Changsha → Shibadong Village Self-Drive Trip: Check in at Aizhai Bridge, Unlock a Red-themed Study Tour

Starting from Meixi Lake in Changsha, driving to Shibadong Village is a journey full of both scenery and meaning✨. After getting ready in the morning, the trip to western Hunan begins～

After about 5 hours of driving, the first encounter is Aizhai Bridge—this "sky bridge" spanning the Dehang Grand Canyon🌉, whose visual impact alone is stunning! The steel truss suspension bridge has a main span of 1,176 meters and is built 355 meters above the canyon. Driving on it feels like "walking on clouds"☁️. Through the car window, you can overlook the winding streams and scattered Miao villages below. When mist swirls around, it feels like being in a fairyland～

Stopping the car and walking to the viewing platform lets you better appreciate the engineering marvel of the bridge💪: it is not only a transportation hub connecting Hunan and Chongqing but also a flagship work of "Chinese bridges." Standing on the platform and looking into the distance, the canyon scenery perfectly blends with the modernity of the bridge. Every photo you take is a masterpiece that can blow up your social media📸. It’s recommended to reserve about an hour to leisurely explore and feel the grandeur of this "natural barrier turned thoroughfare"!

Leaving Aizhai Bridge, after about an hour’s drive, you arrive at Shibadong Village🏞️. This is the pioneering site of "targeted poverty alleviation," which has transformed from a once-poor Miao village into a beautiful countryside with ecological beauty and thriving industries. Walking into the village, the bluestone paths connect stilted houses🏠. Along the study trail by the rice fields, you can visit the "targeted poverty alleviation" exhibition hall, Shidong Miao embroidery workshop, and other spots. Listening to the guide tell the story of Shibadong’s transformation and seeing how villagers increase income through kiwi fruit planting🥝 and Miao ethnic tourism, you truly feel the power of rural revitalization❤️. It’s recommended to have a guide explain. If time allows, you can also experience the Miao door-blocking wine🍶 and learn a few Miao phrases for an immersive cultural experience～

That night, stay at the Crowne Plaza Xiangxi🏨, located in Jishou city center with convenient transportation and complete facilities. After a day of travel, try local specialties like Xiangxi cured meat and sour soup fish🐟, then enjoy the comfortable room service to perfectly end this fulfilling journey✅.

The entire self-drive route is smooth, allowing you to enjoy natural wonders and learn red history, suitable for family trips or study tours👨👩👧👦. The beauty and significance of western Hunan are worth experiencing in person～

Tips📝
1. For navigation🧭 to Aizhai Bridge, you can park at the classic parking lot. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the visitor center or online, both are convenient.
2. An ID card is required to enter the scenic spot. If you don’t have an ID card, you can scan a code on-site to generate a QR code for entry.
3. A reminder🔔: If you don’t have an ID card, you can scan and enter your ID number on-site to generate a QR code, then screenshot and save it. Especially when leaving the scenic spot, you can take the sightseeing bus, but the entrance there does not scan QR codes, so you cannot scan on-site. To avoid trouble, it’s recommended to bring your ID card or save the first entry QR code for easy access to other attractions.

Aizhai Bridge is quite impressive, very grand and magnificent. How such a long bridge was built is also a marvel. There aren’t many tourists at Aizhai Bridge, and it’s not very hot in summer, so it’s definitely worth a visit.

Post by AGY. Sam 3292 | Sep 9, 2025