Nestled in the mysterious borderlands where Guangxi meets Guizhou and Hunan, a county named Sanjiang quietly blooms. Here, the scenery is picturesque, and the people are poetic. Although not well-known, Sanjiang nurtures several marvels that can astonish the world. Let us lift the veil of mystery and explore this unspoiled paradise.
Sanjiang, like a dazzling pearl, is embedded among the mountains of northern Guangxi. It borders Congjiang County of Guizhou Province to the west, and Tongdao County of Hunan Province and Liping County of Guizhou Province to the north. Like a hidden master in a martial arts novel, it quietly conceals itself, awaiting the visit of destined travelers.
Stepping into Sanjiang County feels like entering a Shangri-La. The mountains are verdant, and the water ripples gently, every landscape exuding an atmosphere of tranquility and harmony.
On this land, the Dong people interpret the beauty of life through their songs. Above Chengyang Dong Village, joyful laughter and melodious tunes intertwine into a moving symphony, echoing among the green hills and clear waters. Here, happiness is so simple; it only requires being with nature, smoking a pack of cigarettes, plowing a field, and singing a song to spend a fulfilling and satisfying day.
Let us embark on this mysterious land together and experience the peace and beauty that is beyond worldly disputes. Here, we will find a haven for our souls and rediscover the long-lost innocence and joy.
Chengyang Eight Villages
The Most Beautiful Dong Village in China
Chengyang Eight Villages, the shining pearl of Sanjiang.
The mountains are verdant, and the trees are layered, creating a palette of nature that adorns the hillsides with a rich and beautiful tapestry.
The cooking smoke rises gently like soft ribbons in the morning light, floating above the village, as if draping a dreamy veil over the land, forming a poetic rural painting.
Over ten thousand Dong people have lived here for generations. Their homes—the densely packed ganlan-style stilted houses—seem like ancient tales deposited in the long river of time, each telling a simple yet splendid story.
Entering the Dong village feels like stepping into a Shangri-La embraced by green mountains. Stone walls and green tiles complement each other, and ancient trees stand tall, full of vitality. The glow of the sunset falls between the mountains, water, and architecture, like a masterpiece of an artist, forming a stunningly beautiful painting.
The ancient and elegant Ming and Qing Dynasty architectures are imbued with the charm of the ages. Here, you can experience the slow pace of rural life, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoy the rare ease and tranquility.
In the village, the dwellings and the scenery complement each other, creating a unique style. The Dong stilted houses are arranged in an orderly manner along the mountains and rivers, forming a spectacular sight. By the Linxi River, huge waterwheels rotate slowly, making the sound of the intersection of wheels and water, like a peaceful and pleasant pastoral poem.
The treasure of Chengyang Eight Villages—the Wind and Rain Bridge—is even more remarkable. Construction began in 1912, and the entire bridge uses mortise and tenon structure without a single nail, yet it stands firm as a rock. This Wind and Rain Bridge is grand in scale, elegant in shape, and full of strong ethnic characteristics. It is one of the four great historical bridges in the world.
Crossing the Yongji Bridge and climbing the steps, you enter a world of stilted houses. They are staggered and crisscrossed, as if they were the supernatural workmanship of nature. Stepping on the bluestone slabs, you can see the life scenes of the Dong people everywhere: some are wearing ethnic costumes and enjoying the cool air at the door, some are busy making traditional delicacies—bamboo rice, and others are carefully carving various exquisite handicrafts.
Walking along the path, it doesn’t take long to arrive at the Pingzhai Drum Tower. This drum tower is tall and majestic, soaring into the clouds, with a width of three rooms and a total area of 169 square meters, and a total of seventeen floors. What is most amazing is that this tall drum tower is supported by only one pillar, hence the name “Single-Pillar Drum Tower.”
Each drum tower in Chengyang Eight Villages is a treasure of Dong culture and the most prominent symbol of the Dong people, representing their civilization and wisdom. Although the drum towers are not used for living, they are the most gorgeous and magnificent buildings in Dong villages, representing the Dong people’s yearning and pursuit of a better life.
Here, ease is interpreted to the extreme. If you are a photography enthusiast, then this will be your paradise. The wooden structures of the Dong village present a complex and exquisite feast of light and shadow under the sunlight. With a little composition, you can capture satisfying images. The moment you press the shutter, you will have a series of intoxicating photographic masterpieces.
Danzhou Ancient Town
“The Only Ancient Town in China Floating on Water”
Danzhou Ancient Town, like an oval-shaped jade, floats quietly on the Liujiang River, gently embraced by green mountains and clear waters.
This ancient town seems to be a work of art meticulously carved by nature. Surrounded by water on all sides and encircled by mountains, the outline of the ancient town appears and disappears between the rippling waves, like a finishing touch in a splashed ink landscape painting.
