Things to do in Zhijiang
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Zhijiang
Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge
Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge spans the Wu River in Zhijiang, Huaihua. First built in the 19th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, it was damaged and rebuilt several times over the past 400-plus years, remaining a vital crossing point for travelers and merchants between Hunan and Guizhou. The current bridge structure dates back to a large-scale reconstruction in the late 1990s, which still utilizes traditional Dong wooden construction techniques. The entire bridge is over 200 m long and more than 10 m wide, resting on 16 boat-shaped stone piers with pointed ends facing the current, bonded with a mortar of sticky rice and tung oil. The wooden structure on the bridge is entirely joined by mortise and tenon, without the use of a single nail or rivet. The name "Longjin" is said to be derived from the sight of the boat-shaped piers "spitting water" as they cut through the waves. A long corridor with triple-eaved roofs connects the two banks, interspersed with seven five-story pavilions. With their deep blue glazed tiles and upturned eaves, they look like a long dragon lying on the river from a distance. Nearly 100 stall-style shops line both sides of the bridge, filled with local snacks like pickled radish and Zhijiang duck, as well as Dong silver jewelry and daily goods. The scent of tea drifts from teahouses where locals often sit and relax, making a walk across the bridge feel more like strolling through an old street built over the river. Climbing up to the pavilions in the middle of the bridge offers a bird's-eye view of the stilt houses along both banks of the Wu River, with the nearby Zhijiang Tianhou Temple complementing the bridge. The bronze rhinoceros statue at the bridgehead, covered in Dong patterns, embodies prayers for flood control and peace.Zhijiang · 865m from downtown
Memorial Hall of the Victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Acceptance of Japan’s Surrender
Memorial Hall of the Victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Acceptance of Japan’s Surrender, located in Zhijiang County, Huaihua, is a memorial site where the Chinese people accepted the surrender of the invading Japanese army. It is also one of the earliest specialized memorial halls in China to comprehensively reflect the theme of the victory and surrender of the War of Resistance. In August 1945, Japan announced its unconditional surrender, and from August 21 to 23, the Nationalist Government held the surrender ceremony here. The main buildings of Memorial Hall of the Victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Acceptance of Japan’s Surrender include theSurrender Memorial Archway, the Surrender Ceremony Hall of the China Theater, and others. Among them, theSurrender Memorial Archwayis known as the "Arc de Triomphe of China." It stands 8.5m high, 10.46m wide, and 1.15m thick, featuring a blue brick and cement exterior, a "mountain" character-shaped top, four pillars with three arches, and is inlaid with Yuanzhou purple robe jade belt stone. The venue includes the restored surrender hall and an exhibition of surrender materials, housed in a typical 1940s barracks-style building. It utilizes high-tech audio, light, and electrical displays to showcase thousands of important national cultural relics and documents. The memorial hall also includes the former headquarters of the Chinese Army and the Former Site of He Yingqin's Office, where the tables, chairs, and sofas on display are original items from that time. Not far away is Huaihua Zhijiang Airport, which was once the second-largest military airport for the Allied forces in the Far East during World War II. It served as a base for General Claire Lee Chennault's Chinese-American Composite Wing and the United States Fourteenth Air Force. The Sino-American Air Force Club and the airport control tower near the airport are still well-preserved. When visiting Memorial Hall of the Victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Acceptance of Japan’s Surrender, it is recommended to hire a guide to gain a more detailed understanding of the history here.Zhijiang · 3.7km from downtown
Zhijiang Tianhou Temple
