Chenzhou, aptly named "The City Amongst the Forests", is a verdant canvas where mountains serve as screens and rivers and lakes pulse as lifeblood.
Here lies Dongjiang Lake, a misty paradise where the rain and mist blend into a dreamlike vision. You may chance upon the wondrous sight of the Misty Small Dongjiang Lake, or accompany the clouds and misty fishing boats to create a painting of ink and wash.
Chenzhou
Within its borders, Chenzhou boasts the Yangtianhu Grassland, the alpine grassland farthest south in China. With a summer average temperature of 20°C and a lush green season spanning nine months, it offers a tapestry of meadows, lakes, and wetlands. The rolling clouds and twinkling stars above paint a poetic picture, promising you a utopia beyond imagination. But Chenzhou's treasures do not end there. There lies the enchanting Gaoyi Ridge, a secret land of splendid red rocks and emerald waters. They blend harmoniously, forming a natural panorama of peaks and ridges that resemble both terrestrial beasts and soaring birds. Their undulating forms are as varied as the imagination itself.
Let us guide you through the enchanting Chenzhou, where you will feel the gentle charm of a southern water town and enjoy the majestic beauty of northern mountains. Here, nature whispers tales of wonder, and every step takes you deeper into a storybook world.
Best Attractions You Can't Miss
Gaoyi Ridge (Gaoyiling)
Gaoyi Ridge
Nestled in the verdant hills of Chenzhou, which boasts the prestigious title of "The Eighteenth Blessed Land under Heaven," lies the enigmatic Danxia landform of Gaoyi Ridge. Here, the mountains resemble elevated chairs, perched gracefully upon a land of greenery, while the water glimmers like jade, intertwining to create a colorful tapestry of red and green. As you traverse the dense foliage, every step crushes into a thick carpet of fallen leaves, imparting a soft yet solid sensation that fills the heart with joy. With a forest coverage rate of 95%, the air is filled with a refreshing scent, compelling you to take deep breaths and immerse yourself in the purity and beauty emanating from nature.
Gaoyi Ridge
There are natural lakes formed by accumulated rainwater here, varying in size and depth, yet each is crystal clear, forming a striking contrast with the surrounding red rocks. These water pools are like exquisite embellishments of nature, adding a touch of liveliness and vitality to this Danxia landform. As you walk along the winding trail, you come upon the dragon ridge, resembling a descending dragon from the heavens. It is said that those who traverse the "dragon ridge" will be blessed with good fortune. This is a place where you can have an unprecedented sense of tranquility and power, as if you have merged with this ancient and mysterious land.
Apart from the mountains, waters, caves, villages, and cliffs, the Danxia landform of Gaoyi Ridge is truly breathtaking. The red rocks, eroded by wind and rain for hundreds of millions of years, have taken on various extraordinary shapes. Some resemble towering peaks or colossal castles, others appear as if they are works of art carefully carved by time. Under the setting sun, these Danxia landforms exhibit a dreamlike hue, as if the entire world has been bathed in a golden aura.
Travel Information
Location: Gaoyiling Village, Qiaokou Town, Suxian District, Chenzhou City
Open hours: 8:00am--18:00pm
Recommended visiting hours: 3-5 Hours
Admission: RMB 98
Dongjiang Lake
Dongjiang Lake
Dongjiang Lake is like a jade belt threading its way through towering mountains. From April to October each year, affected by temperature differences, layers of thin mist rise on the surface of the Dongjiang Lake, covering the beautiful scenery like a fairyland. Besides this unique sight, Dongjiang Lake boasts many other attractions worth visiting. At Hougushan Waterfall, you can admire a nearly forty-meter-high waterfall cascading down; Dongjiang Dam stands between two mountains, with the lake water rushing out between the dam, creating a magnificent scene. Longjing Canyon is the most suitable place for relaxing walks in the Dongjiang Lake scenic area. This trail is approximately 2.5 kilometers long, with lush forests and small waterfalls along the way, where fresh air transports you into a dreamy world, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Doushuai Cave is a grotesque karst cave located on the island in the middle of the lake. Huangcao Town is a village by the lake, where you can enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, taste some fruits and snacks, and take a break.
Travel Information
Location: Zixing City, Chenzhou City, Hunan Province
Open hours: 6:00am--18:00pm
Recommended visiting hours: 2-3 Hours
Admission:
RMB 85 for Route 1(Misty Small Dongjiang River, Longjing Canyon)
RMB 188 for Route 2 (Misty Small Dongjiang Lake, Longjing Canyon, Boat cruise on the Lake, Doushuai Cave)
Yangtianhu Grassland & Hobbit Castle
Yangtianhu Grassland
Yangtianhu Lake is a dormant volcanic crater gifted by the Quaternary glaciation with a natural water area of over 20 mu (about 3.3 acres). Yangtianhu Grassland is one of the largest grasslands in Central China, with lush vegetation, fresh air, rich natural landscapes, and unique folk customs. It is a natural "green oxygen bar" and is known as the "the Hulunbeir Grassland of the South". Unlike the flat plains of the northern grasslands, the Yangtianhu Grassland is intertwined with hills and plains, showcasing the beauty of both the south and the north.
Hobbit Castle
Apart from the magnificent grassland scenery, the most distinctive feature here is the Hobbit castles hidden deep within the grassland. Approaching these small cottages, you will feel as if you have entered a fairy-tale world. The hillsides are filled with blooming flowers, and the colorful houses are neatly arranged, as if Hobbits will appear at any moment. On this serene and beautiful grassland, you can witness sika deer and alpacas wandering leisurely, or enjoy the thrill of galloping on horseback. Furthermore, the beacon towers and small windmills transform this place into a dreamlike world reminiscent of Andersen's Fairy Tales. If you prefer adventure, you can also participate in Canyon entertainment programs. Following the canyon streams upstream, navigating through various obstacles, you will be treated to a unique grassland experience.
Travel Information
Location: Beihu District, Chenzhou city, Hunan Province
Open hours: 8:30am--17:00pm
Recommended visiting hours: 3-4 Hours
Admission:
RMB 120 (Entrance ticket)
RMB 158 (Entrance ticket + Canyon entertainment programs)
RMB 50 (Canyon entertainment programs only)
How to Get to these Three Attractions
We suggest you go to Chenzhou by bullet train
>>>From Changsha
Changsha South Railway Station -- Chenzhou West Railway Station
RMB 120; about 1.3 Hours
>>>From Fenghuang Ancient Town
Fenghuang Ancient Town Station -- Chenzhou West Railway Station
RMB 342.5; 3.5 Hours
Then you can take a taxi or bus to these three attractions
>>>Chenzhou West Railway Station -- Yangtianhu Grassland
1.5 Hours' bus ride, 1.2 Hours' car ride
>>>Chenzhou West Railway Station -- Dongjiang Lake
2 Hours' bus ride, 1 Hours' car ride
>>>Chenzhou West Railway Station -- Gaoyi Ridge
1.6 Hours' bus ride, 50 Minutes' car ride
