A Relaxed 3-Day, 2-Night Guide to Biancheng Chadong (Budget: 1000 RMB)

✨ Highlights

· Step into Three Provinces at Once: Check in at the junction of Hunan, Chongqing, and Guizhou to experience a unique geographical landmark.
· Literary Pilgrimage: Follow the footsteps of Shen Congwen’s "Border Town," and immerse yourself in scenes like Cuicui Island, White Tower, and Lala Ferry from the book.
· High Cost-Performance Slow Life: The ancient town is less commercialized with low expenses, allowing you to experience simple folk customs and a leisurely pace.

📌 Basic Information

Location: Biancheng Town, Huayuan County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province (bordering Hong’an Ancient Town in Xiushan, Chongqing, and Yajia Town in Tongren, Guizhou) Best Travel Time: Spring and autumn (pleasant climate). Summer is also suitable for escaping the heat. Total Budget: About 1000 RMB/person (including accommodation, meals, transportation, tickets) Travel Pace: Leisurely and relaxed

🗓 Itinerary Overview

```mermaid
flowchart TD
Trip[Biancheng Chadong 3-Day Tour]

subgraph Day1[Day 1: Arrival and Initial Exploration]
D1_1[Noon: Arrive at Chadong
Check into riverside guesthouse]
D1_2[Afternoon: Experience 2 RMB Lala Ferry]
D1_3[Night: Taste Jiao Jiao Fish
Enjoy ancient town night view]
end

subgraph Day2[Day 2: In-Depth Experience]
D2_1[Morning: Visit the Three-Province Boundary Marker]
D2_2[Afternoon: Boat tour and sightseeing
Visit White Tower and Cuicui Island]
D2_3[Night: Try local snacks]
end

subgraph Day3[Day 3: Return or Nearby Exploration]
D3_1[Morning: Experience Miao embroidery or batik
Taste Chadong vinegar radish]
D3_2[Afternoon: Pack up
Happy return journey]
end

Trip --> Day1
Trip --> Day2
Trip --> Day3
```

💰 Budget Breakdown

Expense Category Details Estimated Cost (RMB/person) Notes
Accommodation (2 nights) Budget guesthouses or inns (e.g., Laochengwai Inn, Youshui Renjia) 200-400 Better prices for non-riverside or non-holiday stays
Meals (3 days) Includes main meals and snacks (Jiao Jiao Fish, rice tofu, fried glutinous rice cakes, vinegar radish, etc.) 250-350 Snacks mostly priced 5-10 RMB each
Transportation Mainly walking inside the ancient town; possible Lala Ferry and boat fees 50-100 Lala Ferry 2 RMB/ride; boat about 25 RMB/person
Tickets Ancient town free; some spots like Cuicui Island may charge 0-50 Recommended to focus on free experiences
Other Shopping Souvenirs, local specialties 100-200 Optional, spend as needed
Total - About 600-1100 Budget manageable and flexible