Located in Zhijiang County, it is one of the largest Mazu temples in the inland. It was built in the 13th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1748). The palace has pavilions, terraces, eaves and brackets, which are wide and solemn. The gate is built with stone, with exquisite carving skills and deep hollowing and engraving, which is very vivid. The gate of Tianhou Palace is 11 meters high and 6.3 meters wide. It is built with Guizhou bluestone and is in the shape of a star gate. There are male lions squatting on both sides, and there is a bluestone carved railing in front to form a platform. There are 15 steps in the middle to enter the door. There are 50 bluestone reliefs on the top, bottom, left and right, with large stone carvings of 2.5 square meters and small ones of 0.3 square meters. The patterns are mostly fish, dragons, phoenixes, lions, flowers, trees, gods, ghosts, and immortals, with vivid images and clear faces. In the center of the doorway, a stone plaque with the words "Tianhou Palace" is inlaid. The font is thick and round, and the axe and chisel are also very good at calligraphy. The Tianhou Temple covers an area of 3,700 square meters, and the current preserved area is nearly 2,000 square meters. The archway is 10.3 meters high and 6.3 meters wide. There are 95 reliefs on the archway, with large reliefs of 2.62 square meters and small reliefs of 0.09 square meters. The images of fish, dragons, phoenixes, lions, flowers, plants, bamboos, gods, ghosts, and immortals are vivid and lifelike, and the pictures are as clear as before. There is one classic in one picture or several in one picture. The Huagong "Fishermen and Woodcutters Singing in Harmony" is opposite to "Farming and Reading as the Foundation". There are eight reliefs on the side columns, such as "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea", "Phoenix Facing the Sun", "Two Dragons and Phoenix Pearls", "Lion Rolling Embroidered Balls", etc. They are finely carved and hollowed out, which can be called supernatural craftsmanship.Zhijiang · 681m from downtown
Qianyang Ancient Town
Nestled in the upper reaches of Yuanshui, Qianyang Ancient Town is one of the well-preserved examples of ancient cities dating from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The ancient city is surrounded by water on three sides. It is a frontier town in Xiang-Chu-Miao Region and also known as the “gateway to Yunnan and Guizhou”. Of the original five city gates, four still remain to this day. The West Gate is also known as Zhongzheng Gate. The gate and the building are incredibly well preserved with the words “Zhong Zheng Men” still inscribed on the gate, written by Dai Li, dating back from the days of the Warlord Era. The well-preserved fishbone-shape road layout is formed by the two main streets in the north and south. It was called Nine Streets and Eighteen Lanes in ancient times and there are a variety of ancient buildings on both sides of the street such as the county government, academies, temples, inns and theaters.HongJiang · 31km from Zhijiang
Hunan Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall
Zhijiang · 3.5km from downtown
Fenghuang Ancient Town
The ancient town of Fenghuang is located in the southwest of Xiangxi, Hunan Province. The ancient city was built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. It is surrounded by mountains and rivers, with the Tuojiang River running through the city. The red sandstone walls stand on the shore, and the Nanhua Mountain is set against the city towers from the Qing Dynasty. A narrow wooden bridge with stone piers is across the river under the north gate of the ancient city. It was the passage out of the city in those days. The bluestone streets in the city, the stilt houses by the Tuojiang River, the numerous ancient buildings and the rich customs constitute the unique charm of western Hunan. The main attractions include the former residence of Shen Congwen, the ancient city museum, Chongde Hall, etc., which are worth visiting.Fenghuang County · 56.6km from Zhijiang
China's Dong Nationality Cultural City
China Dong Cultural City is located in the Xiangshipo Provincial Forest Park in Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County, 6 kilometers away from the center of Huaihua, more than 20 kilometers away from the Memorial Hall of the Victory and Surrender of the Zhijiang River in the West, Wushui River in the south, Hunan-Guizhou Railway and 320 National highway, location and traffic conditions are very advantageous. The entire scenic area covers an area of 3,500 mu. Sunshine, pine forests, streams, and grassy beaches constitute a unique and beautiful natural landscape here. The scenic spot highlights the tourism theme of Dong nationality culture and is a large tourism world integrating folk customs, modern entertainment, vacation and leisure, and forest sightseeing. The scenic spot includes the China Dong Culture Museum, Dong Customs Tourist Area, Dong characteristic buildings, a folk food street, a national crafts street, leisure resorts and other attractions. The unique craftsmanship of Drum Tower, Diaojiao Tower, Wind and Rain Corridor, Zhaimen, Pavilion and other Dong architectural arts will make you marvel and look up. Taste the flavor of Dong family in the romantic atmosphere of pickled fish, pickled meat, national costumes and side dances unique to Dong township. Here, you can fully appreciate the cultural customs of the Dong people.Zhijiang · 21.6km from downtown
