Over the weekend, I had a chance to revisit one of my favorite places in China. Unless you’re an extra-avid reader of this blog, you’ve read your Lonely Planet cover-to-cover (welcome to the club!), or you know me in real life, you’ve probably never heard of Dehang. It’s village in western Hunan that is surrounded by lush rice paddies, spectacular karsts and one huge waterfall. It’s so beautiful that the friend I brought there was surprised by the beauty, even though it’s all I ever talk about. (When the subject of China travel comes up, anyway.) Despite its proximity to two relatively famous tourist attractions (Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang) and the village’s own aspirations, hardly anyone comes to Dehang. It’s just you, the karsts, and the occasional farmer-and-buffalo pair.
This is the latest in a series of Friday “snapshots” featuring photos from my travels in China and beyond.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Jessica, I just love your pictures and make me want to visit this place. I ma coming to China in September and I really would like to get in touch with you to ask you for some travel tips. Would you be so kind to reply to my email please? Thanx a lot! Lucie
Hi Jessica
Like you I am an avid fan of De Hang having spent a few days there this last July.
I feel I have unfinished business there though I did do the 2 main walks
I am always unsure about revisiting a place after I have already been there.
I am thinking of going back again in 2011 and I was wondering what you felt when you went back the second time. How long did you stay and did you discover anything new.
I have been to China 5 times ,1985 ,1987.2008,2009,2010 and as far as ‘old towns’ go , well
Dali for example is old only in name , went through there in 1985.
Cheers and I enjoy reading your thoughts
Wayne
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Hi Wayne – I think Dehang is nice to visit a second time just as a place to hang out, but there’s not much new to discover on a repeat visit. I spent a day there with a friend who had never been there before.
Hi Jessica – great post. I’m glad to see people enjoying Dehang; it’s such a beautiful place. I lived in Jishou (20-30 minute drive) for a year in 2007-08 and went to Dehang quite a few times.
I’m actually planning on heading back to China and traveling around Dongbei in June — the northeast is one of the few parts of China I still haven’t seen at all.
This is a shot in the dark, but do you have any recommendations for Dehang-type places to visit in Dongbei? Not the same kind of scenery, obviously — I just mean this type of small, lesser-known place that doesn’t always pop up in the guidebooks but is nonetheless absolutely worth visiting.
I’ve actually barely spent any time in Dongbei at all, so I don’t have any good recommendations — let me know if you find anything, though!
Fantastic website Jessica. I am planning to visit Hunan and would never have thought of Dehang…until now. I know the Hmong of Vietnam, will be interesting to see the same tribes in Hunan.
A Virtualtourist member suggested a river-trip from Changde to Fenghuang, travelling only on cargo boats. Know anything about that?
I used to work in Beijing and will be re-visiting over Easter 2012. We’d love to buy you dinner to reward you for the generous tips on this site. Hope to meet up!