Huayuan Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Ah, it's the Border Town from Shen Congwen's pen, a town that spans three provinces!

Border Town Chadian—This small town located at the junction of Hunan, Guizhou, and Chongqing provinces is the prototype of the famous Chinese writer Mr. Shen Congwen's 'Border Town'. Its profound historical and cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery have made it an ideal destination in the hearts of many travelers. 📍Detailed address: Chadian Town is located in Huayuan County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, nestled in the heart of the Wuling Mountains, by the banks of the You River, surrounded by mountains and water, simple and tranquil. Here, a large number of wooden buildings from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China period are preserved, with stone streets and stilted building clusters scattered in an orderly manner, as if taking people back to that simple and pure era. 🍀To visit Chadian, the top recommendation is 'Cuicui Island', a theme park built based on the story of 'Border Town', where you can experience the deeply touching love story of Cuicui and the Nuo ceremony from the novel. In addition, there is the historic Chadian Ancient Ferry, which has witnessed the passage of many years, telling the story of a thousand sails passing by. You can also stroll through the old streets, taste authentic Miao cuisine, and experience the unique Miao culture. 🚗Transportation: Due to Chadian's relatively remote location, it is recommended to first take a plane or train to Changsha or Zhangjiajie, then transfer to a long-distance bus to Jishou City, and finally take a shuttle bus directly to Huayuan County. After arriving, you can choose to take a taxi or bus to Chadian Ancient Town. Although the journey is somewhat circuitous, once you set foot on this land, all fatigue will be healed by the lush greenery and the vicissitudes of history. 🏨Accommodation: Recommended is the 'Chadian Renjia' homestay located in the center of the ancient town. The wooden house design retains local traditional features while providing modern comfortable facilities, with picturesque mountain and water views just outside the window. At night, fall asleep to the sound of flowing water, and wake up to the chirping of birds in the morning, truly experiencing a lifestyle in harmony with nature. 🌴Surrounding attractions recommendations: You might as well take a detour to visit the Dehang Grand Canyon and the Aizhai Bridge. The former is a masterpiece of nature's craftsmanship, while the latter is a magnificent embodiment of modern engineering technology. Both complement each other, allowing you to appreciate the grandeur of modern construction while enjoying the ancient charm of the border town.

I finally figured it out, the Tea Tuo Ancient Town and Hong'an Ancient Town actually refer to the same place

Located at the junction of Hunan, Chongqing, and Guizhou in western Hunan, there is a place called Biancheng, which is said to be the background for Shen Congwen's novel 'Border Town'. It is just an inconspicuous small river that spans three provinces, giving birth to two famous scenic spots. One is called Tea Tuo Ancient Town, which belongs to Huayuan County in Hunan; the other is called Hong'an Ancient Town, which belongs to Xiushan County in Chongqing. The two towns face each other across the river, not only connected by a bridge but also featuring a special 'Lala Ferry' to help tourists cross, so if you want to visit Biancheng, whether you choose Tea Tuo Ancient Town or Hong'an Ancient Town, it's actually the same thing.

Tea Tuo Ancient Town Travel Guide

Xiangxi·Border Town | The 'Border Town' from Mr. Shen Congwen's writings... Take a break for yourself, find some time for a spontaneous trip, Goto mysterious Xiangxi, a journey in search of time... The boundless city—Border Town, let's experience Mr. Shen Congwen's 'Border Town' together, not the Phoenix Ancient Town but the 'Border Town' known for its fame in three provinces~ Half poetic and picturesque, half worldly. 'Waiting in a city of mist and rain, just for you; living through a lifetime of love, only with you'—Shen Congwen Border Town Tea Tuo is a remote small town in Huayuan County, Hunan Province, founded in the eighth year of Jiaqing (1803), located at the junction of Hunan, Sichuan, and Chongqing, known as 'stepping into three provinces with one foot', and is one of the four famous towns in Western Hunan. It was once bustling with merchants gathered here due to its geographical advantages, and the stationed soldiers made it extraordinarily lively, hence the nickname 'Little Nanjing'. Here, there are none of the hustle and bustle of other ancient towns, but more of a sense of tranquility and authenticity. The riverside town of Border Town, as depicted by Shen Congwen, is picturesque and beautiful: there are stilted buildings in the town, a river by the town, islands in the river, forests on the islands, steles in the forests, and inscriptions on the steles. Ticket Information: The ancient town is free of charge La La Ferry (Hunan-Chongqing) 2r, cruise ship (stepping into three provinces with one foot) 25r Cuisine: √Specialty dish Jiao Jiao Fish Combining the culinary features of Sichuan, Hunan, and Guizhou provinces, the sour and spicy taste is quite delicious~ The editor has visited many restaurants and recommends going to: Dock Restaurant Accommodation: V There are many guesthouses in Border Town, where you can stay in a river-view room and experience the slow life of Border Town If you're not staying overnight, a half-day tour is recommended Transportation: Airplane: Xiangxi Border Town Airport, a 1-hour drive from Border Town Tea Tuo, with a bus to Huayuan County, then transfer to a bus High-speed train: Jishou East Station; after getting off. Carpool from Jishou East to Border Town Tea Tuo 60r/person, from Phoenix Ancient Town to Border Town about 80r. (You can also contact the editor in advance to arrange a local guide for you) Train: Jishou Station, then take a bus to Huayuan County, and finally take a bus to Border Town. (The bus takes one hour, 4 yuan) Self-driving car rental | The transportation here is very inconvenient, strongly recommend self-driving Or rent a car after arriving at the high-speed train station. Address Xiangxi Huayuan County Border Town Tea Tuo Ancient Town Scenic Area The true beauty of Border Town is actually the beauty of Shen Congwen's beautiful words.

