Millennium Yao Village
Millennium Yao Village, a living testament to the rich heritage of the Yao ethnic group, is one of China’s most remarkable ancient villages. Nestled in the mountains of Guangdong Province, the village dates back over 1,400 years and showcases traditional Yao architecture, culture, and lifestyle. Spanning 150,000 square meters with terraced houses, cobblestone paths, and ancestral halls, it was designated a "National Intangible Cultural Heritage Site" in 2014 and attracts over 500,000 visitors annually, offering an immersive journey into Yao traditions.
Historical Overview
6th Century AD: Founded by Yao tribes fleeing war, who settled in the remote mountains for protection.
Ming-Qing Dynasties: Flourished as a hub for Yao culture, with the construction of stone houses and ancestral temples.
1950s–1980s: Survived as a self-sufficient community, preserving traditional farming and Handicrafts.
2000s: Opened to tourism, with restorations funded by the government to protect its heritage.
2020s: Gained international recognition for its unique Drum Towers, long-drum dances, and embroidery art.
Architectural Features
The village’s layout adapts to the mountainous terrain, featuring:
Stone Houses: Two-to-three-story dwellings built with local granite, featuring sloping roofs and wooden balconies.
Drum Towers: Iconic wooden structures used for gatherings, Festivals, and defense, with intricate carvings.
Ancestral Halls: Sacred spaces for worshipping ancestors, adorned with Yao-style murals and altars.
Cultural Highlights
Long-Drum Dance: A UNESCO-listed performance where drummers leap and spin, accompanied by gongs and folk songs.
Yao Embroidery: Colorful textiles featuring geometric patterns and mythical creatures, passed down through generations.
Door God Paintings: Hand-painted wooden plaques guarding entrances, believed to ward off evil spirits.
Traditional Village Layout
Upper Village: Home to the Drum Tower and ancestral halls, symbolizing spiritual and communal life.
Middle Village: Residential area with stone houses, workshops, and a market square.
Lower Village: Farmland and terraced fields, where Yao people grow rice, tea, and medicinal herbs.FestivalsandCelebrations
Panwang Festival (March): A week-long celebration honoring Panhu, the legendary ancestor of the Yao, featuring sacrifices, dances, and feasts.
Disking Festival (August): A harvest festival with singing contests, bullfighting, and fireworks.
New Year Celebrations: Unique Yao customs like "door-god replacing" and "long-drum midnight rituals."
Visitor Experiences
Homestays: Stay in a Yao family’s stone house, sharing meals and learning daily traditions.
Handicraft Workshops: Try Yao embroidery, Bamboo weaving, or long-drum making with local artisans.
Hiking Trails: Explore surrounding forests, waterfalls, and viewpoints offering panoramic village vistas.
Folk Performances: Watch nightly shows featuring long-drum dances, Yao operas, and fire rituals.
Practical Information
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM (last entry 5:00 PM); closed during extreme weather.
Ticket Prices: ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (students/seniors), free for children under 1.2m.
How to Get There:
By Bus: From Guangzhou Provincial Station to Liannan County, then a 1-hour taxi ride.
By Car: Drive 3 hours from Guangzhou via G55 Expressway.
By Tour Group: Day trips from Guangzhou or Qingyuan (¥200–300 per person).
Tips for Visitors:
Best Time: spring (March–May) for festivals or autumn (September–November) for mild weather.
Respect Customs: Remove shoes before entering ancestral halls and avoid touching religious objects.
Photography: Ask permission before photographing locals or rituals.
Essentials: Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent for hiking.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
