【Cloud Prairie · Chenzhou Secret Realm】Yangtian Lake Grassland 3 Days 2 Nights In-Depth Travel Guide

【Key Highlights】
✅ High mountain grassland at 1,314 meters above sea level, average summer temperature 20℃, the ultimate summer retreat in the south!
✅ Studio Ghibli comic scenes: windmill clusters, Hobbit Castle, volcanic crater lake all unlocked with one click
✅ Immersive grassland experience: horseback archery, starry sky camping, intangible cultural heritage iron flower show all included
✅ Trip.com exclusive offer: 150 RMB off ticket + accommodation package, limited summer sale ongoing

【Itinerary Overview】
🚗 Transportation Guide
▫️ High-speed rail: Guangzhou South → Chenzhou West (1.5h), direct shuttle bus to the scenic area upon exit (bookable on Trip.com)
▫️ Self-driving: Newly opened S211/S566 highways fully operational, free parking available at the scenic area
▫️ Inside the scenic area: 20 RMB sightseeing bus connects core attractions, hiking routes cover 3-4 hours

📸 Must-Visit Landmarks

1. Hobbit Castle: New elf parade interaction added in 2025, recreating movie scenes (recommended arrival before 8:30 to avoid crowds)

2. Yangtian Lake Crater: Quaternary glacial relic, lake surface reflection at sunrise resembles a sky mirror

3. Lotus Viewing Platform: Glass walkway overlooking tens of thousands of acres of grassland, 70% chance of sea of clouds after rain

4. Guanghan Palace Stone Forest: Karst landscape light and shadow secret spot, best side light photography at 4 PM

🎡 Special Experiences
✅ Grassland Horse Riding: Professional ranch offers 1-hour rides (including protective gear), 80 RMB per person
✅ Hot Air Balloon Flight: 200 RMB/person to overlook the entire grassland, 20 flights daily (advance reservation required)
✅ Night Tour Exclusive: Bonfire party + fireworks show + intangible cultural heritage iron flower show (19:30-21:00, free for guests)

🍽️ Taste of the Grassland
▫️ Breakfast: Must-try Qifengdu Fish Noodles on the scenic food street (fresh spicy fish soup + handmade rice noodles)
▫️ Lunch: Mongolian yurt restaurant roast whole lamb (book 2 hours in advance)
▫️ Afternoon Tea: Cloud Coffee Bar pour-over coffee + grassland pastries, overlooking the windmill clusters
▫️ Dinner: Lakeside restaurant’s secret recipe roasted lamb chops paired with local Yunwu tea

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations

1. Cloud Luxury Treehouse: 13 standalone treehouses with private grassland panoramic terraces (Trip.com rating 4.9)

2. Mongolian Yurt Camp: Starry sky skylight design, includes VIP seats at bonfire party

3. Lakeside Homestay: 5-minute walk to Yangtian Lake, offers Hanfu rental service

⚠️ Practical Tips
▫️ Tickets: 10% off when booked on Trip.com one day in advance (peak season 108 RMB/person, including sightseeing bus)
▫️ Clothing: Windproof jacket + non-slip shoes (10℃ temperature difference day and night), light-colored long skirts for best photos
▫️ Photography: Wide-angle lens for grassland panorama, drones require prior approval from the scenic area
▫️ Pets: Small dogs allowed, safety agreement must be signed

【Nearby Attractions】
📍 Gaoyiling Danxia (1.5h drive): Spectacular red rock and clear water, ticket 80 RMB
📍 Dongjiang Lake Mist (2h drive): Morning mist fishermen casting nets, Trip.com VIP channel no queue
📍 Mangshan National Forest Park (2.5h drive): Sea of clouds walkway + primitive forest hiking