Huangyao Ancient Town in Guangxi — A Millennium-Old Arcadia

Located in the northeastern part of Zhaoping County, Hezhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, lies Huangyao Ancient Town, which boasts a history of a thousand years. It has been honored as one of 'China's Ten Most Beautiful Ancient Towns,' with a far-reaching reputation. Founded during the Song Dynasty, the town attracts numerous visitors with its antique architecture, quiet and profound alleys, long-standing folk customs, and picturesque natural scenery. The unique charm of Huangyao Ancient Town is mainly reflected in the following aspects: The architectural style is unique, retaining the features of the Ming and Qing dynasties. With grey bricks and black tiles, the horse-head walls stand tall, and the streets are meticulously paved with bluestone slabs, exuding an aura of simplicity and elegance. The water system is dynamic, with the Yao River, Huangyao River, and Xingning River meandering through the town. The rivers are crystal clear, and the willow trees on both banks sway gently, together sketching a stunning waterside landscape. There are numerous bridges, among which the most famous is the 'Dailong Bridge,' a multi-arch stone bridge built during the Ming Dynasty that has become one of the town's iconic landmarks. The folk culture is rich and colorful, with many traditional festivals and customs being preserved. The dragon and lion dances during the Spring Festival are extraordinarily lively, and the dragon boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival are full of passion, fully showcasing the rich folk cultural heritage. The local cuisine is mouthwatering, with Huangyao fermented soybean powder, Huangyao rice noodles, and Huangyao triangular dumplings being excellent choices for visitors to taste the local specialties. It is worth mentioning that Huangyao Ancient Town is also the hometown of many historical figures. In addition, there are some not-to-be-missed attractions around Huangyao Ancient Town, such as the Immortal's Ancient Well, whose unique structure and clear well water are astonishing. Huangyao Ancient Town is undoubtedly an ideal place for leisure vacations, experiencing traditional culture, and enjoying natural scenery. Visitors here can deeply feel the tranquility and peace, the simplicity and richness, as well as the profound and heavy history.