'''Chengyang''' is a group of amazing villages 18Km from Sanjiang, in Guangxi province of China.
Understand
Chengyang refers, in fact, to the famous wooden wind-and-rain bridge built about 100 years ago. Although there are many in this area, this is the most renowned and visited. The area is extremely peaceful and quiet, people are among the nicest you'll meet in China, prices are cheap and tourists do not tend to come here - generally speaking, it's a great place to relax for a few days, take in Dong culture and simply enjoy the scenery.
History
Landscape
A river flows through the villages, and to either side are paddy fields. The slopes in this area are not as steep as Longji, for example, and a wander off the track will reveal all sorts of agriculture, such as aquaculture in ponds inbetween the valley sides, and small tea and timber plantations. It is very green and lush.
Flora and fauna
Climate
The best time to come here is early Autumn, when the fields are covered with yellow and the weather is extremely friendly.
Get in
Frequent buses depart from the Sanjiang West (He Xi) bus terminal and cost 5RMB. If you arrive from Guilin, you will arrive at HeDong bus terminal, and you will need to walk 10 minutes or so to He Xi bus terminal. From the vicinity of the same terminal you can catch frequent minivans that cost 10RMB and departure when full (useful after 5pm, when the last public bus leaves). The journey will be much faster but, being so, it is a bit risky since the road is narrow and the drivers have very bad driving habits.
Fees/Permits
The entrance fee is 50RMB, student card can get a discount price of 30RMB. Note that until recently the local villagers hadn't seen a penny from this money, which, officially "used for maintaining the bridge", in fact went to the pockets of the local officials. After endless petitions from the locals, the authorities guaranteed that they will get 30% of the income gained buy the entrance fees collection. In fact, no-one checks the books, so the actual part might easily be 10%, or even 1%. Therefore, if you manage to avoid paying the entrance fee by continuing with a bus just 100 meters further on from the main entrance and entering the area "from the back door", the only ones you'll be cheating are the corrupted communists, and this is a blessing.
Get around
The best, if not the only, way to get around is simply walking between the villages, which are all very close to each other. Some hotels offer bikes for rent, but unless you're planning some really of-the-track bike trips, these are not necessary.
See
Walk around the villages, see the nature, the houses, the children, the people at work, in general - just relax!
The drum towers are places for social and religious gatherings, and resemble a pagoda of some kind. See this together with stages, bridges and Dong houses in each village and hamlet. They all tend to have unique details.
From the ticket office, take a walk up to the two pavilions on the crest of the large hill overlooking the village, and take in the views over the valley of settlements.
Do
If you travel with somebody who speak Chinese, take some time to talk to the locals. Most of the residents belong to Dong minority,and though officially not discriminated, they live in an extreme poverty and undergo endless humiliations by the government. Just listen to their stories and understand, what is the '''real''' China of the 21st century, in contrast to what the government is trying to show.
The locals are very friendly and peaceful.
Buy
Eat
There are different restaurants, from cheapest local to a bit more pricey touristic. Some claim to have Western food, but don't count on it.
Drink
The local rice wine is on sale. You will also have a mug of oil tea included in your entrance ticket, or you can buy it seperately.
Sleep
Yang's Guesthouse. a'an village, Chengyang. alk over the wind-and-rain bridge and you will run into it. 086-7728583210/13078000114. angsguesthouse@hotmail.com. 086-8583126. 50 - Y60 per night, discounts for longer stays. The ever helpful Xian is bound to make your stay here worthwhile. Western and local food, bar, bicycle hire, Tai Chi lessons, free internet, tour guide, IDD, bus and air ticket booking. Credit card accepted
Camping
If you '''really''' want, you can ask for local advice. But what for?
Backcountry
From Chengyang, there are many smaller villages to travel to, further up the road and in the vicinity. Some of them have market days, check Yang's Guesthouse for more information or ask the locals. There is an information board at the entrance gate with a brief description on the noteworthy villages in Sanjiang county.
Stay safe
Chengyang is generally very safe in any time. Drink only bottled water and wash carefully everything you intend to eat fresh, and that's about it.
Get out
A bus back to Sanjiang is necessary for most onward transport. Make certain to check the times the day before, as departures to more obscure places may be infrequent. 2 daily buses leave to Liping, one at 6:30 am and the next at 11:30am, and this bus can drop you at Zhaoxing.