A 3-day, 2-night nanny-level guide to Dongjiang Lake in Chenzhou, highly recommended to save

Chenzhou is legendary! Stay at Wuxiang Villa for 3 days and 2 nights to fully explore the fairyland of southern Hunan

Who would have thought! Staying at the right inn in Dongjiang Lake turns a 3-day, 2-night trip into a divine experience✨ Wuxiang Dongjiang Villa Inn is truly a hidden gem, perfectly connecting the misty river views and the Danxia wonders into the most comfortable journey!

🏡 First, let me talk about this inn that made me not want to check out
The location is absolutely stunning! Right at the prime spot by Dongjiang Bay, open the window and you get an ink-wash painting-like river view. No need to squeeze onto the viewing platform early in the morning; you can watch the mist drifting over Little Dongjiang right from your bed[__LINK_ICON]. The rooms feature a wabi-sabi style mixed with cave design, every photo looks high-end, equipped with smart home devices and a projector. After a day of fun, cozying up to watch shows is super relaxing. Some rooms even have bathtubs, perfect for soaking away your fatigue.

The landlady is super thoughtful, not only recommending delicious local dishes but also planning a perfect itinerary for me, even booking tickets in advance so I didn’t have to worry about a thing[__LINK_ICON]!

🗓️ 3-day, 2-night essential itinerary (tested with no detours)
▫️Day 1: First encounter with the misty fairyland
5:30 Wake up to the river mist, watch fishermen casting nets from the inn’s terrace (less crowded and better photos than the viewing platform!)
9:00 Explore Longjing Canyon, see the waterfall clusters spraying cool mist, breathe in the oxygen-rich air
Evening Take a boat night tour of icy-cold Dongjiang Bay, with water temperatures between 3-8℃, the evening breeze and light reflections are breathtaking[__LINK_ICON]
Dinner must include Dongjiang salmon, five ways to enjoy one fish, incredibly fresh with few bones and tender meat, super satisfying

▫️Day 2: Danxia landform adventure
Morning Rush to Gaoyiling! The red rocks and clear waters form a natural maze, walking the cliffside plank road is thrilling, drone shots are stunning
Afternoon Explore Feitian Mountain to see the thousand-year-old hanging coffins, Danxia caves hold traces of time, moderate hiking difficulty, very comfortable
Evening Back at the inn, order stir-fried dried bamboo shoots with cured meat, dining with a river view is so healing

▫️Day 3: Leisurely tour of lake and mountains
Morning Rent an electric bike at Bailang Little Erhai to circle the lake, the breeze in your hair is super pleasant, you can also feed small animals on Phoenix Island
Afternoon Visit Mahuangqiu Grand Canyon to see the “Gaoyiling substitute,” the road winds through Danxia formations, every shot looks like a highway masterpiece
Before leaving, bring back two packs of Dongjiang dried fish as souvenirs, preserving the fresh taste as a memory

💡Avoid pitfalls & Tips

1. Don’t go to Gaoyiling at noon! After 4 PM the light is better and it’s not too hot. Be sure to bring enough water and sunscreen.
2. Buy tickets in advance for the night tour of Dongjiang Bay, bring a thin jacket for the strong wind on the boat[__LINK_ICON].
3. From Chenzhou West Station to Dongjiang Lake, carpool costs about 30 yuan per person, don’t get scammed by unlicensed taxis.
4. The inn’s doorstep is the boarding point, so the night tour is super convenient—just go downstairs, no hassle.

This trip perfectly combines gentle river mist, magnificent Danxia, and relaxing lake breeze. Comfortable stay and exciting fun, Chenzhou is definitely worth multiple visits!