Youzhou Ancient Town is home to the passionate Tujia and Miao peoples, who set up their lives and homes there centuries ago to prosper and develop their unique cultures in the Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Chongqing Municipality.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it was the political, economic and cultural center of the area thanks to the efforts of the locals looking to speed up development. The place has witnessed many vicissitudes over different eras. Renovated in 2010, the ancient town still retains its historical and cultural value while offering modern facilities to visitors.

Surrounded by green mountains, the ancient town is nestled in a remote area far from the bustling metropolis. The people living in this wonderland are keen to protect the natural environment and its resources and enjoy a slower pace of life.

The 1,300-meter-long pedestrian street is the highlight of Youzhou Ancient Town, which is lined by many ancient buildings featuring both the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups' architectural styles, offering a rather unique street view. The stilted buildings of the Tujia ethnic group are a typical example of how they demonstrate their cultural inheritance and knowledge of construction techniques. These distinctive buildings feature a spatial layout made of bamboo or wooden structures suspended above the ground.

A series of museums and workshops have been established in the ancient town, featuring local sculptures, crafts, garments, dramas and others to present the unique cultures of the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups. What's more, the locals celebrate their traditional festivals by holding ceremonies and special dance or singing performances. And visitors are always invited to take part in them.

Even though the Youzhou Ancient Town is set in a mountainous area, this small town boasts contemporary tourism facilities. Many restaurants, bars and hotels have been set up there, making it a perfect travel destination. Visitors can appreciate folk performances while relishing fresh local tea and delicacies, or go to museums to learn about the local culture, or amble along the ancient stone-paved streets admiring the architectural aesthetics of the town. This is a place that's full of magic and especially true at night – when the whole street is bathed in a sea of neon, creating a fairytale-like scene.

Fascinating views, a tranquil life, a romantic atmosphere and hospitable locals… these are just a few reasons that make this place one of China's most ideal tourism destinations.