Huangluo Yao Village:Exploring the Millennia-Old Legend of the Village with the Longest Hair in the World

The Name of Long Hair—A Cultural Totem of the Red Yao
The name"The Longest Hair Village in the World"carries the ancient tradition of the Red Yao people that has continued for thousands of years.Since the Song Dynasty,Red Yao women have been growing their hair long,a custom that has a history of over a thousand years.In Red Yao culture,long,black,and shiny hair symbolizes longevity,wealth,and long life,carrying auspicious and beautiful connotations.Red Yao women cut their hair only once in their lives,at their 18th birthday coming-of-age ceremony.Even the cut hair or any hair that falls out during washing is carefully preserved and coiled in a hair knot.Unmarried Red Yao girls must also cover their heads with a headscarf after styling their hair,as their hair cannot be shown to just anyone;only their newlywed husbands can see its beauty on their wedding night.This mystery and preciousness shrouds the long-hair culture of Huangluo Yao Village in a captivating veil.

The Rebirth of the Yao Village—From Isolation to the World
The modern story of Huangluo Yao Village is a moving chapter in the revitalization of a traditional village through cultural confidence:

Secluded in the Mountains(Before the 1980s):Huangluo Yao Village,nestled beneath the Longji Rice Terraces,was almost completely isolated from the world.Transportation was difficult,and the villagers relied primarily on traditional agriculture,leading to poverty.

Breaking Taboos(After the 1980s):With improved transportation and the rise of tourism,the women in the village broke the millennia-old taboo against showing their long hair,beginning to showcase their long hair and Red Yao culture to tourists.

Famous Throughout the World(2002-Present):In 2002,it received the"Longest Group of Women with Long Hair"certificate from the Shanghai Great World Guinness Headquarters.In 2014,it was named one of the first"Characteristic Villages of Chinese Ethnic Minorities."At the 2023 Long Hair Festival,256 Red Yao women created a 456-meter-long Guinness World Record for the"Longest Hair Chain."

Cultural Tourism Revitalization(Current):Relying on its long hair culture,Red Yao costumes,and folk dances,Huangluo Yao Village has become a distinctive village showcasing Red Yao traditional culture and promoting rural revitalization.The annual output value of rice water shampoo products derived from long hair culture has exceeded 100 million yuan.

>In-Depth Understanding:Explore More of the Beauty of Traditional Chinese Villages >> [Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village]

Nature's Creation—Poetic Dwelling Amidst Mountains and Rivers
While Huangluo Yao Village is renowned for its cultural customs,its natural beauty is equally captivating.Surrounded by verdant mountains,the village is bisected by the clear Jinjiang River,with a stilted house on each bank connected by a leisurely suspension bridge.In the early morning,a thin mist rises from the valley,reflecting the wooden houses and mountain shadows on the calm river surface,like a delicate ink painting.After a rain,the distant mountains appear like dark eyebrows,and the nearby water is shrouded in mist;photographers can capture the breathtaking moments of light and shadow at the covered bridge or the suspension bridge by the river.In late spring and early summer,the village's streams murmur,and the lush greenery contrasts sharply with the bright red clothing of the Red Yao women,making every snapshot a masterpiece of ethnic style.

Humanistic Ingenuity–A Living Museum of Red Yao Culture
Every strand of hair,every garment,and every wooden house here tells the story of the Red Yao people over thousands of years.

Long Hair Performance(Core Experience):The villagers of Huangluo Yao Village are all skilled in singing and dancing,and are incredibly hospitable.As tourists arrive in the village,Yao girls in vibrant ethnic costumes greet them with sweet folk songs and perform their unique dances and traditional sports.The most breathtaking performance is undoubtedly the long hair display—the Red Yao women undo their long,black hair,which is coiled on top of their heads and cascades down to their ankles,flowing like black silk as they toss it—a truly spectacular sight.The performance also reveals their generations-old hair care secrets—using fermented rice water mixed with tea bran and traditional Chinese herbs for washing and combing,a natural method that keeps hair black and smooth.

