I Spent 3 Days in Chenzhou and My Spending Perspective Collapsed

Chenzhou, a city in southern Hunan province, combines spectacular landscapes, thousand-year-old charm, and red cultural heritage. This three-day itinerary takes you to explore the Danxia landforms of Gaoyi Ridge, immerse yourself in the ink-painting scenery of Dongjiang Lake, and experience the historical depth of ancient villages—unlocking Chenzhou's unique charm through a fully immersive southern Hunan journey. Daily Itinerary Day 1: Danxia Landform Exploration Day 📍Gaoyi Ridge: A must-visit Danxia landform in Chenzhou featuring mountains, waters, springs, caves, villages, cliffs, and plateaus. The red rocks and green waters, dangerous villages and strange valleys are breathtakingly beautiful. Hike along the ridge to experience "the world's magnificent, strange, and extraordinary sights" (Entrance fee: 50 yuan). 📍Feitian Mountain: Also famous for its Danxia landforms, known as the "Southern Nanling paradise, Guilin of southern Hunan." Take a boat tour on the Cui River to enjoy the red cliffs on both banks, and visit the mysterious thousand-year-old hanging coffins (Entrance fee: 80 yuan, including boat tour). 📍After dinner, head to Yuhou Street, the oldest existing street in Chenzhou. With its bluestone pavement and ancient residences, it's full of historical charm—perfect for a stroll to experience the everyday atmosphere of old Chenzhou. Day 2: Immersion in Ink-Painting Lakes and Rivers 📍Dongjiang Lake: Visit in the early morning to see the stunning misty views of Little Dongjiang. With fog rising from the water and fishing boats gliding through, it resembles an ink painting. Take a boat tour around Dongjiang Lake and visit Longjing Canyon to experience the vivid beauty of mountains and waters (Entrance fee: from 85 yuan, including scenic area transportation; boat tour costs extra). 📍Bailang Scenic Area: Known as the "Little Erhai Lake" by Dongjiang Lake. The lakeside road offers picturesque views—rent a bicycle to ride around, watching the rippling lake waters and distant mountains shrouded in mist, which is truly delightful (Free entry, bicycle rental: 20-30 yuan/day). 📍Huilong Mountain: If time permits, visit Huilong Mountain to see the sunset and sea of clouds. The thousand-year-old Huilong Temple at the summit adds a touch of mystery (Free entry, accessible by car). Day 3: Ancient Village Cultural Exploration 📍Bangliang Ancient Village: Preserves numerous Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, with ancient bridges, towers, and halls arranged in perfect harmony. Stroll through the village, visit ancestral halls and private schools to experience the cultural heritage of this ancient settlement (Entrance fee: 35 yuan). 📍Liuhuawan Ancient Village: One of the largest ancient residential complexes in southern Hunan, surrounded by lotus ponds, with unique ancient theaters and stilt houses. The scenery is particularly enchanting when lotus flowers bloom in summer (Free entry). 📍Return journey: Pack up in the afternoon and head home with wonderful memories of Chenzhou. Must-Try Food List: Chenzhou on Your Taste Buds ✅Qifengdu Fish Noodles: Chenzhou's signature dish—rice noodles in rich fish broth, topped with green onions and chili. Savory, spicy, and delicious for just 8-15 yuan per bowl. ✅Dongjiang Fish: Made from fresh Dongjiang Lake fish through smoking and braising processes. The meat is firm and deliciously spicy, making it an excellent snack or accompaniment to alcohol, 10-20 yuan per pack. ✅Shao Jigong (Roasted Chicken): A local specialty with tender chicken stir-fried with chili and ginger slices. Spicy and satisfying at 40-60 yuan per person. ✅Jiahe Blood Duck: Duck blood stir-fried with duck meat, bright red in color with a fresh, savory taste. A common dish on Chenzhou tables, 30-50 yuan per serving. ✅Rice Dumplings: Made with glutinous rice flour skin wrapped around meat filling, steamed until translucent. Soft, chewy, and elastic for 10-15 yuan per serving. Photography Tips: Capturing Beautiful Moments 1️⃣Gaoyi Ridge: In early morning or evening, use side or backlighting to capture the textures and contours of the Danxia landforms. Wear bright-colored clothing to create a striking contrast with the red rocks, showcasing nature's magnificence. 2️⃣Misty Little Dongjiang: Between 6-9 AM when the fog is thickest, use a telephoto lens to capture fishermen casting nets. A slow shutter speed can create a dreamy, misty effect. 3️⃣Bangliang Ancient Village: Use ancient residences and stone paths as backgrounds. Wear vintage clothing and photograph people moving through the alleys to capture the village's sense of history. Pitfall Guide: Tips to Avoid Problems 🚗Transportation: Some attractions have limited public transportation—self-driving or hiring a car is recommended. Mountain roads to places like Gaoyi Ridge are rugged, so drive carefully. 🍱Food: With many fish noodle shops available, choose those frequented by locals for authentic flavors. Buy Dongjiang dried fish and other specialties only from reputable vendors to avoid inferior products. 🎫Tickets: Dongjiang Lake and other scenic areas offer various ticket options—research in advance. Some villagers in ancient villages offer paid guided tours; you can choose whether to accept. 👟Attire: Wear non-slip athletic shoes when hiking Gaoyi Ridge. In summer, bring sun protection and rain gear. Prepare colorful clothing for photos. Hidden Experiences: Exploring Lesser-Known Treasures 1️⃣Swan Mountain National Forest Park: With high forest coverage and fresh air, it features secondary virgin forests and canyons—perfect for hiking and enjoying pristine nature. 2️⃣Western Yao Green Valley National Forest Park: A lesser-known summer retreat with waterfalls, streams, and bamboo forests. Ideal for escaping the heat and enjoying cool waters in summer. 3️⃣Anling Academy: A traditional Chinese academy with magnificent architecture in a serene environment. A great place to enjoy quiet reading time and soak in the cultural atmosphere.