Hunan's niche tourist destination - Chenzhou, the back garden of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, and the "Little Madai" in the morning mist

Preface

When talking about Hunan, the first thing that comes to mind may be the rugged and magnificent Zhangjiajie in "Avatar", or the Changsha cuisine that has attracted countless foodies.

In fact, hidden away in Hunan is a small, understated city with 2,200 years of history. Once a battleground for military strategists, it's also a place of rich cultural heritage. It's Chenzhou, just 1.5 hours from Guangzhou by high-speed train.

"Facing the beauty of Hengshan Mountain in the north and the mighty Five Ridges in the south", Chenzhou has created a fairyland-like beauty comparable to Zhangjiajie in its unique geographical environment.

The most famous of these is Xiaodongjiang, a holy place that all photographers yearn for.

Light mist covers Xiaodong River

A fairyland of mountains and rivers shrouded in mist

Xiaodongjiang Scenic Area Address: 240 meters southwest of Thousand Buddha Pagoda, Zixing City, Chenzhou City, Hunan Province (South of Dongjiang Avenue)

Starting at 4 a.m., you can see photography enthusiasts waiting for the cloud wonderland by the plank road.

The temperature difference causes the Xiaodong River to be shrouded in fog, and the black-sailed boats appear and disappear, creating a beauty that seems out of this world. No wonder it is called the "Little Madai" in the morning fog.

After October, the Xiaodong River sheds its mysterious veil, with no more steam rising and clouds lingering. Only the crystal clear river water and lush trees on both sides remain, creating a scene at every step.

At this time, you can rent a bicycle with your friends and ride leisurely along the Xiaodongjiang Greenway.

Along the way, you can take in the beautiful scenery of Xiaodong River, enjoy the beautiful autumn morning, and take a deep breath of the air full of negative ions.

Outdoor Paradise Gaoyiling

The rare Danxia landform

Gaoyiling Scenic Area Address: Gaoyiling Village, Qiaokou Town, Suxian District, Chenzhou City, Hunan Province

Gaoyiling, 28 kilometers from Dongjiang Lake, is a virgin, undeveloped Danxia landform and a breathtaking, never-ending hiking and photography destination. Unassuming yet breathtakingly beautiful, this place is a hidden gem for the people of Chenzhou.

The Danxia landforms are dotted with beautiful puddles, red rocks, green waters, and treacherous fortresses and ravines. While not as majestic as the famous mountains, they are still quite unique and dangerous. Most areas lack guardrails or steps, with only simple handrails and carved pits in some extremely steep areas. First-time hikers may find the trek a bit arduous.

The pristine and even somewhat steep mountain trails did not stop people from coming.

The moment you reach the top of the mountain, all the difficulties will disappear with the breeze. You will be shocked by the beautiful scenery before your eyes and feel that everything is worth it.

An ink painting unfolds before your eyes, with the interlaced rocks resembling giant lizards lying on the clear water, which is particularly vivid.

Fortunately, the beautiful scenery before our eyes, which has been washed by rain for tens of millions of years, has not yet been developed. We hope that its beauty will not be destroyed in the future.

Enjoy the autumn scenery of the ginkgo forest

A colorful autumn not to be missed

Ginkgo Forest Address: Tea Farm, Guiyang County, Chenzhou City, Hunan Province

In late autumn and early winter, the ginkgo trees in Guiyang Tea Farm are at their best viewing season. The gentle breeze scatters golden petals all over the ground.

The 200-acre ginkgo forest is covered with "golden armor". Walking through it is like wandering in a golden fairy tale world, and the countryside and mountains are full of poetic and picturesque scenery.

The forest is full of colors, and the ginkgo leaves are particularly dazzling under the sunlight, bringing not the loneliness of autumn but the enjoyment of beauty.

Autumn in Chenzhou is never monotonous. In addition to the golden and quiet ginkgo forest, there is also the fiery red maple forest.

In another month, Chenzhou will usher in the "autumn mountains reflecting the clouds and the river red", and the maple forests all over the mountains will look like they are covered with stars and the moon.

All the colors of autumn are hidden in Chenzhou.

Stroll along the trail, feel the autumn breeze falling on your shoulders, and appreciate the infinite charm of Chenzhou's autumn scenery.

Food and love are not to be underestimated

A feast that will not disappoint your taste buds

Xiaodongjiang River, known as "a lake in heaven on earth, with countless scenes in it", is famous not only for its fairy-like scenery, but also for the freshwater salmon raised in the low temperature of 8-12°C, which is a must-try delicacy when visiting here.

The salmon from Dongjiang Lake is plump and very fresh.

Dip it in mustard, which removes the fishy smell and enhances the taste, and your mouth will be filled with the tenderness of the fish.

You can’t be satisfied with just one bite of salmon. If you come to Chenzhou, you won’t be able to leave without having a bowl of fish noodles.

"No matter how far you go, you'll never want to leave Qifengdu!" Chenzhou's fish meal originated in the ancient town of Qifengdu. Fish meal is a daily staple for Chenzhou residents, and a morning bowl of it would be enough to overwhelm even a god.

After one bowl of it, the spicy aroma rushes straight to your nose. It is fresh but not fishy, spicy but not noisy. It is definitely the center of Chenzhou cuisine!