Yutou Ancient Dong Village: Travel Through 600 Years of Dong Homeland’s "Little Potala Palace" and Immerse Yourself in the Colorful Autumn Harvest 🍂

✨ Highlights The "Living Fossil" of Dong Architecture and the "Little Potala Palace" · Founded during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, over 600 years ago, this is an ancient village inhabited purely by the Dong ethnic group. · The ancient village is built along the mountain, with stilted buildings stacked from the valley to the ridge, creating a magnificent scene. It is known as the "Dong Potala Palace in the Mountains" and a "Living Museum" of Dong residences. · As a "National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit," the village preserves many Qing Dynasty drum towers, wind-and-rain bridges, ancient post roads, and wells, maintaining its original ecological appearance. Immersive Folk Culture and Seasonal Scenic Wonders · Autumn-exclusive "Sun-Drying" spectacle: Every golden autumn, fiery red chili peppers, golden corn, and orange pumpkins cover the ancient paths and wooden buildings, forming a brilliant harvest tableau—an excellent opportunity for photography. · Living Dong cultural experiences: Regular folk activities include lusheng dance performances, Dong opera, and glutinous rice cake pounding. You can also watch or try hand-weaving Dong brocade and listen to lusheng music. · Unique red cultural imprint: In the sun-drying scenes, corn kernels are arranged to form the phrase "A lantern lights the Long March," telling the village’s revolutionary stories. 📍 Basic Information and Transportation · Location: Yutou Village, Shuangjiang Town, Tongdao Dong Autonomous County, Huaihua City, Hunan Province. · Opening Hours: Open year-round for village visits; some venues or activities operate from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. · Ticket Price: Online tickets cost about 35 RMB per person. Sometimes free admission in winter. · How to Get There: · By car: Navigate to "Yutou Ancient Dong Village," about a 20-minute drive from Tongdao County town. · Public transport: Take a bus to "Huangdu" from Tongdao County bus station, get off at "Hongxiang Yutou Intersection," then walk about 2.5 km to the village. 🗺️ Recommended Routes and Experiences 1. Ancient Architecture Tour Enter through the village gate and stroll along the 1.6 km ancient post road (Huajie Ancient Path). Check in at: · Iconic Drum Tower Cluster: Explore the precarious cliffside drum tower and the majestic lusheng drum tower, experiencing the wisdom of Dong craftsmen. · Century-old Wind-and-Rain Bridge: Cross the Yutou Huilong Bridge over the stream and feel the Dong people's meaning of "protecting wealth and village." · Visit Ancient Wells and the Sa Altar: Find the Qianlong ancient well and the Sa Sui altar (the highest female deity worship site of the Dong), learning about Dong beliefs. 2. In-depth Cultural Experience · Be a Dong Villager for a Day: Sit around the fire pit chatting and warming up with locals—an excellent way to experience daily Dong life. · Taste Dong Cuisine: Be sure to try the "He Long Banquet" or long table feast, the highest hospitality ritual, sampling sour meat, oil tea, homemade glutinous rice wine, and other authentic flavors. The village also offers specialty snacks like yam and baba cakes. · Wear Ethnic Costumes: Rent a beautiful Dong outfit and take photos in front of the drum tower and wind-and-rain bridge to instantly blend into this ancient land. 💡 Practical Tips · Best Time to Visit: Autumn (September to November) for the spectacular sun-drying; rich festive activities around the Spring Festival. · Accommodation Advice: Limited homestay options inside the village; most visitors stay in Tongdao County town for more convenient lodging. · Respect Customs: Please visit drum towers, residences, and other places politely; do not touch items without permission. Follow local guidance during activities. · Trip Combination: Yutou Ancient Dong Village is only a few kilometers from nearby Huangdu Dong Cultural Village, making it easy to visit both in one day to experience different Dong village styles.