Longshan County, Xiangxi Prefecture, Hunan Travel

Longshan County, Xiangxi Prefecture, Hunan — a cultural hub at the border of Hunan, Hubei, and Chongqing, famous worldwide for the Liye Qin bamboo slips. It features the "No.1 Ancient County in China" Liye Ancient City, the Wulong Mountain (original setting for "Bandit Suppression in Wulong Mountain"), and the authentic Tujia ancient village Re Bala, making it a secret realm for decoding Qin dynasty civilization and Tujia culture.

3131
Area (km²)
540,000+
Permanent Population
1
National Historical and Cultural Town (Liye)
37,000
Qin Bamboo Slips Unearthed in Liye
Liye Qin Bamboo Slip Museum, Longshan, Xiangxi
Liye Qin Bamboo Slip Museum - Longshan Cultural Landmark
Centered around 37,000 Qin bamboo slips unearthed in Liye, the architectural style blends Qin elements with Tujia characteristics, systematically displaying the Qin dynasty county-level administrative system. It serves as an important window to understand the history of the "No.1 Ancient County in China."

Longshan County 2-Day Qin Bamboo Slip and Tujia Culture Tour

Ancient City Decoding, Village Exploration, Canyon Adventure, Forest Meditation

Duration
2 Days
Main Destinations
Liye Ancient City, Re Bala, Wulong Mountain, Qin Bamboo Slip Museum
Suitable For
History enthusiasts, culture explorers, outdoor lovers, folk custom experiencers
Per Person Budget
¥500-¥1300
Day 1
Qin Bamboo Slip Civilization and Authentic Tujia Culture
Liye Ancient City · Qin Bamboo Slip Museum · Re Bala
Trip Highlights

In the morning, explore Liye Ancient City and visit the Qin Bamboo Slip Museum to decode Qin dynasty history. In the afternoon, head to Re Bala to experience authentic Tujia village customs. In the evening, return to Liye to enjoy the ancient city night view and Tujia bonfire party.

Attractions
Liye Ancient City
Known as the "No.1 Ancient County in China," this ancient city site dates from the Warring States to the Qin-Han period. The excavation of 37,000 Qin bamboo slips in 2002 shocked the world. Existing remains include Ming-Qing ancient streets, ancient city walls, and ancient wells. The bamboo slip contents cover administration, justice, etc., filling gaps in Qin dynasty historical documentation.
Liye Qin Bamboo Slip Museum
A thematic museum centered on the Liye Qin bamboo slips, housing 37,000 slips and a large number of Warring States to Qin-Han artifacts. Through exhibition areas such as "Decoding Qin Slips" and "Ancient City Reappearance," it vividly presents the Qin dynasty county-level administrative system and social life, serving as an important base for Qin history research.
Re Bala Ancient Village
An authentic Tujia ancient village; "Re Bala" means "beautiful place." The village preserves Qing dynasty Baishou Hall, stilted building clusters, and wind-rain bridges. Intangible cultural heritages such as Tujia brocade weaving and folk songs are actively passed down, making it a secret realm to experience authentic Tujia life.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take a minibus from Longshan county town to Liye Town (about 1.5 hours)
  • From Liye Town to Re Bala, take a rural bus (about 1 hour)
  • Walk within the ancient city; attractions are concentrated
Ticket Information
  • Liye Ancient City: ¥60
  • Liye Qin Bamboo Slip Museum: ¥80 (includes guided tour)
  • Re Bala Ancient Village: Free (some experience activities charged separately)
Food Recommendations
  • Liye Rice Tofu
  • Tujia Cured Meat Stir-fried with Bracken
  • Oil Tea Soup
  • Glutinous Rice Cake (Ciba)
  • Sour Fermented Pork
Day 2
Geological Wonders and Forest Zen Spirit
Wulong Mountain · Taiping Mountain · Border Town Charm
Trip Highlights

In the morning, explore Wulong Mountain National Geopark to see karst peak forests and cave wonders. In the afternoon, climb Taiping Mountain to experience Buddhist and Taoist culture amid forest scenery. Before returning in the evening, shop for Tujia brocade and other souvenirs.

