Guizhou | The Secluded Ancient Banyan Village of Lujiazhai

This is an untouched ancient village in Guizhou, free from commercialization. Hurry to experience this hidden gem off the beaten path! 1. Transportation Self-drive (Recommended): Route: Depart from Panzhou city center, take the Shanghai-Kunming Expressway, switch to National Highway 320, then follow County Road 230. The entire journey takes about 2 hours. Navigation: Directly search for "Lujiazhai Village" or "Lujiazhai Village, Baoji Miao and Yi Ethnic Township." Road Conditions: Some sections are mountain roads, so drive carefully. 2. Highlights Millennium-Old Banyan Tree Grove: The village boasts over 50 ancient banyan trees aged 600+ years. The "King Banyan" has a trunk diameter of 10.5 meters, a canopy covering 1,641 square meters, and requires over a dozen people to encircle it. · The "Couple Banyan Trees" are a must-visit spot for couples, symbolizing unwavering love. Buyi Ethnic Culture Experience: Bayin Zuochang: Traditional Buyi musical performances featuring instruments like the erhu, yueqin, and wooden leaves. Batik and Embroidery: Witness traditional indigo dyeing and weaving techniques, and buy unique textile crafts. Natural Scenery: Vast red maple forests (best viewed in winter) and terraced fields (golden rice waves in autumn). Gesuo River Canyon and ancient stone bridges, perfect for photography and hiking. 3. Accommodation Recommendation We highly recommend Panzhou Donghuli Holiday Hotel! Prime Location: Situated in the heart of Panzhou city, close to Donghu Park with its beautiful surroundings, ideal for relaxation. Facilities: Equipped with premium bedding, smart home systems, high-speed Wi-Fi, and more to ensure a comfortable stay. Amenities include a gym, reading lounge, and tea room. Excellent Service: Suitable for both business trips and family vacations, offering great value for money! 4. Food Recommendations Five-Colored Sticky Rice: A signature dish dyed with natural plants. Lotus Leaf Sticky Rice Chicken: A traditional Panzhou snack, fragrant and soft. Local Honey: High-quality honey sourced from unpolluted local flora. 5. Itinerary Suggestions (1-2 Days) One-Day Trip: Morning: Drive to visit the ancient banyan grove and Couple Banyan Trees. Noon: Enjoy a Buyi ethnic lunch (e.g., five-colored sticky rice). Afternoon: Experience batik crafting and Bayin Zuochang performances, hike the Gesuo River Canyon. Evening: Return to Panzhou city. Two-Day Trip: Day 1: Same as the one-day itinerary, overnight at Zhenshanhe Homestay. Day 2: Wake early to see the morning mist over the terraced fields, then explore nearby Dadong Bamboo Sea or Wumeng Grassland (about 1.5-hour drive). 6. Tips Best Seasons: Red maple forests (Nov-Dec), terraced fields (Sep-Oct), summer retreat (Jun-Aug). Cultural Respect: Follow local customs during festivals (e.g., June 6th celebrations). Packing Advice: Mountain areas have large temperature swings; bring windproof jackets and hiking shoes.