The autumn in Huangyao Ancient Town is exactly the Jiangnan scenery I dream of

When the city's pace becomes suffocatingly fast, I escaped to Huangyao Ancient Town in Hezhou. Hi, I’m Xiao Qiao, a fan of ancient towns. In autumn, Huangyao has high skies and light clouds, a pleasant climate, and the ancient banyan trees remain lush, but the air feels drier. Compared to the humidity and bustle of spring and summer, autumn reveals a more rustic and tranquil side, like a faded ink painting that needs to be savored slowly. 【“Delicate Slow Travel Edition” 2 Days 1 Night Guide】 Day 1: Arrive in Huangyao in the afternoon and check into a distinctive guesthouse within the ancient town. After dropping off your luggage, don’t rush to the main street; instead, stroll around Dailong Bridge and the perimeter of Samsung Tower to feel the overall atmosphere of the town. At dusk, when tourists have dispersed, it’s a great time for photos. In the evening, find a small restaurant to try the fermented black bean feast. Day 2: Get up early to experience the deserted ancient town at dawn and watch the curling cooking smoke. Spend the morning leisurely exploring Longmen Street and Stone Slab Street, visiting some old residences. Have lunch at a riverside restaurant, then enjoy a relaxed afternoon tea before leaving contentedly. 【Autumn Ancient Town Highlights】 ✅ Poetic Morning Mist and Twilight: The large temperature difference between day and night in autumn often brings a layer of advection fog over the town in the early morning, creating a dreamlike scene. At dusk, warm lights turn on, making the town especially cozy and peaceful. ✅ Leisurely Time on Stone Slab Streets: The crisp autumn air is perfect for aimless wandering along the crisscrossing stone slab streets, flanked by weathered old houses and various small shops, where time seems to slow down. ✅ Companionship of Ancient Trees and Flowing Water: The centuries-old banyan trees remain lush, guarding the town. The water level of the Yao River stabilizes and clears in autumn, reflecting ancient bridges, trees, and old houses in a harmonious picture. 【In-Depth Experience: Waking Up in Huangyao’s Morning】 I booked a riverside guesthouse and got up before dawn on the second day. The town was still asleep, the streets empty except for occasional dog barks. I walked alone to Dailong Bridge, where a thin layer of mist floated over the river, turning the houses and distant mountains on the opposite bank into a hazy backdrop. The sun slowly rose, its golden light gradually dispersing the fog and shining on the dark green tiles. Early risers washed by the river, lit coal stoves, and their cooking smoke blended into the morning light. Sitting on the stone steps, listening to the flowing water, I watched the ancient town awaken from its slumber. This peaceful, serene atmosphere is something you can’t feel during the busy daytime. This exclusive tranquility was the best gift Huangyao’s autumn gave me. 【Practical Information TIPS】 ✍🏻 Huangyao Ancient Town requires a ticket for entry, but if you stay in a guesthouse inside the town, you can usually ask the owner to escort you in to save the ticket fee (specific arrangements need to be discussed). ✍🏻 The town’s streets are all stone slabs, making it inconvenient to pull suitcases; it’s recommended to carry luggage bags or ask the guesthouse owner to pick you up with a tricycle. ✍🏻 Be sure to try Huangyao’s fermented black beans, a specialty; dishes like fermented black bean ribs and steamed fish with fermented black beans are very delicious. ✍🏻 The level of commercialization is moderate, but the core area is quiet and perfect for zoning out. ✍🏻 Autumn is the off-season, so accommodation prices are relatively affordable, and the experience is better. This autumn, if you want to find an ancient town that’s neither too far nor too close, with just the right amount of commercialization to relax for a few days, Huangyao will be a pleasantly surprising choice.