Dayong Ancient Town（大庸古镇）Travel Guide
Nov 12, 2024
by orient china travel
Dayong Ancient Town (Zhangjiajie) Travel Guide
1. Introduction
Dayong Ancient Town is a cultural tourism complex that integrates cultural experience, leisure, and architectural art. It is located in the central area of Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province. The town was built on the original site of Nanmenkou in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is a place where ethnic cultures blend, and you can see the residential architectures of ethnic groups such as the Tujia, Bai, Yao, and Dong everywhere12.
2. How to Get There
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- By Air: Fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport first if you are coming from abroad. After arriving at the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Dayong Ancient Town as it is located in the city center, which is not far from the airport.
- By Train: If you are already in China, you can take a train to Zhangjiajie Railway Station. From there, you can choose public transportation or a taxi to reach the ancient town.
3. Tickets and Opening Hours
- Tickets: Entry to the ancient town is free of charge. However, if you want to watch some special performances or visit specific attractions inside the town, you may need to purchase separate tickets.
- Opening Hours: The ancient town is open all year round and 24 hours a day.
4. Main Attractions
- Ancient City Wall: The ancient town was rebuilt on the former Nanmenhe Street in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The city wall is made of hard and durable blue bricks, restoring a sense of simplicity and a strong sense of historical weight2.
- Immersive Experience Show "Meeting Dayong": It tells the legendary story of Dayong men going to the battlefield to defend their country and Dayong women waiting for their husbands for a lifetime. The show uses a combination of virtual and real techniques, as well as dynamic and static combinations, creating a stunning visual effect. The seats can rotate 360 degrees, allowing the audience to watch the performance from different directions2.
- Flying Theater "Flying over Zhangjiajie": It combines the unique scenery of Zhangjiajie with the cultural ancient town, fully presenting the beauty of Zhangjiajie. Visitors can sit on the simulated flying seats, which are lifted into the air. Through the simulated acceleration and 俯冲 in the flight process, visitors can enjoy the magical landscape of Zhangjiajie from a God's perspective2.
- Art Workshop: It used to be an old stage in Dayong and a performance venue for the Tujia Wu Nuo culture. It was also a favorite gathering place for local people after meals2.
- Tujia Diaojiao Lou (Stilted Buildings): On both sides of the ancient town square are the iconic Tujia stilted buildings, one is Liyuan Tower and the other is Wangxian Tower. Each floor has multiple upturned eaves, and under each upturned eave hangs a string of red lanterns2.
- Wenchang Pavilion: It is a traditional sacrificial building built to worship the god in charge of literary fortune and ensure the prosperity of the local culture. Standing on the pavilion, you can have a panoramic view of the ancient town and the city of Zhangjiajie2.
- Sanyuan Palace: It was built in the late Ming Dynasty and houses the statues of Emperor Zhao Lie and Marquis Zhuangmiao of the Later Han Dynasty. It is a precious architectural cultural relic in Dayong Ancient Town2.
- World Heritage Image Exhibition, Marshal He Long Image Exhibition, and Old Dayong Century Film Exhibition: Visitors can learn about the deeds of revolutionary martyrs and feel the century-old Dayong culture through the many old photos in these exhibitions2.
- Nanzheng Street: It has been the central axis of the ancient town. There are a total of eleven low-relief time axes on the road surface, which are designed based on architectures of different eras and combined with Zhangjiajie elements, depicting the historical changes of Zhangjiajie2.
- Ancient Town Cruise: You can take a cruise on the Lishui River to enjoy the scenery on both sides of the river, learn about the legends of the Lishui River, the anecdotes of Dayong, and the past of the South Gate2.
5. Travel Tips
- Clothing: Dress appropriately according to the season. Since the ancient town is outdoors, it is advisable to bring warm clothing in cold weather and sun protection gear in hot weather.
- Food: There are various local snacks in the ancient town, such as Tujia sticky rice cakes and local 特色 pastries. You can taste these local delicacies while exploring the town.
- Safety: Follow the safety instructions and signs in the ancient town. Pay attention to your personal belongings and be careful when walking on the ancient roads and stairs.