The Border Town from Shen Congwen's writings!

Chaotian Ancient Town retains its original living atmosphere, unlike most ancient towns that are commercialized. There's a place with sesame fragrant crispy duck that smells so good, the whole street is filled with that aroma, unfortunately, it was sold out when I visited. It feels like stepping over the Three Provinces Boundary Marker, you'll find people from Chongqing or Sichuan or Guizhou.

I finally figured it out, the Tea Tuo Ancient Town and Hong'an Ancient Town actually refer to the same place

Located at the junction of Hunan, Chongqing, and Guizhou in western Hunan, there is a place called Biancheng, which is said to be the background for Shen Congwen's novel 'Border Town'. It is just an inconspicuous small river that spans three provinces, giving birth to two famous scenic spots. One is called Tea Tuo Ancient Town, which belongs to Huayuan County in Hunan; the other is called Hong'an Ancient Town, which belongs to Xiushan County in Chongqing. The two towns face each other across the river, not only connected by a bridge but also featuring a special 'Lala Ferry' to help tourists cross, so if you want to visit Biancheng, whether you choose Tea Tuo Ancient Town or Hong'an Ancient Town, it's actually the same thing.

Departing from Changsha on holidays to escape the crowd and knock on the less-traveled routes

Departing from Changsha by car🚗❗️ On holidays, to escape the crowd and find less popular routes||| A less-traveled self-driving🚗 route that has been tested by the last National Day ⚠️⚠️ This route is only suitable for those who don't like crowded scenic spots, don't want to waste holidays, and want to go out to see the scenery Changsha-Yunsheshan Village-Zhaishadongzhai-Biancheng-Jishou-Loudi Meijiang-Changsha The scenery along the way is great and there are few people (except for Biancheng, which has more people, but it's completely ok if you don't take the lala ferry, just that it's crowded) ✨Yunsheshan Village✨ The first Tujia village in China, located at the foot of Fanjing Mountain (you need to make a reservation in advance to go to Fanjing Mountain, there are quite a few people, I personally skipped it, not liking crowds). The village is not big, the scenery is pretty, with clear mountains and waters. Inside there is a Shenlong Pool with emerald green water, and there is an observation deck on the mountain next to it🉑 overlooking the village ✨Zhaishadongzhai✨ It's near Yunsheshan Village, it's suggested to go for a casual stroll in the evening. The newly built Dong village is quite commercialized, and there is a bonfire party in the evening, which has a good atmosphere ✨Biancheng✨ Biancheng from Shen Congwen's writings, not too few people during holidays, but still acceptable. The most fun part is that you can locate three places at once: Chongqing, Guizhou, and Hunan The city is full of travel photography, those who like to take pictures can try it. The food prices are reasonable, the 2 yuan lala ferry is the most crowded place in the city (I personally recommend the 20+💰 cruise boat more) Didn't do much in Jishou, just a place for a mid-way rest, had a delicious and cheap barbecue, and casually strolled around the city district ✨Loudi Meijiang✨ Originally wanted to see the Ziquejie terraces, bought tickets and went up, but it was all foggy, so I left. Then came to Meijiang, really chao surprise. I had posted notes about this place before, almost a thousand likes now, really worth it! The scenery is beautiful and special, not many people, it's already on my list to visit again🧾 Had a lot of fun along the way, also ate chao delicious Guizhou beef, Jishou barbecue, and with the right person, anywhere is good

How beautiful is the Border Town in Shen Congwen's writing?