Elephant Hill Scenic Area
The Elephant Hill Scenic Area is located in the heart of Guilin, at the confluence of the Li River and the Peach Blossom River. It derives its name from its resemblance to a giant elephant stretching its trunk to drink from the sweet waters of the Li River. In his work "Records of Elephant Hill," Shu Shu, a Qing Dynasty official from the Ministry of Works, wrote: "The marvels of Guangxi lie in its mountains; the marvels of Guangxi's mountains lie in their rocks, and the elephant-shaped hill facing the provincial capital is the most marvelous of all." With its lifelike form, the attraction captivates visitors and stands as a quintessential representation of Guilin's landscape. In 1995, it was designated as the city emblem of Guilin. The main attractions in the scenic area include: Elephant Hill and Water Moon, Puxian Pagoda, Elephant Hill Scenic Area and Guilin Sanhua Liquor, Elephant Hill Scenic Area - Love Island, and Elephant Hill Scenic Area - Yunfeng Temple Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Exhibition Hall. Elephant trunk hill and water moon cave "Elephant trunk hill and water moon" is a spectacular wonder here, as described in the poem by Ji Bei Hermit of the Song Dynasty.Harmony of water, moon and caveThe poem reads: "The moon is beneath the water, the moon floats upon the water. The water flows but the moon stays, the moon departs yet the water still flows." On a moonlit night, visiting the Water Moon Cave at the Elephant Trunk Hill attraction presents a magical scene where the moon in the sky, the cave, and the water reflect each other beautifully. Inside the cave, you can find the "Poem and Preface of the Morning Sun Pavilion" by Zhang Xiaoxiang from the Song Dynasty and works by Fan Chengda.Inscription on the water and moon caveAnd over 50 precious cliff carvings including Lu You's poetry manuscripts. Xiangshan scenic area - Puxian pagoda Winding up along the rocky cliffs, you can see the Puxian pagoda standing tall amidst the greenery from afar. Built during the Ming dynasty, this 13.6m-high solid brick lama-style pagoda has a history of over 400 years. On the northern side of the pagoda, there is a line-engraved bluestone statue of a bodhisattva, with the mantra "Namo Puxian Bodhisattva" inscribed above it, hence the name Puxian pagoda in the Xiangshan attraction. Buddhist scriptures record that Puxian bodhisattva's mount is a six-tusked white elephant, making the pagoda's location atop Xiangshan mountain a perfect embodiment of this scripture. Elephant Hill Scenic Area and Guilin Sanhua liquor This is a natural wine cellar, with two-thirds of the mountain being hollow. It stays warm in winter and cool in summer, maintaining a constant temperature of 19°C and humidity above 90% year-round. Since the Song Dynasty, it has served as an official cellar for storing Sanhua wine. Sanhua wine is colorless and transparent, with a fragrant yet spicy taste. It drawsLi RiverWith the essence of the mountains and the soul of the Li River, it has become a representative of China's rice-aroma liquor. The cellar liquor was designated as a tribute to the imperial court as early as the Northern Song Dynasty and is one of the three treasures of Guilin. To date, nearly a thousand tons of liquor are stored in the caves. Love island Love island is located on the north side of the attraction, adjacent toLi RiverIt is another scenic viewpoint for distant viewing. The island boasts a beautiful environment and lush vegetation, making it a popular dating spot for locals in the 1970s, hence the name "love island". Today, it serves as an outdoor photography base for wedding celebrations against the backdrop of Guilin's landscape, where couples make their vows of love under the witness of the elephant trunk hill and the moon reflected in the water.China · Guilin
Jingping Ancient Village
Jingping Ancient Village is located on the west bank of Wushui River in Zhongfang Town, Zhongfang County, 15 kilometers away from downtown Huaihua, with very convenient transportation. There are more than 20 ancient cultures in the village, such as ancestral halls, ancient post roads, Fubo Palace, Wenchang Pavilion, Jiexiaofang, Tang Dynasty ancient wells, hydrological monuments, Longfeng Bridge, Guanyin Pavilion, Wutong Temple and old and Neolithic eras. Ruins. The area around Jingping and Wushui River was the land of Nanman in ancient times. The folk cultural elements such as wine songs, Nuo opera, fishing drums, and bawang whip that have been passed down to this day attract countless tourists. The farmhouses in Jingping Ancient Village are basically Ming and Qing buildings composed of small courtyards, which blend with the surrounding landscape and countryside, giving people a sense of simplicity and restraint. In the village, there are also ancient wells of Tang Dynasty, city walls of Ming Dynasty, former residences of Qing people, together with a thousand-year-old couple tree and ancient stone fish, allowing you to fully appreciate the richness of history and the tranquility of the ancient village. The Pan's Ancestral Hall was built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. Although it has experienced wind and rain, it is still elegant and antique. On the stage of the ancestral hall, visitors can enjoy the Nuo opera, Bawang whip and fishing drums written, directed and performed by Jingping villagers, which will make you feel like returning to the distant past.Zhongfang · 25.2km from Zhijiang
