Travel Destinations: Dehang, Hunan Province, China

Set in a gorgeous riverine setting, overlooked by towering peaks that conjure up images of mythologized China, Dehang in Hunan Province is a beautiful Miao hamlet offers the weary traveller some incredibly beautiful views and the chance to rest a weary soul. Clear streams, verdant valleys and stone peaks rising to the sky like columns will bring peace and tranquillity.

Dehang is home to a large community of Miao, one of the officially 56 ethnic groups in China. The village has been adapted to welcome the droves of tourists who flock to Dehang each year. However, you can still experience that real minority village sensation, complete with wood constructed buildings and the cool streams running by.

There are shows staged in Dehang Miaozhai in the evenings, but try to avoid this as it is unauthentic and often crowded by tourists. If you avoid the showy touristy places, you can see the authentic Miao life – the people wearing their traditional blue clothing, holding onto bamboo baskets and weavers creating wonderfully colourful cloth for cotton jackets before your eyes.

There are some wonderful walks to be had here. Dehang is situated in a massive 164 sq km geological park with pleasant trails that wind into the hills. Early morning or late afternoon is the perfect times for walks here, especially when the tourist levels are much lower.

The Nine Dragon Stream Scenic Area (Jiulongxi Jingqu) is a beautiful area where travellers can rest their weary souls and tired feet. It can be found winding past a stream just outside the village; go over the wooden bridge, where the Miao peasants work in the terraced fields.

The Nine Dragon Waterfall is another pleasant place to relax. Carry on up this trail where you will come to the magnificent Liusha Waterfall (Liushu Pubu). Sprays of clear water splash onto rocks above a green pool at the base. The best time to visit the waterfall is after it has rained, for the views are truly amazing through the curtain s of water.

Other noteworthy places to visit are is the 2.6km long Yuqanxi Scenic Area (Yuquanxi Jingqu), set in a lovely valley. To get to here, follow the Yuquan Stream, go past the haystacks and the beautiful terraced fields. Carry on walking for 1.5km and cross the Jade Fountain Gate (Yuquan Men) and carry onup the path to the waterfall. For those who have lots of energy, climb up the stairs to visit the Tianwen Platform where you will be rewarded with the most amazing views of the gorge above the waterfall and some traditional Miao homes.

Travellers can reach Dehang by travelling to Jishou by train, then catching a bus to Dehang. The bus ride will only take about 50 minutes, and can be caught from the train station every 20 minutes.