How to play in Yueyang? Just copy this itinerary.
🌅 “The April wind blows across the waves of Dongting Lake, and the spring in Yueyang is the poetic romance hidden among the mountains, rivers, and pavilions.” With a yearning for the picturesque scenery and ancient charm, I set foot on the charming land of Yueyang. This was an unforgettable trip, and now I'm sharing this carefully compiled April Yueyang travel guide with you 👇
📅 3-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Encounter with Famous Tower and Vast Dongting Lake
- 🌄 Morning: Arrive in Yueyang and head straight to Yueyang Tower Scenic Area 🏯 This famous tower in the south of the Yangtze River has stood the test of time. Ascend the tower, and the magnificent scenery of Dongting Lake unfolds before your eyes, bringing to mind Fan Zhongyan's famous lines. If you're lucky, you might even encounter an event where you can get free admission by reciting "Yueyang Tower," giving you a great sense of accomplishment 🎫
- 🍜 Noon: Move to Bianhe Street, a paradise for food lovers. Order a Dongting Lake fish dish and pair it with local snacks to instantly activate your taste buds. Every bite is a tribute to Yueyang cuisine 😋
- 🌊 Afternoon: Walk from Yueyang Tower to Baling Square, where the giant "Hou Yi Shoots Down the Python" sculpture is quite impressive 🐍 Then take a boat tour of Dongting Lake and experience the magnificent waterscape. In the evening, wait quietly by the lake for the sunset, and the golden afterglow sprinkles on the lake, breathtakingly beautiful 🌄
- 🌃 Evening: Take a night tour of Nanhu Lake, rent a bicycle and ride along the lake, enjoying the cool evening breeze. Or visit Yueyang Old Street to experience the city's most authentic atmosphere, and enjoy a bowl of local pounded tea for a relaxing experience 🍵
- Day 2: Explore Junshan Island and Experience Cultural Heritage
- 🌳 Morning: Head to Junshan Island, a place with charming natural scenery and touching love legends. Stroll through Xiangfei Temple and Liuyi Well, as if traveling through thousands of years 🦅 The natural scenery on the island is also not to be missed, with lush greenery contrasting with the sparkling lake water.
- 🍱 Noon: Enjoy a special farmhouse meal near Junshan Island. Junshan Silver Needle Chicken is a must-try, with the tea aroma perfectly blending with the tender chicken, leaving a lasting impression 🦐
- 📚 Afternoon: Visit the Yueyang Museum, where rich exhibits and detailed introductions will give you a comprehensive understanding of Yueyang's history and culture. Afterward, head to St. An's Ancient Temple, where the tranquil atmosphere brings instant inner peace. Climb the Wanfo Pagoda for a panoramic view of the city and experience its tranquility and harmony 🧘♀️
- 🍻 Evening: Go to a popular local barbecue stall and enjoy Yueyang barbecue. Beef tallow and crispy bones are grilled to perfection, paired with ice-cold beer, the perfect way to experience Yueyang nightlife.
- Day 3: Ancient Villages and Thrilling Choices
- Option A: Ancient Charm of Zhangguying Village 🚩 Morning: Take a bus from Yueyang Bus Station to Zhangguying Village, a well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty village. Stroll along the bluestone roads and experience the tranquility and simplicity of the ancient village. Participate in folk activities such as tofu making and enjoy authentic farmhouse dishes like Tujia bacon 🥓 For the return trip, you can choose a chartered car for convenience.
- Option B: Thrilling Shiniuzhai 🧗♂️ Morning: Transfer to Shiniuzhai National Geopark and challenge the thrilling glass bridge and cliff swing for an adrenaline rush. Climb to the top of the mountain to admire the unique Danxia landform, with red rocks and green trees, a feast for the eyes.
🌟 Must-See Attractions:
- Yueyang Tower 🏯: One of the three famous towers south of the Yangtze River, with high historical and cultural value, it is a landmark of Yueyang.
- Dongting Lake 🌊: The second largest freshwater lake in China, with vast waters and picturesque scenery all year round, especially vibrant in spring.
- Junshan Island 🌳: A perfect blend of nature and culture, with love legends adding a romantic touch.
- Baling Square 🗿: Integrating history, culture, and leisure, the sculptures on the square are worth seeing.
- Yueyang Museum 📚: A great place to learn about the history, changes, and folk customs of Yueyang, with rich exhibits.
- St. An's Ancient Temple ⛩️: A tranquil ancient temple, Wanfo Pagoda is an excellent location to overlook the city and Dongting Lake.
📌 Practical Tips:
- Follow the official WeChat accounts of each attraction for the latest opening hours and ticket discounts.
- The weather in Yueyang in April is changeable, so remember to bring rain gear and a light jacket 🧥
- Try to avoid rush hour when traveling to avoid delays.
- If you can't handle spicy food, remember to tell the waiter in advance 🌶️
- Take care of your belongings when using public transport.
🛍️ Shopping and Food:
- Shopping: You can buy Yueyang fans, Junshan Silver Needle Tea, Pingjiang dried tofu, and other souvenirs and delicacies at Bianhe Street to share with family and friends.
- Food: In addition to those mentioned above, there are Xiongdama Rice Noodles, Yuanweiji Crayfish, Shinian Restaurant Gaibang Rice, Cai Shifu Bean Curd, Sanshu Mung Bean Cake, and Qibei Tea Double-Skin Milk, all worth trying 😋
🏠 Accommodation:
- Around Yueyang Tower: Convenient transportation, easy access to Dongting Lake views, but prices may be higher during holidays.
- Near Nanhu Lake: Beautiful environment, cost-effective accommodation, suitable for tourists who prefer quiet surroundings.
- Near Pedestrian Street: Convenient transportation, various shopping and dining options, and a wide range of accommodation types.
💕 Yueyang, a charming city with magnificent natural scenery, rich history and culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. I hope this guide can help you plan a perfect trip to Yueyang and discover more of its beauty.