A One-Day Hiking Tour of Shuangfeng Mountain

Shuangfeng Mountain in Xiaochang County is not only the highest peak in Xiaogan but is also said to have been formed by seven fairy maidens. The area boasts a high forest coverage rate and beautiful scenery. I have prepared this detailed one-day tour guide to help you easily appreciate its charm.

🗓️ Itinerary Overview

Shuangfeng Mountain National Forest Park, located on the southern slope of the Dabie Mountains, has been known as the "Fairy Source" since ancient times. Its main peak reaches an elevation of 888 meters. The park features dense forest coverage and a pleasant climate, making it perfect for a one-day hiking trip.

🚌 Transportation Guide

Getting to Shuangfeng Mountain

· By car: Depart from Xiaogan city center via Hanxiao Expressway and Jingzhu Expressway. The total distance is about 44 km, taking approximately 57 minutes. From Wuhan, it’s about 91.9 km and takes around 1 hour and 18 minutes. The park has parking lots.
· Tourist shuttle bus: There is a direct shuttle from Xiaogan Bus Station, ideal for non-drivers. The route is 55 km, with a one-way ticket priced at 20 RMB and a round-trip ticket at 39 RMB. The shuttle departs from Xiaogan Bus Station at 8:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays, returning at 3:00 PM.
· Public transport: You can also take a bus from Xiaogan Passenger Station to Tuxiang and return from the same stop.

Within the park

· Sightseeing bus: It is highly recommended to take the sightseeing bus to the core scenic spots before starting your hike. The round-trip ticket costs 40 RMB. The last downhill sightseeing bus departs at 4:30 PM.

🗺️ Detailed Itinerary

Morning

1. Arrival and Preparation
It’s best to arrive early (the park opens at 8:00 AM) to avoid crowds. Bring drinking water and some light snacks. There are restrooms at the park entrance, which are recommended for use.
Ticket prices: Adult tickets are 38 RMB online or 45 RMB on-site; discounted tickets for students, seniors, and children are 22 RMB. Sightseeing bus tickets are sold separately.
2. Challenge at Haohan Slope
Take the sightseeing bus to Haohan Slope. This slope has 348 steps and is quite steep, serving as the first physical challenge. After climbing Haohan Slope, you’ll be a "true hero." The area offers a wide view, perfect for a short rest and to look back at the scenery you’ve passed.
3. Explore Yangsi Canyon
From Haohan Slope, head to Yangsi Canyon. The canyon is lush with trees and has a year-round flowing stream. Along the way, you’ll find Tiger Cave, Tiger Roar Waterfall, and White Cloud Waterfall, all great spots for photos.

Midday

· Lunch Time
Dining options inside the park are limited, so it’s recommended to bring your own picnic. Alternatively, you can try local specialty dishes at nearby farmhouses.

Afternoon

1. Summit the Shuangru Peaks
After lunch, head to the main peaks, the Shuangru Peaks. These two opposing peaks both stand at 888 meters and are the highest in Xiaogan. The summit offers excellent views, allowing you to experience the vast "thousand-mile hills and fertile fields" below. There is a two-story pavilion at the top where you can enjoy the mountain breeze and panoramic views.
2. Visit Baiyun Village
From the Shuangru Peaks, proceed to Baiyun Village. Baiyun Village is the largest and best-preserved ancient military village in Hubei Province, featuring 17 relics including the ancient military village, the Gathering Hall, and Qinglong Pond. Here you can feel the history and gaze at the surrounding mountains.
3. Flexible Nearby Attractions
If time and energy allow, consider visiting:
· Shuangfeng Academy: to experience cultural atmosphere.
· Tea Fields: if visiting during tea-picking season (April-May), you can enjoy the scenery or try tea picking.
· Rainbow Slide: located on the way down; if open, you can try it (additional fee required).

Return and Descent

· Be sure to arrive at the sightseeing bus station before 4:00 PM and pay attention to the last bus time. Check your belongings and take the sightseeing bus back to the park entrance to conclude your day.

💡 Hiking Tips

1. Best time to visit: April-May offers comfortable weather, lush greenery, and the chance to see tung flowers and experience tea picking. May to October is also recommended.
2. Equipment suggestions:
· Wear non-slip sports shoes or hiking boots.
· Using trekking poles can save energy.
· Protect yourself from the sun and bring drinking water and energy snacks.
3. Notes:
· The park stops admitting visitors at 4:00 PM, so plan accordingly.
· Pay attention to park signs and the last sightseeing bus schedule.
· Watch over elderly and children carefully, especially on steep sections like Haohan Slope and pavilion stairs.
· Protect the environment by carrying out your trash.

💎 Travel Recommendations

You can adjust your itinerary flexibly based on your physical condition and interests:

Visitor Type Morning Plan Afternoon Plan Core Experience and Suggestions
Energetic Visitors Challenge Haohan Slope, explore Yangsi Canyon Summit Shuangru Peaks, visit Baiyun Village In-depth nature and history experience: take a one-way sightseeing bus to Haohan Slope, then hike. Bring plenty of water.
Leisure Visitors Take sightseeing bus for an easy tour of Haohan Slope and nearby spots Take sightseeing bus near Shuangru Peaks, summit for views, descend at a suitable time Effort-saving highlights tour: make full use of the sightseeing bus. Focus on Shuangru Peaks, Haohan Slope, and other key spots without covering all.
Family with Children Take sightseeing bus, visit Forest Plaza, try Rainbow Slide (if open) Visit Mengzong Filial Piety and Integrity Cultural Park (site of the Mengzong crying bamboo story), briefly explore tea fields Cultural experience and light entertainment: avoid strenuous hiking. Use sightseeing bus combined with cultural stories and light entertainment. Watch children carefully.

Shuangfeng Mountain combines natural beauty and cultural history. I hope this guide helps you fully enjoy your hiking adventure.