Things to do in Tongdao

I drove there by myself. It was nine kilometers from the visitor center to the trailhead. There were not many people. I chose the steepest trail when climbing, which still required some physical strength. The scenic spot prepared a bottle of water for everyone, which was quite considerate.

Passing through the village gate and stepping onto the ancient post road paved with bluestone slabs, it felt as if time had flown back in time. The village is devoid of bustling commercial streets or bustling tourists, only quaint stilt houses and the simple homes of the Dong people. The path paved with bluestone and cobblestones is a popular photo-op in Yutou Dong Village. After a drizzle, the slippery bluestone path stretches through the village, like a crystal-clear stream. Small fish ponds connect to each other along the roadside, each containing a small pavilion. At first, I thought they were architectural models, but later I learned they were "shade pavilions" designed to provide shade for the fish. Walking up the mountain along the bluestone path, I arrived at Yutou Dong Village's most unique structure, the Yashang Drum Tower (also known as the Cliff Drum Tower). Built in 1777, the drum tower is perched on a steep hillside. The Drum Tower follows the slope, half built on the hillside and half suspended in mid-air by 17 pearwood pillars. The six pillars, of varying lengths, provide optimal load-bearing support, ensuring the tower's sturdiness over two centuries. The tower's arching eaves, with their quaint, ancient form, combine both uniqueness and precariousness. Inside the Yashang Drum Tower is a unique sculpture depicting a "monkey holding a melon," said to be the only such sculpture among drum towers. "Melon" means strong in the Dong language, suggesting that the monkeys contribute to the tower's stability. Halfway up the hill, there's a small wooden cabin, within which lies the Qianlong Ancient Well. Built in 1791, the 56th year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign, the water remains sweet and delicious, suitable for drinking directly. The village's high number of longevity is said to be closely linked to the quality of the well's water. I scooped up a handful of the well water and tasted it; it was indeed refreshing and refreshing.

皇都侗民族文化村，伶了湖南省怀化市通道侗族自治县，是国家4A级旅游风景区。距县城双江镇10公里。这里有原汁原味，古色古香、丰富多彩的侗族民俗风情，宛如现实版的世外桃源。走进皇都侗文化村，面对风雨桥、鼓楼、侗族民居这些极具侗族特色的建筑，就像走进一座侗族民俗博物馆。侗族歌舞表演、侗族风味美食、非遗传统技艺……一个个体验项目，让人深深沉浸在侗族文化的魅力当中。

A fantastic place to learn about the Dong ethnic group. We visited three villages, saw the drum towers, observed the local dwellings, and explored the museum… There were also very beautiful ancient bridges and wells. It was definitely worth the trip. We parked in the underground parking lot of the scenic area, but to get inside, we still needed to take an electric cart, and it took about an hour and a half to walk through the three villages.

The driver provided excellent service. He contacted us the night before to arrange pick-up and drop-off, and was punctual. He was incredibly enthusiastic, sharing local customs and culture along the way. He even lent us his hiking poles, which were helpful for our elderly relative who wasn't feeling well. Highly recommended! The rice terraces in mid-October were also stunning and spectacular. A very enjoyable trip!

In the sweltering summer, a family trip, especially with children, to Nanshan is a great choice for escaping the heat, relaxing, and having fun. Staying within the Nanshan scenic area means you won't need air conditioning while sleeping; the temperature is generally between 18-23 degrees Celsius. During the day, you can take your children horseback riding, see windmills, and even experience feeding cows and milking cows. In the evening, you can watch dragon dances, enjoy bonfires, and even bottle-feed lambs. The activities are plentiful and quite enjoyable.

It was all thick fog, getting thicker and thicker, and you couldn't see anything. Climbing was practically pointless. But overall, I was still very happy. It's okay to have flaws and regrets on a journey, and to be tolerant of life's imperfections.

When visiting Guilin, a must-see is Elephant Trunk Hill, the city's iconic landmark. It truly lives up to its reputation as the face of Guilin's landscape; only by seeing it in person can one truly appreciate the wonders of nature. The entire mountain sits on the banks of the Li River, resembling a giant elephant bowing to drink from the water. The Water Moon Cave cuts through the mountain, its reflection shimmering in the water, creating the famous Elephant Trunk Hill and Water Moon spectacle—a flowing ink painting. The scenic area is clean and comfortable, with walking paths built along the Li River, shaded by lush trees, making for a delightful stroll. You can climb the mountain for panoramic views of Guilin, or find classic vantage points along the riverbank to capture stunning, atmospheric photos. Boat trips are also available, offering a different and breathtaking perspective of Elephant Trunk Hill from the river. The scenic area is conveniently located in the city center, with excellent transportation and comprehensive facilities. Every step reveals a new vista, allowing you to truly experience the unparalleled beauty of Guilin's landscape. Don't miss it when traveling to Guilin; it's definitely worth a visit.

The scenic area is quite large. Even with VIP service, it was still tiring. Be prepared to walk for a long time. The scenery was beautiful when we visited, and there were also places suitable for children to play.

It's spectacular! The vast pastoral landscape and the brightly lit homes create completely different scenes at night and during the day. By day, the expansive grasslands, terraced fields, and birdsong all express grandeur and tranquility. At night, the scenery transforms into something bustling, lively, and full of everyday life. Walking through the alleys of the Miao village late at night, the refreshing evening breeze gently caresses your clothes, creating a romantic atmosphere.