National Day Trip: 2-Day Road Trip from Dongguan to Chenzhou, Hunan

Day 1 Departed from downtown Dongguan at 9:00 AM on October 4 and drove for more than 4 hours to Chenzhou (lunch at a service area). First, visited relatives and chatted for a while while eating and resting. Then, went to the Chenzhou Museum (make a reservation in advance and remember to bring your ID card; you can visit two museums together). After that, checked in to a sea view room at the Dawuli Hotel. In the evening, relatives treated us to local farm-style dishes (asked the chef not to make it too spicy, but it was still very spicy). After dinner, strolled around Yuhou Street (the night view is beautiful, and many people take artistic photos; you can buy tickets online in advance) and also ate stinky tofu. Day 2 On October 5, after having breakfast at the hotel, checked out and packed our luggage. Originally planned to go to Yangtian Lake, but after seeing the traffic conditions in the morning, we changed our plans and went to Gaoyi Ridge (about 1 hour drive; buy tickets early and don't trust the illegal taxis nearby). Didn't walk the whole route, played for 1.5 hours, navigated to a Western restaurant near Dongjiang Fish for lunch, and then checked in to the Ramada Hotel near Dongjiang Lake. First, played in the hotel for a while, then took a walk along the lake and had dinner (there are many restaurants there; ate Dongjiang Fish and roasted chicken). In the evening, returned to the hotel to watch fireworks. Day 3 On October 6, got up early to see Dongjiang Lake below the hotel (the best time to see the fog over Dongjiang Lake is from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM from April to October; tickets are required for Mist over Xiaodongjiang). After breakfast, packed our luggage and started our return trip at 10:00 AM (departed early to avoid the peak return period in the afternoon at 3:00 PM). There was still a lot of traffic. Had lunch at a service area and didn't arrive in Nancheng for dinner until 7:30 PM. Other Tips 1. The attractions are relatively scattered, so it is recommended to drive or charter a car. 2. Gaoyi Ridge is very exposed to the sun at noon. If possible, it is more comfortable to visit at 4:00 PM. The scenery is very beautiful. It takes a lot of time to walk the entire route, so plan according to your itinerary. We just climbed up and came down the same way. The elderly didn't dare to climb, so they sat and rested below. Remember to take comprehensive protective measures in advance (apply sunscreen and wear a hat or parasol). Remember to bring a bottle of water or sports drink per person to replenish water and electrolytes at any time. 3. To see the fog over Dongjiang Lake, the morning fog, and the fishermen casting their nets (starting at 7:30 AM), book tickets 1 day in advance to avoid queuing on site. The best viewing points are from Erdao Bridge to Wudao Bridge. 4. Book hotels 3 days in advance during the peak season. Food Chenzhou cuisine is very spicy. If you are not used to Sichuan cuisine, you can find Cantonese cuisine or tell the chef not to make it too spicy, otherwise it will be too spicy to eat.