Day 1 Various locations → → → → Chenzhou ★ All-day gathering day
All day
Today is the gathering day for the event. Tourists from all over the world will choose their own transportation to arrive at the designated hotel for check-in and room arrangement.
If you arrive early, you can explore Chenzhou city on your own.
Recommended itinerary
The eighteenth blessed land in the world - Chenzhou, also known as "Fucheng", is close to Guangdong Province. Hunan culture and Lingnan culture are integrated here. This city is 70% covered by green space. Come here to experience the slow "retirement" life in this small town.
Tourists who arrive early can climb the Suxianling Mountain, one of the eight scenic spots in Chenyang, and overlook the city of Chenzhou.
Don’t miss out on the delicious food when you come to Chenzhou!
Qifengdu Fish Noodles is a traditional delicacy. Its red broth, fresh fish, and smooth noodles bring back the authentic flavors of Hunan. For those who can't handle spicy food, be sure to ask the restaurant for a mild or no spicy option. And remember to choose the dry-cut noodles for a more chewy flavor!
Roasted chicken is a typical Hunan home-cooked dish with a spicy flavor. There is a legend about it that the great Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake used roasted chicken to cure malaria.
For a delicious meal, head to Yuhou Street, known as the "Little Phoenix Ancient Town." This is one of Chenzhou's oldest streets, the ancient mule and horse road where commerce originated. After reconstruction, it's dotted with waterscapes, stages, archways, and curved bridges. While strolling, find a Hunan-style restaurant by the lake for dinner and experience the renewed prosperity of this ancient street.
For those who enjoy snacks, you can visit the Heping Night Market. Once the "golden port" for business in Chenzhou, it has been transformed into a new night market food street where you can taste authentic Hunan snacks.
Alternatively, you can first arrive in Changsha for sightseeing, and then take the high-speed train from Changsha to Chenzhou. The last train that night is at 21:56, and it only takes less than 1.5 hours.
Tips: You can choose not to stay today (please note "not staying on the meeting day" when placing an order), and meet at the designated meeting point on time the next day (notified by text message 3 days in advance)
Day 2 Chenzhou → Maowang Village → Cuijiang River Cruise → → Gaoyiling → Zixing
·morning
A 360-degree glimpse of the Danxia in southern Hunan
Wild Danxia Hiking - Maowang Village
8:30 Depart for Maowang Village (If it is a holiday, the departure may be earlier at around 07:30, the specific time will be subject to the notification of the tour leader the day before)
We've chosen this as a relatively untouched, niche hiking spot. The approximately 4km route is filled with pristine wilderness, offering a rich experience and stunning photos for both beginners and seasoned hikers alike.
From the starting point, the trail enters the Danxia landform, flanked by towering dark red Danxia Mountains. It then enters a rocky slope. The short uphill climb is slightly steep. Walk slowly, looking back occasionally to see the Danxia Mountains surrounding you on three sides. Afterward, you'll reach the first photo spot and ascend to the summit platform. Four independent Danxia stone pillars, resembling kitten paws, stand before you. Enjoy plenty of photos here, gazing out over the rural scenery.
Afterward, you'll encounter a challenging downhill section, with some sections reaching an 80-degree gradient. It might seem intimidating, but it's actually quite challenging! But don't worry! You can use the rocks and trees nearby, as well as the "steps" carved into the rock face by previous generations, to help you descend smoothly. You'll then reach the narrow Danxia "One Line Sky," so be sure to hold your stomach in! .... Then, you'll see the iconic "Danxia Heartland" of Maowang Village. Standing on the protruding triangular rock, take a cool photo to impress your friends!
Looking back on the short journey, I had the artistic conception of "looking from the side, it looks like a mountain; looking from the front, it looks like a peak; looking from far and near, it looks different at different heights."
Tips: The route is an outdoor trail, please wear outdoor casual clothing
If you're interested, head to the Wayaoping Historical and Cultural District. This was once a bustling wharf, and now the rebuilt, short block is nestled against Feitian Mountain and next to the Cuijiang River. Here, you can sample local snacks, take photos, and enjoy a light meal.
·afternoon
Enjoy Danxia by boat - Sailing on Cuijiang River
Take a boat tour at the right time and gaze up at the Danxia formations on both sides from the water. Along the way, you'll also see thousand-year-old hanging coffins and, if you use your imagination, even reclining Buddhas hidden among them. Climb up to the second-floor deck and take a photo with the water and sky blending into one!
After getting off the boat, take a bus to the Danxia Mountain [Gaoyiling].
Hundred-Step Ladder to Heaven - Gaoyiling
In the afternoon, we arrived at Gaoyiling, the highlight of our trip's Danxia landscape. It's become a viral sensation on social media platforms in recent years. While the Danxia landforms of the northwest boast a majestic and desolate atmosphere, the Danxia of Chenzhou, Hunan, possesses a touch of the southern elegance and vitality. Mountains and lakes intertwine like dancing pleated skirts, while the cliffs, naturally formed with wave-like rock patterns, are both magical and spectacular.
Walking along the ridge, the trail extends all the way to the top of the mountain. People walking on the ridge are surrounded by cliffs on both sides, which is daunting. There is a small lake shaped like a lizard, so it is called Lizard Lake. It is a good photo spot.
There is a circle of plank roads on a dome-shaped mountain, which is called the hanging plank roads. This is a unique scenery of Gaoyiling and is also a place sought after by many people.
For those who enjoy a challenge, there's the Danxia via ferrata, where you can walk along the rock face and admire the beautiful scenery from different angles. (Reminder: Via ferrata and other activities are optional and may be closed if it rains.)
