Situated 162 km from Guilin, in the northeast of the Zhuang Autonomous Region of Guangxi, Huangyao is an ancient town and cultural heritage site of classical Chine.

Today, the entire village ranks among the 10 most celebrated historical ancient villages in Chine, recognized as a national 4A tourist destination.

History

Established in 927, the village flourished during the Wanli period (1573–1620) of the Ming Dynasty. The name Huangyao derives from the surnames of its founding families, primarily the Huang and Yao clans.

During the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), Huangyao entered a golden age thanks to its strategic location. It stood at the commercial crossroads between Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hunan. At its peak, over 300,000 merchants and traders inhabited the village.

Exploring Ancient Huangyao Village

Spanning 3.6 km², the entire village is often affectionately called the "garden of dreams." Dotted with elegant pavilions and towers, this ancient settlement is embraced on both sides by hills, water basins, caves, and ancient trees, including the magnificent Longmen Banyan. Adorned with numerous stone bridges, two rivers wind through the old village, creating an enchanting landscape for visitors.

Featuring architecture reminiscent of the Linan style, the south-facing houses are decorated with small slate tiles bearing classical Chinese calligraphy. Built entirely of brick with roofs covered in deep blue-black tiles, the main commercial streets are paved with large slate slabs. Many visitors come to experience the profound cultural influence of the Ming and Qing dynasties reflected in the architecture.

Animated by its conservation-minded residents, the village reads like a grand mural depicting authentic ancient Chinese life—a testament to the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Drawing on Fengshui principles that emphasize water's vital role, the village features sinuous water channels flowing peacefully along winding canals, providing essential comfort for daily life.

Huangyao village is equally rich in historical attractions. Erected by the town's wealthiest families during its prosperous era, buildings were constructed to honor deities and ancestors. During your visit, you can explore temples, ancestral halls, and pavilions to discover numerous Chinese cultural relics including ancient stone inscriptions, the renowned Hangyu calligraphy, portraits of Ming Dynasty scholars, and magnificent steles.

The best time to visit is during the annual festival season. Held between March and April, two festivals draw crowds from across the region to celebrate the He Shen Festival. It's an ideal opportunity to connect with locals, enjoy traditional opera performances on the historic stage, or savor local dishes such as lobster sauce and stuffed tofu.

You can take the high-speed train connecting Guangzhou and Guiyang, disembark at Hezhou, then board bus lines 254, 805, 823, 31, 7, 225, 46, 175, or 20 to reach Huangyao.

Alternatively, direct long-distance buses serve Huangyao from Guilin in 3 hours, from Yangshuo in 1.5 hours, and from Guangzhou in 7 hours.

Hours and Admission Fees

Admission is 100 RMB for adults and 80 RMB for children (free for those under 5).

The village is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.