[2025 Xianning Attraction] Travel Guide for Liujiaqiao Ancient Residential Area (Updated Apr)

#discoverchina Tucked away in Xianning, Liujiaqiao Ancient Village feels like a forgotten slice of time — a peaceful village with green bricks, white walls, stone-paved paths, and gentle streams running under arched bridges. Take a bamboo raft ride through this serene water town and feel like you’ve stepped into a Jiangnan painting. And the most fascinating part? The locals are said to be descendants of Emperor Liu Bang, giving this place the nickname "Royal Village of the Han Dynasty." It’s packed with rich history but remains blissfully low-key. Location: Liujiaqiao, Xianning (searchable on maps) Entrance Fee: Totally free! Best Way to Get There: By car: Self-driving is most convenient — free parking is available. By train: Take a high-speed train to Xianning, then a 30-minute taxi ride to the village. Tips for Visiting: The village is compact and not crowded — a perfect little getaway. Pair your trip with other nearby hidden gems like Jiugong Mountain, Yinshui Cave, Yangloudong Ancient Town, and Geyaocun (Ancient Yao Village). Great for families! Kids can play in the creek or hop on a bamboo raft. Like a mini Jiangnan without the crowds, it’s a peaceful place that deserves a spot on your weekend list! #naturalwonders #travel

Experience the classic Jiangnan scenery of bridges, streams, and traditional homes this spring. I felt completely refreshed and healed after my visit, and the photos turned out amazing! I highly recommend it! There's no need to deal with the crowds at major scenic spots during Qingming! Address: Liujia Bridge, Xianning. Distance: 1-hour drive from Wuhan. Parking: Convenient parking available on the roadside or along the adjacent village paths. Dining: Many restaurants near the bridge offer delicious farm-to-table cuisine with fresh ingredients at reasonable prices. Our group of four ordered four dishes for just CNY 150+. Enjoy the scenery while dining by the river for a truly pleasant experience. After your meal, take a bamboo raft ride on the river for only CNY 5 (great value!). Further in, you'll find many old houses with a sense of history, perfect for taking atmospheric photos. The whole experience was incredibly peaceful and soothed my restless soul!

🚗1.5-hour Escape Plan: Don't Get Lost While Driving⚠️ Drive from downtown Wuhan towards Xianning, navigate to "Liujiaqiao Ancient Residence." You'll encounter vast fields of rapeseed flowers along the way. Remember to roll down your windows to film a spring vlog~🌿 📸3 Must-visit Photo Spots 1️⃣Panoramic View of the Wind and Rain Bridge: Stand on the downstream stone pier to capture reflections - you'll see a symmetrical ancient village mirrored in the water (bring a wide-angle lens) 2️⃣Spring Farming Scene: Find the old man in a straw rain cape with bamboo hat in front of the old house, props are free to use (offer grandpa a cigarette and he might share some royal family secrets) 3️⃣Rear Mountain Viewing Platform: Hidden among wild azaleas on the hillside is the perfect spot for an overview. After 4pm, the natural lighting provides a soft-focus filter effect 🍲Spring Feast from the Wood Stove Tired from walking? Auntie Wang's wood stove is smoking at the village entrance🥗Must-order dishes: Wild chive pancakes (mixed with tender bamboo shoots, bursting with spring flavors) Sweet potato noodles with braised pork trotters (so tender it sticks to your lips) Freshly picked stir-fried crown daisy (crispy like spring rain) Only costs dozens of yuan per person until you're completely full❤️Free refills of rice soup shows their warmth 🌸Hidden Attractions Nearby ▫️Jingui Lake Picnic: 7-minute drive, bring Auntie Wang's mugwort rice balls to enjoy by the lake ▫️Yinshui Cave Adventure: 20 minutes away, ride a mini train through an underground river for a dreamy experience ▫️White Cloud Mountain Tea Picking: 1-hour uphill journey, hand-roast pre-Qingming tea that captures spring's essence 💡Local Tips Drizzly days before and after Qingming Festival are best for photos🌂Wearing Hanfu or plain-colored dresses blends better with the scenery. The village shop sells traditional oil-paper umbrellas (15 yuan each) - after taking photos, consider giving it to the elderly vendor as a memento~ 📍Liujiaqiao Ancient Residence Liujiaqiao Ancient Residence

