Planning a trip to Western Hunan? Read this first

Areas to Avoid Recently Due to severe weather impacts, parts of Western Hunan have experienced heavy rainfall leading to disasters. Areas like Longshan County face severe flooding, with some townships heavily affected. Mountainous regions in Yongshun County also carry high risks of geological hazards from the rain. With frequent rainfall forecasted for the next week, travel to these areas is currently inconvenient and unsafe—best avoided for now. Recommended Destinations 💖 Jishou City is a great alternative. **X077 Tourist Highway (Rainbow Road) in Jishou**: Highlights: This scenic route along the Qiabi River passes through nine distinctive Miao villages. Visit Yanke Village’s Lily Flower Expo Park for vast lily fields, Hangtuo Village’s mountain band performances, or the poetic waterside pavilion in Hongping Village. Zhonghuang Village’s Babenduo Homestay (opening in August) adds to the charm. Cost: Free entry; food and other expenses vary. **Aizhai Wonder Tourism Zone**: Highlights: Combines the Aizhai Bridge, cliffs, Dehang Grand Canyon, Dehang Miao Village, and a canyon stargazing campsite. Experience "10,000-year canyon views, 1,000-year Miao culture, and 100-year bridge marvels," plus activities like via ferrata, bungee jumping, and camping. Don’t miss the immersive 5D Miao banquet theater, *Dehang Fantasy*. Ticket Prices: Aizhai Bridge + Walkway: ¥180/adult; Dehang Canyon + *Dehang Fantasy*: ¥238/weekdays, ¥288/weekends. **Qianzhou Ancient Town**: Highlights: Unlike commercialized Fenghuang, Qianzhou retains its local community. Sip ¥5/cup of Guzhang Maojian tea by the lotus pond at an old teahouse, paired with Miao rice tofu. Photograph the unique "Three-Gate" city wall ruins at sunset. Visit the Western Hunan Intangible Heritage Museum for Saturday nuo opera performances or try crafting Tahua paper-cuts. Cost: Free entry; some activities (e.g., teahouse) charge separately. **Hotel Pick — Hemu Jia Hotel (Jishou Hesheng Tang Branch)** 📍Superbly located at No. 3 Wenyi Road, surrounded by malls like Hesheng Tang Department Store for dining and shopping. Easy access to Qianzhou Ancient Town or Aizhai Wonder. During storms, the hotel shines with thoughtful touches like complimentary umbrellas and great value for money—gentle on your budget. In short, smart planning is key for Western Hunan trips now. Avoid high-risk zones and choose wisely for a memorable experience!