Tuojiang River
The Tuo River is located in Fenghuang County. Tourists know it as the river along the walls of Phoenix Ancient Town. The Tuo River's waters are clear and blue, and centuries-old dwelling are contained on both banks of the river. On the south bank of the river lies an ancient city wall made of purple sandstone. Even after all these years, it still looks spectacular. Near the east gate of Minjiang River, there are attractions such as the Wanshou Building, Wanming Tower and the Zhancui Building. The "jumping rock" near the north gate of the river served as an important entry-exit point of the Phoenix Ancient City. It's a great spot for a photo!Fenghuang County · 56.8km from Zhijiang
Free things to do in Zhijiang
Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge
Zhijiang · 865m from downtownMemorial Hall of the Victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Acceptance of Japan’s Surrender
Zhijiang · 3.7km from downtownZhijiang Tianhou Temple
Zhijiang · 681m from downtownQianyang Ancient Town
HongJiang · 31km from ZhijiangImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeHunan Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall
Zhijiang · 3.5km from downtownFenghuang Ancient Town
Fenghuang County · 56.6km from ZhijiangChina's Dong Nationality Cultural City
Zhijiang · 21.6km from downtownElephant Hill Scenic Area
China · GuilinImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeJingping Ancient Village
Zhongfang · 25.2km from ZhijiangTuojiang River
Fenghuang County · 56.8km from ZhijiangImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytime
What travellers say about Zhijiang
tzy7987983 May 2025
5.0
Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge is located in Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County, Huaihua City, Hunan Province. It is a Dong wind and rain bridge that integrates trade, tourism and leisure.
The following is a detailed introduction for you:
Historical Origin
Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge was first built in the 19th year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1591). It was donated by the famous monk Kuanyun. Because the bridge piers and flowing water are shaped like a dragon's mouth spraying water, it is named "Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge". The bridge has been damaged and repaired many times in history. It has always been a traffic fortress on the Hunan-Guizhou Highway, and it is also the most prosperous place for merchants and tourists to travel. It is known as the "No. 1 Bridge in the Southwest of the Three Chus". In early 1999, Longjin Bridge was rebuilt again and completed on November 7 of the same year.
Architectural features
The bridge is 246.7 meters long and 12.3 meters wide, with a sidewalk width of 5.8 meters. It is a mortise and tenon hollow wooden structure covered bridge. The highest point of the covered bridge is 17.99 meters. There are 7 exquisite bridge pavilions in between. The main building pavilion in the middle is an octagonal five-story bridge pavilion. There are 94 wing-style shops on both sides of the corridor. The architectural style has strong Dong ethnic characteristics. The corridor-style building of the bridge can shelter pedestrians from wind and rain, and the bridge pavilion is a place for people to rest. The entire wind and rain bridge is a full wooden structure without a single nail or rivet, reflecting the contemporary Dong ethnic garden architectural style.
Cultural value
Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge is a cultural relic protection unit in Hunan Province. It was included in the Shanghai Guinness World Records in December 2000 and is the world's largest wind and rain bridge. It is a perfect fusion of historical monuments and architectural art, and has become a rare cultural landscape in China.
Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge
苦海无边，望不到岸4 May 2022
5.0
"Eight years of war started in Lugou, and a letter of surrender came out of Zhijiang".
The Surrender Memorial Arch is the only landmark building in China that commemorates the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. It is known as the "China Arc de Triomphe". It is a historical witness to the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and a great and immortal historical monument of the Chinese nation.
