No need to go to Inner Mongolia! Discover a hidden grassland paradise near Guangdong.

If you only have a weekend and yearn for grasslands and Danxia landforms, then come to Chenzhou, a city whose beauty is underrated.

Itinerary:
**Day 1: Chenzhou West Railway Station - Gaoyi Ridge - Dongjiang Lake**
▪️ Arrive in Chenzhou in the morning and head straight to Gaoyi Ridge (RMB 80). The red rocks and turquoise waters resemble a giant dragon, and the drone shots of the "dragon's back" canyon are breathtaking!
▪️ In the afternoon, head to Dongjiang Lake Scenic Area, check in to a lakeside guesthouse, and take a night tour of the misty Xiaodongjiang River (buy tickets in advance!). See the fishing fires and taste the roasted Dongjiang fish.

**Day 2: Xiaodongjiang Morning Mist - Yangtian Lake Grassland**
▪️ **Wake up at 6:00 AM!** Go to the Xiaodongjiang No. 2 viewing platform to watch the "fisherman casting his net" (best time to visit is from July to September). The mist-shrouded river looks like a fairyland.
▪️ In the afternoon, drive two hours to Yangtian Lake Grassland (RMB 120). Run across the "Hulunbuir" of the south, feed deer and alpacas, and take fairytale-like photos in the Hobbit houses. Stay overnight in a Mongolian yurt on the grassland and watch the starry sky.

**Day 3: Yangtian Lake - Bailang Scenic Area - Return**
▪️ In the morning, check in at Yangtian Lake's "Rainbow Windmill Road" and the filming location of "Chinese Restaurant 6," and try archery or mountain biking on the grassland.
▪️ In the afternoon, head to Bailang Scenic Area and rent an electric bike to cycle around the lake (RMB 60/3 hrs). At the end of the road is the azure Dongjiang Lake. Wait for a pink sunset at the Bailang Pier in the evening.

Popular Activities:
🔥 Gaoyi Ridge via ferrata: Rock climbing + high-altitude swings (extra charges). A must-try for thrill-seekers!
📸 Four must-have photos at Yangtian Lake: Take low-angle shots of the Hobbit houses, capture running shots on the windmill lawn, take heartwarming photos with alpacas, and feel like you're in Nara at the deer park.
🚴 Hidden gems in Bailang: Rent a Hanfu and take photos on the lake's central island, just like at Erhai Lake, or charter a boat to explore Phoenix Island and feed peacocks.

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Food Recommendations:
✅ Must-try:
▪️ Chenzhou Sha Zhu Fen (Lao Deng Fish Noodle Shop): Pork offal + soft-boiled egg + rich soup. Super delicious!
▪️ Gao Zi Braised Chicken (Wulidui Road): Spicy but addictive. Pair it with pickled radish to cut through the richness.
▪️ Dongjiang Lake Salmon: Five ways to enjoy salmon. The chilled sashimi is incredibly refreshing.
🚫 **Avoid**: The "fried Dongjiang fish" at the entrance of the scenic area is often not fresh. Buy with caution!

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Practical Tips:
⚠️ There is no shade at Gaoyi Ridge! Sun hats + sunglasses + sneakers are essential. It is recommended to visit after 4 PM in summer.
🚗 The attractions are scattered, so chartering a car is more convenient (approx. RMB 400-600/day). Carpooling is available at the high-speed rail station.
📷 The net-casting performance at Xiaodongjiang takes place every hour, three times an hour. Secure a front-row spot in advance. Wearing a Hanfu or a plain long dress will make your photos even better.