Rebala

♐️ Located in Longshan County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, Rebala is a well-preserved ancient Tujia village. Nestled between mountains and rivers, it boasts picturesque scenery with stilted houses dotting the landscape, showcasing the rich cultural charm of the Tujia people. In the Tujia language, "Rebala" means "beautiful place." The village features towering ancient trees, winding stone-paved paths, and an atmosphere steeped in rustic elegance. Key attractions include the Rebala Wind-and-Rain Bridge, clusters of Tujia stilted houses, and ancient tree groves. The Wind-and-Rain Bridge spans a stream and serves as a gathering place for villagers, adorned with exquisite carvings that reflect traditional Tujia craftsmanship. The stilted houses, unique to the Tujia culture, are built against the mountains with elevated ground floors for ventilation and moisture prevention. The ancient trees in the village are centuries old, with a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree being the most famous, turning golden in autumn for a spectacular sight. Local delicacies to try include Tujia smoked bacon, sour fish soup, and glutinous rice cakes. Tujia smoked bacon is prepared using traditional methods for a distinctive flavor, while sour fish soup is renowned for its tangy and spicy taste. Glutinous rice cakes are a traditional Tujia snack, soft and sweet. The best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its finest. Rebala is about an hour's drive from Longshan County, and the village can be explored on foot. A half-day to full-day visit is recommended to fully appreciate the simplicity and natural beauty of the Tujia culture.