Things to do in Tongdao

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。

Tongdao Turning Point Memorial Hall Tongdao Turning Point Memorial Hall, accept the red baptism, commemorate the revolutionary martyrs, and inherit the spirit of the Long March. It is a good choice with high cost performance. Among them, the Tongdao Conference and the Tongdao Turning Point are of great significance in the history of the Chinese revolution.

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.

A regular ticket is sufficient, as you'll find that there's simply not enough time to visit the paid attractions if you go at midday. Also, you must bring a film camera next to the Fast sign. It must be a battery-free film camera with manual metering. If possible, bring your own film, as film cameras at the attraction aren't cheap—300 yuan for 36 exposures.

Fenghuang Ancient Town, located in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, is a border town renowned for its literary significance. A national 5A-level tourist attraction, it was praised by New Zealand writer Rewi Alley as "China's most beautiful small town." The Tuojiang River flows gently through the town, with stilted houses standing along its banks and winding ancient cobblestone alleys. This is the spiritual home of Shen Congwen's novel "Border Town," harboring unique Xiangxi charm. In the morning, a thin mist blankets the river; at night, lights reflect on the water. The landscape and culture blend seamlessly, half poetic, half down-to-earth; every step reveals the gentle warmth of time. #TravelRecommendationOfficer #HealingScenery #FenghuangAncientTown #XiangxiTourism

Overall, it was alright. Climbing up the mountain was quite tiring; the whole trip took about 3 hours. The path was quiet with few people, but the signs weren't very clear. We ended up on a set of steps without railings (we weren't sure if we were on the right path, because the people behind us disappeared, and we didn't know which way they went). I think this was a pleasant surprise for adventurous people, but a little unsafe for those who aren't. The descent was another pleasant surprise; we entered an ancient alleyway with many Ming and Qing dynasty courtyards (I had thought the ancient city was just the outer streets and riverbanks). Don't forget these ancient alleyways when you visit the ancient city!

If you visit Yangshuo, you shouldn’t miss West Street (Xi Jie), a historic street with a history of more than 1,000 years.At night, the street becomes very lively, filled with numerous restaurants, bars, and cafés. It’s a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

It's definitely worth seeing; the night view offers a completely different experience, and it's pleasantly cool. There are singing competitions and various island games where you can win silver coins to redeem for gifts. Highly recommended for families with children.

Five of us went on a river cruise in an electric bamboo raft. The bamboo forests and rocky beaches on both sides of the river were constantly changing. The river water was very clear and there were small fish. At the end, the boat stopped so we could take some photos before heading back.