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Chenzhou, located in southeastern Hunan Province, is a prefecture-level city boasting two outstanding Chinese tourist destinations and a renowned hot spring town. It serves as the "Southern Gateway" to the world. Known as a "City in the Forest, Capital of Innovation," Chenzhou boasts a diverse array of natural attractions, including Mangshan, China's most pristine mountain, the breathtaking Dongjiang Lake, and Suxianling, all national scenic spots. Other attractions include the ancient villages of Banliang in Yongxing and Yangshan in Guiyang. Chenzhou boasts abundant geothermal resources, rich in minerals that are beneficial to the human body.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Best in Spring and Autumn
Recommended 2-day tour
Dongjiang Lake Scenic Tourist Area
Located in Dongjiang Town, Zixing City, the scenic area boasts a pleasant climate, picturesque mountains and stunning waters, and captivating scenery, combining scenic sightseeing with recreational activities. You can stroll along the lakeside and experience the natural beauty of the merging water and sky, or take a boat tour across the lake. Different routes and boat types have different fares. Key attractions within the scenic area include the mist-covered Xiaodongjiang River, the Dongjiang Dam, Longjing Gorge, Doushuai Lingyan, Dongjiang River rafting, and the Three Rivers and Four Waters.
Gaoyiling Scenic Area
Gaoyiling, dominated by mountains and forests, offers breathtaking scenery, boasting a forest coverage rate of 95%, making it a virgin, undeveloped Danxia landform. Its most striking feature is the beautiful puddles dotting the landscape, with its red rocks, green waters, precipitous fortresses, and grotesque ravines, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The landscape is primarily square, with steep cliffs, and features a variety of landscapes, including red cliffs, peaks, fortresses, caves, wall valleys, and gorges, making it a prominent example of Chenzhou's Danxia landform.
Mangshan National Forest Park
The best-preserved virgin forest at its latitude lies nestled in the Nanling Mountains, a dazzling pearl. Located at the southernmost tip of Chenzhou, Hunan Province, it is the largest and best-preserved national forest park in southern my country. Mangshan boasts unique mountains, picturesque waters, secluded forests, and grotesque rock formations. Its lush peaks and crisscrossing streams evoke the awe-inspiring beauty of Mangshan, a mountain renowned for its pristine ecology.
Chenzhou City, located in the southern part of Hunan Province, has a rich cultural and historical background. Known as the "Gateway to Hunan," it played a significant role during ancient times as a transportation hub between Guangdong and Hunan. The city is also known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for eco-tourism.
Chenzhou is located in the southern part of Hunan Province, near the border with Guangdong. It is accessible by train, bus, and taxi from major cities in Hunan and Guangdong. The city is well connected by road, and taxis are a common means of local transport.
Chenzhou is an open city with no specific opening hours for general sightseeing. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the natural surroundings are at their most vibrant. Summer can be hot, and winters are generally cold but can offer a quieter experience.
Many of Chenzhou's scenic areas, such as Nanling National Forest Park and the East Lake Scenic Area, have entrance fees ranging from 30-100 RMB depending on the area and activities. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through local tourism websites and travel agencies.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended for popular spots during peak seasons like public holidays. For less crowded times, booking a few days ahead is sufficient, though you can also purchase tickets directly at the entrance.
To explore Chenzhou's main attractions like the East Lake, Nanling Forest Park, and Chenzhou Old Street, 2-3 days is ideal. If you're interested in hiking or more in-depth exploration, plan for a longer stay.
Guided tours are available at most major tourist sites like Nanling National Forest Park and Chenzhou Old Street. They are usually conducted in Mandarin, but English-speaking guides can sometimes be arranged in advance.
A recommended route would be to start with a visit to Nanling National Forest Park in the morning for hiking. Afterward, head to East Lake for a relaxing boat ride. In the evening, explore Chenzhou Old Street for shopping and dinner.
Currently, there are no major night visits or light shows in Chenzhou. However, the peaceful ambiance of the East Lake and Old Street makes evening strolls enjoyable.
Chenzhou is not usually crowded except during Chinese national holidays. To avoid crowds, it is best to visit on weekdays or during off-peak months like early spring and late autumn.
Most tourist sites in Chenzhou, such as Nanling National Forest Park and East Lake, have basic facilities like toilets, rest areas, and food stalls. There are also local shops and restaurants where you can sample traditional food.
Chenzhou's major attractions like East Lake and the Old Street are accessible for elderly visitors and children. However, some of the hiking trails in Nanling National Forest Park may be more challenging for those with mobility issues.
Cash is still widely accepted in Chenzhou, but mobile payments (like Alipay and WeChat Pay) are increasingly popular, especially in tourist areas. It's best to carry a small amount of cash for smaller purchases or in rural areas where mobile payments may not be available.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in Chenzhou, though they may be limited to traditional Chinese vegetarian dishes. Halal options are not common, but you can find vegetarian restaurants easily in tourist areas.
Souvenir shops are plentiful, especially along Chenzhou Old Street. Common souvenirs include traditional Chinese crafts, local tea, and handmade pottery.
