| Huangsiqiao - A City of Stone |
 |
'Ecological' tourism is becoming more and more popular around China
and with more money in their pockets, many of China's new middle class
are opting for short nature breaks to escape the fast-paced life of
the city.
Southern China's Hunan province is bestowed with more than its
fair share of picturesque landscapes. Among them, the old city of
Huangsiqiao (literally "yellow silk bridge") is a must
visit.
Huangsiqiao claims to be the best-preserved old stone fortress
in China, and the city sits in Dehang village of Jishou city in
western Hunan.
The city was originally known as Weiyang city and was founded in
A.D. 687 during the Tang Dynasty. It grew during the much later
Qing dynasty and all buildings are made of stone.
Covering an area of little more than 2900 square meters, it is
not a very large city and there are three old city gates to the
east, west and north. Each of the gate towers stands more than 10
meters high. From the gate tower, one can enjoy panoramic views
of the surrounding countryside.
The area is home to many Miao communities. "Dehang" village's
name comes from the Miao language and means 'beautful canyon'. Surrounded
by cliffs, old trees and clear fountain water, some one hundred
families live in this small walled village.
Life here is simple and happy. The Miao people plant mulberry to
feed the silkworms they cultivate, then use the silk they get from
the silkworms to spin and weave cloth. They also use the old way
to squeeze oil, make paper, grind rice, and carry water in wooden
roller vehicles.
Some 40-minutes away from Dehang by bus, there's a waterfall in
a small valley. Standing at the foot of fall one is surrounded by
hills in all directions. Above is the blue sky, and clear water
slowly rushes down from the high place. A real paradise! |
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