The Stunning Dong Wind and Rain Bridge

Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County in Huaihua, located in western Hunan Province, is renowned for its Dong culture, WWII history, and natural scenery, earning its title as the "City of Peace." Here’s a detailed travel guide to Zhijiang, covering attractions, food, transportation, and itinerary suggestions. --- **📌 Must-Visit Attractions in Zhijiang** **1. Memorial Hall of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (Zhijiang Surrender Memorial Arch)** - **Highlights**: China’s only museum dedicated to commemorating the WWII surrender. In 1945, Japan signed the preliminary surrender documents here. - **Features**: Surrender Memorial Arch, original surrender site, and WWII artifacts exhibition. - **Ticket**: Free (ID required). - **Suggested Duration**: 1-2 hours. **2. Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge** - **Highlights**: The world’s longest Dong-style wind and rain bridge (246.7 meters), spanning the Wu River, with stunning nighttime lighting. - **Features**: Shops on the bridge, Dong architectural style, and riverside views. - **Ticket**: Free. - **Suggested Duration**: 30 mins–1 hour (best visited at dusk when the lights turn on). **3. Wanhe Drum Towers** - **Highlights**: Iconic Dong architecture, consisting of five drum towers symbolizing the "Five Elements" (metal, wood, water, fire, earth). - **Features**: Drum tower structures and Dong song-and-dance performances (during holidays). - **Ticket**: Free. - **Suggested Duration**: 30 minutes. **4. Zhijiang Tianhou Palace (Mazu Temple)** - **Highlights**: The largest inland Mazu Temple, blending Dong and Minnan architectural styles. - **Features**: Stone carvings, murals, and an ancient opera stage. - **Ticket**: ¥20. - **Suggested Duration**: 30 minutes. **5. Sandao Pit Primeval Forest** (Ideal for hikers) - **Highlights**: Pristine valleys, waterfalls, and streams, perfect for summer hikes. - **Features**: Qingyun Waterfall, Dragon Pool, and virgin forest. - **Ticket**: ¥50. - **Suggested Duration**: 3-4 hours (recommended to drive or hire a car). --- **🍜 Zhijiang Food Recommendations** Zhijiang specializes in Dong cuisine and western Hunan dishes. Must-tries: 1. **Zhijiang Duck** (A local specialty, rich in flavor; try at "Dongjiawang Zhijiang Duck") 2. **Sour Fish Soup** (Dong-style, spicy and tangy) 3. **Blood Cake Duck** (Duck blood with glutinous rice, unique texture) 4. **Oil Tea** (Traditional Dong hospitality drink, bittersweet) 5. **Rice Tofu** (Served cold or in soup, smooth and refreshing) **Recommended Restaurants**: - Dongjiawang Restaurant - Yang’s Zhijiang Duck - Old Street Sour Fish Soup --- **🚗 Transportation Guide** - **High-Speed Rail**: From Huaihua South Station, take a bus to Zhijiang (~40 mins). - **Flight**: Zhijiang has an airport (Huaihua Zhijiang Airport) with direct flights from some cities. - **Self-Drive**: Changsha → Zhijiang (~5 hours), Huaihua → Zhijiang (~1 hour). - **Within the County**: Attractions are close; walk or take a taxi (Didi/local cabs). --- **📅 Itinerary Suggestions** **One-Day Trip (Core Attractions)** Morning: Surrender Memorial Hall → Wanhe Drum Towers → Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge Afternoon: Tianhou Palace → Sandao Pit (or switch to a Dong village experience) Evening: Zhijiang Duck dinner + night stroll at the Wind and Rain Bridge **Two-Day Trip (In-Depth Experience)** **Day 1**: Surrender Memorial Hall → Wanhe Drum Towers → Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge (night view) **Day 2**: Sandao Pit hike / Dong villages (e.g., Suoxi, Bihe) → Departure --- **💡 Travel Tips** 1. **Best Season**: Spring and autumn (April–May, September–October). Summer is cool; winter is chilly. 2. **Accommodation**: Stay in the county town for easy access to the bridge and drum towers (recommend Zhijiang Hotel or Dong-themed guesthouses). 3. **Dong Culture**: If visiting during festivals (e.g., "March 3"), enjoy Lusheng dances and Dong songs. 4. **Souvenirs**: Vacuum-packed Zhijiang Duck or Dong embroidery crafts. --- Zhijiang offers a mix of profound history, breathtaking nature, and unique Dong culture, ideal for travelers who love both heritage and scenery. If time allows, extend your trip to **Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town** or **Fenghuang Ancient Town** (~2 hours’ drive).