In the 1930s, the famous writer Shen Congwen's novel 'Border Town' was published. The novel, set in the border town of Chadian, tells a pure and poignant love story, while also presenting to readers a Chadian like a pastoral song, pushing the border town Chadian, and even the entire Xiangxi to the world. Shen Congwen wrote in 'Border Town': 'The place of Chadian is built by the water and the mountains. On the side near the mountains, the city wall is like a long snake, climbing along the mountains. On the side facing the water, a dock is set up outside the city by the river, where small tents are moored... There is a river street running through all the docks, where most of the houses are half on land and half on water. Because of the limited space, all these houses have stilted buildings.' Shen Congwen's 'Border Town' is as beautiful as a landscape painting, reading it makes people feel as if they have entered the Peach Blossom Spring.

Two-day tour of Biancheng Chado

Come to Biancheng in Shen Congwen's writings for the Spring Festival holiday, with the spring blossoms adding much joy to the holiday. 🌟Highlights: 1. Step into three provinces at once, and enjoy the specialties of each; 2. The quiet ancient town, with relatively few tourists; 3. Experience Lala Du. 🕙Business hours: All day, lights on after dark, the night view has its own flavor. ✅Must experience: 1. Lala Du 2. One pot eats three provinces 3. Dress up for photos 🚉Transportation strategy: We drove there, parking is free, arrive early for easy parking, it's hard to park if you go late. 🧳Preparation before departure: 1. Sunscreen, the sunlight is already strong this season 2. Umbrella. The weather is changeable, with plentiful rain. 📝Note tips: Wear comfortable shoes, the roads here have a large slope, many steps, and lots of ups and downs.

Border Town Tea Tuo, a step into three provinces • Three days and two nights travel guide

Step into the real Border Town described by Shen Congwen, located at the junction of Hunan, Guizhou, and Chongqing provinces, known as the summer retreat treasure land where you can 'step across three provinces' ⛳Location: Border Town Tea Tuo Ancient Town Scenic Area, Huayuan County, Xiangxi 🎫Ticket: Ancient town is free, La La Ferry (Hunan-Chongqing) ¥2, Tourist boat (step across three provinces) ¥25 🅿Parking: There is a parking lot inside the ancient town ¥40/vehicle (3 days 2 nights) ✈Transportation: 🚗1. Self-driving: Depart from Guilin, take the Baomao Expressway 🚅2. High-speed rail travel: Take the train to Jishou, then take a bus to Huayuan County, and finally take a bus to the Border Town 🇨🇳Border Town itinerary: ✅ 3 days and 2 nights in Border Town Tea Tuo, per capita ¥1000 💫Day1: Depart from Guilin at 13:00 → Arrive at Border Town at 19:30 → Check into a homestay (Xiangxing Mansion) → Go downstairs and have dinner at the Three Provinces Restaurant about 5m away (ate corner fish, combining the spiciness of Hunan, the numbness of Chongqing, and the sourness of Guizhou) 💫Day2: 🎈7:30-9:00: Opposite the homestay is Cuicui Island, go downstairs and use a drone to capture the full view of Border Town by the river → Breakfast 🎈9:00-11:10: Walk along the river to Cuicui's former residence → White Pagoda → Return to Tea Tuo Ancient Pier 🎈11:30-15:30: La La Ferry → Tri-provincial junction check-in (20-minute walk), you can choose to take a small boat to row in the Xishui, passing through three provinces (Guizhou, Hunan, Chongqing), check-in at the tri-provincial junction, ticket price ¥25 (peak season), return to La La Ferry directly stop at the opposite (Chongqing) Hong'an Ancient Town → The First Gate of Southeast Chongqing → Liu Deng Memorial Square → Hong'an Old Street → Quotations Tower → Three No-Care Island → Lunch (Chongqing hot pot) 🎈15:30-16:30: Return to Tea Tuo Ancient Town → Tea drinking → Rest at the homestay 🎈19:00-22:30: Sunset glow → Dinner → Listen to songs in a small tavern 💫Day3: Check in along the way → Breakfast → Hanging Wall Highway (ticket ¥68/person) → Aizhai Bridge → Guilin 🍱Food recommendations: Sour and spicy corner fish, oil cake, rice tofu, fried potato flowers, glutinous rice crust, barbecue, beef noodles/soup, Chongqing hot pot 🎙Overall feeling: Border Town is suitable for walking tours, the scenic area is not highly commercialized, the prices are not expensive, and the place is clean, tidy, and orderly. The town is naturally simple and leisurely, it is the prototype of Shen Congwen's famous work 'Border Town', and the ethnic Tujia and Miao style in the ancient town is unique. The waterscape along the river is like a Jiangnan ink painting no matter how you shoot it, and you must experience the 'Three No-Care Island' and 'La La Ferry'! 📽Here you have old streets, natives, and the atmosphere of daily life, as well as the slow life like small bridges and flowing water! Among them, Cuicui Island is being renovated and is more modernized; 🎞The true beauty of Border Town is actually the beauty of Shen Congwen's beautiful words, as well as the beauty of kind and simple human nature and first love in the dark. There is a river by the town, and an island in the river. When night falls, feel the lights of thousands of homes, you need time to understand the culture of Border Town Tea Tuo