Attractions
Wulong Mountain National Geopark
Famous for its karst landforms and widely known from "Bandit Suppression in Wulong Mountain." The scenic area features spectacular stone forests, deep caves (such as Feihu Cave), and steep canyons. Hiking through the "Ten-Mile Gallery" offers breathtaking scenery and adventure fun.
Taiping Mountain Forest Park
A famous religious site in the Hunan-Hubei border region, with an elevation of 1,200 meters and forest coverage exceeding 90%. The mountain features Taiping Temple, Jade Emperor Pavilion, and other Buddhist and Taoist structures. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of Longshan county town, with particularly spectacular sea of clouds, making it an ideal place for meditation and summer escape.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Wulong Mountain: Charter a car from the county town (about 2 hours; self-driving or group tour recommended)
  • Taiping Mountain: 3 km from the county town, accessible by bus or taxi
  • Wulong Mountain requires hiking shoes; some sections are steep
Ticket Information
  • Wulong Mountain National Geopark: ¥80
  • Taiping Mountain Forest Park: ¥30
  • Wulong Mountain cave exploration: additional ¥50/person
Experience Tips
  • It is recommended to hire a local guide for Wulong Mountain (¥80-100/time)
  • Best time for sea of clouds at Taiping Mountain: 6:30-7:30 AM
  • Mountain weather is changeable; bring sunscreen and rain gear

Must-Try Foods in Longshan County

Liye Rice Tofu

A specialty snack of Liye, Longshan, made from local high-quality rice through soaking, grinding, and boiling. Light yellow in color with a smooth and tender texture. Served with red oil chili, minced garlic, pickled radish cubes, and other seasonings, it is sour and spicy, the most representative street food in Liye Ancient City.

Oil Tea Soup

A traditional Tujia morning tea made by stir-frying tea leaves, ginger, and garlic in a pot, adding water to boil, then cracking in an egg and sprinkling with fried rice, peanuts, and soybeans. Rich tea aroma, savory and delicious, with warming and refreshing effects, it is an important Tujia hospitality ritual.

Tujia Cured Meat Stir-fried with Bracken

A Longshan home-style dish made with cured meat smoked over cypress branches and wild bracken fern picked from the mountains. The cured meat is fragrant without being greasy, and the bracken is tender with a slight bitterness. Stir-fried together, the mountain aroma blends with the smoky meat flavor, showcasing the Tujia people's wisdom in utilizing nature.

Glutinous Rice Cake (Ciba)

A Tujia festival food made by steaming glutinous rice and pounding it into a soft, chewy cake. It can be pan-fried or roasted, dipped in sugar or honey, or stir-fried with diced cured meat and other ingredients. Making glutinous rice cakes during the Spring Festival is an important Tujia New Year tradition, symbolizing reunion and happiness.

Longshan County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (April-May): Rapeseed flowers bloom in Re Bala, Wulong Mountain turns lush green
  • Autumn (September-October): Clear and crisp weather, ideal for ancient city tours and hiking
  • Mid-Autumn Festival (15th day of 8th lunar month): Liye Ancient City holds moon-worshipping and other folk activities
  • Avoid summer heavy rain periods (June-July) to prevent mountain road blockages
Must-Do Experiences
  • Listen to the "Story of Qin Bamboo Slips" special lecture at Liye Qin Bamboo Slip Museum
  • Learn Tujia brocade weaving (Xilan Kapu) at Re Bala
  • Hike the "Ten-Mile Gallery" section of Wulong Mountain (about 2 hours)
  • Watch sunrise and sea of clouds at Taiping Mountain
  • Join a Tujia bonfire party and dance the Baishou Dance
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: ¥200-300 (including main attractions)
  • Accommodation: ¥120-300/night (Liye Ancient City inns offer good value)
  • Meals: ¥80-150/day (including specialty meals)
  • Transport: ¥150-300 (mainly chartered cars within the county)
  • Total: ¥500-1300
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is special about the Liye Qin bamboo slips? → They record details of Qin dynasty county-level administration, filling historical gaps
  • Can I stay overnight at Re Bala? → There are a few characteristic homestays for experiencing Tujia life
  • Is Wulong Mountain suitable for elderly and children? → Some flat sections are suitable; adventure sections require physical strength
  • Is transportation from Longshan to Liye convenient? → Regular minibuses run from 6:00-17:00, about one per hour

Explore Districts & Counties of Xiangxi Prefecture