Huayuan County, Xiangxi Prefecture, Hunan Travel

Huayuan County, Xiangxi Prefecture, Hunan — a border town at the junction of Hunan, Chongqing, and Guizhou provinces. It features the "One Foot Across Three Provinces" Border Town Chadong, the first site of targeted poverty alleviation Shibadong Village, and the scenic Ancient Miao River, making it an excellent destination to experience Miao culture and border town charm.

1109
Area (km²)
310,000+
Permanent Population
1
First Site of Targeted Poverty Alleviation (Shibadong Village)
20+
Traditional Miao Villages
Panorama of Border Town Chadong Lala Ferry and Cuicui Island, Huayuan, Xiangxi
Border Town Chadong Lala Ferry and Cuicui Island - Huayuan's Iconic Landscape
Border Town Chadong on the banks of the Youshui River, famous from Shen Congwen's "Border Town." The Lala Ferry connects Hunan and Chongqing, Cuicui Island stands in the river, and stilted houses line the riverbank, recreating the poetic scenes from the novel.

Huayuan County 2-Day Miao Culture and Border Town Style Tour

Border Town Dream Seeking, Miao Village Exploration, Canyon Sightseeing, Cultural Experience

Duration
2 Days
Main Destinations
Border Town Chadong, Shibadong Village, Ancient Miao River Grand Canyon, Jinlong Miao Village
Suitable For
Literature lovers, culture enthusiasts, nature scenery explorers, rural tourism fans
Per Person Budget
¥500-¥1200
Day 1
Border Town Charm and Canyon Exploration
Chadong Ancient Town · Ancient Miao River · Three-Province Junction
Trip Highlights

In the morning, stroll through Border Town Chadong, take the Lala Ferry to experience three-province border charm, and explore "Border Town" relics. In the afternoon, visit the Ancient Miao River Grand Canyon to enjoy canyon scenery. In the evening, experience a Miao joint banquet and watch a bonfire party.

Attractions
Border Town Chadong
Originally named Chadong, renamed due to Shen Congwen's "Border Town," located at the junction of Hunan, Chongqing, and Guizhou provinces. Famous for the geographical wonder of "One Foot Across Three Provinces." Key attractions include Lala Ferry, Cuicui Island, stilted house clusters, and the three-province boundary marker, preserving ancient dock culture and Miao customs.
Ancient Miao River Grand Canyon
Originating from Fanjing Mountain in Guizhou, the canyon formed as it flows through Huayuan territory stretches about 10 km. Within the canyon are flying waterfalls, steep cliffs, and ancient towering trees. Along the way, natural landscapes such as "Lion Welcoming" and "Golden Turtle Watching the Moon" make it a paradise for hiking and summer escapes.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take a minibus from Huayuan county town to Border Town Chadong (about 1 hour)
  • Ancient Miao River Grand Canyon is 15 km from the county town, about 30 minutes by taxi
  • Walk within Chadong Ancient Town; Lala Ferry costs 2 yuan one way
Ticket Information
  • Border Town Chadong Ancient Town: Free (some minor attractions charge fees)
  • Ancient Miao River Grand Canyon: ¥80
  • Cuicui Island: ¥20
Food Recommendations
  • Miao-style Sour Soup Fish
  • Border Town Rice Tofu
  • Festival Rice (She Rice)
  • Miao-style Cured Meat Stir-fried with Bracken
  • Fried River Shrimp
Day 2
Miao Village Charm and Rural New Look
Shibadong Village · Jinlong Miao Village · Miao Culture
Trip Highlights

In the morning, visit Shibadong Village to experience targeted poverty alleviation achievements and the new look of Miao villages. In the afternoon, explore Jinlong Miao Village to experience traditional Miao handicrafts and folk customs. Before returning in the evening, shop for Miao silver jewelry, brocade, and other souvenirs.

