Previously, I thought the ancient towns in Xiangxi were either too commercialized or too difficult to reach. It wasn’t until I visited Pushi that I realized there is still a millennium-old town preserving its original local charm. There are no trendy shops lining the streets. Instead, the bluestone paths are mostly filled with local elders sitting and chatting. When the breeze from the Yuan River blows, even your steps naturally slow down. You could spend half a day here and still feel like you haven’t seen enough🌿 🕘【Opening hours & best time to visit】 The ancient town is open all day. Core attractions inside are open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. A visit of 4–6 hours is recommended. For fewer crowds, choose weekday mornings from 8 to 10 AM. The morning mist is still lingering, and the main street has very few visitors, perfect for capturing empty bluestone paths and stilted buildings. After 5 PM, the sunlight softens, making the Yuan River pier a great spot to watch the sunset. The town is suitable to visit year-round, with spring and autumn offering the most comfortable temperatures. During the Dragon Boat Festival, you can catch the dragon boat races. 💴【Tickets & discounts for seniors and students】 Public areas of the ancient town are free to enter. A combined ticket for core attractions (Jijia Mansion, Wanshou Palace, Army Prison, etc.) costs 88 yuan. Buying online in advance usually costs about 68 yuan. Visitors over 65 years old, children under 1.2 meters, and people with disability certificates are exempt from the combined ticket. Students and seniors aged 60–64 can buy a half-price ticket for 34 yuan. The sightseeing shuttle costs 20 yuan per person and runs from the visitor center to the other end of the town. 【Three types of must-visit spots】 Hidden gems: The Yangjiaping section of the ancient courier road (few people, well-preserved bluestone path, extending into the forest with a strong storytelling vibe), the residential terraces at Sifang Well in the backstreets (great for photos of stilted buildings without passersby), and the area around Yanmen ancient fortress village (ancient village with farmland, completely avoiding the core crowds). Cultural heritage: Remnants of the ancient courier road, Jijia Mansion (Qing dynasty layout with three wells, three halls, and twelve rooms, featuring exquisite wood carvings), Army Prison, General’s Well, plus shops selling intangible cultural heritage crafts where you can see Chenhe Gaoqiang opera props and tiger claw flower carving. Classic landmarks: Wanshou Palace ancient theater stage, old shops on Shangzheng Street, and the old Yuan River pier are the core spots to experience the town’s commercial history. 🚌【Subway / bus / self-driving parking tips】 Public transport: Take the high-speed train to Huaihua South Station or Jishou South Station, then transfer to a shuttle bus to Baisha Town in Luxi, and then switch to a local bus to Pushi Town. The whole trip takes about 1.5–2 hours. There are also direct buses from Luxi county seat to Pushi with frequent departures. Self-driving: Navigate directly to "Pushi ancient town visitor center." From Changsha, take the Changzhang Expressway, then G5513 to Luxi Station, then take National Road 319 and County Road 041 to reach the town. From Jishou, take National Road 319 and then the expressway. Parking at the scenic area is free with plenty of spaces. Avoid pitfalls: Some dining options inside the scenic area are overpriced. For authentic local snacks at reasonable prices, visit the local mobile vendors near the exit. 👉【Relaxed off-peak one-day itinerary】 8:30 AM Enter the park at the visitor center, first explore the western section of the ancient courier road, taking advantage of the few people to photograph the bluestone path stretching out. 10. 00 AM Head to the Sifang Well area in the backstreets, visit old local courtyards, and check out the intangible cultural heritage craft displays. 11. 30 AM Walk along Shangzheng Street to visit Jijia Mansion and Wanshou Palace, taking your time to appreciate the architectural details. 12. 30 PM At the town exit, buy local snacks like Artemisia rice cakes and pickled radish from street vendors, or eat home-style meals and wild fish from the Yuan River at local restaurants. 2:00 PM Take the sightseeing shuttle to Yanmen ancient fortress village, explore the village and enjoy the rural scenery. 4:30 PM Return to the old Yuan River pier to wait for sunset and capture the golden light on the river. If lucky, you might see locals washing clothes by the stream. 6:00 PM After a full day, head back. If you want to stay overnight, choose a century-old guesthouse in the backstreets for around 100 yuan per night. 🧡【Outfit, sun protection, and travel tips】 Outfit: The town has many bluestone paths, so wear comfortable flat shoes. Wearing plain cotton or linen clothes in warm gray, blue, or brown tones matches the town’s atmosphere and looks great in photos. Sun protection: UV rays are strong in Xiangxi during summer. Bring a sun hat and sun-protective clothing. The riverside can be windy, so a light jacket is recommended. Travel essentials: Mosquitoes are common in summer, so bring insect repellent. Travel light when exploring the town for a more relaxed experience. For morning mist photos, start early between 6 and 8 AM to capture soft natural light that looks like a built-in filter.

