Live Your Best Lives
When talking about Hunan, many people subconsciously think of Changsha, Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang.
But there is a place that really exists in Hunan, yet it seems too unreal. Here is the mysterious canyon "Lake Bottom World" that only appears for three months a year, the stunning Longji Danxia that is a work of nature, and the dreamlike spectacle of fog covering the river.
This is Chenzhou, a treasure town located in the southern part of Hunan!
The word Chen (Chēn) means city in the forest. It has been hidden in southern Hunan for more than 2,000 years and has guarded the "southern gate" of Hunan.
Hunan culture and Lingnan culture meet and merge here, and mountains, hills, downs and plains are intertwined, creating this outdoor paradise revered as the "Eighteenth Blessed Land in the World".
Nature seems to have a special fondness for Chenzhou, bestowing it with countless stunning views all year round.
After returning from this place, I really want to cheer for her "with all my might"! Chenzhou, I won't allow you to be so low-key anymore!
Now let’s take a look at this magical place that is chased and fed by God, and see how many breathtaking and unique scenery it has!
Walking in the real-life version of "Zelda" - Shuangqiao Danxia Canyon.
Most of the time, the canyon is hidden under the water, and only during the dry season from January to April each year will it be exposed. The bottom of the canyon is covered with green grass, and on both sides are towering Danxia boulders, which makes you travel back to the primitive land where dinosaurs lived in a second.
Hike through the Danxia landforms formed hundreds of millions of years ago, encounter Danxia caves and unique cliff waterfalls after rain, and the unique visual shock of standing in the riverbed at the bottom of the valley will surely amaze you.
While the Danxia landforms of the northwest boast a majestic and desolate atmosphere, Chenzhou's Danxia boasts a touch of southern elegance and vitality. Gaoyiling—a geological epic that has lain dormant for 10,000 years—is the most prominent example of Danxia landform and a symbol of beauty.
Unlike Danxia in other places, the biggest feature of Gaoyiling is that there are many beautiful puddles around the Danxia landform!
When the weather is good, the colors are fully saturated and every shot is a blockbuster.
Red rock ridges and emerald green puddles intertwine like dancing pleated skirts. The mountain cliffs are naturally formed with wave-like rock patterns, which are magical and spectacular. The essence of Danxia is truly well-deserved.
The 800-meter-long red mountain is like the spine of a giant dragon that has been sleeping for hundreds of millions of years, stretching between heaven and earth, showing the wonders of nature.
The emerald-colored Tianchi Lake is like liquid emerald embedded in a crack. Looking down from a high vantage point, the protruding mountain ridge by the lake looks like a giant lizard lying prone in the lake, quietly guarding this mysterious lake.
The Danxia landform at Mahuangqiu is different from the God's perspective at Gaoyiling. The Danxia landform here is more gentle. Going up the ancient stone steps left over from hundreds of years ago, you can reach Epo Village on the top of the mountain and overlook Chenzhou's most beautiful Danxia Highway No. 66.
Take the original Danxia route, go deep into the cliffs and deep forests of Maowang Village, look up at the giant Danxia stone gate and explore the cave dwellings. It is wild, exciting and a feast for the eyes!
In Chenzhou, wildness and courage are fully demonstrated. There is no fear, only the unexpected. The brave ones enjoy the beautiful scenery first.
Countless wonders of nature are found in this treasured little city of Chenzhou, an outdoor secret paradise that you must visit once.
“There is a lake in heaven on earth, with countless scenes in it.” Dongjiang Lake, with its boundless blue waves, is a pearl in southern Hunan.
The water temperature of Xiaodongjiang River is around 8-10 degrees all year round. The temperature difference between water and air is large from April to October every year. When the water temperature of the lake reaches above 20 degrees Celsius, water vapor is gathered between the canyons, forming the strange sight of "fog covering Xiaodongjiang River".
In the early morning, walking along the trail along the Xiaodong River, the water surface is shrouded in clouds and mist, and the distant mountains and nearby water are vaguely visible. The cruise ship slowly passes through the hazy fog, appearing and disappearing, as if you have strayed into a fairyland.
It is like a dream, just like a landscape painting in ink and color.
Jay Chou’s line “The sky is blue and waiting for the rain, and I am waiting for you. Smoke rises from the kitchen, thousands of miles away across the river.” is the perfect way to describe Xiaodongjiang River.
There is a small black-sailed boat in the river fog. The fisherman is rowing the boat, moving slowly forward in the fog, spreading out a fishing net. You can get a landscape painting with your eyes!