Border Town Tea Village, a foot across three provinces • Three-day and two-night tour guide

|📖 Enter the real border town in Shen Congwen's pen【Border Town Tea Village】Located at the junction of Hunan, Guizhou, and Chongqing, known as the summer resort treasure of 'one foot across three provinces' Location: Border Town Tea Village Ancient Town Scenic Area, Huayuan County, Western Hunan Ticket: Free for the ancient town, Lala Ferry (Hunan-Chongqing) ¥2, Cruise (one foot across three provinces) ¥25 🅿️Parking: There is a parking lot in the ancient city ¥40/vehicle (3 days and 2 nights) Transportation: 🚗1、Self-driving: Depart from Guilin, take the Baomao Expressway 🚅2、High-speed rail: Take the train to Jishou, then take the bus to Huayuan County, and finally take the bus to the border town Border Town Itinerary: 3 days and 2 nights in Border Town Tea Village, per capita ¥1000 Depart from Nanning City →Arrive at the border town in the evening→Check in to the homestay (Xiangxing Mansion)→Go downstairs about 5m to have dinner at a restaurant where you can eat in three provinces (I ate the corner fish, which combines the spiciness of Hunan, the numbness of Chongqing, and the sourness of Guizhou) 7:30-9:00: Cui Cui Island opposite the homestay, go downstairs and use a drone to take a full view of the border town→Breakfast 9:00-11:10: Walk along the river to Cui Cui's old house→White Tower→Return to the ancient pier of Tea Village 11:30-15:30: Lala Ferry→Check in at the junction of the three provinces (20 minutes on foot), you can choose to take a small boat in the Xishui River, you can pass through three provinces (Guizhou, Hunan, Chongqing), check in at the junction of the three provinces, the ticket price is 25 yuan (peak season), return to Lala Ferry directly stop at the opposite (Chongqing) Hong'an Ancient Town→The first gate of Southeast Chongqing→Liu Deng Memorial Square→Hong'an Old Street→Quotation Tower→Three No Man's Island→Lunch (Chongqing Hot Pot) 15:30-16:30: Return to Tea Village Ancient Town→Tea→Rest at the homestay 19:00-22:30: Sunset→Dinner→Listen to songs in a small bar : Check in the beautiful scenery along the way→Breakfast→Cliffside Highway (Ticket ¥68/person)→Aizhai Bridge Recommended food: Sour and spicy corner fish, oil cake, rice tofu, fried potato flowers, glutinous rice crust, barbecue, beef noodles, Chongqing hot pot : Tea Village is not a very commercialized ancient town, the food and accommodation may not satisfy picky friends, the scenery is pleasant, I went in early July, I was lucky to see the dragon boat race, Tea Village is very suitable for friends who want to travel on weekends and college students, the town is natural and simple, leisurely and comfortable, this is the prototype of Shen Congwen's famous work 'Border Town', the Tujia and Miao ethnic style in the ancient town, and the 'Three No Man's Island and' 'Lala Ferry' must go to experience! Tea Village Ancient Town

Departing from Changsha on holidays to escape the crowd and knock on the less-traveled routes