People say budget travel is only for nearby counties, but I flipped the high-speed rail map upside down and found these 8 cities are completely underrated. Some are by the sea, some hidden in the mountains, and some locals even find their hometowns too “boring.” But if you visit in the right season and choose the right activities, you can enjoy a trip worth every penny for just 500 yuan. Don’t just focus on the popular lists. I’ll say it here: follow this list, and you can avoid at least 80% of the pitfalls. 01 Quzhou | Zhejiang It takes just over an hour by high-speed rail from Hangzhou, but Quzhou feels like a completely different world. I arrived at 3 PM and headed straight to Shuitingmen. Under the old city wall, the sun was shining, and the air smelled of spicy oil. Kaihua Gen Palace Buddha Kingdom isn’t a spot you just glance at and leave. It’s more like a wooden sculpture maze hidden in the mountains. You need at least half a day to explore slowly with a guide. The details of the thousand-hand Guanyin can’t be captured in photos. ⚠️ After 4 PM, the light becomes slanted, and many carved shadows become hard to see. Try to go in the morning. The next day, visit Jianglang Mountain and Nianbadu. If your stamina is average, I suggest taking the shuttle bus halfway up the mountain and then hiking the One Line Sky trail from there. Save your energy to explore Nianbadu Ancient Town at the foot of the mountain. 🍜 The Tongluo cake at the town entrance is freshly pan-fried, crispy outside and sticky inside. The chili sauce is the soul of the dish. 🚄 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Quzhou Station to Kaihua. Carpooling costs about 30 yuan per person. Avoid the fixed-price offers from touts at the station entrance; metered taxis are more cost-effective. 02 Sanya | Hainan Sanya isn’t just the row of expensive hotels in Haitang Bay. Take the high-speed rail to Yalong Bay Station, then a 15-yuan taxi ride to Yalong Bay Beach. The sand here is really fine, feeling like flour under bare feet. But ⚠️ the noon sun is intense—locals only head to the beach after 4:30 PM. Xiaodongtian and Nanshan Cultural Tourism Area are on the same coastline. If you want to visit both in one day, I advise against it. It takes half an hour by taxi between them, and each deserves at least three hours. Wuzhizhou Island is the only activity I recommend getting up early for. ⏰ Take the first boat at 8:30 AM. Visibility for diving is best, and there are fewer people. After 10 AM, the dock lines get so long you’ll question your life choices. The electric cart stop “Sun Viewing Rock” on the island is so windy you can barely stand, but the sea is so blue it looks fake—definitely worth the ticket. 🍜 After returning, grab a bowl of seafood noodles at any small shop in Houhai Village for 20 yuan. The ingredients are much more generous than in the city. 03 Baicheng | Jilin Many people haven’t even heard of Baicheng, but it’s the westernmost city in Jilin, just 1 hour 40 minutes by high-speed rail from Changchun. Da’an Nenjiang Bay Tourist Area sounds like an ordinary wetland park, but if you visit in autumn, the reeds turn golden, and the whole bay rustles in the wind. It’s much classier than the crowded, trendy Caohai. ⏰ At sunset around 5 PM, the river turns golden red. Photos straight from your phone can be used as wallpapers. 🚄 It’s about a 20-minute taxi ride from Baicheng Station to the scenic area. Drivers generally know the way. There’s little commercial development, so bring snacks and water. The park only has a few vending machines. If you have time, stop by the city for authentic Mongolian meat pies. Thin crust, generous filling, one pie with a bowl of lamb offal soup will fill you up for about 30 yuan per person. 04 Wuxi | Jiangsu Wuxi is my most personal favorite city on this list. Nianhuawan and Lingshan Grand Buddha are close but completely different in style. Lingshan Grand Buddha is best visited in the morning. ⏰ It opens at 9 AM, and the first visitors get to see the glazed murals in the Brahma Palace in the morning light. By 10:30, tour groups flood in, but you’ll already be at the exit sipping iced sour plum juice. Nianhuawan is the opposite—go in the afternoon and stay until the lights come on at night. The Tang and Song dynasty-style buildings lit up really feel like a time travel experience. But ⚠️ if you’re not into ancient architecture, you can skip this place; the ticket isn’t cheap. Huishan Ancient Town is free and feels more “alive” than ticketed ancient towns. Enter from the west gate and walk to the Second Spring under Heaven. Along the way, you’ll hear locals drinking tea and playing cards, full of everyday life vibes. 🍜 That morning, I had a bowl of dried shrimp wontons in the town. The broth was so fresh it made my eyebrows fall off, only 12 yuan. The CCTV Wuxi Film Base’s Three Kingdoms and Water Margin City is better for parents. Young people might find the sets a bit old, but if you like photography, the city walls and warships make great backdrops. 05 Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou Qiandongnan isn’t a place to just check off your list; it requires you to slow down. The night view of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is stunning, with thousands of lights stretching from the mountainside to the valley floor. But honestly, during the day, it feels more like a large photo studio with people renting clothes for shoots everywhere. For a more authentic experience, visit Zhaoxing Dong Village. Though it’s becoming commercialized, real Dong elders still sit under the drum tower singing grand songs. The sound echoes inside the tower with a three-dimensional effect that a phone can’t capture. Zhenyuan Ancient Town is my top recommendation for an overnight stay. 🚄 It’s only 40 minutes by high-speed rail from Kaili South Station to Zhenyuan. A 10-yuan taxi ride from the station gets you into town. At night, walk along the Wuyang River. The lights reflecting on the water are much quieter than Fenghuang. If you like hiking, Xianghuo Rock is a hidden trail about an hour by car from Zhenyuan. The waterfall sprays from the rock crevice, and the mist hits your face. Visiting in summer feels like a natural air-conditioned room. ⚠️ The path is slippery. Don’t wear slippers. 06 Yingtan | Jiangxi All stories in Yingtan revolve around Mount Longhu. It’s a 20-minute taxi ride from the high-speed rail station to the scenic area, costing under 30 yuan. The best attraction isn’t the Taoist temples but the bamboo raft drift on the Luxi River. ⏰ Before 9 AM, the water is calm, and you can see mountain reflections in the green water, like an unfinished ink painting. Midway, you’ll pass the hanging coffin performance. No one fully understands the principle behind it, and it’s more impressive than reading ten science articles. If you don’t want to climb, walk the flat plank road from Zhengyi Temple to the Celestial Master Mansion. It’s all flat and takes about two hours. Along the way, you’ll see ancient trees and moss, and the air is so fresh you’ll want to bottle it. ⚠️ Ignore any “Taoists” in the park who approach you for money. Official guides wear uniforms. 