Travel into the clouds at Nangang Village, Qingyuan

Hidden in the mountains above Qingyuan City in Guangdong Province, the Yao village of Nangang sits at an altitude of 800 metres. Affectionately known as the “village in the clouds”, it blends harmoniously with the hilly landscape, surrounded by terraced rice fields and blanketed in fog. 

The Song-dynasty settlement has changed slowly over the last 1,000 years, retaining many of the traditional Yao ways of life. Wander its winding, sloping stone paths, flanked by century-old stilt houses, and it’s easy to feel as though you’ve travelled back in time.  

The 2026 launch of direct high-speed rail services between Hong Kong and Qingyuan has made Nangang accessible to curious visitors. The ride from West Kowloon to Qingyuan Station takes less than 90 minutes. From there, it’s another 90 minutes by private car, taxi or Didi ride-hailing service to the mountain hideaway.  

Where to start in Nangang

More than 300 structures dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties make Nangang one of the largest and best-preserved settlements of its kind in Guangdong. Begin your journey with an introduction to Yao culture at the Pang Wang Temple: dedicated to the ancestors of the Yao people, it lies at the heart of community life. For history enthusiasts, the Yao King’s House – the former residence of the village chief – is also well worth a visit.

If it’s views you’re after, venture out to the rice-field terraces surrounding the village. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of mountain peaks rising from a sea of clouds. The scene is especially dreamlike at first light, when the billowing clouds feel close enough to touch or, after a spring shower, when they drift across the mountains and valleys. The rice fields, too, change with the seasons, transforming from emerald green in spring to golden yellow in autumn.  

Explore Nangang culture 

Nangang’s charm extends beyond its scenery to the lively customs and warm hospitality of its residents. Be sure to visit the Yao Dance Square to watch the Yao Long Drum Dance, an energetic, rhythmic dance performed staged throughout the day for visitors. 

On Friday and Saturday evenings, meanwhile, the village comes alive with bonfires and feasts. Visitors are welcome to join in the singing and dancing around the fire. If you visit during a festive holiday, you may also get to experience another time-honoured Yao tradition: a long-table banquet, where traditional songs accompany each toast.

What to eat in Nangang 

Yao cuisine is famed for its use of fresh mountain ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, resulting in comforting, rustic flavours. One of the region’s standout delicacies is bamboo rice: glutinous rice filled with cured pork and wild mushrooms, then slow-roasted inside a bamboo tube over a wood fire. The bamboo imparts a subtle yet irresistible aroma. 

In Nangang, find the best bamboo dishes at Yi Ge Bamboo Tube Chicken, an oft-recommended local eatery. Yao Xian Ge Restaurant is another popular spot, serving up authentic dishes like stir-fried tea tree mushrooms with cured pork and tender Yao-style poached free-range chicken. Round off your meal with a cup of youcha (oil tea), a rich, healing drink that reflects the Yao people’s deep knowledge of mountain flora and their enduring connection to nature. 

Where to stay 

For an immersive overnight stay complete with an evening bonfire and a morning sunrise, opt for village lodging. The Qiannian Yaozhai Yunshang Yaojia Hostel is an excellent choice; perched on one of the village’s upper levels, it offers unobstructed views of the scattered buildings below. 

If you’re planning a day trip to Nangang, Qingyuan is an ideal base. The Hampton by Hilton in Qingyuan’s Qingxin district is a convenient upscale option, with shopping malls, restaurants and convenience stores close by. For a more restful stay, look to the Jiqingli Singwood Hotel in Yingde – a lakeside hot spring resort framed by mountains, with private hot spring pools in each of its suites. Both properties are roughly a 90-minute drive from Nangang. 

Advice for visiting Nangang Village 

• Dress modestly when visiting the Pang Wang Temple and other historic sites – long-sleeved tops and trousers or a mid-length skirt are recommended.  

• Avoid touching the headdresses worn by elderly members of the Yao community. 

• Do not step on the three-legged fire pits found in Yao homes.  

• As phone reception in the village is limited, it’s a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for emergencies.