay attention to safety
Must-Try Foods in Longhui County
Pig Blood Balls
A traditional famous dish in Longhui County, made with pig blood, pork and tofu as the main raw materials, mixed into balls and smoked. The finished product is black in color, firm in taste, salty and fragrant. It can be steamed or stir-fried. It is a must-have cured food for the New Year in the local area and also a good gift for relatives and friends.
Huayao Camellia Oil Tea
A traditional drink of the Huayao people, made with tea leaves, ginger, garlic and rice flowers as raw materials, stir-fried and then boiled with water, seasoned with salt. It has a spicy and aromatic taste, with the effect of dispelling cold and refreshing the mind. It is often eaten with fried peanuts and fried beans, and is the highest etiquette for Huayao people to receive guests.
Sanhe Soup
A classic snack in Longhui County, made with beef, beef blood and beef tripe as the main raw materials, boiled with chili, Chinese prickly ash and other seasonings. The soup is bright red, delicious, spicy and numbing, with the effect of stimulating appetite and dispelling cold. It is a common local flavor food in the streets and lanes, deeply loved by the masses.
Tantou Crisp Candy
A characteristic pastry of Tantou Town, Longhui County, made with glutinous rice, sesame and white sugar, crispy, sweet and melts in the mouth. It is said to have a history of hundreds of years, and is known as "the two treasures of Tantou" together with Tantou New Year Paintings. It is a traditional festival pastry and tourist souvenir in the local area.
- Spring (March-April): Rapeseed flowers bloom on Huxing Mountain, and the terraced field landscape is the best
- Summer (June-August): Wangxi Waterfall has abundant water volume, suitable for summer resort
- Autumn (September-October): Rice fields are golden, and the frequency of sea of clouds is high
- Winter (December-February): You can experience Huayao New Year customs, with fewer tourists
- Watch the cross-stitch embroidery production skills display in Huayao Ancient Village
- Participate in interactive performances of Huayao traditional singing and dancing
- Shoot the terraced fields and sea of clouds at sunrise on Huxing Mountain
- Print New Year paintings by yourself in Tantou New Year Paintings Museum
- Listen to the stories of the pioneer of modern thought in Wei Yuan's Former Residence
- Tickets and transportation: ¥100-200 (including attraction tickets and transportation fees)
- Catering: ¥80-120 per day
- Accommodation: ¥100-200 per night (county hotels or Yao stockade homestays)
- Shopping: ¥50-150 (New Year paintings, pig blood balls and other specialties)
- Total: ¥200-500
- Are there any special taboos for Huayao people? → When entering the Yao stockade, respect local customs, do not touch costumes and headdresses at will
- Do I need to climb mountains in Huxing Mountain? → Some viewing platforms need to be reached on foot, with moderate difficulty
- Can Tantou New Year paintings be delivered by express? → Yes, the scenic area provides mailing services
- Is the transportation in Longhui County convenient? → Self-driving or chartered car is recommended, some rural bus routes have few departures