Are you tired of the city's hustle and bustle and looking for a place where tranquility meets history? Located in Xianning, Hubei Province, the Liujiaqiao Ancient Residences, known as the "First Folk Custom Village in Chu Region," has become an ideal tourist destination with its rich historical heritage and classic architectural style. 📍Must-Visit Spots: ✅Covered Bridge Panorama: Stand on the downstream stone pier to capture reflections - you'll see a symmetrical ancient village mirrored in the water. Don't forget to bring your wide-angle lens! ✅Spring Farming Theater: Free props like straw rain capes and bamboo hats are available for photos in front of old houses, where you can also hear royal family stories. ✅Hilltop Viewing Platform: Hidden among wild azalea flowers on the hillside, discover the perfect vantage point for overlooking the village. The lighting after 4 PM provides a natural soft focus effect. 📍Historical and Cultural Experiences: ✅Ancient Residences: Built in the third year of the Chongzhen Emperor of Ming Dynasty, these nearly 400-year-old structures preserve residential buildings, ancestral halls, and memorial archways from the Ming and Qing dynasties. ✅House of Scholars: Liujiaqiao Village was historically renowned for its scholarly tradition, known as the "House of Ink." Ancestor Liu Ruhe settled here, living a life of fishing, woodcutting, farming, and studying, with his lineage now reaching its 18th generation. 📍Nature and Leisure: ✅Baiquan River: Flowing through the village, it features a historic single-arch covered bridge - the Liujiaqiao Bridge, with its name carved in traditional Chinese characters on the brick wall at the bridge head. ✅Local Restaurants: Try authentic local dishes like Hesheng Bridge chicken soup, fish cakes, and Jinsha pickles. 📍Transportation: About 2 hours drive from Wuhan, also accessible by public transportation. 📍Admission: Free 📍Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer the most enchanting views of the ancient residences. The Liujiaqiao Ancient Residences in Xianning offers not just a visual feast but also a spiritual retreat. Here, you can escape the urban chaos and immerse yourself in the depth of history and tranquility. Remember to bring your camera to capture every beautiful moment, and please respect the local culture and history while enjoying a perfect travel experience.

The establishment of Liujiabao Village began in the late Ming Dynasty. It was founded by descendants of Liu Bang, the first emperor of the Han Dynasty, and his paternal half-brother. From Liu Bang onward, the village continued to thrive until the Southern Dynasties period. Among the Liu ancestors in the village, a total of 36 emperors emerged. Currently, nearly 10,000 descendants of the Liu family reside there. Therefore, the village is rightfully known as the "Imperial Village." This status, unattainable by other villages, is the historical asset that the people of Liujiabao are most proud of. The entire ancient village consists of four clusters of Ming and Qing Dynasty residential buildings. There are currently over 2,000 rooms of varying sizes, 38 corridors, 54 courtyards, and one covered bridge and one stone arch bridge. The village is also a well-known scholarly family. According to preliminary statistics, from dozens of families in the village, there have been two *juren* (provincial graduates), four *gongsheng* (imperial college students), six *xiangsheng* (county school students), and 23 *xiucai* (qualified candidates for the imperial examination). The entire clan was very prominent in the Jiangnan region and has been known as the "Mo Zhuang Family" since ancient times. In addition, the nearby Yuyuan Garden was the residence of Wang Mingfan, a magistrate in the late Qing Dynasty. This ancient residential building is grand in scale and is one of the largest existing single ancient residential buildings. It has extremely high cultural relic value and tourism development value, and can be visited together with the ancient residences of Liujiabao. In short, Liujiabao Village is not just a village, but a "historical theme park." Visiting not only allows you to see ancient architecture, but also to claim an emperor as a relative. Why not give it a try?

Liujiabridge Travel Guide: I. Overview Liujiabridge Ancient Town: Located in Xian'an District, Xianning City, it attracts tourists with its unique water town scenery, profound cultural heritage, and simple folk customs. The simple and elegant architectural style, small bridges and flowing water, and green bricks and black tiles seem to take people back to ancient times. II. Transportation Public transportation: After arriving in Xianning City, you can take a bus or taxi to Liujiabridge Ancient Town. Self-driving: Self-driving tourists can drive to the ancient town and enjoy the scenery along the way, but please observe traffic rules and ensure driving safety. III. Tour Route Ancient Bridge Walk: Appreciate the unique charm of Liujiabridge, the iconic building of the ancient town. Ancient Town Tour: Stroll along the stone road in the ancient town alley and feel the charm of the water town. Cultural Visit: Visit the ancient town museum to learn about local history and culture. Food Experience: Taste local snacks, such as duck neck and stinky tofu. IV. Food and Accommodation Mozhuangxuan Farm: It is recommended to taste braised pork in brown sauce and other farmhouse dishes, and accommodation services are provided. Homestays and Hotels: There are many homestays and hotels in the ancient town for tourists to choose from, and it is recommended to book in advance. V. Precautions Respect local customs and abide by the regulations of the scenic area. Pay attention to environmental protection and do not litter. Pay attention to safety, especially when visiting ancient bridges.

