Natural Oxygen Bar, a Severely Underestimated Natural Scenic Area! Complete Travel Guide

As we turned around the last ridge, the entire primeval secondary forest suddenly burst into view. Morning mist wandered among the trees, transforming varying shades of green into a misty ink painting. Sunlight scattered like gold flakes on the stone path, and on the moss-covered spots, several wild dendrobium orchids were blooming with bell-like white flowers. ❤The stream appeared and disappeared at our feet, with water sounds tinkling like jade pendants. Following the stream upward, wisteria flower corridors hung down like natural curtains. Amid the floating fragrance, we suddenly saw a 600-year-old ginkgo tree soaring into the clouds. In the dappled light filtered through the tree canopy, an old herb gatherer was collecting morning dew in a bamboo tube. ❤The moment we turned around the cliff, everyone held their breath—a five-tiered waterfall was plunging from a hundred meters high, and among the rainbow bridge woven by water mist, flocks of blue-throated sunbirds were darting through the waterfall in search of food. The deep pool below the cliff was emerald green; scooping up a handful of cool water, tiny fish fry swam between my fingers. ❤At noon, while eating bamboo tube rice under a thousand-year-old yew tree, a tea-selling grandmother pointed to the sea of clouds in the distance: "See that lingzhi mushroom-shaped cloud? When it floats to Eagle Beak Rock, it's time to head down the mountain." The tea had a few pieces of wild Solomon's seal, with a sweet aftertaste carrying the fresh air of the wilderness. ❤This hidden paradise, without an A-level scenic area plaque, still measures time by its growth rings. Fortunately, it hasn't yet become an internet celebrity check-in spot, allowing us to exclusively enjoy this green private feast—the moss-covered ancient path remembers our gentle footsteps, while the mountains silently roll our exclamations into the pine waves. Travel Guide: I. Huguangyan Introduction Huguangyan is one of China's largest volcanic crater lakes, formed by a volcanic eruption about 160,000 years ago. It's a World Geopark and a National AAAA-level scenic area. The lake water is crystal clear, surrounded by green trees, and is known as a "natural oxygen bar," combining natural scenery with cultural relics. II. Transportation Guide 1. How to reach Zhanjiang By air: Zhanjiang Wuchuan Airport (formerly Zhanjiang International Airport), then take a taxi (about 40 minutes, 100-120 yuan) or airport shuttle bus to downtown for public transit. By high-speed rail/train: Zhanjiang West Station: Take Bus Route 3 directly to Huguangyan East Gate (about 1 hour). Zhanjiang Station: Take Bus Route 6 then transfer to Route 3, or take a taxi (about 50 yuan). Self-driving: Navigate to "Huguangyan Scenic Area," about 30 minutes from downtown; parking available (5-10 yuan/time). 2. Transportation within the scenic area Electric cart: Lake tour vehicle, fare about 20 yuan/person (hop-on-hop-off). Walking/cycling: The lakeside greenway is about 7 kilometers, suitable for hiking or bicycle rental (about 20 yuan/hour). III. Tickets and Opening Hours Tickets: 50 yuan/person (peak season), 40 yuan/person (off-season); half-price for students/seniors. Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 (recommended visit time: 3-5 hours). IV. Must-See Attractions Maar Lake A natural lake formed by a volcanic crater, with water that never dries up. You can stroll along the lake or take a boat ride (boat ticket about 30 yuan). Volcanic Geology Museum Learn about volcanic geology, suitable for family visits (free with entrance ticket). Lengyanci Temple An ancient temple from the Song Dynasty, featuring a "Huguangyan" stone inscription by Li Gang, with active worship. Wanghai Tower (White Robe Nunnery) Climb up for a panoramic view of the lake and distant Zhanjiang city. Lakeside Greenway Cycle or walk, passing through "Nine-Bend Bridge," "Banyan Garden" and other attractions with serene scenery. V. Suggested Routes Half-day tour: Enter from East Gate → Geology Museum → Lengyanci Temple → Wanghai Tower → Walk around the lake to exit at West Gate. Full-day tour: Enter from East Gate → Cycle around the lake (or take electric cart) → Maar Lake boat tour → Picnic area for lunch → Lengyanci Temple → Wanghai Tower → Exit at West Gate. VI. Nearby Food Recommendations Zhanjiang specialties: White cut chicken (recommended: "He Ji Anpu Chicken") Charcoal-grilled oysters (must-try at night market food stalls) Sandworm porridge, clam rice Near the scenic area: Huguangyan entrance food stalls: coconut water, glutinous rice chicken, fried shrimp cakes. Huguang Town farmhouse restaurants: try reservoir fish, free-range chicken. VII. Accommodation Suggestions Downtown accommodations (convenient for evening dining): Upscale: Zhanjiang Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sheraton Hotel. Budget: 7 Days Inn, Home Inn (Xiashan or Chikan District). Accommodations near the scenic area: Huguangyan Resort (tranquil environment, suitable for families). Budget homestays in Mazhang District (affordable prices). VIII. Important Notes Sun and heat protection: Zhanjiang has strong sunlight; hats and sunscreen recommended, bring plenty of water in summer. Environmental protection: Swimming and fishing prohibited, no littering. Safety: Watch for slippery sections when walking around the lake, especially after rain. Mosquito protection: Insect repellent needed in wooded areas. Best seasons: Spring and autumn (March-May, October-November), avoid typhoon season (July-September). IX. Nearby Attractions Donghai Island: China's fifth-largest island with fine sand beaches (about 1 hour from Huguangyan). Naozhou Island: Volcanic island with lighthouse and coral beaches (boat required). Jinsha Bay: Urban beach with beautiful night views.