Southern Hunan Photography Tour: Xiaodongjiang River, Gaoyiling Mountain, and Banliang Ancient Village - 3-Day Tour

Day 1 Guangzhou South → Chenzhou West → Dongjiang Lake

All day

Guangzhou South: Wait at the ticket gate on the third floor at least 20 minutes before departure, and take the high-speed train to Chenzhou West at the appropriate time (reference train: G842 Guangzhou South 11:10-Chenzhou West 12:29. If there are no tickets for this high-speed train, please book other nearby trains, subject to actual ticket issuance).

Chenzhou West Station: Please purchase your high-speed rail tickets or other transportation options by yourself. Please gather at the exit of Chenzhou West Station between 12:50 and 1:00 noon (please do not be late).

After the main group has gathered, we will drive to Dongjiang Lake Scenic Area and first go to Longjing Canyon for sightseeing and photography. Longjing Canyon is famous for its spectacular waterfalls. We will stroll in the negative oxygen ion gathering area, experience the fresh air of nature, and take slow-motion photos of the waterfalls.

Return to the Misty Xiaodong River in time to photograph fishermen casting their nets at sunset. As the sun sets, a veil of light dances across the narrow, clear Xiaodong River, a hazy mist shimmering across the surface, resembling a white jade ribbon swaying through the canyon. Under the golden sunlight, the net rises from the fisherman's hands, unfurls in the air, and then plunges heavily into the lake, creating countless splashes. This captivating scene captivates everyone, leaving them captivated by the misty landscape. After a satisfying photo session, return to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day's sunrise photography.

Day 2 Dongjiang Lake → Gaoyiling

·morning

We woke up early and ventured back to Xiaodongjiang River to capture the sunrise as fishermen cast their nets. The fading light of dawn shone upon Dongjiang Lake, a scene of poetic beauty. As the sky brightened, the morning mist lifted from the lake. At sunrise, sunlight broke through the mist, creating a "Jesus Light" effect – a dream for any photographer! As the sky gradually brightened, red-shirted fishermen in their small boats began casting their nets. The white mist painted vast expanses of white, while the mountains appeared like thick, dark ink. The backlight highlighted the golden lines of the fishing nets, creating scenes of exquisite ink painting. The mist thickened and thinned, gathered and dispersed, freely flowing across the lake and the forests. After enjoying our photo ops, we returned to the hotel for a short rest.

In the afternoon, we headed to Gaoyiling to photograph the sunset. Gaoyiling, a landmark of southern China's Danxia landforms, is characterized by the beautiful puddles dotting the landscape. The red rocks, green waters, and treacherous ravines create a breathtaking spectacle. The interplay of the red sandstone and emerald green waters of Monitor Lizard Lake creates a striking visual impact. The Dragon's Back Ridge, a winding mountain range resembling a giant dragon, its exposed back and steep cliffs on either side, offers a thrilling and thrilling experience. As the evening light softens, it's the perfect time to photograph the sunset.

Special reminder:

Gaoyiling requires a short hike to enter (about 20 minutes). If it is impossible to enter due to weather or other safety issues, we will change to Feitian Mountain Scenic Area for filming!

Tianzixing → Banliang Ancient Village → Chenzhou West → Guangzhou South

All day

In the morning, we'll gather, check out, and travel to Banliang Ancient Village, known as "Southern Hunan's No. 1 Ancient Village." The Ming and Qing dynasty dwellings, ancestral halls, and wood carvings are a testament to their tranquility. Villagers leisurely enjoy the peace and tranquility of this old village. We'll take photos of the ancient village's architecture.

Take a bus to Chenzhou West Station in time and take the high-speed train back to your warm home (reference train: G1403 Chenzhou West 13:54-Guangzhou South 15:19. If there are no tickets for this high-speed train, please book a nearby train, subject to actual ticket issuance). If you book a round-trip high-speed train by yourself, please book a train after 14:00 to end your 3-day pleasant travel and photography trip.

Gaoyiling, a pristine Danxia scenic area, is a breathtaking, never-ending outdoor photography destination. Reportedly, the spectacular Danxia landform, encompassing Feitian Mountain, Bianjiang River, and Chengjiang Lushui, spans Suxian, Yongxing, Zixing, Anren, Yizhang, Linwu, and Rucheng, covering a total area of ​​over 2,442 square kilometers. This makes it one of the largest concentrated areas of Danxia landforms discovered in my country.

Xiaodongjiang River, known as the "Dongting Lake of Southern Hunan," is hailed as "a wonder of China and the universe." Dongjiang Lake combines the beauty of mountains with the allure of water. From April to October, the morning mist, shaped by the diurnal fluctuations in temperature, is a breathtaking spectacle. While the Huangshan and Kuanglu fogs are mountain mists, the Xiaodongjiang River's mist veils the waters, creating a mysterious and captivating atmosphere. Rising from the surface, it drifts fleetingly across the serene landscape. The mist, mingled with the fragrance of pine trees, gently soothes the hearts of those in the mundane world at dawn, allowing the turbidity, arrogance, and restlessness to slowly dissipate among the flowers and grasses.