Attractions
Shibadong Village
The first site of targeted poverty alleviation, composed of several Miao settlements, preserving intact traditional Miao architecture and culture. The village features attractions like Lizhai and Zhuzhai, showcasing intangible cultural heritage skills such as Miao silver jewelry and embroidery, while presenting the new face of rural revitalization.
Jinlong Miao Village
A Miao ancient village with over 600 years of history, named for its buildings built along the mountain resembling a golden dragon. The village preserves intact Miao stilted house clusters, ancient stone paths, and Miao ancient wells. Villagers still maintain traditional customs such as playing the lusheng, dancing Miao dances, and singing Miao songs.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Shibadong Village: Take the tourist shuttle from the county town (about 40 minutes)
  • Jinlong Miao Village: 20 km from the county town, about 30 minutes by taxi
  • Chartering a car for a day trip (about ¥200/car) is more convenient
Ticket Information
  • Shibadong Village: Free (guide fee ¥50/time)
  • Jinlong Miao Village: Free
  • Miao folk experience activities: ¥30-100
Experience Tips
  • It is recommended to hire a local guide at Shibadong Village to learn about poverty alleviation stories
  • At Jinlong Miao Village, you can participate in Miao silver jewelry making experiences
  • Respect Miao customs and follow guidance when entering Miao villages

Must-Try Foods in Huayuan County

Miao-style Sour Soup Fish

A Huayuan Miao specialty dish made with paddy field fish as the main ingredient, cooked with homemade sour soup (fermented glutinous rice), chili, Litsea cubeba, and other seasonings. Sour and delicious, appetizing and refreshing, it is a top-tier dish for Miao hospitality, especially suitable for winter consumption.

Festival Rice (She Rice)

A traditional Miao festival food made by mixing glutinous rice and indica rice, steamed with wild mugwort, cured meat, peanuts, and glutinous rice flour. Fragrant and delicious with a strong local flavor, it is a must-eat during spring and autumn festivals, symbolizing abundant harvests.

Border Town Rice Tofu

A specialty snack of Border Town Chadong, made from rice with a thicker shape, served with red oil, Sichuan pepper, minced garlic, pickled radish, and other seasonings. Chewy texture, spicy and numbing, it is a local food mentioned multiple times in "Border Town" and can be found everywhere at street stalls.

Miao-style Cured Meat

A traditional Miao smoked food made from local black pork, smoked for months with cypress branches, orange peel, and other materials. Firm texture with a unique aroma, it can be steamed or stir-fried. A must-have for Miao festivals, it tastes best when stir-fried with green peppers or bracken.

Huayuan County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (March-May): Miao villages with blooming mountain flowers, ideal for rural tours
  • Autumn (September-November): Cool weather, suitable for canyon hiking and ancient town visits
  • Third day of the third lunar month: Miao Valentine's Day, experience folk activities like antiphonal singing
  • Avoid summer heavy rain periods (June-July) to prevent canyon flooding
Must-Do Experiences
  • Take the Lala Ferry (¥2) at Border Town Chadong to experience the three-province junction
  • Listen to targeted poverty alleviation stories at Shibadong Village
  • Hike and explore the Ancient Miao River Grand Canyon
  • Participate in a Miao joint banquet and experience long-table feast culture
  • Learn to dance Miao drum dance or sing Miao songs
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: ¥100-200 (including main attractions)
  • Accommodation: ¥120-300/night (Miao village inns or county town hotels)
  • Meals: ¥80-150/day (including specialty meals)
  • Transport: ¥100-200 (including county and inter-attraction transport)
  • Total: ¥500-1200
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Does Shibadong Village require reservation? → No reservation needed; groups should contact in advance
  • Can I visit across provinces from Border Town Chadong? → You can walk to Hong'an Ancient Town in Chongqing, no additional procedures needed
  • What taboos do the Miao people have? → Do not touch shrines casually when entering Miao villages, do not step on thresholds
  • How long is the drive from Huayuan to Fenghuang Ancient Town? → About 2.5 hours by car, can be combined in a single trip

Explore Districts & Counties of Xiangxi Prefecture