Things to do in Leiyang
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Top 10 attractions in Leiyang
Cai Lun Bamboo Sea
Cai Lun Bamboo Sea is located in Huangshi Town, Leiyang City, Hengyang, and is situated on the upper reaches of the Leishui River scenic belt. Highways, waterways, and railways lead directly to the scenic area, and transportation is very convenient. The bamboo forest in the scenic area covers over 200 hills of various sizes, rising and falling with the terrain, lush and green, resembling a vast sea. The scenery is charming, and it is known as the Asian Bamboo Sea. Cai Lun Bamboo Sea contains over 20 varieties of bamboo, and the Leishui River flows through the bamboo sea, creating a beautiful view where green bamboo and clear water reflect each other. In addition to the bamboo sea, the scenic area features historical and cultural sites such as Zixia Zen Temple, Dahetan Ancient Street, ancient fish fossil sites, and the Cai Lun ancient papermaking workshop, as well as natural landscapes like natural caves and Shilin Reservoir. It is a comprehensive tourist destination that integrates sightseeing, leisure, and adventure.Leiyang · 27.2 km from downtown
Nanzheng Street
Nanzheng Street is a commercial street that features a wide variety of snacks, food, and various clothing and cosmetics stores.Leiyang · 1.8 km from downtown
Gaoyiling Tourist Area
Gaoyiling Tourist Area lies on the border between Qiaokou Town, Suxian District, Chenzhou City and Zixing City, Hunan Province. It is adjacent to Feitian Mountain and connects with Bian River in Yongxing County. It is near Dongjiang Lake, a famous scenic spot. Gaoyiling has mountain forest with picturesque scenery and large areas of forest. It has unique landscape with of bodies of water, red rocks and turquoise lakes.Chenzhou · 59.5 km from Leiyang
Du Fu Park
Leiyang · 2 km from downtown
Orange Isle Scenic Area
Orange Isle Scenic Area is a narrow sandbar lying across the heart of the Xiang River in Changsha, stretching approx. five km. It faces Yuelu Mountain to the west and borders Changsha's old city to the east, surrounded by water on all sides. Named after the abundant orange trees planted on the isle, it was historically called Shuiluzhou. Formed by river alluvium, this sandbar has existed for over a millennium, where the "River and sky in evening snow" scenery was once among the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang. In 1925, the poem "Spring in a pleasure garden - Changsha" was composed here, with its iconic line "Alone I stand in the biting fall, watching the Xiang River flow north past Orange Isle's head," which made this riverine landmark widely renowned. The highlights of the visit are concentrated at the islet's head: A granite art sculpture over 30 m tall, modeled after the 1925 youth image, stands facing the river as Changsha's highly recognizable landmark. Nearby, the Questioning Heaven Platform extends toward the river center, where leaning on the railing reveals the mighty Xiang River flowing northward, with Yuelu Mountain and the city skylines on both banks facing each other across the water. The Songju Pavilion, white marble poetry stele, and the 200-year-old ancient phoenix tree at the islet head are all in this area. Heading north from the islet head, a hundred-acre orange orchard bears golden fruits in fall, while bamboo groves, peach orchards, plum gardens, and osmanthus groves take turns showcasing seasonal flora. The historic Zhuzhang Ferry (where Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi once crossed the Xiang River for lectures) and the Huxiang Culture Exhibition Hall are scattered along the way. At the islet's tail, the reconstructed Jiangshen Temple and Gongji Tower area was precisely where ancients admired the "River and sky in evening snow" scenery. The island is long and narrow, making round-trip walks quite tiring. A sightseeing train is available for transportation, with multiple stops along the way for hopping on and off. Travelers with limited time are advised to head straight to the island's tip to see the sculpture and river views, then stroll leisurely along the riverside path. At dusk, watching the sunset over the Xiang River and seeing the lights gradually illuminate both shores from the island's tip is especially worth setting aside time for.China · Changsha
Elephant Hill Scenic Area
