Dehang translates to “beautiful valley” in the Hmong language, and it’s easy to see why. Located about 20km west of the city of Jishou, the village has been open for tourism since the 1980s. And most visitors make the trip over for two reasons: to experience local Miao culture and to hike through one of …
The Fenghuang Ancient Town area has plenty to do and see. One can spend several days in town, exploring its hidden spots and cobblestone backstreets. But if you purchase Fenghuang’s ¥168 ‘through ticket,’ you’ll notice that it includes a few places well outside the city itself: Qiliang Cave and the Southern Great Wall. But is going …
Fenghuang, one of China’s most beloved historical towns, translates to ‘Phoenix.’ The legendary bird, in fact, has been a part of Chinese folklore and culture for around 8,000 years. And arriving in Fenghuang Ancient Town, I wondered if I’d get the chance to learn more about it. But while Phoenix imagery is abundant throughout the …
Meeting a Mythical Bird at The Nanhua Mountain Phoenix Cultural Spot Read More »
It would be hard to look at pictures of Hunan Province’s Fenghuang Ancient Town and not feel drawn to the place. Its stilt houses, picturesque river area and cobblestone alleyways combine to make it one of China’s most scenic towns. But while domestic tourists flock to Fenghuang in droves, it remains well off the radar …
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of China’s, and the world’s, most breathtaking natural scenic areas. As China’s first ever national park, Zhangjiajie first opened its doors back in 1982. The huge sandstone pillars which it’s known for, however, were formed many millions of years ago. And most visitors flock to the Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain districts …
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (3 of 3): Hiking Huangshi Village Read More »
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of China’s, and the world’s, most breathtaking natural scenic areas. First opened in 1982, it’s the country’s first ever national park. Zhangjiajie is known for its huge sandstone pillars formed by many years of water erosion, and there are a near countless number of them throughout the area. At …
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (2 of 3): Hiking Tianzi Mountain Read More »
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of China’s, and the world’s, most breathtaking natural scenic areas. Situated in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, the massive park takes up over 11,900 acres. The park is known for its huge sandstone pillars formed by many years of water erosion, and there are a near countless number …
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (1 of 3): Hiking Yuanjiajie & Yangjiajie Read More »
Waterfalls? Caves? Traditional Chinese architecture? How about all three in the same scene? Furong Ancient Town, located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, is undoubtedly one of China’s most unique historical towns. For whatever reason, though, it’s often overlooked by tourists – both international and domestic. And that’s all the more reason to come …
Furong Ancient Town: Where Caves, Waterfalls & Tujia Culture Converge Read More »
Tianmen Mountain, located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, is one of China’s most impressive national parks. The mountain is home to a number of geological mysteries, such as a massive hole in the rock known as ‘Heaven’s Gate,’ and Guigu Cave, a seemingly manmade yet natural square cavern. The large and colorful Tianmenshan …
Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, is well off many travelers’ radars. Some might pass through on the way to Zhangjiajie National Park or Fenghuang. But the city of several million is more than just a transport hub. It has thousands of years of history, and a lot more to offer than first meets the eye. …