Departing from Changsha by car🚗❗️ On holidays, to escape the crowd and find less popular routes||| A less-traveled self-driving🚗 route that has been tested by the last National Day ⚠️⚠️ This route is only suitable for those who don't like crowded scenic spots, don't want to waste holidays, and want to go out to see the scenery Changsha-Yunsheshan Village-Zhaishadongzhai-Biancheng-Jishou-Loudi Meijiang-Changsha The scenery along the way is great and there are few people (except for Biancheng, which has more people, but it's completely ok if you don't take the lala ferry, just that it's crowded) ✨Yunsheshan Village✨ The first Tujia village in China, located at the foot of Fanjing Mountain (you need to make a reservation in advance to go to Fanjing Mountain, there are quite a few people, I personally skipped it, not liking crowds). The village is not big, the scenery is pretty, with clear mountains and waters. Inside there is a Shenlong Pool with emerald green water, and there is an observation deck on the mountain next to it🉑 overlooking the village ✨Zhaishadongzhai✨ It's near Yunsheshan Village, it's suggested to go for a casual stroll in the evening. The newly built Dong village is quite commercialized, and there is a bonfire party in the evening, which has a good atmosphere ✨Biancheng✨ Biancheng from Shen Congwen's writings, not too few people during holidays, but still acceptable. The most fun part is that you can locate three places at once: Chongqing, Guizhou, and Hunan The city is full of travel photography, those who like to take pictures can try it. The food prices are reasonable, the 2 yuan lala ferry is the most crowded place in the city (I personally recommend the 20+💰 cruise boat more) Didn't do much in Jishou, just a place for a mid-way rest, had a delicious and cheap barbecue, and casually strolled around the city district ✨Loudi Meijiang✨ Originally wanted to see the Ziquejie terraces, bought tickets and went up, but it was all foggy, so I left. Then came to Meijiang, really chao surprise. I had posted notes about this place before, almost a thousand likes now, really worth it! The scenery is beautiful and special, not many people, it's already on my list to visit again🧾 Had a lot of fun along the way, also ate chao delicious Guizhou beef, Jishou barbecue, and with the right person, anywhere is good

The beautiful Purple Finch realm

It forms a picturesque pastoral landscape. The wooden plank houses surrounded by mountains and ancient trees compose the wonderful natural scenery of 'Heaven and Man as One' in the Purple Finch realm. The natural beauty of the Purple Finch realm's terraced fields is also reflected in the changing scenery with the seasons, making the terraced fields even more graceful. Spring is like blocks of crystal under the sunshine, summer is like curved jade pouring down from the sky, autumn is like crisscrossing patches of golden yellow, and winter is like tens of thousands of white ribbons dancing. This place is a paradise on earth, a great destination for tourism.

National Day rural tour

Check in at the Zhenglong Ancient Village in Xinhua Ziquejie~ A quiet place, there were not many people when I went. There are small terraced fields and streams, it's very cool, suitable for relaxing and relieving stress. But it may not be suitable for people with high demands. The scenic area is not large. First, the key point❗️: The scenic area currently does not require a ticket, it is still under construction Tour time⏱: Half a day-1 day (suitable for weekend tours) Drive🚗: It takes about an hour from Xinhua County. I went from the direction of Lugu Wentiandao, the road is quite good. Motorcycles are also very convenient. Route🗺️: You can directly navigate to Zhenglong Ancient Village, don't cross the bridge near the gate of Ziquejie, turn left, there is a small road next to it (there is a Zique local restaurant) and drive for more than ten minutes. Photo check-in📸: Because I'm lazy, I didn't deliberately climb the mountain and look for spots this time. Here are three spots: 1️⃣There is a suspension bridge near the small stream canyon, there are road signs, the word 'xi' sign can take portraits and videos. It's quite suitable for couples to take pictures and check in 2️⃣For scenery, I haven't found a good spot yet, you can climb the mountain and see. I personally think the good spot is on the road in the parking lot of the scenic area, you can drive up, there is a red maple tree on the top. 3️⃣Near the covered bridge. That is, the place out of the village. Dining and accommodation🏠: I only played for an afternoon, so I didn't eat or stay, so I won't recommend it. Extended play: From the small road in the parking lot, you can drive all the way to the Ziquejie viewing platform, but the road is a bit narrow. Finally, I hope Xinhua will get better and better Ziquejie terraces

Ziweijie: Hunan's fascinating terraced kingdom Hunan Zijingjie terraces are the atmosphere of the beautiful Longsheng terraced fields in Guangxi and the Hani terraces in Yunnan, and enjoy the reputation of the kingdom of terraced fields. For the purple terraces, the text is difficult to describe its magnificence, and it is difficult for the camera to capture its thickness. Only in person, in the mountains and waters, can you experience a true journey of meditation. The / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

What such great experience in the Hunan province and close to the border of Chongqing a wonderful place to go