On the evening of July 20, the “Huaihua, A Blessed Land as Your Home” Cultural and Tourism Promotion Event for the 5th Hunan Tourism Development Conference was held in Guiyang. Representatives from seven Huaihua regions—Yuanling County, Xupu County, Hecheng District, Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County, Zhongfang County, Hongjiang City, and Hongjiang District—took the stage to showcase their unique cultural and tourism offerings, inviting the audience on an immersive “virtual tour” of Huaihua, the Blessed Land.
Join us now to unlock these seven dazzling cultural and tourism treasures of Huaihua. One is sure to steal your heart.
Yuanling: Where Landscapes Captivate the Soul
“Falling for a city is like falling for a person.” Yuanling, as depicted by Lin Huiyin, quietly wins hearts.
Discover Yuanling’s poetic landscapes: the Natural Oxygen Bar-Jiemuxi Forest at dawn, Fenghuang Mountain’s rare “Three Pagodas in Alignment,” the legendary Kuafu-Chasing-the-Sun Willow Forests, and the shimmering You River Gallery—each scene a masterpiece of nature’s artistry and poetic tranquility.
Encounter its millennial culture: Traverse 2,200 years of history at Longxing Lecture Hall, Qianzhong Commandery, Chenlong Pass, Chenzhou Ancient Street, and Wang Family Compound. The Zhonghua Book Mountain preserves the enduring flame of Chinese civilization.
Experience local life: Savor globally renowned national GI products—Jietan Tea, Wuqiangxi Fish, Daheping Black Pork. Relish local favorites like Shailan Dried Pork, Longxing Crisp Candy, and Trotters Noodles. Let folk songs, Chenzhou papercuttings, and traditional dragon boats enrich your days.
“Yuanling’s scenery, its township, and its people form a complete memory in my heart. I long to return—anytime.”
Xupu: Millennia of Poetic Spirit, Answered by Mountains and Rivers
Here, 2,300 years ago, Qu Yuan pondered the cosmos in his Heavenly Questions. Today, his spirit returns as we seek answers within these crimson cliffs and emerald waters.
The winds still echo “The way ahead is long and has no turning”. From Xiang Jingyu’s devotion to Deng Qianyuan’s fervor, patriotism endures. Now, a Poetry Research Center roots the soul of Chu Ci in the dreams of today.
Simeng Danxia brings “Fragrant orchids grow by streams” to life. Chuanyan Mountain’s depths guard secrets of Nine Songs. Shanbei Terraces rise like “Descendants of High Lord Gaoyang”. August’s cable car ascends the clouds—a perfect “quest up and down.” Feel Chu culture in Huayao embroidery and Chenhe Opera.
Today, silicite mining writes a “Light Rivaling Sun and Moon” chapter. Navel oranges, bearing the spirit of Ode to the Orange, journey worldwide. Highways fulfill ancient dreams of “Departing at Dawn.”
Where does poetry reside? In every inch of Xupu, awaiting your footsteps.
Hecheng: The Town That Knows How to Dress Your Hair
I’m Xiaohua, Hecheng’s “Tony-The Hairdresser,” here to style “Hecheng’s New Vibe!” Hecheng knows your needs and your heart.
Last year, Huaihua barber Xiaohua won hearts nationwide with his ¥30 cuts, boosting confidence and revealing Hecheng’s Internet celebrity charm.
In Hecheng, nature provides the perfect filter. The Wushui River and Taipingxi Belt form the city’s “living room,” while Hemingzhou Park serves as its downtown “ecomirror”—every snapshot is wallpaper worthy.
As night drapes Hecheng in a “trendy filter”, its dual charm emerges: Yue Lu Li blends Hanfu elegance with streetwear flair; Xintiandi Night Market’s 365 flavors satisfy every craving.
Seeking “poetry and distance”? Shuilong Village’s paddyfield café beckons. Next door, bamboo weaving meets modern design. Wuxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Park fuses Dong brocade, Chenhe Gaoqiang opera, and tech for an immersive experience. Tradition and innovation blend seamlessly here.
