Shenzhen-Hunan Yangshan Ancient Village Yangshan Ancient Village is situated at the foot of Qitian Hill which was called Yanshan Hill in ancient times, hence the name. The village is like a Shangri-La surrounded by green mountains and blue waters. The history of the village can be traced back to 600 years ago when Ming Shizu moved there in 1497. With its old residential houses covering an area of 15,000 square meters, the village has 80 well-preserved ancient buildings. The exquisite and lifelike colored drawings on the walls and eaves have gone through many vicissitudes and yet remain intact, which is rarely seen in villages of such age. The village follows the traditional Chinese philosophy of maintaining harmony between man and nature in its layout and embodies the “moderation” concept of Confucianism in its structure. Location: Zhenghe Village, Guiyang County, Chenzhou City, Hunan Province How to get there: Take a high-speed train from Shenzhen to East Chenzhou Station and then take a coach to the village, which is only 30 kilometers away from downtown Chenzhou Yuqiao Village If you’re eager to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Yuqiao Village is a great option. With green plants and pink lotuses fluttering in the wind and chirping birds in the courtyards, the village is a treat for both the eyes and ears. The simplicity of rural life is perfectly reflected in Yuqiao Village, where tourists can fully appreciate the folk culture of Hubei and Hunan provinces. With Dongting Lake nearby, visitors can also take the opportunity to reflect on the beautiful setting of the tale of Liuhai and his fox-wife. Location: Zhantianhu Town, Heshan Village, Changde City, Hunan Province How to get there: Take a high-speed train from Shenzhen to South Changsha Station and then take a coach to Changde City Chadong Ancient Town Thanks to a book called “Border Town,” or “Biancheng” by Shen Cong-wen, a famous contempoary writer in China, Chadong has become popular among Chinese people. Situated on the border of Hunan, Sichuan and Guizhou Provinces, Chadong is a small town inhabited by local minorities. The town is a peaceful place nestled beside the Youshui River and in the writer’s book he describes it as, “Chadong is a place located between a river and some hills, the city wall of the town is like a long snake crawling along the hills on the hill side. While on the riverside, there is a pier for black-awning boats to moor.” Location: Chadong Town, Huayuan County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Region, Hunan Province How to get there: Take a high-speed train from Shenzhen to South Huaihua Station and then take a coach to Chadong Town Ziquejie Terraces Reclaimed by the ancestors of the Miao and Yao ethnic groups, the Ziquejie Terraces have a long history of more than 2,000 years and is a historic site mirroring South China’s rice-growing culture and the hunting and fishing culture of the Miao and Yao ethnic groups. Reputed as “Kingdom of Terraced Fields,” Ziquejie is a unique scenic spot which is beautiful in its scenery, form and culture. With a water-conserving system incorporating forests, fields and ridges, the Ziquejie Terraces are one of the world’s most spectacular terraced sites. Location: Shuiche Town, Xinhua Couny, Loudi City, Hunan Province How to get there: Take a high-speed train from Shenzhen to South Xinhua Station and then take a coach to Shuikou Town (Yang Mei) | 