Three days and two nights in Mayang in December, unlocking the slow time of a small town in Western Hunan!

In December in Mayang County, hidden in the mountain and water secret realm of western Hunan, there are no overwhelming crowds, but the most authentic Xiangxi everyday life— hills covered with golden rock sugar oranges hanging on branches, pick one at will, sweeter than first love🍯 The ancient former residence of Teng Daiyuan stands quietly by the Tuojiang River, and when night falls, a pool of selenium-rich hot spring steams and rises, washing away fatigue and warming the cold winter through and through. This underestimated small town in Western Hunan is healing every traveler who wants to "stop" with its citrus fragrance, hot spring water, and slow pace. This light travel guide under 2000 yuan for three days and two nights takes you into true pastoral poetry. --- 🗓 Itinerary (3 days 2 nights) Day 1: Arrive in Mayang → Check in at Jinjiang Riverside Homestay Take the high-speed train to [Huaihua South Station], transfer to a bus for 40 minutes to [Mayang County Town] (one-way ¥35) Check in at a riverside characteristic homestay or hot spring hotel 💰650/night × 2 = 1300 Evening stroll along the [Jinjiang Scenic Belt], watch the sunset spread over the river, and try a bowl of hot and sour noodles + stir-fried cured meat rice, about ¥30 per person, very local flavor🍜 Day 2: Citrus Picking + Relaxing Hot Spring Day ✅ Morning visit to [Lanli Town/Gao Village Orchard] to experience rock sugar orange picking (admission ¥20, take away about ¥5 per jin), pick and eat fresh, sweet and juicy🍊 ✅ Afternoon visit [Mayang Miao Autonomous County Museum] or [Teng Daiyuan Former Residence] to learn about red history and Miao ethnic customs (both free) ✅ Evening soak in [Longevity Village Selenium-rich Hot Spring] (ticket ¥98), the spring water is weakly alkaline, moisturizing and health-preserving, a winter exclusive enjoyment♨️ Day 3: Jiangkou Danxia Light Hiking + Return ✅ Morning taxi to [Jiangkou Danxia Scenic Area] (off the beaten path, free), walk along a section of the original ecological plank road by the river, red rocks and clear water, unique winter scenery📷 Buy some Mayang rock sugar oranges, dried sweet potatoes, and rice wine as souvenirs🎁 Return to Huaihua South Station in the afternoon, take the bullet train home --- 💰 Budget Details: - Major transportation: round-trip high-speed train ¥500 + local transportation ¥100 = ¥600 - Accommodation: 1300 (two nights riverside hot spring room, excellent value) - Tickets + picking + meals + miscellaneous: about ¥100 ✅ Total: about 1995 yuan! A hidden gem, warm and healing --- Mayang in December, not noisy, but full of deep affection. It tells you with a lamp, a pool of soup, and an orange, the best travel is returning to life itself.