Hecheng, where landscapes inspire, night markets delight, old streets comfort—and we understand all you seek in a city.
Zhijiang: Monument of Peace, Charm of Dong Homeland
I’m Xiaomin, a Dong girl. Zhijiang—named for the orchids by the streams—is eternally defined by peace.
On August 21, 1945, Japan’s surrender was signed here, making Zhijiang an eternal symbol of China’s hardwon victory. The towering “Blood”shaped Memorial Arch stands as an enduring monument to peace across time.
As one of China’s five major Dong autonomous counties, Zhijiang resonates with the Grand Dong Chorus, echoing the people’s zest for life. Exquisite Drum Towers, WindRain Bridges, and Stilt Houses showcase Dong ingenuity.
It’s your ideal retreat awaits. “Zhijiang grows more beautiful with your presence.”
Zhongfang: Ancient Roots, New Rural Rhythms
“Orchids grace the streams, the Wu River embraces Jingping.” We, guardians of millennia-old Jingping, welcome you to Zhongfang.
This land witnessed the Warring States’ Wuyang and echoed with Han couriers’ hoofbeats. Jingping Ancient Village winds through slate lanes in Ming & Qing dynasties where “Great Harmony Music” lingers. Carvings at Pan Clan Ancestral Hall recount tales of an imperial tutor; grooves in ancient hitching stones whisper of merchant glory.
Taste Zhongfang’s poetic idyll: walk on Tiepo Terraces, wade into fields at Tudizhu EcoFarm, transplant rice, catch fish—what a pure, revitalizing joy!
In September, vitis davidii sweeten in China’s southern grape valley. Sip homemade wine under the moonlit Yang Family Courtyard’s skywell—nostalgia at its gentlest.
Ancient heritage meets new rural vitality. Draw your own poetic journey in Zhongfang.
Hongjiang City: Nature’s Bounty, Treasure of Xuefeng
“Cool summer breezes by the stream; spring wine shared in bamboo groves.” — Wang Changling (courtesy name: Shaobo). Nestled by the Yuan River on Xuefeng’s southern slopes lies Hongjiang City—a land of natural splendor and cultural riches, truly a jewel of western Hunan.
Anjiang Basin bears Shennong’s legacy. Yuan Longping toiled here 37 years, breeding hybrid rice to feed millions. The 7,800-year-old Gaomiao Ruins, with phoenix-patterned pottery, mark the dawn of Chinese farming.
Qianyang Ancient Town, southern Chu’s crown: Furong Tower’s “moonlit peaks,” Zhongzheng Gate’s weathered stones, scholars’ homes redolent of ink.
The Qing River mirrors Xuefeng’s grandeur across 30,000 acres. Drift its waters angling by day; stargaze from your “space pod” cabin by night.
Xuefeng Mountains stand sentinel. Forests teem with oxygen—spring clouds, summer cool, autumn rime, winter snows: a changing canvas.
“Guiyang’s warmth, Hongjiang’s wonders—though mountains part us, we share one moon, one sky.”
Hongjiang District: Merchant Legends, Ancient Flavors
“Walk, wander, roam—come to Hongjiang, leave your worries home!” A shopkeeper’s call transports you to its bustling past.
Hongjiang Ancient Merchant Town: a maze of “Seven Crossings, Eight Lanes, Nine Streets.” Soaring horsehead walls, deep slate alleys, “Fish-Dragon Metamorphosis” water vats, and the adage “Losses Can Be Blessings” whisper of gilded eras. Tianjun Theater’s gongs seem to echo; inns, escort bureaus, banks recall merchant glory.
“One pack, one umbrella—arrive in Hongjiang, become a magnate!” Riding the Yuan River’s golden waterway, trade in tung oil, timber, and herbs boomed. Grit, resilience, and guild codes forged ragstoriches legends.
Legends you can taste: Hongjiang sweet sauce savored far and wide; Blood Cakes Duck—a signature feast. Amidst clacking bamboo clappers, the town’s merchant soul awaits your discovery.
(Translated by Qu Qiongxue)