🍜 For lunch, find any local restaurant at the mountain foot and try Luxi fish, freshly caught and cooked, fresh to the bone, about 50 yuan per person. 07 Dandong | Liaoning Dandong is a small border city underrated by its name. The Yalu River Broken Bridge is a must-see, but ⚠️ don’t just take a photo at the bridgehead and leave. Walk to the middle of the bridge to see the North Korean watchtowers and farmland across the river. The stark contrast of life just across the river is more direct than any documentary. ⏰ At 6 PM, the broken bridge glows golden in the sunset, the best time for photos. Phoenix Mountain and Kuandian Estuary are in different directions. Phoenix Mountain is a real climb, with some sections almost vertical, requiring hands and feet. It’s thrilling for young couples but not recommended for families with kids. Instead, visit Lvjiang Village. On the Yalu River from June to July, large green tidal flats appear in the river center. Cattle and sheep graze there. Locals call this “river water flowing backward.” From above, the village looks wrapped in a green silk ribbon. 🍜 The village’s farmhouse stew of river fish and tofu serves three people for 60 yuan. 08 Xi’an | Shaanxi Xi’an is no longer just about the Terracotta Warriors day trip. The Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors Museum is worth visiting, but ⚠️ don’t buy the “VIP fast track” tickets at the entrance—they’re a scam. 🚄 Take Metro Line 9 to Huaqing Pool Station, then transfer to Bus 5. The whole trip takes less than an hour, cheaper and less congested than a taxi. If you’re interested in history, the Shaanxi History Museum is the real treasure. But booking is as hard as concert tickets. ⚠️ Reserve three days in advance on the official WeChat account. Tickets are released at fixed times daily. Don’t hesitate if you get one. For the Xi’an city wall, I recommend going at dusk. ⏰ Arrive at 5:30 PM, rent a bike, and circle the wall in an hour, just in time for sunset. The wall lights gradually turn on, and the city transitions from noisy to gentle. 🍜 After descending at the South Gate, stop by Fen Alley for a bowl of spicy stir-fried paomo. The sour and spicy flavor is a different experience from the beef or lamb paomo. These 8 cities are perfect for spontaneous weekend trips or slow exploration with a couple of days off. If you can only pick one, I personally recommend Quzhou or Dandong because they’re the kind of places that make you realize how little you know. Do you have any hidden high-speed rail cities? Share them in the comments, and I’ll explore them next time.

This time, we've planned an artsy and laid-back slow travel route through Nanjing, taking you into Changlefang, Zhanyuan Garden, and the Confucius Temple. Whether you're a history buff or just want to shop for souvenirs and sip a cup of tea to embrace the slow life, this route will fulfill all your fantasies about ancient architecture and delicious food at once! It's especially perfect for family trips: kids can run around the antique Chinese architectural spaces while adults easily snap Instagram-worthy photos. Modernity and tradition intertwine here, featuring unexpected vintage-style boutiques. 📍 Itinerary Highlights · A one-stop spot for Chinese aesthetics; a paradise for die-hard fans of architectural details. · Abundant shopping and dining options, with hidden time-honored brands on every floor. · Perfect for slow walking, with surprises on every level. Easy to get around by subway or on foot. 🥢 Attraction Breakdown x Must-Visit Trendy Spots 1️⃣ Jinling Changlefang Love ancient vibes? This place will make you feel like you've time-traveled in minutes. Changlefang uses its architecture, carvings, and quaint alleys to paint a picture of a slow-paced life. Old streets, ancient bridges—you can even find a teahouse to sit down and slowly enjoy some Kung Fu tea. The second and third floors are filled with local-recommended food, souvenirs, and trinket shops. It's recommended to bring a canvas tote bag to easily carry your souvenirs and snacks. Whether it's sunny or cloudy, the architectural details here are highly photogenic, giving off a full aesthetic mood from any angle. Address: No. 132 Changle Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province 2️⃣ Nanjing - Zhanyuan Garden A must-visit for Chinese garden lovers! As one of the four famous gardens in Jiangnan, with its pavilions, lakes, and rockeries, even a whole day here feels too short. You might even stumble upon live folk music performances, instantly transporting you to the poetic Jiangnan. In spring and summer, it's filled with fragrant flowers and singing birds. Note: It's closed on Mondays, so avoid planning your trip then! Great for early morning visits to slowly admire the flowers and take photos with fewer crowds. Address: No. 128 Zhanyuan Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 08:30-21:00 (Entry stops at 20:30) Tickets: 27 RMB 3️⃣ Nanjing - Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) Undoubtedly the most bustling ancient street in Nanjing! Stretching along both sides of the Qinhuai River, it's an all-in-one attraction combining shopping, food, and night views. There are snack hubs, handicraft boutiques, and you can even buy postcards to send to your future self. At night, the old street becomes especially atmospheric when the lanterns light up. Don't miss the riverside food street. Address: Intersection of Gongyuan West Street and Gongyuan Street, Qinhuai District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province Opening Hours: 09:00-22:00 Tickets: 29 RMB 🚶♀️ Transportation + Tips It's recommended to visit Changlefang during the hot noon or afternoon hours. It has both indoor and outdoor areas; the indoor sections are cool, and if you get tired of walking, you can sip tea while admiring the architecture. For your Nanjing city itinerary, you can connect spots via subway, or like me, take a slow stroll all the way from the Confucius Temple and Zhanyuan Garden. Every stretch of the walk is full of little surprises. Moms should definitely experience the cultural side of Nanjing with their kids, stop to appreciate the architectural details, and snap a few family portraits—every frame will be a precious memory. 🍲 Food Recommendations The second and third floors of Changlefang gather plenty of must-eat shops. It's highly recommended to go on an empty stomach; you'll easily find yourself walking and eating non-stop. Near the Confucius Temple, you can try Nanjing Salted Duck and Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), which are perfect for grab-and-go. 🙌 Practical TIPS 1. It's recommended to book tickets in advance before entering the Confucius Temple and Zhanyuan Garden. Weekends and holidays can get crowded, so plan ahead to avoid the hassle of queuing. 2. When taking photos, don't forget to capture the unique flying eaves and roof tile details of the Chinese architecture, especially under the light and shadows on a sunny day. 3. Parents can arrange for kids to buy traditional small toys at the temple fair or try out handicraft experiences to get a hands-on feel of traditional culture.