·night
Go to Zixing City and check into the hotel in due time.
In the evening, you can enjoy local delicacies in Zixing. Dongjiang fish, one of the four specialties of Chenzhou, Hunan, is paired with spicy Hunan flavor, which is irresistible.
In addition to Dongjiang fish, you can enjoy salmon freely. Chenzhou has farmed freshwater salmon. Although the meat is not as firm as deep-sea salmon, it is more delicious and juicy after entering the mouth, which makes you never tired of eating it.
The salmon here is prepared in a variety of ways: in addition to the usual sashimi, there are also fried fish nuggets, fish fillet porridge, fish omelets, cold fish skin, etc. Every way of eating is particularly satisfying. You can invite fellow tourists to enjoy the delicious food together~
Day 3 Zixing → Xiaodongjiang → Cycling to Bailang → Zixing
·morning
Fog Covers Xiaodong River丨
To enjoy the morning mist of Xiaodong River today, you need to get up early.
Departure at approximately 6:30 (the specific departure time depends on weather conditions)
The water temperature of Xiaodongjiang River remains at 8-10℃ all year round. When the water temperature of the lake surface reaches above 20℃, the lake will be covered with clouds and fog all year round due to the effect of temperature difference, forming the strange sight of "fog covering Xiaodongjiang River".
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.
Walking along the riverside trail, the water surface is shrouded in mist, and distant mountains and nearby waters are faintly visible. Cruise ships slowly ply through the hazy fog, appearing and disappearing, as if you've strayed into a fairyland. Here, you can see fishermen casting their nets and "knight bamboo boats" sailing on the water. A quick photo with your phone will become your desktop background.
·morning
After enjoying the fog of Xiaodong River, we headed to Longjing Canyon, a 2.5-kilometer trail with steep mountains, clear pools, and waterfalls. There are 26 waterfalls of various sizes along the way.
Return to the hotel in due time for a short rest.
·afternoon
Departs around 14:30 (depending on itinerary)
Cycling in "Little Erhai Lake" - Dongjiang Lake
This afternoon is a relaxing afternoon. When you arrive at Bailang Town, pick up your bicycle and start today's leisure cycling. You can ride along the cycling path, fast or slow, stop and go along the way, take pictures and appreciate the beautiful scenery.
The emerald green lake water shimmers, the willow trees by the lake sprout tender green buds, and the spring breeze blows across the lake, bringing bursts of fresh water vapor and floral fragrance, which makes people feel relaxed and happy.
Don't worry if you're not good at cycling! We've thoughtfully prepared an exquisite afternoon tea for you. You can sit in the rest area, enjoy the gentle breeze, bask in the warm sunshine, savor the delicious tea, relax your body and mind, and enjoy a leisurely and wonderful time.
Return to Zixing Hotel in due time.
Kind tips:
If you have ample time in the afternoon and the weather is favorable, we'll offer a complimentary visit to a hidden gem, the Shilongtan, a secluded and wild place. See the blue tears in the secluded cave and experience the wonders of nature.
Day 4: Zixing → Mahuangqiu Grand Canyon → Aoshang Ancient Village → Chenzhou
·morning
Beautiful Danxia Highway——Chenzhou Highway 66丨
08:30 Depart for the small Danxia [Mahuangqiu Grand Canyon] (If it is a holiday, the departure may be earlier at around 07:30, the specific time will be subject to the notification of the tour leader the day before)
Chenzhou's Danxia landforms are never tiresome, as each has its own unique charm. If Gaoyiling is the "dame" of Chenzhou's Danxia, then this is the "young jade" of Chenzhou's Danxia. While not as well-known as Gaoyiling, its natural beauty allows us to walk along the unguarded ridge and experience the charm of nature up close.
Climb up to Epo Village and overlook the Danxia scenery of the canyon. Walk along the road to Yinyuan Stone, where there are traces of bandits' former residence.
We came here early in the morning to avoid the crowds and traffic, so we could take as many photos as we wanted and capture our beautiful images.
Climbing steep slopes and exploring bandit caves
Afterwards, we headed to a little-known place called [Black Tan Chuan Tan]. You might find this name strange at first, but the "Tan" mentioned by the locals means an exposed stone cave.
Chuantan, which passes through the stone cave, looks like a stone arch bridge, so people also call it the Natural Bridge. Heitan is a huge cave.
After about 100 meters of steep dirt road through the bamboo forest, you'll reach a red gravel rock platform. Here, you'll see the nearly 80-degree "Sky Ladder" that leads up and down the ledge. A sheer cliff faces the side, and narrow, man-made steps run through the center. Climb the Sky Ladder and follow the bamboo path to the base of the stone bridge, where you can experience its grandeur up close.
Following the path, we came to a small cave, which seemed to resemble Tao Yuanming's poem "a small opening in the mountain, as if there were light." Entering the cave, we were suddenly enlightened. It is said that bandits once lived here, hence the name "Bandit Cave."
Tips: Both routes are original dirt roads, so it is recommended to wear sports and leisure equipment
·afternoon
Quiet ancient village——Aoshang Ancient Village丨
The village is a classic southern Hunan residential building from the late Ming and Qing dynasties. There are more than 60 ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties preserved in the village. The small ancient village retains traces of history.
The ancient houses are built against the mountain, layer upon layer, staggered and well-organized, connected end to end, and lined up in rows.
This place is sparsely populated, and you can easily capture the sense of time while walking along the village paths.
Go to Chenzhou West Railway Station at the right time. Tourists taking the train are recommended to book flights after 3:00 PM
and then go to Chenzhou Airport. Tourists taking the plane are recommended to book flights after 5:00 PM.