Zhijiang is the general surrender site of the Chinese theater, the first surrender site in the country, and the command center of the national surrender work. The surrender in Zhijiang handled the specific surrender terms of the millions of Japanese invaders in China, representing the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Memorial Hall of the Victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Acceptance of Japan’s Surrender
盛夏的清凉14 March 2025
4.0
The Tianhou Temple in Zhijiang is very close to the Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge, and it takes about ten minutes to walk there. You need to buy a ticket to enter. The architecture is very beautiful. Tianhou Temple is usually located in coastal areas, but I didn't expect there is one in the southwest inland. When you come out of the Tianhou Temple, you can take a look at the Zhijiang Three Bridges, which are also spectacular.
Zhijiang Tianhou Temple
dl69066 July 2026
5.0
The ancient town is quaint and not overly commercialized, with a beautiful and comfortable surrounding environment, situated by the river. It's relatively quiet, with many shops closed and virtually no restaurants, but this adds to its tranquility.
Qianyang Ancient Town
khcc18 January 2020
4.0
Walk 3-400 meters from the Japanese Surrender Memorial Hall to the site. You can get the admission ticket with your ID card. There is a large square in front of the memorial hall, which mainly records the historical facts of the Red Army's resistance against Japan after the Japanese invasion of China. It is a good historical teaching material.
Hunan Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall
oueryuji13 September 2026
5.0
Fenghuang Ancient Town, located in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, is a border town renowned for its literary significance. A national 5A-level tourist attraction, it was praised by New Zealand writer Rewi Alley as "China's most beautiful small town." The Tuojiang River flows gently through the town, with stilted houses standing along its banks and winding ancient cobblestone alleys. This is the spiritual home of Shen Congwen's novel "Border Town," harboring unique Xiangxi charm. In the morning, a thin mist blankets the river; at night, lights reflect on the water. The landscape and culture blend seamlessly, half poetic, half down-to-earth; every step reveals the gentle warmth of time.
#TravelRecommendationOfficer #HealingScenery #FenghuangAncientTown #XiangxiTourism
Fenghuang Ancient Town
喜欢猫的虎2 February 2023
5.0
China Dong Culture City is a national 2A-level scenic spot located in Xiangshipo Provincial Forest Park in Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County. The entire scenic spot covers an area of 3,500 acres. Sunshine, pine forests, streams, and grasslands constitute the unique and beautiful natural landscape here. The scenic spot highlights the theme of Dong ethnic cultural tourism and is a tourist world that integrates folk customs, modern entertainment, vacation and leisure, and forest sightseeing.
China's Dong Nationality Cultural City
M45***4825 September 2026
5.0
When visiting Guilin, a must-see is Elephant Trunk Hill, the city's iconic landmark. It truly lives up to its reputation as the face of Guilin's landscape; only by seeing it in person can one truly appreciate the wonders of nature. The entire mountain sits on the banks of the Li River, resembling a giant elephant bowing to drink from the water. The Water Moon Cave cuts through the mountain, its reflection shimmering in the water, creating the famous Elephant Trunk Hill and Water Moon spectacle—a flowing ink painting.
The scenic area is clean and comfortable, with walking paths built along the Li River, shaded by lush trees, making for a delightful stroll. You can climb the mountain for panoramic views of Guilin, or find classic vantage points along the riverbank to capture stunning, atmospheric photos. Boat trips are also available, offering a different and breathtaking perspective of Elephant Trunk Hill from the river.
The scenic area is conveniently located in the city center, with excellent transportation and comprehensive facilities. Every step reveals a new vista, allowing you to truly experience the unparalleled beauty of Guilin's landscape. Don't miss it when traveling to Guilin; it's definitely worth a visit.
Elephant Hill Scenic Area
西格玛 1233 June 2025
5.0
荆坪古村是湖南省怀化市知名的古村落，位于中方县城舞水河西岸。古村落中的建筑别具一格，与周边自然景观完美相融、相得益彰。
Jingping Ancient Village
Anonymous user13 September 2026
5.0
The hotel boasts a prime location within the Seventy-Two Wonders Towers, offering views of the towers' interior from your room. After exploring, it's just a few minutes' walk back to the hotel. The attractions offer numerous evening activities with a pleasant atmosphere.
The hotel rooms are clean and tidy, and the front desk staff are friendly and welcoming.
Dining and shopping are conveniently located around the hotel, making for a great stay.
Tuojiang River
