Two-Day Tour Guide for Chenzhou

📍 Highlights: Misty Xiaodongjiang Wonderland, Gaoyiling Mars Landform, Yangtianhu Grassland, Mangshan Hot Springs 👫 Suitable for: Photography enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, families with children, hot spring therapy lovers 💰 Budget Breakdown: Transportation: 1500 RMB (high-speed rail/self-driving + local car rental) Accommodation: 1800 RMB (Dongjiang Boutique Homestay/Mangshan Forest Hot Spring Hotel) Food & Drink: 800 RMB (salmon feast, Qifengdu fish noodles) Tickets & Experiences: 700 RMB (Xiaodongjiang + Gaoyiling + Yangtianhu) Shopping: 200 RMB (Linwu duck, Guidong dried yellow peaches) 📅 Itinerary Day 1: Misty Dongjiang & Mars Walk 🚄 Morning: Arrive in Chenzhou Take high-speed rail to Chenzhou West Station, then car rental directly to Zixing Xiaodongjiang (1 hour) Check in at Dongjiang Yunwu Mountain Residence (fog outside the window) or That Year Boutique Inn 🌫️ Early Morning: Fairy Tale Scene Watch the mist at Xiaodongjiang (ticket 80 RMB, best from 6:00-8:00, take net-casting photos at Viewing Platform No. 2) Boat tour on Dongjiang Dam (extra 60 RMB, see "China’s Wonder Cave" Doushuai Lingyan) 🍜 Noon: Fresh Flavors of the Lake Must-try list: Dongjiang Lake salmon (five ways to eat one fish) Pig slaughter noodles (freshly boiled pig blood + pig liver + pork) 🏜️ Afternoon: Alien Planet Gaoyiling (ticket 80 RMB, enter after 16:00 to avoid strong sun) Key spots: Giant Lizard Lake, Dragon Ridge, Hanging Walkway 🌙 Evening: Zixing Nightlife Dongjiang Suspension Bridge Night Market for grilled fish Or drive 1.5 hours to stay at Mangshan Forest Hot Spring Hotel Day 2: Cloud Grassland & Hot Spring Therapy 🌿 Morning: Miyazaki World Yangtianhu Grassland (ticket 120 RMB, arrive before 9 to avoid clouds and mist) Activities: Horse riding (50 RMB/round), feeding alpacas, photo at Hobbit House 🍲 Noon: Yao Mountain Flavors Recommended: Yao-style cured meat + stir-fried bitter bamboo shoots with eggs ♨️ Afternoon: Geothermal Secret Mangshan Hot Springs (forest infinity pools, 198 RMB/person) Or Mangshan National Forest Park (Wuzhifeng Sea of Clouds) ✈️ Evening: Return & Souvenirs Buy vacuum-packed Linwu duck Return from Chenzhou West Station 💡 Travel Tips ✔ Transportation: Yangtianhu mountain roads are winding; SUV rental recommended (about 500 RMB/day) ✔ Hidden Activities: Free lake cycling in Bailang Town outside Xiaodongjiang Scenic Area Drone photography at Gaoyiling requires prior approval (can be arranged by the park) ✔ Pitfalls to Avoid: Be cautious buying roadside "wild honey" (some are adulterated with sugar) 💰 Budget Flexibility: Budget version: Stay in Zixing city center (200+/night), skip hot springs In-depth version: Add Feitian Mountain Scenic Area (requires half a day extra) 🌄 Chenzhou is Hunan’s "mountain and water mystery box"! Two days and one night, from the misty wonderland morning light to the Mars landform sunset, every frame is a National Geographic cover~ 🚤