May Day · Cultural Journey through Western Hunan (Historical Exploration) 🚗 This May Day off-the-beaten-path route: Anjiang → Hongjiang Ancient Commercial City (skip) → Qianyang Ancient Town → Jingping Ancient Village → Huaihua City → Pushi Ancient Town → Yuanling → Jishou City ✨ Exploring Western Hunan is my personal pilgrimage Every corner echoes with profound history Every brick and tile holds stories spanning a thousand years 💡 Special Recommendations: Qianyang Ancient Town - A hidden little Jiangnan by the Yuan River Jingping Ancient Village - The pinnacle of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture Pushi Ancient Town - The soul of Western Hunan’s four great ancient towns Yuanling - The architectural marvel of Longxing Lecture Temple 📝 Travel Tips: 1️⃣ Wear comfortable shoes! Walking on bluestone pavements really tests your stamina 2️⃣ Bring a camera! Every frame can capture stunning cultural masterpieces 3️⃣ Be ready to try local specialty dishes! Some might surprise your taste buds 👀 Biggest takeaway from this journey: True history isn’t in museums It’s hidden in the ordinary yet vibrant life of these ancient towns The elders on old streets, the scents in narrow alleys, the echoes in ancient homes These are the most touching landscapes of Western Hunan 📌 A note for fellow travelers: This route avoids noisy crowds Perfect for those wanting an immersive experience of Western Hunan culture But be sure to plan ahead~

Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture has issued the "Spring Break in Xiangxi Guide for Primary and Secondary School Students," integrating 68 scenic spots, cultural and museum venues, ancient villages, and study bases across the prefecture. It offers over 150 free and half-price discount measures aimed at primary and secondary school students, systematically creating six themed in-depth travel routes: ✔️ Explore Xiangxi through Literary Works — Immerse yourself in the literary scenes at Shen Congwen’s Former Residence, Xiong Xiling’s Former Residence, Wanshou Palace, and museums in Phoenix Ancient Town; experience the vivid settings of "Border Town" and "Box Rock" at Huayuan Chatong Ferry, Luxi Yuan River Painted Wall, and Pushi Ancient Town’s Chenhe Gaoqiang Opera. ✔️ Explore Xiangxi through Cultural Relics and Historic Sites — Feel the pulse of the 800-year Tusi dynasty at Yongshun Laosicheng, face the 2,200-year-old archives of Qianling County at Longshan Liye Qin Bamboo Slips Museum, and connect with tangible history through the Southern Great Wall of Phoenix, Qianzhou Ancient City, Luxi Yanmen Ancient Fortress Village, and Jishou Pingnian Ancient Miao Village. ✔️ Explore Xiangxi through Geological Wonders — The Aizhai Bridge spans the Dehang Grand Canyon, Guzhang Red Stone Forest reveals 500 million years of seabed relics, Longshan Wulongshan Grand Canyon is dotted with caves, Guzhang Zuo Long Gorge offers chain climbing adventures, while Yongshun Buermen Hot Springs, Longshan Bamianshan Starry Prairie, Baojing Ludongshan Sacred Peak, and Huayuan Ancient Miao River Hundred Waterfalls Canyon showcase the Earth's grandeur. ✔️ Explore Xiangxi through Ecological Secrets — Get close to seven national treasures at the China Giant Panda Garden in Phoenix, hear the intertwining sounds of the Rebalang Pavilion Bridge and Tujia weaving looms in Longshan, experience the blue and white beauty of Xiangxi batik, enjoy the passionate Lanmen wine and flower drum performances in Morong Miao Village, and witness the symbiosis of nature and intangible cultural heritage through Shuangfeng Hand-waving Dance, Pinglang Miao Drum Dance, Zhushan Village immersive rural theater, Zhongzhai Guixi parent-child stream tracing, and Qiabi Miao Lion Mountain Climbing. ✔️ Explore Xiangxi in Harmonious Villages — Understand the echoes of the era of "targeted poverty alleviation" in Huayuan Shibadong Village, see ancient trees guarding Ming and Qing dynasty villages in Luxi Xinzhaiping, try stone mill glutinous rice cakes in Phoenix Manjia Village, pick Maojian tea in Guzhang terraced fields, experience agricultural tourism integration in Mawangxi, enjoy poetic pastoral scenes in Zhi’er Village, and explore the cliff dwellings of Jinlong, bringing rural revitalization vividly to life. ✔️ Explore Xiangxi in Cultural and Museum Venues — The Xiangxi Prefecture Museum offers a panoramic view of ten thousand years of civilization, the World Geopark Museum explains the formation of landscapes, the Liye Qin Bamboo Slips Museum offers VR time travel to the Qin Dynasty, the Laosicheng Museum provides a special interpretation of the Tusi system, the Shanjiang Miao Museum recreates nine authentic family scenes, and public cultural spaces such as prefecture and county libraries and the Yuanmeng School Uniform Museum are fully open. This guide transforms your hometown into a walking classroom, making culture tangible, history touchable, nature approachable, villages readable, and knowledge verifiable. Come to Xiangxi and start your unique journey!