#traveltips Nestled in the southeast of Hubei Province, Xianning is a serene escape from the hustle of city life. It's not just a retreat from Wuhan; it's a paradise for the soul. Unlike crowded tourist spots, Xianning’s quiet charm will pull you in with its calming nature. Here, you can walk through tranquil valleys, listen to the clear streams as they wash away your worries, and immerse yourself in the ancient towns steeped in history. 🌿 Top Must-Visit Spots in Xianning: 1️⃣ Liujiaqiao Ancient Dwellings 🏞️ A small yet charming water town in Jiangnan, perfect for starting or ending your journey. Enjoy local food while strolling through the peaceful village. 2️⃣ Tongshan Plum Tree 🌳 A summer retreat with cool streams and lush greenery that lets you escape the heat and refresh your senses. 3️⃣ Curtain Mountain Forest Park 🏕️ Drive up to this camping paradise, where the sea of clouds, stars, and breathtaking sunsets create unforgettable moments. 4️⃣ Yanglou Cave Ming & Qing Stone Street ⛩️ Step back in time on this stone road surrounded by ancient temples and courtyards, offering a peaceful, historical atmosphere. 📍Additional Attractions Visit the Three Kingdoms Red Cliff Battlefield, Lu Shui Lake Scenic Area, or hike through Tianyue Pass for more history and stunning landscapes. 🍴 Local Delicacies: Xianning Bamboo Shoots: Known for their fresh, nutrient-rich flavor. Local Chicken: Famous for its tender and flavorful meat. Chibi Fish Cake: A must-try, made from fresh fish and packed with local flavor. ⛺ Where to Stay: Camp under the stars at Damushan 🏕️ or enjoy the night views of downtown Xianning for a relaxed city vibe. 🎒 Travel Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection from the strong sun ☀️ Rain gear for Xianning’s unpredictable weather 🌧️ Camping equipment if you’re planning an outdoor adventure ⛺ Personal medicine and a camera to capture unforgettable moments 📸 Enjoy the natural beauty and quiet charm of Xianning! #TravelXianning

Liujiaqiao | A forgotten and unpopular century-old village Liujiaqiao is about 30 minutes' drive from Yinshui Cave. It is very close, so you can stop by and have a look if you are from home. The blue bricks, white tiles, green trees, small bridges, flowing water and houses here have a very Jiangnan flavor. The quiet village still retains its ancient and unique charm and is great for taking photos. It is neither over-commercialized nor noisy and complicated. The ducks in the river swim leisurely in the water, and the children by the river play in the water. All you can see here is the enjoyment of slow life. The ancient houses and unique architectural styles all convey the charm of ancient culture and history. There is a free parking lot nearby. The scenic spot is not big and belongs to a niche area. It is not necessary to go there specially, but it can be used as a resting point when traveling from Wuhan to Jiugong Mountain, Yinshui Cave, etc. It is nice to see the ancient villages and eat delicious food. Navigation: Liujiaqiao Ancient Residence, Xianning City, Hubei Province Tickets: Free Tours around the ancient village: Yinshui Cave 35 minutes by car; Jingui Lake 7 minutes by car

| Liujiakiao. Liujiakiao Village is located in Guihua Town, Xian'an District, Xianning City, Hubei Province, situated beside the road from Xianning to Tongshan, surrounded by mountains, with the Baiquan River running through the village. Liujiakiao is an ancient residential complex that was developed after Liu Baochang, the 60th generation descendant of Liu Jiao, the half-brother of Emperor Liu Bang of the Han dynasty, settled here. The village has been inhabited by the clan for four centuries and is known as the 'Number One Village of Chu Tian Folk Customs'. Here, surrounded by green mountains and ancient trees, the old houses, carved beams and painted rafters, and enclosed balconies, though dilapidated and in disrepair, still faintly reveal the prosperity of the past. There is no excessive commercialization here, no noise; ducks leisurely swim in the water, and children play on the stone bridges, all signs of a slow-paced life. The ancient houses and unique architectural style allow one to feel the charm of ancient cultural history. Local elders say that the old houses have a history of five hundred years and belong to the Liu family, the ancient residence of Liu Jiao, the half-brother of Emperor Liu Bang of the Han dynasty, which has been well preserved to this day. Navigation: Hubei Xianning·Liujiakiao (Village of the Great Han Royal Family)

Ancient towns around Wuhan｜Xianning Liujiaqiao Ancient Residence There is such a beautiful century-old village hidden around Wuhan, with blue brick and tile houses, small bridges and flowing water. It is like a picture of Jiangnan when it rains. It is a bit like the Yaoli Ancient Town in Jingdezhen, where the descendants of the Liu royal family live, full of cultural heritage and a heavy sense of history. The ancient town is not big but very photogenic. It is very suitable as a place to rest, eat farm food and take photos. There is space by the river where you can enjoy the breeze and the river view. Walking along the water's edge into the village, I discovered that there were well-preserved ancient houses with people still living in them, and I could still feel the strong smell of fireworks. There is a big old house across the street.

Here lies a row of blue brick and tile houses. They are quiet and ancient, as if they have traveled through the tunnel of time. These houses have weathered the storms, but they still retain their unique charm. Surrounded by lush trees, the sunlight sprinkles on the blue brick and tile houses, making them look so green. Small bridges and flowing water, few people and quiet. There is no excessive noise and commercialization here, what you see is life, and you can feel the charm of ancient culture here. Ancient houses, unique architectural styles, profound historical heritage, and you can also taste authentic farmhouse dishes. Here is surrounded by mountains and rivers, ancient trees towering, smoke curling up, Ming and Qing civilian residences are unique and elegant, in different seasons and time periods, you can also see different scenery. You can arrange a trip during the National Day holiday, bring your family and friends to stroll around. Location: Liujiabridge Ancient Residence, Xianning City