I've Been to Chenzhou 5 Times, Here's My Itinerary

Hey everyone👋! Just got back from Chenzhou and I'm still mesmerized by the beauty of this "Secret Gem of Southern Hunan"😭! The misty Xiao Dongjiang, the red sandstone formations of Gaoyi Ridge, the stunning Yangtian Lake... and the food that's so delicious it'll make you stamp your feet! Save this guide and get ready for an immersive Chenzhou experience~ 📍 Chenzhou, located in southeastern Hunan Province, is known as the "City in the Forest"🌳. It boasts breathtaking mountain and water scenery, including Xiao Dongjiang, described as "a heavenly lake on earth," and Mangshan Mountain, which "has everything the world has to offer." It's also a "food paradise" at the junction of Hunan, Guangdong, and Jiangxi provinces, hiding many authentic Hunan dishes! In April, Chenzhou is misty and rainy, with fresh green mountains and fog-shrouded rivers that look like ink paintings - perfect for stunning social media photos! 🚄 Transportation Guide ✈️ By Air: Fly to Chenzhou Beihu Airport, about 20 kilometers from downtown. Take a taxi or airport shuttle to reach the city center in about 30 minutes. 🚄 By High-Speed Rail: Chenzhou West Station has many trains, just 1-2 hours from Changsha or Guangzhou! After arrival, take a taxi or tourist shuttle to various attractions🚍. 🚗 Self-Driving: Perfect for visitors from nearby cities! But be careful on the winding mountain roads at some scenic spots, and check parking locations in advance~ 🗺 Recommended Itineraries Day 1: Healing Mountain and Water Tour Xiao Dongjiang → Bailang Scenic Area → Gaoyi Ridge Rush to Xiao Dongjiang at 6am! The sight of fishermen casting nets in the misty river is breathtaking🎣! Have Dongjiang fish for lunch in Bailang, then visit Gaoyi Ridge in the afternoon - the Danxia landform at sunset is a visual feast! Day 2: Grasslands and Ancient Villages Yangtian Lake Grassland → Banliang Ancient Village Head to "Southern China's Hulunbuir" - Yangtian Lake in the morning for horseback riding and feeding alpacas. In April, the grassland starts turning green, perfect for fresh photos! Visit Banliang Ancient Village in the afternoon to experience the charm of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture~ Day 3: Mangshan Adventure Mangshan Wuzhi Peak Scenic Area → Return Home Challenge "Hunan's Little Zhangjiajie"! Take the cable car for an aerial view of the unique peaks and stones, walk the suspended plank road for an exciting experience, enjoy a bowl of Chenzhou fish noodles at noon, and head home with wonderful memories in the afternoon~ 📌 Practical Tips 🎫 Tickets: Xiao Dongjiang 80 yuan (including sightseeing car), Gaoyi Ridge 50 yuan. Book in advance through official WeChat accounts to avoid lines! ⏰ Timing: Best time to see morning mist at Xiao Dongjiang is 7:00-9:00am; visit Gaoyi Ridge after 4pm to avoid strong sunlight! 📸 Photography: Wear white long dresses at Xiao Dongjiang for ethereal photos; bright-colored clothes work better at Gaoyi Ridge~ 🍜 Food Recommendations 1️⃣ Chenzhou Fish Noodles: Fresh spicy fish soup with smooth rice noodles and fish meat - a bowl in the morning will wake up your taste buds! The shop next to Xiongsen International Hotel is very authentic~ 2️⃣ Dongjiang Fish: Crispy fried small fish available in numbing spicy, fragrant spicy and other flavors - perfect snack for watching shows! 3️⃣ Qifengdu Fish Noodles: Secret red oil + tender fish meat, soft noodles in rich broth - locals have been eating this since childhood! 4️⃣ Blood Duck: Duck meat cut into small pieces, covered with duck blood and stir-fried, spicy and satisfying - you'll want three bowls of rice with it! 5️⃣ Rice Dumplings: Glutinous rice skin wrapped around pork filling, steamed until translucent, soft and savory - available at street-side shops~ 6️⃣ Jiahe Blood Sausage: Pig blood and glutinous rice stuffed into intestines and steamed, then sliced and pan-fried until golden - crispy outside, soft inside, gets more flavorful as you chew! ⚠️ Tips 1️⃣ Chenzhou is rainy in April🌧️, bring raincoats/umbrellas and wear non-slip shoes! 2️⃣ Some sections of Gaoyi Ridge are steep - be careful with elderly people and children, safety first! 3️⃣ If you can't handle spicy food well, remember to ask for "mild spicy"~ 4️⃣ Food inside Xiao Dongjiang scenic area is expensive, bring your own snacks and water! Friends, Chenzhou's beauty is truly worth experiencing in person! Save this guide and just go for it~💨