🌸 Yongchuan Travel Photography | Begonias in full bloom, spring is rich, Hanting sleeps in a gentle place The begonias at Changlefang are blooming perfectly, pink and white mixed, petals falling like confetti, every shot is a springtime exclusive romance. When tired from strolling, return to Hanting, shed the floral fragrance, and in a comfortable room, carefully preserve the beauty of spring. Half is a splendid bloom, half is peaceful time🌿

【Luxi 4 Days 3 Nights Hot Travel Guide】Explore Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Villages with 3000 RMB, Check in Ancient Town Secrets + Stunning Painted Walls🌄 Want to escape the city's hustle and bustle and embark on a time-traveling cultural exploration? Luxi County in Xiangxi hides many treasures you don’t know about! Here, not only is there the profound history of a thousand-year-old ancient town, but also mysterious painted walls and ancient fortress villages with breathtaking scenery that will captivate your heart💖. With 4 days and 3 nights and a budget of 3000 RMB, join me to explore Xiangxi and experience the passion and ancient charm of the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups! Day 1: Pushi Ancient Town — Travel Through a Thousand Years, Touch the Pulse of History🏯 Why Visit: 206 Ming and Qing dynasty ancient buildings, as if traveling back to the bustling ancient commercial streets Over 10,000 years old Paleolithic sites, 7,800-year-old Gaomiao culture relics, full of historical depth Red revolutionary base with heroic stories that move the soul Recommended Itinerary: Morning: Stroll through Pushi Ancient Town’s old street, feel the century-old commercial prosperity, and taste authentic Tujia snacks (rice tofu, sour soup fish) Afternoon: Visit Pushi Museum to learn about the “Pushi Discovery” archaeological findings and experience the red culture-themed exhibition Evening: Night tour of the ancient town, the ancient buildings illuminated by lights are stunning, don’t forget to take photos and check in📸 Day 2: Yuanshui Painted Wall Scenic Area — Secret Adventure in a Landscape Painting🌊🖼️ Why Visit: National AAA-level scenic spot integrating mountains, water, islets, town, forest, and caves Mysterious landscapes like painted walls, hanging coffins, and Xiangshui Cave let you feel the perfect blend of nature and culture Pangu Culture Ecological Park to deeply understand Tujia and Miao legends and culture Recommended Itinerary: Morning: Visit Shejiang Tower and Tieshan Ancient Ferry, feel the historical charm of the Yuan River ancient ferry port Afternoon: Explore Xiangshui Cave and hanging coffin sites for an adventurous thrill Evening: Watch the sunset by the Yuan River and enjoy the stunning artistic conception of the “landscape painted wall”🌅 Day 3: Tianqiao Mountain Scenic Area + Yanmen Ancient Fortress Village — Religious Sanctuary and Ancient Fortress Legend⛩️🏰 Why Visit: Tianqiao Mountain is a Buddhist and Taoist pilgrimage site in the six counties of Xiangxi, full of spiritual energy Yanmen Ancient Fortress Village combines Han and Miao architectural art with a tight military defense system, full of ancient charm The fortress village is rated as a traditional Chinese ancient village and a perfect photo check-in spot Recommended Itinerary: Morning: Climb Tianqiao Mountain to experience ancient religious culture and overlook the panoramic view of Luxi Afternoon: Head to Yanmen Ancient Fortress Village, walk through ancient alleys, and feel the tense atmosphere of wartime Evening: Return to Luxi County town and enjoy Miao-style hotpot, warming both stomach and heart🔥 Day 4: Xinzhaiping + Mawangxi Scenic Area — Ecological Leisure and Rural Charm🌿🚣 Why Visit: Xinzhaiping Scenic Area offers pristine natural scenery and pure rural life experience Mawangxi is picturesque, perfect for hiking, fishing, and boating to relax body and mind Recommended Itinerary: Morning: Stroll through Xinzhaiping, experience traditional Tujia and Miao customs, and feel the original ecological rural life Afternoon: Boat or hike in Mawangxi Scenic Area and enjoy the peaceful nature Evening: Return trip, take away full memories of Xiangxi💼 Budget Details💰 Item Cost (RMB) Description Transportation 600 High-speed train/bus tickets round trip from Changsha to Luxi Accommodation 800 3 nights in featured guesthouses or budget hotels Meals 600 Authentic local food including specialty snacks Tickets 500 Entrance fees and guide fees for scenic spots Shopping/Souvenirs 300 Handicrafts and local specialties Reserve 200 Transportation subsidies and emergency expenses Total 3000 Tips📌 Clothing: Comfortable hiking shoes are a must; bring a light jacket as there is a big temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains Photo Tips: Pushi Ancient Town night scene and Yuanshui Painted Wall sunset are the most beautiful; bring a wide-angle lens Cultural Respect: Respect local ethnic customs and don’t miss festival events Eco-friendly Travel: Please do not litter and protect beautiful Xiangxi 🌟Xiangxi Luxi awaits you to discover this ancient and mysterious land. History and nature intertwine, culture and scenery shine together. This is your soul’s resting place and a perfect material for your social media likes! Save this guide, invite friends, and start a wonderful journey in Xiangxi together!🚀✨ Follow me to explore more undiscovered travel treasures!❤️

