Top 10 China tours 2024/2025 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience. Learn more
 Huangyao Ancient Town

Huangyao Ancient Town

Written by LingUpdated Nov. 22, 2023

Huangyao ancient town is situated in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on the lower reaches of Li River and 200km (around 3.5 hours drive) from Guilin.

It has a 900-year history and the culture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Most people in the town have the family name Huang or Yao, and therefore. the town is named Huangyao.

The town is rich with both natural and historical attractions. The old flagstone-paved streets, the ancient but well-preserved buildings, and the local people's traditional life styles are all distinctive features of the town.

Huangyao Ancient Town

In ancient times, because of its convenient access to water transportation, Huangyao was a prosperous business center.

The local people mostly engaged in commercial activities and enjoyed a fairly affluent life, so many of them spent much money on their homes to honor their families and benefit the future generations.

(The town is also dotted with many elegantly built towers and pavilions. )

The 20 plus ancestral halls and temples were built by the wealthiest families to pay tribute to the gods and their ancestors, and are much grander than the residential houses and hold a great attraction to visitors.

Just a decade ago, Huangyao ancient Town was relatively unknown to the outside world, but today. this picturesque and poetic location has become a popular tourist destination for travelers from both home and abroad.

Every corner of the town presents a typically Chinese scene and presents many marvelous photo opportunities.

A small river snakes through as to bring life. The stone bridges have met the test of time as they have stood guard from many centuries.

It is quite an amazing boat ride!

Nowadays, many local families live in small laneways as they have done for generations.

The outside world changes fast, but they stick with their traditional lifestyle and the ways of their ancestors.

Lobsters sauce is a famous local dish. The local people process the soy bean to make the lobster sauce as they have done for years,, but now it is a favorite with tourists.

Also read the most beautiful ancient villages in China.

Popular tours
Make the most of your time
Choose the best time to visit
Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

The China Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made by your personal travel advisor — a destination expert. Every reply will be within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy your personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have unparalleled flexibility, which is impossible on a group tour.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Discover the hidden gems. Experience local culture by practicing it. Try new and exciting activities, and unveil the stories behind the sights and people.

Well-Selected Local Guides

Well-Selected Local Guides

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

China Highlights tailor-makes China tours to help travelers discover China their way. We're a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our knowledge of China with those looking for a more authentic travel experience, more ...
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
Featured on