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Despite its rapid industrialization, there are still some corners in China that have maintained its original color.
Ancient towns and villages in China are places where traditions are well preserved in terms of architecture, lifestyle, folk customs and craft.
The new series "Ancient Charm of China" intends to give you a glimpse of China's rustic local charms.
Our first episode introduces one of the most beautiful old towns in China.
A bird's eye view of Huangyao Ancient Town in Hezhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. /VCG Photo
Nestled in Zhaoping County in Hezhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Huangyao Ancient Town is 200 kilometers from Guilin – one of the most-visited tourist spots in Guangxi. It is said that the town was named after two common surnames back then – Huang and Yao.
Covering an area of 3.6 square kilometers, Huangyao boasts typical karst landscapes and abundant water resources. Streams and rivers mark the territory around the old town like a serpent.
Huangyao Ancient Town is located in the lower reaches of Lijiang River, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, south China. /VCG Photo
Huangyao has a history of nearly 1,000 years with its origins dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It reached its prime in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) under the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1733-1735).
For this reason, there are many buildings from the Qing and Ming eras that remain unchanged in their architectural styles today. Now it is home to approximately 300 folk houses, 20 temples and ancestral halls, and 10 pavilions and opera stages.
Many buildings have kept their Qing and Ming architectural styles in Huangyao Ancient Town in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, south China. /VCG Photo
Traditional festivals and customs have been carried on for hundreds of years. During Chinese Lunar New Year, over 20 traditional performances are held, including the dragon dance, lion dance and suona horn (Chinese trumpet) show.
On July 14 in the Chinese lunar calendar, local residents often come to the riverbank and put pomelo lanterns into the river to celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival, or Zhongyuan Jie in Chinese.
The night is brightly lit by the lanterns of the households lined along the street in Huangyao Ancient Town in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, south China. /VCG Photo
Huangyao tofu is a must-try local dish when you visit, as it is exclusively made and sold in Huangyao. Also, fermented black soybean is often added to its local specialties to create a distinctive flavor.
It usually takes a day or two to tour around the old town due to its small size. But you can always linger longer to experience more of its local hospitality and culture.
The admission fee is 100 yuan (14.5 U.S. dollars), and valid identification is needed to buy the ticket.
(Video edited by Wang Baozhu, cover image by Qu Bo)