Discover Xiangxi: Let's Explore Huaihua

🗓Suggested Itinerary:
Theme: Ancient City Exploration + Natural Wonders + Dong and Miao Culture + Cultural Roots
Duration: 4 Days and 3 Nights
Day 1: Journey Through Ancient City Time
Morning
✅Hongjiang Ancient Commercial City
- Stroll through the Ming and Qing Dynasty窨子屋 (sunken courtyard houses), and experience the merchant culture of the "Southwest Silk Road."
🌟Featured Experience: Take photos in Hanfu and shop for vintage items (such as old records and porcelain).
Afternoon
✅Qianyang Ancient City
Recite Wang Changling's poems at Furong Tower, stroll through the nine streets and eighteen alleys, and experience the tranquility of the "First Ancient Town in Western Hunan."
👍Check-in Points: Gucheng South Zheng Street, Bell and Drum Tower, Zhongzheng Gate Tower.

Day 2: Natural Wonders and Eco-Wellness
Morning
✅Yelang Grand Canyon (Newly Rated 3A Scenic Spot)
Hike 15 km through the canyon, explore ancient plank roads and hanging coffin ruins, and experience the steepness of the karst landscape.

Afternoon
✅Chuanyan Mountain National Forest Park
Challenge the Dragon and Phoenix Glass Viewing Platform and the high-altitude plank road, and stroll along Qisong Ridge.
🌟Featured Experience: Hike the ancient Tea Horse Road at the foot of Chuanyan Mountain, or check in to Fengxiang Yao Village to experience the Huayao culture.

Day 3: Dong and Miao Culture and Red Memories
Morning
✅Tongdao Huangdu Dong Cultural Village
Participate in a Dong reunion feast, listen to Dong grand songs, experience Lusheng dance and Dong brocade weaving, and check in to the stilt houses of Yutou Ancient Dong Village.
Afternoon
✅Zhijiang Anti-Japanese War Victory Surrender Memorial Hall
Visit the Surrender Memorial Archway and the Anti-Japanese War relics exhibition to remember this historical moment.
Day 4: Cultural Roots and Culinary Delights
Morning
✅Anjiang Agricultural School Memorial Garden
Visit the birthplace of hybrid rice, learn about Academician Yuan Longping's scientific research journey, and participate in rice field research activities.❤
Afternoon
✅Yuanling Longxing Buddhist Temple
One of the oldest existing Buddhist academies in China. Admire the Tang Dynasty architectural style and experience the historical vicissitudes of the vermilion walls.

🍲Recommended Local Cuisine
Hongjiang Blood and Preserved Duck: A spicy combination of duck and glutinous rice blood sausage. A must-try for the bold flavors of the Yuanshui River.
Dong Pickled Fish: The sour and fragrant flavor of fermented glutinous rice, paired with bitter liquor for an authentic taste.
Zhijiang Duck: Sour, spicy, and appetizing, with pickled peppers and ginger to enhance the delicious aroma.

Practical Information
🚉Transportation: Huaihua High-speed Railway Station connects to surrounding scenic spots. Car rental or chartered car tours are recommended (drive cautiously on some mountain roads).

🏨Accommodation:
High-end option: Yushubay Cultural Tourism and Business Complex (newly opened in 2025, integrating cultural and technological experiences).
Boutique guesthouses: Ming and Qing Dynasty style guesthouses in Qianyang Ancient City, or waterfront guesthouses in Simeng Danxia Scenic Area.

💰Ticket Discounts: Some scenic spots offer discounts for Huaihua local ID cards, such as Xuefeng Mountain National Forest Park; newly added AAA scenic spots (such as Yelang Grand Canyon) offer great value for money.

❤Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) to enjoy azalea blossoms, and autumn (September-November) to experience the Rice Flower Fish Culture Festival.