Red Yao Clothing(Intangible Cultural Heritage):Red Yao clothing is a veritable"encyclopedia of culture worn on the body."The clothing is predominantly bright red and rose red,crafted using exquisite reverse embroidery techniques.The process involves silk refining,spinning,weaving,embroidery,batik,and cross-stitch,with a single set sometimes taking one to two years to complete.The clothing is embroidered with flowers,trees,birds,and animals.Most notably,a pair of bright red tiger paw prints are embroidered on the back of the garment,tied at the waist.Legend has it that a Red Yao woman saved an emperor in distress,and the emperor cut off a tiger's paw,dipped it in blood,and imprinted it on the woman's back as a token of gratitude,a tradition passed down through generations.Outside the three-story stilted houses in the village,every household hangs Red Yao clothing strung together on bamboo poles,their vibrant colors and exquisite patterns silently showcasing the history and culture of the Red Yao people.

The stilted house complex(traditional dwellings):The well-preserved Red Yao stilted houses in Huangluo Yao Village are three stories high,constructed entirely of mortise and tenon joints without a single rivet.The first floor serves as a pigsty,while the second floor is the living quarters.Along the cobblestone paths,strings of corn and chili peppers hang under the eaves of the staggered wooden buildings,exuding a strong sense of rural life.Strolling through the village,one can visit these century-old houses and learn about the lifestyle of the Red Yao people passed down through generations.

The Wind and Rain Bridge and the Jinjiang River Suspension Bridge(Village Gate Landmarks):Upon entering the village,the first things that catch the eye are the rustic Wind and Rain Bridge and the swaying suspension bridge spanning the Jinjiang River.The Wind and Rain Bridge serves as the village gate,welcoming guests.During festivals,Yao girls stand here,offering Longji rice wine and singing welcoming folk songs.The suspension bridge connects the two banks and is an excellent location for panoramic views of the Yao village and portraits of the Red Yao people in their traditional costumes.

Photography Tips:
The best panoramic view is from the opposite bank of the Jinjiang River,capturing the stilted houses,the Wind and Rain Bridge,and the surrounding green mountains and waters.
The area in front of the Wind and Rain Bridge is ideal for photographing the Yao girls singing welcoming folk songs.
The suspension bridge provides the best backdrop for portraits of the Red Yao people in their costumes,especially in the soft afternoon light.
For the long hair performance,a medium to long telephoto lens is recommended to capture the moment the long hair flows and the focused expression of the Yao women.

Five Must-Do Things to Unlock the Complete Yao Village Experience
1.Watch a Stunning Long Hair Combing Performance
Time:One to two performances each morning and afternoon.It is recommended to confirm the performance schedule upon arrival.
Location:Folk Performance Square in the village.
Highlight:Red Yao women undo their hair buns,displaying their ankle-length black hair,accompanied by folk songs and dances—a truly breathtaking sight.

2.Enjoy a Bowl of Authentic Yao Oil Tea
Must-Try:Yao oil tea is a traditional drink for entertaining guests.It is made by pounding tea leaves,ginger,garlic,peanuts,etc.,and then brewing it.It is fragrant,rich,and warming.
Pairing with Snacks:It tastes even better when paired with local snacks such as fern root cakes and lantern cakes.
Experience Location:Farmhouse restaurants or guesthouses within the village.

3.Take photos in vibrant Red Yao attire
Experience:The village offers rental services for traditional Red Yao costumes.Wear a red dress embroidered with tiger paw prints and create unique travel memories in front of the stilted houses or along the Jinjiang River.
Cost:Approximately 20 yuan per set.
Suggestion:Choose to take photos in the afternoon when the light is soft,with wooden houses or mountains and rivers as the best background.

4.Discover a thousand-year-old hair care secret
Visit:The village has a China Long Hair Technology Museum where you can learn about the Red Yao women's generational secret recipe for hair care using rice water and its modern industrialization.
Interactive:Exchange hair care tips with local Yao women and learn how to make natural shampoo using rice water.
Souvenirs:Purchase shampoos,skin care masks,and other products developed using the Red Yao rice water secret recipe.

5.Witness a grand festival(limited-time offer)
Core Festival:The"Long Hair Festival,"held annually on the third day of the third lunar month,is the grandest folk festival in Huangluo Yao Village.
Activities include:long hair styling demonstration,Red Yao costume"T-stage show,"folk songs,song and dance performances,phoenix chicken feast,bonfire party,etc.
Recommendation:If time permits,it is strongly recommended to visit during the"March 3rd"festival to immerse yourself in the pinnacle of Red Yao culture.