The Elephant Hill Scenic Area is located in the heart of Guilin, at the confluence of the Li River and the Peach Blossom River. It derives its name from its resemblance to a giant elephant stretching its trunk to drink from the sweet waters of the Li River. In his work "Records of Elephant Hill," Shu Shu, a Qing Dynasty official from the Ministry of Works, wrote: "The marvels of Guangxi lie in its mountains; the marvels of Guangxi's mountains lie in their rocks, and the elephant-shaped hill facing the provincial capital is the most marvelous of all." With its lifelike form, the attraction captivates visitors and stands as a quintessential representation of Guilin's landscape. In 1995, it was designated as the city emblem of Guilin. The main attractions in the scenic area include: Elephant Hill and Water Moon, Puxian Pagoda, Elephant Hill Scenic Area and Guilin Sanhua Liquor, Elephant Hill Scenic Area - Love Island, and Elephant Hill Scenic Area - Yunfeng Temple Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Exhibition Hall. Elephant trunk hill and water moon cave "Elephant trunk hill and water moon" is a spectacular wonder here, as described in the poem by Ji Bei Hermit of the Song Dynasty.Harmony of water, moon and caveThe poem reads: "The moon is beneath the water, the moon floats upon the water. The water flows but the moon stays, the moon departs yet the water still flows." On a moonlit night, visiting the Water Moon Cave at the Elephant Trunk Hill attraction presents a magical scene where the moon in the sky, the cave, and the water reflect each other beautifully. Inside the cave, you can find the "Poem and Preface of the Morning Sun Pavilion" by Zhang Xiaoxiang from the Song Dynasty and works by Fan Chengda.Inscription on the water and moon caveAnd over 50 precious cliff carvings including Lu You's poetry manuscripts. Xiangshan scenic area - Puxian pagoda Winding up along the rocky cliffs, you can see the Puxian pagoda standing tall amidst the greenery from afar. Built during the Ming dynasty, this 13.6m-high solid brick lama-style pagoda has a history of over 400 years. On the northern side of the pagoda, there is a line-engraved bluestone statue of a bodhisattva, with the mantra "Namo Puxian Bodhisattva" inscribed above it, hence the name Puxian pagoda in the Xiangshan attraction. Buddhist scriptures record that Puxian bodhisattva's mount is a six-tusked white elephant, making the pagoda's location atop Xiangshan mountain a perfect embodiment of this scripture. Elephant Hill Scenic Area and Guilin Sanhua liquor This is a natural wine cellar, with two-thirds of the mountain being hollow. It stays warm in winter and cool in summer, maintaining a constant temperature of 19°C and humidity above 90% year-round. Since the Song Dynasty, it has served as an official cellar for storing Sanhua wine. Sanhua wine is colorless and transparent, with a fragrant yet spicy taste. It drawsLi RiverWith the essence of the mountains and the soul of the Li River, it has become a representative of China's rice-aroma liquor. The cellar liquor was designated as a tribute to the imperial court as early as the Northern Song Dynasty and is one of the three treasures of Guilin. To date, nearly a thousand tons of liquor are stored in the caves. Love island Love island is located on the north side of the attraction, adjacent toLi RiverIt is another scenic viewpoint for distant viewing. The island boasts a beautiful environment and lush vegetation, making it a popular dating spot for locals in the 1970s, hence the name "love island". Today, it serves as an outdoor photography base for wedding celebrations against the backdrop of Guilin's landscape, where couples make their vows of love under the witness of the elephant trunk hill and the moon reflected in the water.China · Guilin
Mount Yuelu
Mount Yuelu stands on the west bank of the Xiang River and is a landmark mountain in Changsha. At its foot lies the Yuelu Academy, founded during the Northern Song Dynasty, a millennium-old institution sharing the mountain's name. Ascending from here leads to Qingfeng Gorge, where the Aiwan Pavilion, named after Du Mu's poetic line "I stop my carriage to admire the maple woods at dusk," is surrounded by maple trees. Midway up the mountain, the ancient Lushan Temple, established in the Western Jin Dynasty over 1,700 years ago, features a lush six-dynasty-era podocarpus tree in front of its sutra repository. At the summit stands the Yunlu Palace, a Taoist temple built during the Ming Dynasty, offering panoramic views of the Xiang River and Changsha's urban area. The mountain's historical sites extend further, with the Yu King Stele, Python Cave, and Changsha Battle Memorial Stele scattered along its trails. Modern figures such as Huang Xing, Cai E, and Chen Tianhua are also buried here, making the mountain a condensed repository of profound modern history. Most cultural attractions are concentrated near the south gate, where you can visit major historic sites in sequence from Yuelu Academy to Aiwan Pavilion. For those preferring not to hike, a cableway station near the east gate allows easy ascent, eliminating most uphill climbing. With an elevation of about 300 m and well-developed trails, reaching the summit on foot is manageable. Ancient trees like Jin dynasty podocarps, Tang dynasty ginkgos, Song-Yuan era camphor trees, and Ming-Qing maple-chestnuts line the paths, making the entire mountain resemble a natural botanical museum. In late fall when maple leaves turn red across the slopes, it becomes an ideal time for hiking. Allocate half a day to leisurely photograph Aiwan Pavilion and the mountaintop viewpoints.China · Changsha
