Hunan's Stunning County Towns in September, Low-Key and Budget-Friendly.

💰【Budget Control】

- Total cost: 600-800 RMB per person/2 days (including accommodation, meals, and tickets)
- Main transportation: High-speed rail/train preferred, tickets from Changsha generally under 100 RMB
- Local transportation: Bus + shared electric scooters, about 20 RMB per day
- Accommodation: Choose ancient town guesthouses or budget hotels, 100-150 RMB/night
- Tickets: Make good use of free attractions + student ID half price

🌟【Recommended Counties & Activities】

1️⃣ Fenghuang Ancient Town — Poetic Night Scenery by the Tuojiang River🌙

- Why visit: Fewer tourists in September, prices drop 30% compared to peak season! The night lights are stunning, and the morning mist on the Tuojiang River looks like a fairyland.
- Must-do:
- Boat ride on the Tuojiang River (core experience, see stilted buildings from the boat)
- Check in at Tiaoyan/Hongqiao Bridge (iconic spots in the ancient town)
- Early morning mist viewing (free! 6-7 AM, the river is shrouded in picturesque fog)
- Ticket tips: The ancient town is free to enter, only a few spots require tickets (e.g., Shen Congwen's Former Residence).

2️⃣ Chenzhou — The Best Value for Mountain and Water Scenery🏞️

- Why visit: Stunning natural scenery, super low prices, fish noodles only 5 RMB/bowl!
- Must-do:
- Xiaodongjiang morning mist (free early morning, dreamy fog over the river)
- Gaoyiling Danxia (undeveloped area, free entry, spectacular red rocks and green waters)
- Yangtianhu Grassland (off-season ticket 50 RMB, horse riding bargaining makes it even cheaper)

3️⃣ Yueyang — Jiangnan Poetry by Dongting Lake🌅

- Why visit: Super convenient high-speed rail, only 30 minutes from Changsha! Free lakeside sunset viewing.
- Must-do:
- Dongting Lake sunset (free! Lakeside stroll and breeze are very healing)
- Yueyang Tower (70 RMB ticket, famous Jiangnan tower with lake views)
- Baling Square night snacks (50 RMB per person to eat your fill, unlimited barbecue and crayfish)

4️⃣ Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town — The "Living Ledger" of Ming and Qing Merchants🏮

- Why visit: Hidden gem! 80 RMB/day all-inclusive for food and lodging, no commercialization, original ancient alleys.
- Must-do:
- Ming and Qing Yinzi Houses (380 old buildings, perfect for time-travel style photos)
- Fuxingchang Tobacco Company old ledger (touch the century-old merchant history yourself)
- Early morning mist on the stone slab roads (stay one night to truly feel the charm of the ancient town)

🍜【Food Recommendations】

- Fenghuang: Blood Duck (40 RMB per person), rice noodles 5 RMB/bowl
- Chenzhou: Fish noodles 5 RMB/bowl! Farmhouse dishes (free-range chicken, bamboo shoots) 30 RMB per person
- Yueyang: Fresh fish from Dongting (roadside restaurants 30 RMB per person), barbecue crayfish
- Hongjiang: Duck noodles 12 RMB/bowl, rice tofu 5 RMB/bowl (spicy and fresh flavor)

🛏️【Accommodation Recommendations】

- Fenghuang: Guesthouses by the Tuojiang River (non-riverfront rooms 80-120 RMB/night)
- Chenzhou/Yueyang: Budget guesthouses 100-150 RMB/night (choose ones near attractions to save on transport)
- Hongjiang: Inns inside the ancient town (80 RMB/night including breakfast)

🗺️【Lazy Traveler Itinerary】

Day 1: Choose one city: Fenghuang / Chenzhou / Yueyang

- Afternoon arrival → drop luggage at guesthouse → check out free attractions (Dongting Lake / Tuojiang River) → night market snacks
Day 2: Core attractions + return trip
- Early morning mist/sunrise viewing → specialty breakfast → main attractions (Yueyang Tower / Xiaodongjiang / Ancient Commercial Town) → good lunch → return trip

💡【Money-Saving Tips】

- Transportation: Night trains/buses save on accommodation costs
- Tickets: Student ID half price, free days often on Wednesdays/Fridays
- Accommodation: Booking on weekdays is half price!
- Food: Head straight to markets/university areas for large portions and cheap prices