Suggested Itinerary
Half-day"Yao Village Charm"Tour(suitable for those with limited time or visiting along the way):Arrive at the village gate around 10:00 AM→Welcome experience at the Wind and Rain Bridge,take panoramic photos of the village gate(30 minutes)→Visit the stilted building complex and century-old houses(40 minutes)→Watch the long hair performance and Red Yao song and dance(approximately 45 minutes)→Enjoy Yao-style oil tea and bamboo rice lunch(1 hour)→Visit the China Long Hair Science and Technology Museum and purchase souvenirs(30 minutes)→Depart around 1:00 PM for Ping'an Village or Jinkeng Dazhai in the Longji Rice Terraces to continue your tour.

IntoTravelChina Tip:Huangluo Yao Village is located near the entrance to the Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area and is a must-pass place to enter the core area of​​the terraces.It is recommended to make it the first stop on your Longji Rice Terraces tour,and half a day is sufficient to fully experience it.

One-Day"Deep Immersion"Tour(Suitable for Culture Lovers and Photography Enthusiasts):
Morning:9:00 Arrive at Huangluo Yao Village→In-depth exploration of the stilted building complex,visiting century-old houses,and exchanging hair care tips with local Yao women(1.5 hours)→Watch the morning long hair performance and Red Yao song and dance(45 minutes)→Rent Red Yao costumes for photos(40 minutes)→Yao-style lunch(1 hour).Afternoon:Visit the China Long Hair Technology Museum to learn about the secrets of rice water hair care and its modern industry(40 minutes)→Stroll along the Jinjiang River,photographing the natural scenery and the reflections of the Yao village(40 minutes)→Visit a Red Yao clothing workshop to appreciate the intangible cultural heritage of embroidery(30 minutes)→Afternoon long hair performance(optional,see another performance)→Evening departure for Ping'an Village or Jinkeng Dazhai for overnight stay,to welcome the sunrise over the terraced fields the next day.

IntoTravelChina Advantages:We can book the most suitable accommodation for you,arrange all activity connections,and provide detailed hiking route maps and safety guidelines.

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How to Get There:Seamless Connection Guide
Huangluo Yao Village is located within the Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area,with Guilin city as the main transit hub.

From all over the country,it is recommended to fly/take high-speed rail to Guilin.Travel tip:Upon arrival,you can choose to hire a car,join a tour group,or use public transportation to reach the Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area.

From Guilin city,it is recommended to hire a car/join a tour group.The journey takes approximately 2-2.5 hours.Travel tip:The distance from Guilin to Longji is about 90 kilometers,and the mountain roads are winding.It is recommended to choose a local driver familiar with the road conditions.The cost of hiring a car is approximately 300-400 yuan per vehicle.

Public Transportation:You can take a bus from Guilin Qintan Bus Station to Longsheng.After getting off at the entrance of the Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area,transfer to the scenic area's shuttle bus to enter.

Important Return Trip Reminder:Public transportation within the Longji Rice Terraces scenic area is limited.If you plan to return to Guilin city on the same day,it is recommended to leave the scenic area before 5:00 PM to ensure you catch the return bus.Staying overnight at the terraces will allow for a more relaxed return journey the following day.

Best Time to Visit
Huangluo Yao Village can be visited year-round,but the best seasons are spring,summer,and autumn,especially since they coincide with the peak viewing season for the Longji Rice Terraces.

Spring(March-May):During the irrigation season,the terraces reflect the sky and clouds like mirrors,making it a golden season for photography.The"Long Hair Festival"on the third day of the third lunar month is the grandest folk festival of the year and should not be missed.

Summer(June-August):The terraces are lush and green,and the valleys are cool and pleasant,making it suitable for escaping the heat.However,be aware of rain and mosquitoes.