Due to the unique geographical location of Danzhou Ancient Town, boats have become the link connecting the ancient town with the outside world and the faithful companion for the daily travel of the island’s residents. This unique mode of transportation has made Danzhou Ancient Town a relatively isolated paradise, where the original way of life and cultural traditions have been well preserved.
Therefore, there is less noise and bustle here, and more tranquility and serenity. There are no bustling commercial streets or towering skyscrapers in the ancient town, only winding ancient streets, antique-style dwellings, and simple and kind folk customs.
It is worth mentioning that Danzhou Ancient Town has another reputation—”Pomelo Island.” Apart from the well-arranged houses and lush vegetable gardens, the island is almost entirely occupied by pomelo trees. These pomelo trees are evergreens, green all year round, with fragrant leaves and fruits, and their blossoms are even more intoxicating.
Every golden autumn, the pomelos on the trees and in the gardens are like golden lanterns, dotting the green leaves and emitting an enticing aroma. Walking under the pomelo trees feels like being in a golden fairy tale world, making people feel refreshed and happy.
This ancient town not only carries the accumulation of history but also witnesses the changes of the world. It is like a paradise floating on the water, taking people back to ancient times. Every old building and every tranquil body of water tells the story and memory of this city.
Xianren Mountain
“A Natural Forest Oxygen Bar”
The tea gardens in the Xianren Mountain Scenic Area are like emeralds embedded in the clouds at an altitude of 600 to 1,000 meters. Within a radius of several hundred miles, they have never been invaded by industrial pollution. The tea here seems to have absorbed the essence of the mist and condensed the spirit of the earth, truly interpreting the natural philosophy of “good tea comes from high mountains.”
After the rain, the clouds and mist in Xianren Mountain sway gently with the wind and float towards the valley, gathering into a flowing scroll. Occasionally, one or two tea farmers can be seen working hard in the misty mountains, a scene as beautiful as a splashed ink landscape painting, making people intoxicated.
Around the tea gardens, Dong villages sit quietly, and the air is filled with a fresh atmosphere. Cooking smoke rises slowly, and the trees are shady, with birds singing and flowers fragrant. Walking on the winding paths and watching the sunset in the misty mountains, the tranquility and beauty make people yearn for it.
The Dong people live on this land, working from sunrise to sunset, protected by Sasai Popo. They sing and dance, interpreting the quiet and beautiful years to the fullest, as if time has slowed down here.
Walking on the trails in the tea gardens, the mountain breeze blows gently, and the tea gardens are lush. The refreshing feeling that permeates the heart makes people forget their fatigue.
In the antique-style Jiangchuan shopping corridor, you can transform into a tea art master, taste the “first tea of early spring,” and experience that unique charm.
As soon as you enter Sanjiang, the scenery before your eyes makes you feel refreshed. The vast fields are like a warm embrace, stretching out in a flat expanse.
The clear river water sometimes flows slowly and sometimes rushes rapidly, with ducks playing in the water, free and easy. The mountains here are not steep but beautiful, the buildings are not tall but ancient, the water is not deep but clear, and the wilderness is not vast but warm. Every place makes people feel extremely comfortable.
Liuzhou, where Sanjiang County is located, is even more a place that makes people linger and forget to return. Unlike the prosperity of Guilin, Liuzhou gives people a sense of intimacy and a slow pace. Narrow alleys, century-old streets, a river of clear water running through the city, and the sound of frogs and cicadas accompanying the breeze into the ears, making people feel at ease.
Liuzhou, this inclusive melting pot, brings together diverse cultures of Zhuang, Han, Yao, and other ethnic groups. It is both modern and ancient, both romantic and inclusive, with each place exuding a unique charm.
Since the first season of “A Bite of China” aired, Luosifen, a “stinky but fragrant” delicacy, has quickly become popular and has become a representative of Liuzhou.
However, Liuzhou’s delicacies are far more than that. The morning vegetable market, steaming rice noodles, crispy youtiao, and glutinous rice are all mouth-watering delicacies.
At noon, why not “steal” some leisure time and slurp a bowl of Luosifen with all the ingredients—scallion oil, duck feet, braised chicken feet, pig feet… all kinds of ingredients are available, making people eat to their heart’s content. In the evening, go to Shengli Barbecue City with friends and enjoy the feast of delicacies such as fried ice, barbecue, and fried noodles, letting the fatigue of the day disappear.
Liuzhou, this charming city, has a long history and culture, as well as a busy urban life; it has breathtaking natural scenery, as well as authentic local delicacies that make your mouth water. Therefore, if you have the opportunity, why not come here and take a look, and experience the unique charm of this city!
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