Today, I have to share this long-hidden treasure city with you! It’s located in Jiangxi, just 30 minutes by high-speed train from Shangrao, yet it’s always been overshadowed by its neighbors Jingdezhen and Wuyuan! This place is—Yingtan! 🦅 Why must you visit Yingtan now? Because just last month, Yingtan launched a brand-new riverside sightseeing light rail connecting the old town and the Longhu Mountain Scenic Area. Riding the light rail while admiring the rapeseed flower sea along the Xin River is an absolutely amazing experience! 🌼 Yingtan was just named the “Happiest City in China 2026.” The pace of life here is so slow, you’ll want to retire on the spot! The best part—few people, beautiful scenery, and affordable prices! 💰 ⛰️ First stop: Longhu Mountain – a coffin-hanging mystery more thrilling than a murder mystery game When it comes to Yingtan, the first place you must rush to is Longhu Mountain! As the birthplace of Taoism in China, the mountains and waters here have a magical, fairy-like aura~✨ About the scenery: The Luxi River winds like a jade belt around the Danxia landform peaks. Floating on a bamboo raft, you’ll see hanging coffins, Taoist temples, and misty green mountains on both sides. This isn’t Jiangnan; it’s a real-life landscape painting! 🖼️ 2026 latest travel tips: · Don’t skip the bamboo raft ride! Don’t save money here! The whole trip takes about 40 minutes, and the boatman will explain the “Ten No’s” sights along the riverbanks. Here’s a secret: the scenic area now offers a “smart bamboo raft” service—just scan a QR code to listen to audio guides, so you don’t have to worry about not understanding the boatman’s dialect anymore~📱 · Hanging coffin show schedule (important!) The most mysterious thing about Longhu Mountain is the hanging coffins from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods! The show runs four fixed times daily: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00. Be sure to arrive half an hour early to get a seat! Watching performers climb the cliffs barehanded and place coffins into cave openings is truly breathtaking! 👏 Longhu Mountain just opened a nighttime immersive experience called the upgraded “Dream-seeking Longhu Mountain”! It features a grand water curtain light show plus AR interactive segments where you can “capture” fairies in the mountains with your phone—perfect for families or couples! 🌙 · Tips to avoid pitfalls: 1. The scenic area is large; it’s recommended to buy a sightseeing bus ticket for unlimited rides to save time and energy! 2. Want to catch the sunrise sea of clouds? Stay at a Taoist wellness guesthouse inside the scenic area and hike up to Fairy City at 5:30 AM—absolutely stunning! 3. Don’t buy incense at the mountain gate! The Taoist temples inside provide eco-friendly incense at transparent prices~ 🏘️ Second stop: Guyue Water Street Right next to Longhu Mountain is Guyue Water Street. Honestly, I thought it would be just another generic commercial street, but once inside, I was pleasantly surprised! 🤩 Reasons to visit: · Free entry! Wear Hanfu for photos—every corner is picture-perfect! Especially when lanterns light up at dusk, the atmosphere is magical! 🏮 · Intangible cultural heritage experiences: There are many Jiangxi intangible cultural heritage craft shops here. You can spend a few dozen yuan trying your hand at summer cloth weaving or wooden leaf cup making. You can even take your handmade items home as souvenirs, which is way more meaningful than buying cheap trinkets from Yiwu! 🎁 · Foodie perks: Hidden in the water street is Shangqing Tofu Workshop, serving freshly ground and cooked soy milk with a rich bean aroma that’ll make you want to cry! Also, try the Dengxin Cake, a traditional Yingtan pastry that’s sweet but not greasy. Grab a few packs to gift your coworkers—it’s perfect! 🍰 🥢 Third stop: Yingtan city center – worth a special trip just for the food! Yingtan’s cuisine is seriously underrated! The spiciness here is fresh and bright, carrying the natural sweetness of the ingredients, making it incredibly addictive! 🌶️ · Top must-eat: Tianshi Chestnut Braised Chicken The chestnuts from Longhu Mountain are sweet and glutinous, paired with local native chicken braised in soy sauce. The chestnuts soak up all the chicken broth’s essence—you could eat three bowls of rice with it! Recommended is the “Old Place” restaurant in the city center, loved by locals since childhood! 🍗 · Second must-eat: Luxi River Fish The small fish from the Luxi River in Longhu Mountain are especially tender. Usually fried dry or braised, the fried ones have crispy bones—you won’t be able to stop eating! 🐟 · Third must-eat: Yingtan Beef Rice Noodles Yingtan locals start their mornings with a bowl of beef rice noodles! The noodles are smooth, the beef chunks generous, and the broth rich. Plus, it only costs 10 yuan a bowl! Recommended is “Fatty’s Rice Noodles” on Huancheng Road, where people start lining up at 6 AM! 🍜 · New popular spot: Xinjiang New District Night Market Since the light rail opened, the Xinjiang New District night market has exploded in popularity! Grilled lamb legs, oysters, spicy crayfish, and various local snacks—you can eat your fill for about 50 yuan! Remember to come hungry! 