Hou Xi Ancient Town is located in the eastern part of Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, more than 90 kilometers away from the county town, bordering Liye Town in Longshan County, Hunan Province to the east, and Shidi Town in Xiu County to the south. Hou Xi is a settlement area for the Tujia people, with a current population of over 21,000, of which more than 90% are Tujia.
The ancient town has a long history, being part of the Wuling Prefecture during the Han Dynasty. In the Shaoxing years of the Southern Song Dynasty, the Youyang Xuanwei Mission was established, belonging to the You Creek among the nine creeks and eighteen caves. The local customs are simple and honest, and there are abundant cultural relics above and below the ground. Important cultural and historical sites include the Hou Xi Suspended Coffin Burial, the Tomb of the Tujia General Bai, the Gongshi Jie Xiao Archway, the Hou Xi Wanshou Palace, and the Tujia Bai Shou Hall, among others.
The scenery of Hou Xi Ancient Town is enchanting and full of charm. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, such as the Changtan scenery with clear waters and green mountains, and the strange rocks and peaks, earning it the reputation of a ‘mini Li River’. The emerald Youshui River flows past the town, with the mountains on both banks of the river being uniquely beautiful. The Sanwu Mountain next to the town reflects in the river, reminiscent of the landscapes of Guilin.
When cruising on the river, one can clearly see the deep riverbed. The boatmen sing the long-standing Hou Xi fishing songs, whose melodious tunes resonate through the valleys and over the water. It is like a picture of a paradise, where life is content and at ease. The specific opening hours and business status are subject to the actual situation on the day.
