Two-Day One-Night Outdoor Road Trip Guide to Youyang

Welcome to the "Shangri-La of Happiness, Wonderful Youyang" for an exciting getaway! With just two days, besides the classic Peach Blossom Valley, what other places are worth visiting? How to fully immerse in nature while experiencing local flavors? Here's a carefully curated itinerary I put together while sipping tea and editing photos late into the night – feel free to reference it. Day1⃣ 【Die Shi Hua Valley】 Depart from Youzhou Ancient Town at 9 AM to Die Shi Hua Valley (30-minute drive) Recommended visit duration: 1.5 hours This agricultural-tourism integrated scenic area combines geological wonders, romantic flower fields, and rural art. It features the largest Cambrian stromatolite fossils in southern China, blending with ancient Nuo culture. The unique karst landscape showcases geological science, prehistoric memories, and ethnic culture. 【Changpugai Tourism Resort】 Leave Die Shi Hua Valley at 11 AM for Changpugai (1.5-hour drive) Have lunch at the resort before exploring (recommended 2 hours) Dubbed "The Ordos of the South," Changpugai sits at an average elevation of 1,400m with annual temperatures around 14°C. It boasts six core attractions: grasslands, starry skies, cliffs, hot springs, terraces, and ancient villages – perfect for summer retreats, horseback riding, skiing, sunrise viewing, and stargazing. The resort offers various hotels, tent camping, restaurants, and shops. Must-visit spots: Overlooking flower terraces, Changpu Lake, and the sloping grasslands 【Gongtan Ancient Town】 Drive to Gongtan Ancient Town at 3:30 PM (2.5-hour drive). Check into a riverside inn and enjoy local delicacies. Activities: 1. Wujiang Gallery cruise (available at night): Sail upstream from Gongtan through Tuzuozi Gorge, Baiji Gorge to Lizhi Gorge – the essence of the 100-li Wujiang Gallery, famous for "peculiar mountains, strange rocks, emerald waters, dangerous shoals, covered bridges, towpaths, and cliff burials." 2. Ancient town experience: Capture morning river mist, stilt houses, art galleries, memorial halls, Chuanzhu Temple, and Xiqin Guildhall. Nighttime brings intangible cultural heritage performances. Don't miss the night views and the traditional night watchman's fire/theft warnings! Day2⃣ Wake up naturally and savor local specialties: mung bean noodles, Tujia oil tea soup, and Tujia oil cakes. Then drive 30 minutes to Nanmu Bay by the Apeng River (recommended 3-hour visit) before returning. Consider staying overnight for sunset views and cultural experiences if time allows. 【Nanmu Bay Scenic Area】 Known as "China's First Village of Thousand-Year Golden Nanmu," it hosts over 20 golden nanmu trees aged 1,000+ years, including eight clustered together – certified by forestry experts as the world's largest millennium golden nanmu grove. The oldest tree exceeds 3,000 years, honored as "King of Golden Nanmu." Highlights: Golden Nanmu King, nanmu grove, Golden Nanmu Culture Museum, characteristic homestays, welcoming wine ceremony, Paotang Feast courtyard dinners, and bonfire hand-waving dances.