Complete Hiking Guide to Gaoyiling

Introduction to Gaoyiling, Chenzhou, Hunan
Gaoyiling is located at the border of Qiaokou Town, Suxian District, Chenzhou City, and Zixing City in Hunan Province. It is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and an important part of the Feitian Mountain Tourism Area, about 18 kilometers from downtown Chenzhou. Known for its unique Danxia landform, it covers an area of approximately 2,442 square kilometers, making it one of the largest concentrated Danxia landform areas discovered in China. This landform was formed about 140 million years ago during the Cretaceous period through tectonic movements, weathering, erosion, and gravity collapse, creating a distinctive landscape of red rocks and green waters, perilous fortresses, and strange ravines. The area features mountains, water, springs, caves, fortresses, cliffs, and plateaus, with its greatest characteristic being the "Danxia surrounded by emerald lakes," earning it the reputation of a "heavenly paradise privately kept by God."

Reasons to Visit
Stunning Natural Scenery: The rolling red Danxia mountains resemble blazing flames, surrounded by clear emerald lakes such as Giant Lizard Lake and Golden Turtle Lake. The red rocks and green waters complement each other perfectly, making every photo look like a "Windows desktop-level" masterpiece—a true "palette" of nature.
Featured Photo Spots:
Giant Lizard Lake: Overlooking a giant lizard shape crawling on the water surface, it is the iconic landmark of the park with excellent high-angle photo opportunities;
Glass Walkway: A 280-meter-long walkway suspended over the Danxia red cliffs, thrilling and offering a 360° panoramic view;
Dragon Ridge: The highest viewing point in the park, where you can overlook the entire Danxia mountain range surrounded by emerald waters;
Golden Turtle Lake, Beauty Plateau, and Heavenly Ladder: Each combines unique Danxia landforms with water bodies, showcasing the wild beauty of the original landscape.
Rich Activities: The park offers popular attractions like cliff swings and Danxia suspension bridges, as well as tent camping and rural homestays, perfect for outdoor adventurers and photography enthusiasts.

Practical Information
Opening Hours: Summer (April 30 - October 7) 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM (last entry at 5:20 PM); Winter (October 8 - April 29) 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry at 4:40 PM)
Address: Gaoyiling Village, Feitian Mountain Town, Suxian District, Chenzhou City, Hunan Province
Tickets: Adult tickets 80-95 RMB/person, Children/Students/Seniors 40 RMB/person (subject to the latest park announcement)
Tips for Visiting:
Wear comfortable sports shoes as the park has many mountain paths; avoid high heels;
Visit in the morning or evening to avoid the midday sun;
Bringing a drone is recommended for better photography; there are no restaurants inside the park, so bring water and snacks in advance;
Purchasing tickets online beforehand can reduce waiting time.
Gaoyiling combines pristine natural scenery with trendy experiences, making it a must-visit destination in Chenzhou, Hunan. It is ideal for travelers who love natural wonders and outdoor challenges, allowing you to experience the magnificent craftsmanship shaped by nature over hundreds of millions of years.