Dawu County

Dawu County is located in the northeastern part of Hubei Province, under the jurisdiction of Xiaogan City, situated in the western section of the Dabie Mountains. It covers a total area of 1,985 square kilometers and has a permanent population of approximately 480,000 (2023). As a famous old revolutionary base area, Dawu was an important part of the Hubei-Henan-Anhui Revolutionary Base Area, boasting numerous red historical sites such as the Hubei-Henan Border Region Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery and the Xuanhuadian Negotiation Site. At the same time, Dawu is known as the "Home of the Chinese Tallow Tree," with spectacular autumn red leaf landscapes. Ancient villages like Jinling Village are well-preserved, reflecting the fusion of northern Hubei folk houses and pastoral scenery. The county's economy is based on agriculture, focusing on specialty industries such as tea, chestnuts, and oil tea, and promoting rural revitalization through red tourism and eco-tourism. Dawu County integrates red culture, natural ecology, and local customs, making it a travel destination with both historical depth and natural charm.

I. Must-Visit Attractions

1. Hubei-Henan Border Region Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery (by the Huan River in the county seat): - Introduction: Commemorates the Central Plains Breakout and the revolutionary history of the Hubei-Henan border region, covering 469 mu, with a monument, memorial hall, and martyr cemetery. - Ticket: Free, entry with ID card. - Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30 (until 17:00 in off-season). - Transportation: Take Bus No. 1 from Xiaogan North Station to Martyrs Cemetery Station, about 20 minutes.

2. Xuanhuadian Negotiation Site (Xuanhuadian Town): - Introduction: The negotiation site on the eve of the Central Plains Breakout in 1946, preserving the former site of the Central Plains Military Region Headquarters and Comrade Zhou Enlai's residence. - Ticket: Free. - Distance from county seat: About 60 km, 1 hour by car or take the Dawu to Xuanhuadian shuttle bus (every 30 minutes).

3. Jinling Village (Xincheng Town): - Introduction: A national-level traditional village, nestled by mountains and rivers, retaining Ming and Qing Dynasty northern Hubei stone folk houses. Now a rural tourism demonstration site, offering homestays, farming activities, and folk performances. - Ticket: Free (some experience activities charge, e.g., making ciba 20 yuan/person). - Distance from county seat: About 15 km, accessible by car or e-bike.

4. Dawu Red Leaf Scenic Area (along the route from Chengguan Town to Sanlicheng Town): - Best Viewing Season: Late October to mid-November, with Chinese tallow and sweet gum trees covering the mountains, especially concentrated in "Red Leaf Valley." - Transportation: Drive along Provincial Road S243, or take the bus from Dawu Bus Station to Sanlicheng Town and get off at Red Leaf Valley intersection.

5. Longtan Lake Scenic Area (Fangfan Town): - Introduction: A reservoir-type scenic area with clear water, surrounded by mountains, suitable for fishing, camping, and water activities. - Ticket: 30 yuan/person (including boat ride). - Distance from county seat: About 25 km, accessible by car or chartered vehicle.

II. Special Local Cuisine

1. Dawu Chestnut Stewed Chicken: Made with local chestnuts and free-range chicken, the soup is fresh and sweet. Available at "Old Brand Chestnut House" (No. 12 Changzheng Road) in the county seat, about 50 yuan per person. 2. Dawu Oil Tea: A traditional snack, glutinous rice balls stir-fried with tea oil, topped with sesame and peanuts. Sold at "Peng Ji Snacks" (Fuqian Street), 5 yuan per serving. 3. Wild Vegetables: Such as bracken and purslane, mostly served at farmhouse restaurants (e.g., "Tianyuan Renjia" in Jinling Village), about 30 yuan per person.

III. Transportation Guide

1. External Transportation: - High-speed rail: Xiaogan North Station (located in Gaodian Township, Dawu County) is a stop on the Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway, with about 40 trains daily. About 40 minutes from Wuhan. - Highway: The Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway (G4) and Macheng-Ankang Expressway (G4213) pass through the county. About 1.5 hours by car from Wuhan. 2. Internal Transportation: - County buses cover major attractions, fare 1-2 yuan. - Shuttle buses connect townships, such as Dawu to Xuanhuadian, Dawu to Fangfan, etc., every 30-60 minutes. - Taxi starting fare 5 yuan, ride-hailing services are scarce. It is recommended to drive or charter a car for remote attractions.

IV. Accommodation Recommendations

1. Jinling Village Homestays: Such as "Shanli Renjia," standard room 200-300 yuan/night including breakfast. Advance booking one week needed during peak season. 2. County Hotels: There are several budget hotels along Changzheng Road, such as "Dawu Hotel," standard room 150 yuan/night, with decent conditions.