🦞 · Transportation guide: · High-speed rail: Direct to Yingtan North Station. From the station, take bus K9 straight to Longhu Mountain Scenic Area. · Local transport: Recommended to try the newly opened riverside light rail (Line 2), which runs from Yingtan Park to Longhu Mountain Avenue with full river views. · Accommodation suggestions: · For sightseeing: Stay at guesthouses at the foot of Longhu Mountain, many with small courtyards and peaceful surroundings. · For food lovers: Stay in Yingtan city center (Yuehu District) for easy night market access and good hotel value. · Classic 2-day itinerary: · Day 1: Arrive in Yingtan → Longhu Mountain (Elephant Trunk Hill + bamboo raft ride + hanging coffin show) → Guyue Water Street (night view + dinner) · Day 2: Watch sunrise at Fairy City → Shangqing Ancient Town (Tianshi Mansion) → Eat beef rice noodles in the city + buy local specialties 😭 During these two days in Yingtan, my biggest feeling was—comfort. There’s none of the anxiety and rush of big cities here, only the breeze on the Luxi River, the morning bells and evening drums in Taoist temples, and the lively atmosphere of the night market. You can stroll slowly in Hanfu on Water Street, daydream on a bamboo raft watching the mountains, and feel satisfied with a bowl of chestnut braised chicken. Isn’t the meaning of travel to find this kind of healing? 💬 Interactive question: If you had a three-day holiday, would you choose to go to a crowded big city or come to a treasure city like Yingtan to relax? Tell me in the comments! Follow me to discover more 100% fun off-the-beaten-path travel spots! 🚀

Who understands, family? 😭! Only after coming to Longhushan did I know what a "paradise on earth" really means. The mountains and waters look like ink paintings, the Taoist temples have a naturally cool atmosphere, and the bamboo raft drifts on the Luxi River while the boatman tells strange stories from both banks. Watching the hanging coffin performance in the afternoon gave me goosebumps! I've put together this nanny-level guide that avoids detours, guarantees great photos, and steers clear of pitfalls 👇 🚄 Transportation & Tickets (Must-see for saving money) Arrival: Take the high-speed train to Yingtan North Station / Yingtan Station, then transfer to K2 bus directly to the scenic area visitor center; taxi takes about 40 minutes; self-driving navigation to "Longhushan Visitor Center," parking fee 10 RMB/day. Tickets: Highly recommend the ticket + sightseeing bus + bamboo raft package (best value!); students/elderly get half price, reciting parts of the Tao Te Ching can waive the ticket fee (scenic area activity); definitely buy the sightseeing bus ticket! The scenic area is huge, buses every 10 minutes, hop on and off at will. Essentials: Sunscreen, light jacket (Luxi River is windy), sports shoes, power bank, Hanfu (great for photos). 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations Around the Visitor Center: Many chain hotels, about 100+ RMB per person, right at the scenic entrance, perfect for the lazy. Shangqing Ancient Town Homestays: Open the window to see the bluestone streets, quaint and charming, about 120+ RMB per person, ideal for those who enjoy a slow life. Book at least 3 days in advance during peak season! 🌟 2 Days 1 Night Highlight Itinerary (No detours version) Day 1 Danxia Scenery ・ Full of Fairy Aura 8:30 Enter the park from the visitor center, take the sightseeing bus straight to Elephant Trunk Hill, arrive early to avoid tour groups! From the East Gate, a 10-minute climb to the viewing platform to shoot the "Stone Elephant Drinking Water"; hikers can take the high-altitude plank road, 3 km overlooking the Danxia peaks. Longhushan Elephant Trunk Hill 10:30 Take the sightseeing bus to Xianshuiyan, then ride the bamboo raft on Luxi River (45 minutes), see the "Ten No's" wonders on both banks, and view the hanging coffin cliff tombs at eye level. 14:00 Peach Blossom Isle Hanging Coffin Lifting Performance (daily scheduled! Be sure to check the time and get front-row seats in advance), the ancient Yue people's millennium cliff burial mystery reenacted on site, super shocking. Longhushan Peach Blossom Isle Hanging Coffin Performance 17:00 Visit the Mosquito-Free Village, explore the legend of no mosquitoes, enjoy farmhouse dishes; in the evening watch the large-scale live show "Dream Seeking Longhushan," mountain water light and shadow + Taoist music, the atmosphere is simply divine. Day 2 Taoist Culture ・ Calm Mind and Blessings 8:30 Stroll and have breakfast in Shangqing Ancient Town, the millennium-old street is perfect for photos; key check-in at the Celestial Master Mansion (ancestral Taoist site), see the ancient buildings, and experience scripture copying and blessing. 10:30 Visit Zhengyi Temple and Dashangqing Palace, feel the origins of Taoism, solemn halls, and flourishing incense. 12:00 Lunch in the ancient town, then buy souvenirs (Taoist tea, Celestial Master chestnuts, Shangqing fermented tofu), then return. 🍲 Must-Try Food List Celestial Master Chestnut Braised Chicken: chestnuts are powdery and sticky, chicken tender and soft, soup soaked with rice is deliciously fragrant. Shangqing Tofu: so tender it melts in your mouth, can be made into tofu pot or fried tofu. Luxi Fish: fresh river fish, best steamed to preserve freshness. Ancient Town Snacks: brown sugar glutinous rice cakes, Qingming rice cakes, about 50-80 RMB per person, very satisfying. ❌ Pitfall Avoidance & Photo Tips Don't trust "cheap bamboo rafts" or "internal guides" outside the scenic area, all traps! Only trust the official docks and guides. Go bamboo rafting after 4 PM, fewer people and soft light, sunset on the water is stunning. Visit both left and right viewing platforms of Elephant Trunk Hill; left platform for panoramic shots, right platform for the "touching elephant trunk" perspective photo. When entering Taoist temples, don't step on thresholds, keep quiet, don't point at statues, respect Taoist etiquette. 💌 Tips: To capture misty bamboo rafts in the morning, be sure to take the earliest raft! The mist swirling among the mountains and waters makes every shot look like a fairy tale drama poster.

