September-October visit to Chenzhou Gaoyiling Grassland

Absolutely stunning Danxia secret spot! The ultimate way to explore Chenzhou Gaoyiling in September-October is here⛰️

💰Ticket savings version
Adult ticket 95 RMB (5 RMB off if purchased one day in advance)
Half price for students/seniors
Open 7:00-19:00 (last entry at 17:20)

🚗Transport tips
High-speed train from Changsha to Chenzhou West Station in 1.5 hours
Carpool from station 30 RMB/person to the scenic area (look for official taxis)
Self-driving navigation: "Gaoyiling Scenic Area North Gate Parking Lot"

🔥Hiking route (counterclockwise loop)
1️⃣ North Gate entrance → Giant Stone Array
10 minutes to the first check-in spot! Jagged red rocks look like an alien surface
📸Photo tip: crouch in the rock crevice for silhouette shots

2️⃣ Dragon Spine Ridge → Hanging plank road
Core scenic area! Orange-red mountains + emerald lake
⚠️Note: Wear non-slip shoes! Some sections have slopes up to 60°

3️⃣ Glass viewing platform (20 RMB fee)
360° view of the entire Danxia basin
Fun fact: The light and shadow are best at 4 PM!

4️⃣ South Gate suspension bridge
Red suspension bridge hanging between the canyon
💡Hidden tip: Take photos in the middle of the bridge for a drone-like perspective

🍜Chenzhou flavor hits
▫️Pig slaughter noodles: North Gate old brand 15 RMB/bowl
▫️Dongjiang fish noodles: with fish roe, explosively spicy
▫️Rice dumplings: specialty of Feitian Mountain Town 2 RMB each

🏨Accommodation tips
Budget pick: "Danxia Renjia" guesthouse next to the scenic area
About 80 RMB per person including breakfast, 5-minute walk to North Gate
Luxury experience: Wyndham Grand in Chenzhou city
Use Trip.com points for free room upgrades

💣Pitfall warnings
1. Don’t trust villagers offering "free guiding"
2. Bottled water inside the park costs 8 RMB, bring 2 bottles yourself
3. Drones must be registered in advance (registration point at entrance)
4. Some plank roads close on rainy days

📸Top 5 photo spots
1. Dragon Spine Ridge S-curve (wide-angle shot)
2. Glass platform overlooking the canyon
3. Symmetrical composition in the middle of the suspension bridge
4. Giant Stone Array at sunset
5. Reed clusters at South Gate exit

🚩Hidden buffs
▪️Half-price tickets every Wednesday
▪️Backpackers can use the fast lane
▪️Free Hanfu rental in the scenic area (200 RMB deposit)