'Ecological' tourism is becoming more and more popular around China and with more money in their pockets; many of China's new middle class are opting for short nature breaks to escape the fast-paced life of the city.

Southern China's Hunan Province is bestowed with more than its fair share of picturesque landscapes. Among them, the old city of Huangsiqiao (literally "yellow silk bridge") is a must visit.

Huangsiqiao claims to be the best-preserved old stone fortress in China, and the city sits in Dehang Village of Jishou City in western Hunan.

The city was originally known as Weiyang City and was founded in A.D. 687 during the Tang Dynasty. It grew during the much later Qing Dynasty and all buildings are made of stone.

Covering an area of little more than 2900 square meters, it is not a very large city and there are three old city gates to the east, west and north. Each of the gate towers stands more than 10 meters high. From the gate tower, one can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The area is home to many Miao communities. "Dehang" Village's name comes from the Miao language and means 'beautiful canyon'. Surrounded by cliffs, old trees and clear fountain water, some one hundred families live in this small walled village.

Life here is simple and happy. The Miao people plant mulberry to feed the silkworms they cultivate and then use the silk they get from the silkworms to spin and weave cloth. They also use the old way to squeeze oil, make paper, grind rice, and carry water in wooden roller vehicles.

Some 40-minutes away from Dehang by bus, there's a waterfall in a small valley. Standing at the foot of fall one is surrounded by hills in all directions. Above is the blue sky, and clear water slowly rushes down from the high place. A real paradise!

| China Travel Update |