Hunan Chenzhou Nanny-Level 3 Days 2 Nights Guide! Mangshan Misty Xiaodongjiang, Only 600 RMB Per Person

Hunan is not just Changsha and Zhangjiajie; Chenzhou, this small city in southern Hunan, hides so many surprises! The vast forest of Mangshan, the misty wonderland of Xiaodongjiang, and the Danxia marvel of Gaoyiling—all with fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and budget-friendly. This 3-day 2-night guide covers transportation, accommodation, attractions, and food in detail, explained in plain language—just follow it and you’re set! 1. How to Get Around? Save Half Your Time After Reading - External Transportation: - High-speed Rail: Chenzhou has two high-speed rail stations, Chenzhou West Station (mainly for city center, Xiaodongjiang, Gaoyiling) and Chenzhou Station (old station, more convenient for Mangshan). From Changsha, it takes 1.5 hours by high-speed rail; from Guangzhou, 2 hours. Tickets cost a bit over 100 RMB. Choosing Chenzhou West Station is more convenient. - Airplane: Chenzhou Beihu Airport has limited routes; unless nearby, high-speed rail is preferred. - Self-driving: Driving from the Pearl River Delta or Chang-Zhu-Tan area is comfortable, with direct highways and ample parking at scenic spots, charging 10-20 RMB/day. - City Transportation: - Bus: Take bus No. 18 from Chenzhou West Station to the city center, fare 2 RMB; take bus No. 201 to Xiaodongjiang, which goes directly to the scenic area entrance—convenient and cheap. - Taxi: Starting fare in the city is 6 RMB; taxi from Chenzhou West Station to Xiaodongjiang scenic area costs about 80 RMB. Sharing with 4 people is about 20 RMB each, more flexible than a coach. - Scenic Area Transportation: Xiaodongjiang has sightseeing buses for 20 RMB with unlimited rides; Gaoyiling now has shuttle buses for 10 RMB per person, mandatory (walking is too far); Mangshan scenic area sightseeing bus costs 60 RMB, must buy, otherwise it’s impossible to walk between spots. 2. Where to Stay for Maximum Comfort? High Cost-Performance Accommodation Recommendations - Budget (100-200 RMB): Stay in chain hotels in Chenzhou city, such as Vienna or 7 Days Inn, near Chenzhou West Station. Convenient for traveling to attractions, clean rooms with breakfast included. - Experience Seekers (200-400 RMB): - At Xiaodongjiang, choose “Wuman Jiangjing Homestay,” with windows opening to Xiaodongjiang. No need to squeeze out early to see the mist; you can shoot amazing photos from the homestay balcony. - Near Gaoyiling, stay at “Danxia Mountain View Homestay,” where you can stargaze at night. The owner can help plan routes to avoid crowds. - At Mangshan, stay at “Forest Hot Spring Homestay.” After a day of fun, soak in the hot springs—so comfortable you won’t want to leave. - Tips: Book on Trip.com with “free cancellation” to avoid losses if plans change; book Xiaodongjiang and Gaoyiling homestays 3 days in advance, and one week ahead during peak seasons (summer vacation, National Day). 3. Must-Visit Attractions List! Pitfall Avoidance Guide with Pure Practical Tips 1. Xiaodongjiang (Misty Wonderland, Perfect for Photos) - How to Play: Get up early! The mist is thickest from 5-7 AM. Walk from Bridge No. 2 to Bridge No. 4 for stunning mist-covered river views. Fishermen’s net-casting shows are at 7:00-7:30 and 8:00-8:30 daily—don’t miss them! After the mist, visit Dongjiang Dam and Longjing Canyon. In the afternoon, go to Huangcao Town for rafting (a must in summer, very thrilling). - Tickets: 80 RMB (includes sightseeing bus), half price for students, 5 RMB cheaper online than on-site. - Pitfalls: Don’t buy overpriced dried fish inside the scenic area; the same products are half the price in city supermarkets. 2. Gaoyiling (Danxia Marvel, Outdoor Enthusiasts’ Paradise) - How to Play: Take the “classic loop”: enter from the west gate, visit Giant Lizard Lake, Dragon Ridge, One Line Sky, and exit from the east gate. The whole route takes about 2 hours. Morning visits are recommended for better light and cooler weather. - Tickets: Now free! But the shuttle bus for 10 RMB is mandatory; walking from the gate to the attractions takes 1 hour. - Tips: Wear non-slip shoes! Danxia landforms are steep, slippery shoes can cause falls; don’t climb dangerous areas just for trendy photos—safety first. 3. Mangshan National Forest Park (Southern Wilderness, Oxygen and Lung Cleanse) - How to Play: Split into two days. Day 1: visit Monkey King Village, General Village (Ghost Village), see waterfalls and Mangshan pines. Day 2: watch the sea of clouds sunrise at Tiantai Mountain, then visit Mengkeng Stone (Guangdong’s highest peak). - Tickets: 100 RMB (includes sightseeing bus), half price for students; Mangshan hot springs charge separately, 198 RMB per person, a perfect way to relax. - Tips: Mangshan has big temperature differences; bring a thick jacket even in summer; signal is weak on the mountain, download offline maps in advance. 4. What to Eat in Chenzhou? Local Hidden Gems - Qifengdu Fish Noodles: Chenzhou’s signature dish, “King of Fish Noodles.” Recommended “Old Yang Qifengdu Fish Noodles,” with fresh spicy broth and flavorful fish chunks. Add a poached egg for perfection. About 15 RMB per person to eat until full. - Linwu Duck: Famous Hunan dish. Choose “Sauced Linwu Duck,” with firm meat and rich sauce flavor. Buy a few as souvenirs. “Duck World” is the most authentic shop. - Pig Slaughter Noodles: A breakfast must-have, with big bone broth base, pork, liver, intestines, and rice noodles. A warm bowl to start the day. “Da Kui Pig Slaughter Noodles” is a local favorite. - Dongjiang Salmon: Xiaodongjiang’s salmon is incredibly fresh, served three ways (sashimi, salt and pepper, hot pot). “Dongjiang Fish House” kills and serves on the spot. About 80 RMB per person for a feast. 5. Practical Tips! Avoid Detours After Reading 1. Best Travel Time: April-May for azalea blooms (Mangshan), June-August for Xiaodongjiang mist and rafting, September-November for Danxia autumn scenery. Each season has highlights. 2. Ticket Reservations: Book Xiaodongjiang and Mangshan tickets via the “Chenzhou Culture and Tourism” WeChat official account. Gaoyiling is free but requires advance registration through official channels. 3. Clothing Guide: Early mornings at Xiaodongjiang are cold; bring a light jacket. Wear non-slip shoes at Gaoyiling and Mangshan. Ladies, avoid skirts (not convenient for hiking). 4. Money-Saving Tips: Students and seniors with valid ID get half-price tickets at all attractions. Carpooling with friends is cheaper than coaches, especially for remote spots like Mangshan. Chenzhou is like an underestimated treasure box, with both the charm of mountains and waters and the warmth of local cuisine. Following this guide, you can check off popular spots and experience local life, all while spending less and enjoying more. Save it and head to Chenzhou on your next holiday!