Du Fu Pavilion
This is a riverside structure, an ancient-style building constructed in honor of the great Tang dynasty poet Du Fu. Due to its proximity to the Xiang River, it is an ideal spot to watch the fireworks display at the Orange Isle attraction. Today, Du Fu Pavilion stands as a local landmark, offering a delightful experience to enjoy panoramic views of both banks of the Xiang River, sip tea, and feel the riverside breeze. Du Fu Pavilion features exhibits on the great poet's life and works. During fireworks displays, the number of visitors increases significantly, so arriving early is necessary to secure a good viewing spot.China · Changsha
Li River Three-star cruise ship
Basic information about the three-star cruise The Li River cruise has undergone a comprehensive upgrade, setting new standards for high comfort, aesthetics, and personalized service. With star-rated cruises now fully equipped with Wi-Fi coverage and real-time networked security monitoring, these high-tech and safety features cater to diverse traveler needs. The upgrades fully incorporate environmental and cultural elements, showcasing Guilin's quality as an international tourist destination. Layout structure and decoration The three-star cruise has been designed with careful consideration of visitors' sightseeing experience and expectations, implementing strict regulations for cabins, seats, dining table specifications, and deck space per person. While using high-standard materials to enhance visitor comfort, it also provides more activity space. The upgraded cruise presents a new "one cruise, one view" concept that harmonizes with Guilin's magical landscapes, offering visitors an experience of "sailing through paintings, touring within scenery, with beauty both inside and outside the cruise." This creates a lower‑carbon, comfortable, and fantastically beautiful sightseeing experience. The three-star cruise features double-deck cabins and double-deck promenade decks with spacious views, providing at least 0.9㎡ of space per person. The deck is equipped with a sunshade and surrounded by 1.2m-high aluminum alloy safety railings. Meal The three-star cruise ship meals meet the standards of airline or high-speed rail prepared meals, featuring standardized production from a central kitchen and cold chain logistics throughout transportation. After secondary heating, the meals are distributed to visitors, ensuring food hygiene with all tableware being recycled and biodegradable. By implementing unified meal distribution, this approach addresses the emission pollution caused by cooking on older Li River cruises and resolves the frequent visitor complaints about cruise dining quality over the years.China · Lingchuan
Longji Rice Terraces
Longji Rice Terraces are a large-scale terraced group in Guilin. The multiple tiers and curve lines are visually very impressive. The villages are inhabited by several ethnic minorities. There are ethnic minorities such as the Zhuang and the Yao. When you visit the Longji Rice Terraces, the main thing to do is go on foot and take photos. You can also take photos of the local farmhouse and experience the ethnic customs. In addition, sunrise at Longji Rice Terraces is very beautiful and well worth seeing.China · Longsheng
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Cai Lun Bamboo Sea
Leiyang · 27.2 km from downtownNanzheng Street
Leiyang · 1.8 km from downtownGaoyiling Tourist Area
Chenzhou · 59.5 km from LeiyangBook now for today, Cancel anytimeDu Fu Park
Leiyang · 2 km from downtownOrange Isle Scenic Area
China · ChangshaElephant Hill Scenic Area
China · GuilinImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeMount Yuelu
China · ChangshaDu Fu Pavilion
China · ChangshaImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeLi River Three-star cruise ship
China · LingchuanBook now for tomorrowLongji Rice Terraces
China · LongshengImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytime
What travelers say about Leiyang
唱歌de猫August 9, 2022
4.0
Driving from Changsha to Chenzhou, the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway passes through the Leiyang Cai Lun Bamboo Sea Scenic Area. I found it quickly after getting off the expressway! It's free for seniors over 65 and children. There are not many people in the scenic area, so I bought a ticket for 30 yuan and drove up the mountain. There were bamboo forests along the way. When I came to the viewing platform, I was shocked by the scene in front of me! I will be on the top of the mountain and see all the small mountains. It's worth the trip! The mountain breeze is blowing in the hot summer, and I really linger! The prices in the scenic area are also conscience! Although it's very sunny, it's worth it! I hope more people can know about this place! It's worth recommending!
