Hubei's Hidden Gem! Longyang Academy: Admire Huizhou-style misty rain on a rainy day, engage in intangible cultural heritage handicrafts during the day, guaranteeing your poetic weekend:

I. Core Highlights at a Glance - Largest Single Ancient Huizhou-style Building in the Country: 300 years ago, it was the former residence of Wang Youdun, Grand Tutor to the Qing Dynasty Crown Prince. In 2015, it was relocated and reconstructed 1:1 from Huangshan, Anhui, to Yuan'an, strictly adhering to the principle of "restoring the old as it was." Its Five-Phoenix Eight-Character Gate Tower and five-courtyard layout are highly distinctive, with flying eaves, dark tiles, and carved window lattices fully showcasing the aesthetics of ancient architecture. - Immersive Traditional Cultural Experiences: Participate in Hanfu-themed "Kaibili" (Enlightenment Ceremony) (donning caps, bowing, cinnabar dotting for wisdom, reciting classics), ancient silk reeling and fan making, replicating ancient lip balm from "Qimin Yaoshu" (Essential Arts for the People's Welfare), and over 30 other unique courses. Plus, NPC immersive performances and grand stage shows add interactive fun. - A Blend of Ancient and Modern with Day Coffee and Night Wine: The backyard "Jiu San" tavern specializes in "coffee during the day, tipsy nights," combining millennia-old Huangjiu (yellow wine) culture with contemporary socializing. On rainy days, sit by the window and fully enjoy the misty rain ambiance of Jiangnan. - A Highly Photogenic Check-in Spot: Bluestone paths, log beams and pillars, bamboo slip lamps, and dappled light and shadow intertwine. Wearing Hanfu or Qipao is highly suitable for photos. The second-floor observation deck offers panoramic views of the courtyard, making every casual shot a stunning ancient-style masterpiece. II. Essential Practical Information Basic Information - Opening Hours: Open all day. Cultural experience programs and tavern operating hours are mostly 09:00-21:00. - Ticket Policy: The scenic area is free to enter. Experience programs like Kaibili and ancient silk reeling, as well as accommodation, are charged separately. - Detailed Address: No. 178 Hualin Road, Hualinsi Town, Yuan'an County, Hubei Province. - Best Time to Visit: 9-11 AM (soft light suitable for photography, no need to queue for experience programs). Rainy days further enhance the charm of Huizhou architecture, offering a unique ambiance. Transportation Guide - By Car: From Yichang city center, take Hubei Expressway to Hualinsi Exit. Drive 3 km along Hualin Road, then turn left onto Huahang Line for 2 km to reach the destination. The entire journey takes about 1.5 hours, and parking is available around the scenic area. - Public Transportation: Take a shuttle bus from Yichang Bus Station to Hualinsi Town, Yuan'an. After getting off, a 5-minute taxi ride will take you there. Alternatively, go to Yuan'an County town first, then transfer to a local village bus to the vicinity of Longyang Academy. Dining and Accommodation Recommendations - Specialty Cuisine: Inside the academy, you can taste wood-fired oven-baked Yuan'an Shaobing (crispy crust, rich wheat aroma) and coarse grain meal sets. Nearby restaurants offer authentic Yuan'an local dishes. Paired with the tavern's Huangjiu, it tastes even better. - Accommodation Options: You can stay at the Sanmingdi Cultural Theme Hotel within the academy. Its log interiors and antique furnishings create an immersive experience. If you're looking for value for money, choose Taohualing Shuangquan Hotel in Yuan'an County town. It's about a 30-minute drive, well-equipped, and includes local specialty breakfast. - Souvenirs: You can purchase intangible cultural heritage pottery, silk handicrafts from the academy, or local specialty Huangjiu, mulberry products, etc. III. Itinerary Planning (One-Day Cultural Immersion Version) Morning: Ancient Architecture Exploration + Enlightenment Ceremony (09:00-12:00) 1. Upon arrival, first explore the five courtyards. Enter through the Eight-Character Gate Tower and visit the front hall, courtyard, and main hall in sequence. Pay special attention to the carved window lattices and brick carving details, appreciating the exquisite "a new scene with every step" of Huizhou architecture. 2. Head to the cultural experience area. Families with children can participate in the Kaibili ceremony, completing rituals such as donning Hanfu, bowing to Confucius, and reciting classics. Adults can experience Hanfu rental and take photos along the bluestone paths and within the courtyards. 3. Visit the bookstore to browse replica copies of "Chu Ci" (Songs of Chu) and intangible cultural heritage books. Learn about the architectural migration history and the cultural background of Leizu's sericulture. Noon: Ancient Charm Cuisine + Afternoon Nap (12:00-13:30) Enjoy lunch inside the academy or at nearby restaurants. Recommended are Yuan'an Shaobing, coarse grain meal sets, paired with local wild vegetables. After the meal, order a coffee at the tavern and rest for a while in the elegant ancient setting, avoiding the afternoon sun. Afternoon: Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience + In-depth Exploration (13:30-16:30) 1. Participate in core experience programs: Hand-make silk fans (experience Leizu's sericulture and silk weaving culture), or try replicating ancient lip balm, an immersive experience of traditional craftsmanship. 2. Explore the themed streets and market. Admire intangible cultural heritage handicraft displays, interact with NPC performances, and experience the atmosphere of an ancient village market. If there's a grand stage performance, stop and watch traditional plays. 3. Ascend to the second-floor observation deck. Photograph the panoramic view of the courtyard and the flying eaves and dark tiles, capturing the perfect blend of ancient architecture and light and shadow. Evening: Tipsy Hours + Return Journey (16:30-18:00) Order a pot of Huangjiu or a specialty drink at the "Jiu San" tavern. Enjoy the twilight view of the courtyard from the window. You can start your return journey after 5 PM to avoid evening rush hour. If time permits, take a detour to Juhe National Wetland Park for a walk, experiencing the dual healing of nature and culture. IV. Tips and Things to Avoid 1. It is recommended to call and book cultural experience programs 1 day in advance, especially for the parent-child Kaibili ceremony, to avoid being unable to participate due to full capacity on site. 2. For photography, it is recommended to wear Hanfu or Qipao. You can bring your own or rent them at the scenic area. Light-colored clothing appears more elegant against the ancient architectural backdrop. 3. There are many mosquitoes in the scenic area, especially in summer, so bring mosquito repellent. Wear non-slip shoes when visiting on rainy days, as bluestone paths can be slippery when wet. 4. If planning a multi-day trip, you can connect Danxia Xiangu (Danxia Fairy Valley), Leizu Cultural Park, and Longyang Academy to create an in-depth "nature + culture" itinerary.