Ancient towns and their original charms
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When it comes to China's ancient towns, Fenghuang, Zhouzhuang and Lijiang are the most famous. However, having attracted millions of visitors, their ancient charms have dissolved somewhat with the streams of people. Fortunately, there are still many unexplored towns where you can experience the original living styles of southern China.
Huangyao, Guangxi Province
Located in Zhaoping County of Guangxi Province, Huangyao is a tranquil town where you can hear even your own breath. Wandering down the flagstone pavement from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, surrounded by the ancient shops, faded carvings and colored doors, you can easily imagine the prosperity and bustle of the old days.
The town has 11 ancestral temples and an ancient well used for drinking, washing vegetables and washing clothes. Every third day of March according to the lunar calendar, people celebrate the festival by performing operas on an ancient stage.
Tips:
1. Huangyao is 200 kilometers from Guilin. To visit Huangyao, you can get a transfer from Guilin or Hezhou, the two other cities in Guangxi Province.
2. The coach leaves Huangyao at 8:10 a.m. and returns from Guilin at 13:10 p.m.
3. To visit Huangyao from Hezhou, you can go to Zhongshan and then take a 50-kilometer ride to Gongqiao, which has a six-kilometer distance between Huangyao.
4. Huangyao is famous for its Solomon's seal, sour plums and fermented beans, which were served as the tribute to emperors of the Qing Dynasty and even to Southeast Asia. Huangyao's Fermented Bean Feast is a must-try.
