01Longhui County is unde…
Longhui County is under the jurisdiction of Shaoyang City, Hunan Province. It is located in the central-southwest of Hunan, in the upper reaches of the Zi River, covering an area of 2,868 square kilometers with a registered population of about 1.28 million (2023). Longhui has a long history, dating back over 2,000 years since its establishment as a county in the Western Han Dynasty. It is the hometown of Wei Yuan, a famous modern thinker. Longhui is renowned for 'Tantou New Year Paintings' and 'Huayao Culture'. Tantou New Year Paintings are listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. Huayao is a unique branch of the Yao ethnic group, known for its colorful costumes and distinctive customs. Longhui has diverse terrain, with the Xuefeng Mountains in the north and hilly basins in the south, high forest coverage, and excellent ecological environment. It is also known as the 'Hometown of Honeysuckle in China', with honeysuckle production accounting for more than half of the national total. With rich natural landscapes and profound cultural heritage, Longhui has become an important tourist destination in central Hunan.
I. Core Attractions 1. Huayao Ancient Village (Huxingshan Yao Township): Located 65 km north of the county seat, it is a settlement of the Huayao people, famous for unique 'Huayao cross-stitch' costumes and 'Wuwa Mountain Songs'. The ancient village is free to visit; recommended half-day trip; activities include experiencing Huayao wedding customs and making glutinous rice cakes. 2. Wei Yuan's Former Residence (Simenqian Town): About 30 km from the county seat, it is the birthplace of modern thinker Wei Yuan, a Qing Dynasty residential building with an exhibition on Wei Yuan's life. Admission: 20 yuan; opening hours: 8:00-17:00. 3. Tantou Ancient Town (Tantou Town): 22 km from the county seat, famous for Tantou New Year Paintings and handmade paper. Workshops can be visited; paintings cost 20-100 yuan. The town is free; recommended 2-3 hours. 4. Xiaoshajiang Town (Summer Resort): Altitude 1,200 m, average summer temperature 24°C. Attractions include Wangxi Waterfall Group (admission 50 yuan) and Longyao Yougu (admission 60 yuan), ideal for summer escape and hiking. 5. Gaozhou Hot Spring: Located in Gaozhou Township, water temperature 48°C, rich in minerals. Hot spring resort admission: 128 yuan, with accommodation and dining.
II. Local Cuisine 1. Longhui Cured Meat: Smoked over firewood, fatty but not greasy, available at local restaurants; recommended 'Xianglong Restaurant' in the county seat. 2. Pig Blood Tofu Balls: Made from tofu and pig blood, smoked and sliced for stir-frying, a Shaoyang specialty. 3. Honeysuckle Tea: Longhui's honeysuckle is of high quality; dried flowers can be purchased for tea, cooling and relieving heat. 4. Glutinous Rice Cake: Traditional Huayao food, dipped in sesame sugar, soft and sticky. 5. Recommended food streets: Taohong Road and Chaoyang Road night market in the county seat.
III. Transportation Guide 1. External Transport: Take high-speed rail to Shaoyang Station (about 40 minutes), then transfer to bus to Longhui (about 1.5 hours); or drive via Shanghai-Kunming Expressway to Longhui exit. 2. Internal Transport: County buses cover major towns, but attractions are scattered; chartering a car (about 300-500 yuan per day) or self-driving is recommended. 3. Best Season: April to October, especially July-August for summer escape and flower viewing.