🗺 Detailed Itinerary

Here is your detailed 3-day plan for Biancheng Chadong:

```mermaid
flowchart TD
Schedule[Biancheng Chadong 3-Day Itinerary]

subgraph DayOne[Day 1: Arrival and Initial Exploration]
direction TB
DO_Time1[Noon] --> DO_Action1[Arrive at Chadong Ancient Town
Check into reserved riverside guesthouse
Settle luggage]
DO_Time2[Afternoon] --> DO_Action2[Stroll along the old bluestone street
Experience the 2 RMB Lala Ferry[citation:1]
Ferry from Hunan to Hong’an, Chongqing]
DO_Time3[Night] --> DO_Action3[Taste local specialty Jiao Jiao Fish
A pot cooking flavors of three provinces[citation:6]
Walk along Qingshui River to enjoy ancient town night view]
end

subgraph DayTwo[Day 2: In-Depth Experience]
direction TB
DT_Time1[Morning] --> DT_Action1[Breakfast with rice tofu or beef noodles[citation:6][citation:7]
Find and check in at the three-province boundary marker[citation:10]
Experience stepping into three provinces at once]
DT_Time2[Afternoon] --> DT_Action2[Take a boat tour[citation:1] (about 25 RMB)
Enjoy Qingshui River scenery and stilted buildings on both banks
Visit White Tower and Cuicui Island (if open)[citation:10]]
DT_Time3[Night] --> DT_Action3[Try fried glutinous rice cakes, fried potato flowers, and other snacks[citation:7]
Enjoy the peaceful night of the ancient town]
end

subgraph DayThree[Day 3: Return or Nearby Exploration]
direction TB
DTh_Time1[Morning] --> DTh_Action1[After breakfast, experience Miao embroidery or batik (optional)
Taste Chadong vinegar radish[citation:9]
Last stroll on the old street to buy local specialties]
DTh_Time2[Afternoon] --> DTh_Action2[Pack luggage
Allow enough time for transportation
Happy return journey]
end

Schedule --> DayOne
Schedule --> DayTwo
Schedule --> DayThree
```

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: • Laochengwai Inn: Located inside the scenic area, some rooms face Cuicui Island, the hostess is warm and offers shuttle service. • Huayuan Youshui Renjia: Situated on the old street, near Congwen Square and North Gate Wharf, some rooms equipped with smart devices and sightseeing elevator. • Banheju Guesthouse: Located in Bianzhai Square, close to Shen Congwen’s residence and White Tower, pet-friendly. Booking Tips: Book early in peak season; in off-season, inquire on-site or you might get riverside rooms at better prices.

🍜 Food Recommendations

Biancheng Chadong’s cuisine blends flavors from Hunan, Chongqing, and Guizhou, offering great taste at affordable prices:

• Jiao Jiao Fish / One Pot Cooking Three Provinces: A must-try specialty! Combines Hunan’s spiciness, Chongqing’s numbing flavor, and Guizhou’s sourness; fish is tender. About 40 RMB per person. • Rice Tofu: Local specialty snack, recommended at “Stilted Building Snack Shop.” • Fried Glutinous Rice Cakes: 4 pieces for 1 RMB, affordable and delicious. • Chadong Vinegar Radish: Red radish soaked in special sour water, tangy and appetizing, crisp and tasty. • Other Snacks: Fried potato flowers, glutinous rice crust, beef noodles, iced jelly, etc., mostly priced 5-10 RMB each.

💡 Practical Information

Long-Distance Transport: • Train/High-Speed Rail: Take high-speed rail to Jishou East Station or Xiushan Station, then transfer by bus to Huayuan County/Biancheng Town. After exiting Jishou East Station, consider carpooling directly to Chadong Scenic Area (about 50-60 RMB/person). • Self-Driving: Navigate to “Biancheng Chadong Ancient Town,” parking available inside the town.

Local Transport: • Main attractions in the ancient town are walkable. • Experience the Lala Ferry (2 RMB/ride), a traditional transport connecting Chadong in Hunan and Hong’an in Chongqing. • You can also choose a boat tour (about 25 RMB/person) to enjoy Qingshui River scenery and the “step into three provinces” spot.

Ticket Fees: • Chadong Ancient Town is free to enter. • Cuicui Island, boat tours, and other activities may charge extra; choose based on interest and budget.

Best Travel Time: • Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant climate. • Visiting in summer (early July) might get lucky to see dragon boat races.

Travel Tips: • Wear comfortable sneakers; the bluestone streets require good foot strength. • Xiangxi cuisine tends to be sour and spicy; if you can’t handle spice, inform the restaurant in advance. • Keep enough cash and phone battery; although mobile payments are common, having cash is always good. • Biancheng is less commercialized, ideal for those who enjoy natural scenery, cultural history, and a slow pace of life.

Hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Biancheng Chadong! Have fun and truly feel the tranquility and simplicity!