Autumn(September-November):The rice paddies turn golden,and the forests are ablaze with color.The autumn harvest scene contrasts beautifully with the red of the Yao ethnic minority clothing,creating a striking visual impact.Winter(December-February):Fewer tourists,offering a tranquil Yao village experience and good value for money accommodations.However,some outdoor folk activities may be reduced.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation within the Scenic Area(Preferred for In-Depth Experience):
Huangluo Yao Village Guesthouse:
Experience:Stay in a family-run guesthouse within the Yao village,immersing yourself in the daily life of the Red Yao people.Enjoy the morning mist and tranquility along the Jinjiang River.
Disadvantages:Relatively basic accommodations,limited rooms,advance booking required.
Suitable for:Tourists seeking an authentic ecological experience,photography enthusiasts,and those wishing to experience the Yao village's mornings and evenings.

Ping'an Village/Jinkeng Dazhai Guesthouse:
Experience:Stay in a guesthouse with views of the terraced fields,offering panoramic views of the terraced fields and convenient access to sunrise and sunset.
Disadvantages:Some distance from Huangluo Yao Village,requiring transportation or hiking.
Suitable for:Tourists planning to spend the night at the Longji Rice Terraces and enjoy the sunrise and sunset.

Accommodation Outside the Scenic Area(Flexible and Economical Options):
Longji Town Guesthouses/Inns:Affordable prices,close to Huangluo Yao Village(approximately 10-20 minutes drive),suitable for self-driving tourists.

Guilin City Hotels:Wide range of options,from budget to five-star,suitable for tourists who plan to visit Huangluo Yao Village as a day trip and return to the city that evening.However,the daily round trip takes approximately 4-5 hours,which can be tiring.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Recommendations:
We recommend combining your visit to Huangluo Yao Village with your accommodation experience at the Longji Rice Terraces—exploring the Yao village during the day,staying in a scenic guesthouse in Ping'an Village or Jinkeng Dazhai in the evening,and watching the sunrise over the rice terraces the next morning—this is a classic combination for a Longji trip.Booking through us not only provides real-time room availability but also allows you to package accommodation,tickets,and transportation,often offering bundled deals and ensuring a seamless itinerary.Tell us your budget and needs,and we will match you with the most suitable"rice terrace home.">>[Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]

Huangluo Yao Village is not the end of the journey,but the perfect starting point for exploring the world-renowned Longji Rice Terraces.

Classic 2-Day Longji Deep Loop:Depart from Guilin→Huangluo Yao Village(the village with the longest hair in the world)→Ping'an Zhuang Rice Terraces(Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon,Nine Dragons and Five Tigers)→Jinkeng Dazhai Red Yao Rice Terraces(Thousand-Layer Ladder,Golden Buddha Peak Cable Car)→Return to Guilin.This is a classic journey that blends ethnic culture with the stunning rice terrace scenery.

Classic 3-Day Northern Guangxi Cultural Tour:Guilin→Longji Rice Terraces(Huangluo Yao Village+Ping'an Village+Jinkeng Dazhai)→Chengyang Eight Villages(Dong Ethnic Wind and Rain Bridge)→Sanjiang(Dong Ethnic Drum Tower)→Return to Guilin.Experience the rich cultural heritage of the Zhuang,Yao,and Dong ethnic groups in Northern Guangxi.

Guilin Classic Linked Tour:Connecting Huangluo Yao Village with classic attractions such as the Li River,Yangshuo landscape,and Silver Cave,experience the diverse charm of Guilin,from terraced fields and Yao villages to the ink-wash painting-like Li River.

The story of Huangluo Yao Village is about the perseverance of growing hair for a thousand years,the inheritance of Red Yao culture,and the revitalization of ancient villages.IntoTravelChina focuses on creating in-depth,personalized,and worry-free travel experiences in China.Our travel experts can help you:

Tailor-made Itineraries:Designing the perfect route including Huangluo Yao Village and surrounding attractions of the Longji Terraced Fields based on your interests and time.

One-stop Service:Handling tickets,unique accommodations,transportation,local guides,and folk activity reservations.

Exclusive Experiences:VIP viewing of the long-hair performance,trying on and taking photos in Red Yao costumes,experiencing Yao oil tea making,and guidance on the best time for photography.

Make your trip to Huangluo Yao Village more than just sightseeing;it's an immersive exploration of Red Yao culture.

Start planning your trip now!
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