Huaihua weaves landscape into tapestry

Scenic mountains, ancient towns and colorful traditions make Hunan city a captivating destination for travelers

Nestled in Central China's Hunan province, Huaihua stands as a hidden gem for global travelers, offering a captivating blend of breathtaking natural landscapes and a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, including ancient towns, historical sites and authentic ethnic traditions that echo with stories of centuries past.

As a crucial crossroads where the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau transitions to the hilly plains, Huaihua, historically called Wuxi and renowned as the "gateway to Yunnan and Guizhou provinces", has also witnessed vibrant commerce and cultural exchanges for thousands of years.

Masterpieces of nature

The landscapes of Huaihua are of pristine, untouched beauty. Xuefeng Mountain, with its sweeping grandeur and slopes blanketed in lush greenery, is often compared to a canvas upon which nature has brushed its deepest shades of green.

The Yuanjiang River originates in the deep mountains of Guizhou and converges with hundreds of streams in Huaihua, forming a mighty water system that flows northward into Dongting Lake, China's second-largest freshwater lake. When the water surface is calm, the jade-like Yuanjiang River resembles a vast mirror. During the flood season, the river surges and roars, showcasing the majestic power of nature.

Between the mountains and rivers lies a centuries-old agricultural marvel — the Shanbei Terraced Fields in Xupu county. First built in the pre-Qin period (before 221 BC), these terraced fields in villages such as Shanbei, Lushan and Huangtian in Gezhuping town are among the highest-altitude terraces in China. They climb from foothills at just over 300 meters to peaks above 1,400 meters, spreading across roughly 13,333 hectares.

Looking down from the mountain top, the layers of terraces resemble a ladder stretching up to the clouds. Cold springs flow between the fields, nourishing crops and sustaining local life. While the foothills may swelter with heat, cool breezes sweep across the mountain top terraces. Visitors can experience "four seasons" in one journey and marvel at the "terraces above the clouds".

Huaihua also boasts numerous natural attractions. Wanfo Mountain in Tongdao Dong autonomous county is dotted with countless uniquely shaped peaks. Yingzuijie Scenic Spot in Huitong county preserves primeval forests rich in rare flora and fauna. On Bamian Mountain in the Hongjiang region, visitors who climb to the summit are rewarded with panoramic views spanning more than 100 kilometers. Chuanyan Mountain in Xupu county, with its karst caves and fantastical stalactites, feels like an underground palace.

Heritage of humanity

Huaihua not only has beautiful natural scenery but also a profound historical and cultural heritage. Countless ancient cities, towns and villages are scattered across the region, carrying thousands of years of history.

The most dazzling is Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town, whose origins trace back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). With convenient water transportation, it was once a bustling gathering place for merchants. The Yuanjiang River, which literary master Shen Congwen praised as "achingly beautiful", flows through Hongjiang and nourishes this ancient town.

Walking along its stone-paved roads feels like stepping back in time. The stones, worn smooth by the centuries, echo with history. Traditional Yinzi Houses with enclosed courtyards stand on either side, simple yet elegant. Horse-head walls rise in orderly rows, and windows display exquisite wood carvings. Inside old firms, workshops, inns and guildhalls, one can almost hear merchants bargaining and vendors calling out their wares.

Yutou Ancient Dong Village in Tongdao Dong autonomous county showcases the artistry of Dong wooden architecture, including its gate, drum tower and wind-rain bridge. The village gate, carved with patterns symbolizing peace and prosperity, is both simple and solemn. The magnificent drum tower, a landmark structure, gathers villagers for meetings and celebrations. Its wood carvings and paintings highlight the Dong people's craftsmanship and cultural richness. The wind-rain bridge, decorated with ornate carvings, provides both shelter and a social gathering place.

Ethnic customs

Huaihua is home to many ethnic groups. The Dong and Yao peoples, among others, have lived here for generations, creating a colorful cultural mosaic.

The Dong people's Helong Banquet is a symbol of hospitality. When guests arrive, villagers host a grand banquet, laying out long tables filled with delicacies such as sour fish, cured meats, glutinous rice and Dong-style tea. Laughter and chatter fill the air as the hosts warmly toast their visitors with songs.

Miao girls, from an early age, learn embroidery and cross-stitch. With nimble hands, they stitch vivid patterns of flowers, birds, insects, legends and scenes of daily life. These works, once part of tradition, are now sought-after handicrafts among tourists.

The Huangdu Dong Cultural Village, nestled between mountains and rivers, is composed of four hamlets: Touzhai, Weizhai, Xinzhai and Panzhai. A purely Dong settlement, its name "Huangdu" — meaning imperial capital — comes from a legend that the king of the ancient Yelang Kingdom was so enchanted by the customs here that he promised to make it his capital. Visitors today can still hear the Dong people's grand chorus echo through the village or watch spirited dances around the majestic drum tower.

Every April, the Dawuliang Singing Party takes place in Tongdao Dong autonomous county. This festival commemorates a pair of Dong lovers who sacrificed their lives for the freedom to marry. For centuries, just before Guyu — a solar term of the Chinese calendar beginning around April 20 — young people from Hunan, the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and Guizhou gather on Dawuliang Mountain to sing, dressed in their finest. Today, the Dawuliang Festival is not only a cherished tradition of the Dong people but also a cultural spectacle that attracts visitors from across China.

liyou@chinadaily.com.cn