Changsha - Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area
(Recommended activity: Viewing red leaves); 'Parking and sitting in love with the maple pavilion in the evening, the frost leaves are redder than the flowers in February.' Because of a poem, remember a mountain. Every year during the maple viewing season, Yuelu Mountain is crowded with tourists, watching the mountains turn red and the forests dyed. On autumn mornings, walk slowly up the steps, watching the sunlight penetrate the mist, gently reflecting on the forest leaves, like a fairyland.
Changsha - Orange Isle Scenic Area
(Recommended attraction: Chairman Mao's Art Sculpture); Orange Isle, also known as Juzizhou or Shuiluzhou, is located in the middle of the Xiangjiang River opposite downtown Changsha. It is one of the many alluvial islets in the lower reaches of the Xiangjiang River and is also the largest inland islet in the world. Orange Isle faces Yuelu Mountain to the west and Changsha City to the east, surrounded by water on all sides. It stretches for dozens of miles, with a narrow width of about 40 meters and a wide width of about 140 meters, forming a long island. It is one of the important attractions in Changsha.
Changsha - Shiyan Lake Ecological Tourism Park
(Recommended attraction: Glass Bridge); Shiyan Lake is located at the junction of Changsha, Zhuzhou, and Xiangtan. The scenic area covers an area of 10 square kilometers. It is 10-20 kilometers away from the three cities of Changsha, Zhuzhou, and Xiangtan. Here, you can find the famous Glass Bridge, which, leveraging the unique natural resources, offers an exhilarating experience of 'walking in the air, with the scenery beneath your feet.'
Yueyang - Yueyang Tower
"Dongting Lake is the best water in the world, and Yueyang Tower is the best tower in the world." This ancient tower, representing Xiangchu culture, showcases not only the architectural beauty of the integration of buildings and nature but also the accumulation of human history. It has been praised by many talented poets, it is a hall of Confucian culture, and it also exudes the ethereal aura of metaphysical culture.
Yueyang-Pingjiang Shiniuzhai (+ Rafting)
Pingjiang Shiniuzhai is located in Pingjiang County, Yueyang City, Hunan Province. It is a national 4A-level scenic spot and a national geopark. The Pingjiang Shiniuzhai Scenic Area is a world of Danxia stones composed of strange rocks, peaks, and stone caves. These formations are bizarre and magnificent, with the well-preserved ancient city wall of over 2000 meters being particularly rare, showcasing the beauty of nature's craftsmanship. Additionally, during the scorching summer, you can experience the cool and thrilling rafting at Lianyun Mountain in Pingjiang.
Loudi - Ziquejie Terraces
When you come to Loudi, you must visit the Ziquejie Scenic Area to see the unique terraced landscape. This unique rice farming culture, which utilizes mountain spring irrigation, is known as a 'miracle of world water conservancy irrigation engineering,' showcasing the artistic crystallization of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Loudi - Meishan Dragon Palace
Meishan Dragon Palace is a scenic area located in the heart of Xuefeng Mountain, the largest mountain range in Hunan. It is a large karst cave system with nine layers of caves. The mysterious and stunning landscapes inside the caves are breathtaking.
Hengyang - Mount Heng (Nanyue)
Mount Heng (Nanyue) is one of the Five Great Mountains of China, featuring seventy-two peaks that are towering and majestic. It is a sacred site for both the Quanzhen School of Taoism and Buddhism, with over 200 temples, monasteries, nunneries, and shrines surrounding the mountain. It is a must-visit destination to experience the wonders of nature and human culture.
Hengyang - Luo Ronghuan Former Residence
The former residence of Marshal Luo Ronghuan is located on Nanwan Street in Nanwan Village, Ronghuan Town, Hengdong County. Stepping over the bluestone slabs and entering this unique ancient Qing Dynasty architectural complex, one is greeted with the preserved glorious achievements of a great man, showcasing his resolute and extraordinary life.
Chenzhou - Dongjiang Lake Scenic Area
'A lake of water in the human world and heaven, with thousands of scenes within it.' This highly praised Dongjiang Lake is truly beautiful, with its rapids and dangerous shoals, the integration of mountains and water, and the scattered islands. It seems that the towering and graceful mountains and the long-flowing water perfectly blend together, making one feel as if they are in a painting, overwhelmed by the beauty.
Zhangjiajie-Wulingyuan Scenic Area
Wulingyuan Scenic Area, also known as Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction. The scenery here is pleasant, with remarkable peaks. The movie Avatar filmed some of its scenes here. This is a must-visit scenic area in Zhangjiajie, featuring attractions such as the Forest Park, Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and Ten-Mile Gallery. It takes at least two days to fully explore.
Zhangjiajie - Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park
Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist area. The mountains here are steep and beautiful, with unique rock formations originating from typical Danxia landforms. It features the longest cableway in Asia and the world's highway wonder. The recommended visiting time is about half a day.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Scenic Area
The Grand Canyon Scenic Area is a national 4A-level tourist area, known for its stunning and unique canyon scenery, with numerous waterfalls and springs, creating a serene and pleasant environment. The newly developed glass bridge is located in this scenic area. It is the highest and longest glass bridge in the world, with a deck made entirely of transparent glass and the highest bungee jump in the world at its center. A full day is needed to explore this area.
Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture - Fenghuang Ancient Town
Fenghuang Ancient Town, a national historical and cultural city and a national AAAA-level scenic spot. This place boasts beautiful mountains and rivers, a long history and culture, and is a gathering place for multiple ethnic groups. It is a four-hour drive from Zhangjiajie and is one of the must-visit attractions in Hunan. The recommended duration for a visit is one to two days.