Cai Lun Bamboo Sea
卡卡未迭October 29, 2021
5.0
Nanzheng Street has a history of 2,205 years. During the Anti-Japanese War and the War of Liberation, Leiyang County's industry and commerce were still developed, and Nanzheng Street was the most prosperous.
Nanzheng Street
M55***58October 13, 2026
5.0
Gaoyiling in Chenzhou is definitely worth a special trip! The unique Danxia landform is breathtaking, with red cliffs paired with emerald lakes—a masterpiece of nature. The Longjibei (Dragon's Backbone) is a must-visit; hiking along the ridge offers expansive views, and the Giant Lizard Lake is stunning—every snapshot is a masterpiece, no filters needed. The scenic trails are well-maintained, clearly marked, and have rest areas along the way. You can enjoy the thrill of hiking in the mountains while admiring the magnificent scenery—a thrilling yet therapeutic experience. The staff is attentive, and the facilities are comprehensive. It's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and photography lovers; a must-do when visiting Chenzhou—highly recommended!
Gaoyiling Tourist Area
不会笑的鱼12September 17, 2022
5.0
This is my second time here. The first time was amazing. I didn't expect there would be new surprises the second time. I love it❤️HeheThe experience is very good. There will be another good place to play on weekends in the future✌️✌️
Du Fu Park
Anonymous userOctober 8, 2026
5.0
There were no assigned seats, so you could sit anywhere. We spent most of our time on the third deck enjoying the view and taking photos. Although it was very hot outside, there was a breeze on both sides of the deck, so it wasn't too bad. There were karaoke machines and vendors selling snacks and drinks on both the second and third decks. The air conditioning on the second deck was very strong. We arrived at the pier half an hour early, and there was already a queue.
Orange Isle Scenic Area
M45***48September 25, 2026
5.0
When visiting Guilin, a must-see is Elephant Trunk Hill, the city's iconic landmark. It truly lives up to its reputation as the face of Guilin's landscape; only by seeing it in person can one truly appreciate the wonders of nature. The entire mountain sits on the banks of the Li River, resembling a giant elephant bowing to drink from the water. The Water Moon Cave cuts through the mountain, its reflection shimmering in the water, creating the famous Elephant Trunk Hill and Water Moon spectacle—a flowing ink painting.
The scenic area is clean and comfortable, with walking paths built along the Li River, shaded by lush trees, making for a delightful stroll. You can climb the mountain for panoramic views of Guilin, or find classic vantage points along the riverbank to capture stunning, atmospheric photos. Boat trips are also available, offering a different and breathtaking perspective of Elephant Trunk Hill from the river.
The scenic area is conveniently located in the city center, with excellent transportation and comprehensive facilities. Every step reveals a new vista, allowing you to truly experience the unparalleled beauty of Guilin's landscape. Don't miss it when traveling to Guilin; it's definitely worth a visit.
Elephant Hill Scenic Area
118***58October 5, 2026
5.0
During the National Day holiday, the crowds were immense. Our tour guide, Xiao Xiang, led us along the way, providing lively and engaging explanations that saved us from taking unnecessary detours and greatly improved efficiency. He also clearly outlined the key locations.
Mount Yuelu
M12***74October 8, 2026
5.0
The poetic pavilions along the Xiang River offer expansive views of the river from their heights. The exhibits inside tell the story of Du Fu's time in Hunan, and the night view is particularly stunning. It's worth stopping by to experience this cultural heritage of Hunan when visiting Changsha.
Du Fu Pavilion
Anonymous userOctober 17, 2026
5.0
The scenery was truly beautiful, especially the view from the top deck. It was a pity we didn't manage the tour bus schedule well; we didn't have enough time to get to the pier, and after security there was still a long walk. There wasn't time to use the restroom, and it was tiring for the older folks, especially since there were many difficult steps leading down to the boarding area. We almost stepped right on the boarding line. Having an extra 10 to 15 minutes to get there would have been much better.
Li River Three-star cruise ship
_WB***67October 17, 2026
5.0
The driver provided excellent service. He contacted us the night before to arrange pick-up and drop-off, and was punctual. He was incredibly enthusiastic, sharing local customs and culture along the way. He even lent us his hiking poles, which were helpful for our elderly relative who wasn't feeling well. Highly recommended!
The rice terraces in mid-October were also stunning and spectacular. A very enjoyable trip!
Longji Rice Terraces
