Explore Yongzhou: A Journey Through the History of a Low-key City

🌈Highlights: Yongzhou, a low-key tourist city in Hunan, is rich in history and culture. From Liu Zongyuan's "Eight Records of Yongzhou" to Xu Xiake's 20,000-word travel notes, countless literati have left their footprints here. Today, it still retains its tranquility and simplicity, making it a charming historical city. 🚗Transportation: • Self-driving: Yongzhou is about a 3-hour drive from Changsha. The road conditions are good, making it a convenient way to travel. • Train: It takes 3.5–4 hours to travel from Changsha Railway Station to Yongzhou Railway Station by train. If you take a high-speed train, it only takes 1.5–2 hours from Changsha South Railway Station to Yongzhou Railway Station. 🚩Queuing (Tour Suggestions): Yongzhou is not a popular tourist city, so most attractions are not crowded, and you don't need to queue for a long time. However, it is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and arrange your time reasonably to fully experience the charm of each attraction. 👍️Reasons for Recommendation: • Historical Heritage: Yongzhou has many historical and cultural relics, such as the Liuzi Temple and Pingzhou Academy, which make you feel like you are traveling back in time. • Natural Scenery: Xiangling Mountain and Huilong Tower are scenic spots with beautiful natural scenery, making them ideal for photography enthusiasts. • Delicious Food: Local delicacies such as Yongzhou Blood Duck and Braised Rice Noodles are unforgettable. 📅Travel Guide: DAY1: • Morning: After arriving in Yongzhou, go to Huo Longjing Community to experience the artistic and retro atmosphere and take photos. Then, go to Pingzhou Academy to admire the ancient architecture and take a boat tour of the top of the Eight Views. • Afternoon: Visit Huilong Tower, which has a unique blue and white tower body. You can only view it from a distance, but it is great for taking photos. Then, go to Xiangling Mountain to experience the unique charm of "Xiangling Rain." DAY2: • Morning: Visit Lingling Tower, a landmark building in the old city of Yongzhou. Then, go to Yongzhou Wumiao Temple to experience the architectural style and regional characteristics of the Ming Dynasty. • Afternoon: Although the Confucian Temple is currently closed, you can take a walk around it to feel the history. Then, go to Xiake Ferry to experience the ancient ferry style of the floating bridge. Finally, visit Liuzi Street Historical and Cultural Street to visit cultural relics such as Liuzi Temple and Yuxi Bridge. Evening: Go to Lingling Ancient City to enjoy the lively commercial atmosphere and taste local delicacies. 🍜Food Guide: • Yongzhou Blood Duck: A local specialty with a red color and delicious taste. • Braised Rice Noodles: Delicate and smooth rice noodles with rich braised sauce. • Cold Rice Noodles: Sour and spicy, perfect for summer. • Jiangyong Oil Tea: Unique oil tea flavor with various snacks. • Dong'an Chicken: Sour and spicy, with tender meat, another signature dish of Yongzhou. • Fried Baba: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet and delicious, a local snack. 🏨Accommodation Guide: Yongzhou offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to high-end hotels. It is recommended to choose a hotel in the city center or near attractions for easy access to attractions and restaurants. You can also consider local homestays to experience the authentic Yongzhou style. 💗Other Tips: • Itinerary Planning: It is recommended to use the "Yuan Zhou Travel" app, which can generate the same itinerary with one click and adjust the route according to your actual needs, saving you a lot of planning time. • Photography Enthusiasts: Drones are not allowed in Yongzhou, but most attractions do not require a telephoto lens, so you can travel light. • Clothing Suggestions: Yongzhou has many historical and cultural attractions, so it is recommended to wear retro or artistic clothing to match the atmosphere of the attractions. • Shopping Suggestions: You can buy local handicrafts or souvenirs, such as Yongzhou bamboo weaving and paper cutting, in commercial streets such as Lingling Ancient City. • Safety Tips: Pay attention to the safety of your personal belongings, follow the rules of the scenic area, and ensure your personal safety.