Visit The Well-Preserved Ancient Chinese Town of Huang Yao
Not yet published by Susan Furber, Writer
Country: China 
The Experience
Huang Yao in the North East of Zhaoping in South China has a thousand years of potent history. To experience a Chinese town untouched by development and embracing the traditions of the past, spend a few hours to explore Huang Yao.
The family names of the townspeople were mainly Huang and Yao, so the place became known as “Huangyao Town.” Today, Huang Yao covers 36 hectares and holds more than 2,800 residents belonging to 500 households. Most of its streets and distinctive structures took shape during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. The isolated location shielded the town from the impact of modern civilization and helped to preserve the ancient dwellings and historic landmarks.
A visit to the ancient town of Huang Yao is an opportunity to take in what China was long before the new mega cities. The elderly sitting on their doorsteps watching the world go by, people selling their wares on the streets, and children (often orphans) exploring, playing and engaging with the tourists passing through. A local guide will walk you through the town, which is famous for its gnarly old trees, pavilions, temples, and of course: the mountains. If you pay careful attention you will see the modest slates of the streets, which are in odd numbers, like three, five and seven: A symbol of good luck, respect and well wishes in Chinese culture.
More than thirty temples, ancestral halls and pavilions are really well preserved. Huang Yao also has many exquisite cultural relics, including the calligraphy of Hanyu, the great scholar, the calligraphy of the Song Dynasty, and several inscribed boards, couplets and steles that enrich the history of the town.
By walking through the town, it is very clear how important water is to this town. Huang Yao Town is embraced by flows of winding water; and so, according to Chinese feng shui, Huang Yao is an ideal place for people to live.
The family names of the townspeople were mainly Huang and Yao, so the place became known as “Huangyao Town.” Today, Huang Yao covers 36 hectares and holds more than 2,800 residents belonging to 500 households. Most of its streets and distinctive structures took shape during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. The isolated location shielded the town from the impact of modern civilization and helped to preserve the ancient dwellings and historic landmarks.
A visit to the ancient town of Huang Yao is an opportunity to take in what China was long before the new mega cities. The elderly sitting on their doorsteps watching the world go by, people selling their wares on the streets, and children (often orphans) exploring, playing and engaging with the tourists passing through. A local guide will walk you through the town, which is famous for its gnarly old trees, pavilions, temples, and of course: the mountains. If you pay careful attention you will see the modest slates of the streets, which are in odd numbers, like three, five and seven: A symbol of good luck, respect and well wishes in Chinese culture.
More than thirty temples, ancestral halls and pavilions are really well preserved. Huang Yao also has many exquisite cultural relics, including the calligraphy of Hanyu, the great scholar, the calligraphy of the Song Dynasty, and several inscribed boards, couplets and steles that enrich the history of the town.
By walking through the town, it is very clear how important water is to this town. Huang Yao Town is embraced by flows of winding water; and so, according to Chinese feng shui, Huang Yao is an ideal place for people to live.
When to Go
The best time to visit Guilin and Huang Yao is between April and October. During this time, the limestone cliffs along the Li River are adorned with plush greenery. The weather is often very humid, and chances of rain are high.
Odds n' Ends
This experience is best undertaken with a local guide who knows the townspeople to ensure the most informative experience, keeping sensitivity to the locals in mind at all times.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Yangshou Mountain Retreat
- An extremely relaxing and friendly hotel, on the banks of the Dragon river, about an hour from Guilin. Watch the rafts cruise along the water from the outside dining areas or explore the nearby beautiful landscape. This hotel is a great stay
More Experiences Nearby
- Get Locked into History at the Elmina Slave Castle
- As the door slammed shut, a wave of claustrophobia enveloped the thirty-two people crammed into a dingy cell at the Elmina Castle on the Ghanaian Gold Coast. The cells here are no bigger than an average closet, and the only light which can be seen from the inside is a small square of light at the door. Everything inside the cell was black and quiet except for the breathing of those people around me. A few moments later, the door swung open and my lungs breathed in fresh air with relief. The staggering moment came when our tour guide informed ...364 miles away.
- Catch a Bird's Eye View of the Rainforest in Kakum National Park
- My heart pounds as I look over the landscape. Taking the first step is key to one of the greatest experiences I'll have in Ghana, if I can just get over the height. One deep breathe in and I'm going for it. Stepping onto the first bridge feels like freedom in the sky. It's a shaky freedom for me but freedom nonetheless. Exploring Kakum National Park in central Ghana provides an exhilarating close look at African nature. At 40 meters high in some areas, taking a canopy tour over the Kakum rainforest feels like a walk in the clouds. North ...386 miles away.
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
Mandarin 
,
Portugese
,
Russian
,
Vietnamese
are some of the languages spoken in China. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
