Huilong Mountain: Year-round Romance

Here's a travel guide to Dongjiang Lake and Huilong Mountain in Chenzhou, Hunan, combining natural scenery, cultural experiences, and practical information to help you plan a perfect trip: 1. Recommended Itinerary (2-day classic route) Day 1: Sea of Clouds & Sunrise at Huilong Mountain - Morning: Depart from downtown Chenzhou by self-drive or chartered car to Huilong Mountain (approx. 2-hour drive). - Noon: Enjoy lunch at a Yao ethnic restaurant in the scenic area or at the mountain base. Recommended local specialties include Dongjiang fish and Yao-style cured meat. - Afternoon: Explore Huilong Mountain Scenic Area, visit Huilongxian Temple (Ancient Nanyue Temple) to experience thousand-year-old religious culture. In spring, admire the vast azalea fields; in fall, enjoy the sea of clouds. - Evening: Ascend to Wangri Platform for sunset views over the clouds. On clear days, witness the "Huilong Gazing at the Sun" spectacle. - Accommodation: Stay overnight at Huilong Mountain cliffside B&Bs or Yunju Hotel, where you can enjoy sunrise views from your room. Day 2: Misty Dongjiang Lake & Longjing Canyon - Early morning: Head to Dongjiang Lake (40-minute drive) before 6:00-8:00 for the best views of the dreamy "Misty Dongjiang" scenery. - Morning: Cruise on antique-style boats or experience Dongjiang rafting (recommended in summer). - Noon: Savor fresh Dongjiang fish dishes near the lake. - Afternoon: Explore Longjing Canyon, hike to see waterfall clusters, and breathe in the fresh air of this natural oxygen bar. - Return: Depart for downtown Chenzhou or the high-speed rail station around 16:00. 2. Best Travel Seasons - Spring (Mar-May): Azaleas bloom at Huilong Mountain; peach blossoms and rapeseed flowers flourish along Dongjiang Lake. - Summer (Jun-Aug): Ideal summer retreat with average 23°C (73°F) temperatures at Huilong Mountain; perfect for Dongjiang rafting. - Fall (Sep-Nov): Frequent sea of clouds with magnificent sunrise/sunset views. - Winter (Dec-Feb): Possible to see rime ice and snowscapes (bring warm clothing). 3. Practical Information - Tickets: - Huilong Mountain: CNY 48 (CNY 24 for concessions). - Dongjiang Lake: CNY 85 (peak season)/CNY 80 (off-season). - Transportation: - Self-driving is most convenient (40-minute drive between Huilong Mountain and Dongjiang Lake). - Chartered cars or local tour groups are alternatives. - Accommodation: - Huilong Mountain: Cliffside B&Bs, Yunju Hotel (book in advance). - Dongjiang Lake: Lakeside B&Bs in Bailang Town like "Mountain & Water·Lanyue Bay". - Notes: - Huilong Mountain summit is windy and cold at dawn; bring windproof jackets. - For "Misty Dongjiang" photography, arrive early; best shooting spots are observation platforms 2-4. 4. Unique Experiences - Huilong Mountain: - Sunrise over sea of clouds, visit Ancient Nanyue Temple, join Yao ethnic long-table feasts (during Panwang Festival on the 16th day of the 10th lunar month). - Dongjiang Lake: - Misty Dongjiang photography, Longjing Canyon hiking, Dongjiang fish cuisine. 5. Nearby Attractions - Bailang Lakeside Road: Spring peach blossoms make it ideal for cycling. - Gaoyiling/Feitian Mountain: Danxia landforms, great for hiking and photography. This guide covers the highlights of Dongjiang Lake and Huilong Mountain, perfect for travelers who love nature and culture. Adjust your itinerary seasonally for the best experience!