The fog-covered Xiaodong River has become a must-visit photography destination for photography enthusiasts.
Bailang, known as the "Little Erhai Lake" of Chenzhou, is a treasure place that cannot be missed in Chenzhou.
In spring, thousands of acres of peach blossoms bloom by the water, and Dongjiang Lake is as clear as the sky. It's so beautiful, no filters needed! In autumn, the orange-red Metasequoia trees stand tall by the lake, creating a vibrant and stunning autumn scene.
The small yellow flowers growing along the lake are dotted with stars, and when the weather is good, the lake water is incredibly blue.
The mountains and lakes complement each other. Rent a bicycle and ride around the lake, feeling the refreshing breeze, feeling the unique romance of Chenzhou, and embracing the comfort and laziness that is no less than that of Erhai Lake in Dali!
In winter, a visit to Mangshan is a must, to admire the stunning mountain scenery and pristine natural ecology at the junction of Hunan and Guangdong. Autumn and winter are like a fairyland, with rolling seas of clouds and vast expanses of snow, a scene both majestic and beautiful. Rime and icicles blanket the mountains, shimmering in the sunlight like a fairytale of ice and snow.
There is also the magical Hot Spring Town, where rare radon hot springs are scattered throughout the town. You can enjoy a foot bath in the hot springs anywhere and try boiling eggs, peanuts, sweet potatoes, etc. in the hot springs.
The strong New Year atmosphere in Fujian and Chaoshan has already spread far and wide. If you want to experience the same wonderful New Year customs, you must include the niche and treasure-filled Chenzhou in your New Year destination next year!
As the sound of festive firecrackers explodes across China, a national intangible cultural heritage that has spanned thousands of years shines brightly in southern Hunan - the Rucheng Incense Dragon.
We can follow the footsteps of the Rucheng incense dragon to explore the New Year customs, pursue the most lively and beautiful incense dragon parade, personally experience the full sense of ritual of dragon parade, dragon relay, incense grabbing, and dragon transformation, and feel the strong atmosphere of fireworks.
The incense dragon winds and leaps, carrying the dust of history along the way, and witnessing the rise and fall of the city in more than 1,000 years of spring and autumn.
Chenzhou also has a unique charm hidden beyond the mountains and rivers.
Banliang Ancient Village, known as the "No. 1 Village in Southern Hunan", has a history of more than 600 years. More than 300 Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings are well preserved, and the warmth of time can be felt everywhere.
There is also the Ao Shang Ancient Village, which is built on the mountain and has a well-arranged layout, and the Wenshi Yao Village with a strong ethnic flavor, which shows the humanistic charm everywhere.
When it comes to delicious food, Chenzhou is an expert.
Qifengdu fish powder, a provincial intangible cultural heritage delicacy, can be regarded as the spiritual sustenance of Chenzhou people. The saying "No matter how far you go, you will never leave Qifengdu" fully expresses its love for it.
Use fresh silver carp to make fish soup, add chewy dry-cut vermicelli, and then add chili powder. The fish powder just out of the pot is covered with a layer of red chili oil, which is so delicious that you can't stop eating it.
Dongjiang Lake Salmon—does it sound surprising to hear the word "salmon"? It's indeed a Dongjiang Lake specialty. Freshly caught, slaughtered, and cooked, it's a fish you can enjoy in five ways, truly showcasing the ultimate in freshness. Every bite exudes the authentic flavor of Dongjiang Lake.
©Chenzhou Tourism
Although the name of the "Shazhufen" (killing pig rice noodle) sounds wild, it actually tastes light and fresh. It's a must-try for those who don't like spicy food! !
The ingredients of the pig-killing noodles are very rich. It can be said that "a pig is killed for a bowl of noodles". The pork, liver and intestines slaughtered on the same day are used as the base, and a boiled egg is added.
The soup base is pork leg bone soup cooked fresh daily, which is rich and flavorful. I still smack my lips and miss that taste!
Roasted Chicken is quite legendary. Legend has it that Xu Xiake was not used to the climate in Chenzhou when he first arrived there, and he recovered after eating this dish.
However, the biggest feature of this dish is still "spicy", but the spiciness of the roast chicken is not obvious at first glance. You don't feel much on the first bite, but the second and third bites make it more and more spicy!
©Chenzhou Tourism
Travel maps are full of underrated treasures. Chenzhou is one such small yet captivating place—a perfect blend of Danxia wonders and hidden gems.
No matter when you come, you can always encounter beautiful scenery and unlock interesting new experiences. This is probably the reason why Chenzhou is unforgettable.
