Huaihua
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Understand
The prefecture encompasses several autonomous ethnic counties, towns and villages.
Major ethnic groups found here are the Dòng or Kam (侗族), Miáo or Hmong (苗族), Tǔjiā (土家族), and Yáo (瑶族).
It was long inhabited by these ethnic group before the arrival of the Han Chinese more then a thousand years ago. They are known to be indigenous to these mountainous areas. They also inhabit neighboring Guizhou province.
Major ethnic groups found here are the Dòng or Kam (侗族), Miáo or Hmong (苗族), Tǔjiā (土家族), and Yáo (瑶族).
It was long inhabited by these ethnic group before the arrival of the Han Chinese more then a thousand years ago. They are known to be indigenous to these mountainous areas. They also inhabit neighboring Guizhou province.
Get in
By train
Huaihua is located on the Shanghai-Kunming railway line, which now host both fast and regular trains.1 hour and a half by fast train and 5 to 9 hours on regular trains from Changsha.
1 hour and 15 minutes by fast train and 3 to 5 hours on regular trains to Kaili in Guizhou province.
Regular trains also go northwest towards Chongqing and it takes between 8 to 18 hours. Check out schedules and journey time on 12306.com, because it can vary in an exaggerated way.
There are trains to Zhangjiajie as well.
By plane
Huaihua Zhijiang AirportHas flights from several cities in China.
Get around
The two train stations in the north and south of the city are connected via bus number 12 (~30 minutes).
See
Huaihua City itself has nothing to offer a tourist. All the main attractions and ethnic towns are out of the city, in Huaihua Prefecture, and can be reached by bus.
Tongdao Dong Autonomous CountyVisit Kam people, whose language is a branch of the Tai-Kadai linguistic family. A distant relative of the Thai people.
Jingzhou Miao and Dong Autonomous CountyVisit Hmong people, whose language is a branch of the Hmong-Mien linguistic family.
Hongjiang old commercial townA Ming dynasty town that flourished back in the old days. Has a ancient brothel with waxwork figures and it explains a lot about the local lives back in imperial China.
Qianyang old town
- The airport is of some historic importance—back in World War II it was known as Chihkiang Airfield and used by the U.S. air force. Nowadays there's a museum about the airport's history.
- World War II general Su Yu (粟裕) was born in Huitong County, and it's possible to visit historic sites related to his life.
Do
Wanfu Mountain
Eat
Pao Cai (泡菜) or pickled vegetables are found everywhere around the city. It's a must try if you are in this dusty city.
Go next
- Fenghuang – well-preserved ancient town
Go east to Changsha, the provincial capital, west to Tongren(not to be confused with the one in Qinghai province) or Kaili in Guizhou province, south to Guangxi Province or northwest to Chongqing.
From Chongqing or Changsha there are fast trains all over China. A route popular with tourists is from Changsha to Guiyang and on to Kunming.