Jianghua Yao Autonomous County Travel, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province

Jianghua Yao Autonomous County, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province – the only Yao autonomous county in Hunan, a core area of Yao culture, integrating Yao culture, karst cave wonders, and lake scenery. It features distinctive attractions such as Qinyan Cave, Panwang Hall, and Centian River. Experience the ethnic cultural charm of "Yao customs + karst cave secrets + lake and mountain scenery" in one day.

3216
square kilometers of regional area
450,000+
permanent population
65%
Yao ethnic population ratio
3000
years of Yao cultural history
Panwang Hall, Jianghua Yao Autonomous County
Panwang Hall - Sacred Site of Jianghua Yao Culture
Panwang Hall is a sacred place for Yao compatriots to worship their ancestor Panwang. With magnificent architecture and exquisite decorations, it is an important venue for Yao compatriots at home and abroad to trace their roots and carry out cultural exchanges.

One-Day Yao Culture Tour in Jianghua Yao Autonomous County

Explore Qinyan Cave's wonders, pay homage to Panwang, boat on Centian River, and experience Yao Village life

Tour Duration
1 Day
Main Destinations
Qinyan Cave, Panwang Hall, Centian River, Yao Customs Park, Gupo Mountain
Suitable For
Ethnic culture enthusiasts, natural scenery lovers, photography enthusiasts, folk custom experiencers
Per Capita Budget
¥120-¥320
All Day
Jianghua Yao Culture Experience Tour
Qinyan Cave · Panwang Hall · Centian River · Yao Customs Park
Tour Highlights

In the morning, explore Qinyan Cave to admire karst cave wonders and visit Panwang Hall to learn about Yao culture; in the afternoon, tour Centian River to enjoy lake and mountain scenery and experience folk activities at Yao Customs Park; in the evening, climb Gupo Mountain to watch the sunset.

Attraction Arrangement
Qinyan Cave
A national 3A-level tourist scenic area, featuring typical karst cave landscapes. It got its name because Emperor Qin Shi Huang sent alchemists here to search for the elixir of immortality. The cave is fully developed with stalactites, stalagmites, stone curtains, etc., including unique landscapes such as Immortal Field, Crystal Palace, and Concert Hall. With modern sound and light technology, it appears more mysterious and magnificent. The scenery outside the cave is beautiful with mountains and rivers相依.
Panwang Hall
A sacred place for Yao compatriots to worship their ancestor Panwang. First built in the Ming Dynasty and reconstructed in 1995. The hall is on a grand scale, integrating traditional Yao architectural styles and modern construction techniques, with a statue of Panwang, exhibitions of Yao history and culture, and a sacrificial square. Every year on the 16th day of the tenth lunar month (Panwang Festival), Yao compatriots at home and abroad hold grand ancestor worship activities here.
Centian River
A national wetland park and an important reservoir on the upper reaches of the Xiaoshui River, with a lake surface area of about 60 square kilometers. The lake water is clear, surrounded by green mountains, known as the "Tianhu (Heavenly Lake) of the Yao Capital". You can take a boat tour to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, water bird habitats, and experience water sports and lakeside leisure.
Yao Customs Park
A theme park showcasing Yao culture, with facilities such as Yao dwellings, folk performance venues, handicraft workshops, and food streets. You can watch Yao song and dance performances, experience Yao folk culture such as Yao costumes, embroidery, and long drum dance, and taste Yao characteristic food.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • There are tourist special lines from Jianghua County to various scenic spots
  • Panwang Hall and Customs Park are near the county seat
  • Qinyan Cave and Centian River require special arrangements
  • It is recommended to charter a car to visit distant scenic spots
Ticket Information
  • Qinyan Cave: ¥60 per person
  • Panwang Hall: ¥30 per person
  • Centian River Boat Tour: ¥80 per person
  • Yao Customs Park: ¥50 per person
  • Gupo Mountain: Free
Food Recommendations
  • Jianghua Bitter Tea
  • Yao Family Bacon
  • Centian River Fresh Fish
  • Yao Five-Color Rice

Must-Try Foods in Jianghua Yao Autonomous County

Jianghua Bitter Tea

A traditional drink of the Yao people in Jianghua, a national geographical indication product. The tea has a natural bitter taste with a sweet aftertaste, and has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting digestion and resolving greasiness. It is both a daily drink and an important etiquette for the Yao people to receive guests.

Yao Family Bacon

A traditional delicacy of the Yao people in Jianghua, made from local pork smoked with pine branches, tea tree branches, etc. The bacon has a golden color, a unique aroma, and firm meat quality, and is a precious food for the Yao people to receive guests.

Centian River Fresh Fish

Made from fresh live fish from Centian River using traditional Yao cooking methods. The fish meat is tender and the soup is delicious, with the spiciness of Hunan cuisine while retaining the original flavor of the fish, making it an excellent choice to taste lake fresh food.

Yao Five-Color Rice

A traditional festival food of the Yao people, made by steaming glutinous rice dyed into five colors with natural plant juices. It has bright colors and auspicious meanings, and is a must-have food for important Yao festivals such as the Panwang Festival.

Travel Tips for Jianghua Yao Autonomous County
Best Travel Time
  • 16th day of the 10th lunar month: Panwang Festival, the most grand festival of the Yao people
  • Spring (March-May): Pleasant climate, blooming flowers
  • Autumn (September-November): Clear sky and mild weather, suitable for sightseeing
  • Water activities at Centian River are available in summer
Must-Experience Activities
  • Explore Qinyan Cave
  • Experience Panwang Hall ancestor worship culture
  • Take a boat tour of Centian River
  • Watch folk performances at Yao Customs Park
  • Taste Jianghua Bitter Tea
Budget Reference
  • Tickets and boat tours: ¥200-280
  • Catering: ¥60-100 (including special food)
  • Transportation: ¥50-90
  • Shopping: ¥30-80 (specialties and souvenirs)
  • Total: ¥120-320
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What activities are there during the Panwang Festival? → Ancestor worship ceremonies, long drum dance performances, folk custom displays, etc.
  • Why is Jianghua Bitter Tea bitter? → The tea contains special ingredients, which is a variety characteristic
  • What are the characteristics of Yao costumes? → Bright colors, exquisite embroidery, and rich silver ornaments
  • Can I fish in Centian River? → Allowed in some areas, subject to relevant regulations