Jiangxi Yingtan 3 Days 2 Nights Family Trip Guide (Two Adults and One Child · Budget 6000 RMB) Exclusive version for travel bloggers, combining Taoist culture, Danxia wonders, parent-child interaction, and content creation. The itinerary is relaxed and unhurried, suitable for a 14-year-old child for an in-depth experience. Total budget is 5820 RMB, with 180 RMB flexible balance. 1. Core Highlights · Taoist Ancestral Court Exploration: Tianshi Mansion + Shangqing Palace, experience thousand-year Taoist culture · Danxia Landscape Feast: Luxi River bamboo raft drifting + Elephant Trunk Mountain aerial plank road, watch the hanging coffin performance · Parent-child Interaction: Geological Museum study, mosquito-free village exploration, ancient town intangible cultural heritage experience · Food Highlights: Shangqing tofu feast, Tianshi chestnut braised chicken, Luxi fish, and other specialty dishes 2. Itinerary Overview Day Core Itinerary Accommodation Budget Day 1 Arrive in Yingtan → Shangqing Ancient Town → Tianshi Mansion → Shangqing Palace → Tofu Feast Shangqing Ancient Town Family Homestay About 1800 RMB Day 2 Longhushan Core Scenic Area: Elephant Trunk Mountain → Mosquito-Free Village → Bamboo Raft Drifting → Hanging Coffin Performance → Geological Museum Longhushan Scenic Area Hotel About 2200 RMB Day 3 Zhengyi Temple → Taoist Culture Experience → Return Trip / About 1820 RMB 3. Detailed Itinerary (Including Content Creation Points) Day 1: Taoist Culture First Experience · Leisure Time in Shangqing Ancient Town · Morning: Arrive at Yingtan North Station → Taxi to Shangqing Ancient Town (about 50 RMB, 30 minutes) · Content Creation: Film contrast shots from high-speed rail exit to ancient town entrance with the caption “From the city to a thousand-year-old town” · Noon: Ancient town snack lunch (Tianshi tofu pudding, chestnut cake, etc., about 80 RMB for 3 people) · Content Creation: Film snack making process, create a short video “Taoist flavors on the ancient town’s palate” · Afternoon: Tianshi Mansion (ticket 42 RMB/person, 14-year-old student half price 21 RMB, total 105 RMB) → Shangqing Palace (ticket 30 RMB/person, student half price 15 RMB, total 75 RMB) · Highlights: At Tianshi Mansion, see ancient architecture and millennium-old trees, listen to Tianshi stories; at Shangqing Palace, feel the aura of Taoism’s origin · Parent-child Interaction: Find the “Tianshi Mansion” plaque with the child, recognize Taoist ritual instruments, do a “Taoist culture quiz” · Content Creation: Film Tianshi Mansion gate, Wanfazongtan altar, Shangqing Palace ruins with narration “Exploring the roots of Chinese Taoism” · Evening: Stroll the ancient town, watch the sunset, visit intangible cultural heritage shops (paper-cutting, bamboo weaving, etc.) · Content Creation: Film slow-motion shots of stone-paved roads, red lanterns, elderly weaving bamboo baskets · Dinner: Shangqing tofu feast (about 200 RMB for 3 people, recommended tofu feast and chestnut braised chicken) · Content Creation: Film the full tofu feast table, close-up of “Tofu Beauty” making process · Accommodation: Shangqing Ancient Town family homestay (about 600 RMB/night, including breakfast, with children’s play area) · Content Creation: Film family room setup, share “N reasons to stay in an ancient town homestay with kids” Day 2: Danxia Landscape Feast · Longhushan Highlights Tour (Key Content Creation Day) · Morning: Elephant Trunk Mountain aerial plank road (free, included in scenic area ticket) → Mosquito-Free Village (free) · Highlights: The aerial plank road is flat and easy to walk, overlooking Danxia landforms; explore the “mosquito-free mystery” in the village, watch the creek flow · Parent-child Interaction: Find the best photo spot of Elephant Trunk Mountain with the child, compete to count ancient buildings in the mosquito-free village · Content Creation: Film panoramic views of the plank road, close-ups of Elephant Trunk Mountain, joyful moments of children playing in the village creek, with the caption “Easy aerial plank road walk with kids” · Noon: Scenic area restaurant lunch (Luxi fish, dried bamboo shoots stir-fried with meat, etc., about 120 RMB for 3 people) · Content Creation: Film the tender meat of Luxi fish, recommend “Must-eat river delicacies in Longhushan” · Afternoon: Luxi River bamboo raft drifting (100 RMB/person, same price for students, total 300 RMB, about 40 minutes) → Hanging Coffin Performance (free, two shows at 10:00 and 14:00) · Highlights: Bamboo rafting to see Danxia on both banks, listen to raft workers tell hanging coffin legends; watch the “coffin lifting skill” in the hanging coffin performance · Parent-child Interaction: Let the child observe the hanging coffin locations, discuss how ancient people placed them · Content Creation: Film panoramic bamboo rafting, thrilling moments of hanging coffin performance, with the caption “Live reveal of the thousand-year hanging coffin mystery” · Evening: Geological Museum (free, included in scenic area ticket) · Highlights: See the formation process of Danxia landforms, dinosaur fossils, do geological study · Parent-child Interaction: Participate in museum interactive games, answer geology questions to win small gifts · Content Creation: Film museum exhibits, create a science video “Visiting the geological museum with kids, instantly becoming geography experts” · Dinner: Scenic area hotel dinner (about 150 RMB for 3 people) · Accommodation: Longhushan scenic area family hotel (about 800 RMB/night, including breakfast, near visitor center) · Content Creation: Film hotel night view, family room, compare “Scenic area accommodation vs ancient town accommodation” Day 3: Deep Taoist Culture Experience · Return Trip · Morning: Zhengyi Temple (free, included in scenic area ticket) → Taoist culture experience (sutra copying, meditation, about 150 RMB for 3 people) · Highlights: Observe Taoist architecture at Zhengyi Temple, experience basic Taoist rituals; feel inner peace through sutra copying · Parent-child Interaction: Copy a passage from the Tao Te Ching with the child, share insights · Content Creation: Film sutra copying process, create a short video “Experiencing Taoist culture with kids, gaining inner peace” · Noon: Farmhouse meal near the scenic area (about 120 RMB for 3 people) · Afternoon: Return trip (taxi to Yingtan North Station about 50 RMB, high-speed rail tickets for 3 about 1500 RMB) · Content Creation: Film scenery on the return trip, with the caption “Longhushan 3 days 2 nights family trip summary” 4. Tickets and Transportation Details (Core Budget) Item Adult Price 14-year-old Student Price Total Price for 3 Remarks Longhushan Ticket + Sightseeing Bus (2 days) 180 RMB/person 90 RMB/person 450 RMB Student half price, includes core scenic area and unlimited sightseeing bus rides[__LINK_ICON] Tianshi Mansion 42 RMB/person 21 RMB/person 105 RMB Core Taoist attraction Shangqing Palace 30 RMB/person 15 RMB/person 75 RMB Taoism origin site Bamboo Raft Drifting 100 RMB/person 100 RMB/person 300 RMB Must-experience, no student discount Taoist Culture Experience 50 RMB/person 50 RMB/person 150 RMB Sutra copying, meditation, etc. City Taxi / / About 200 RMB Includes North Station → Ancient Town → Scenic Area → North Station High-speed Rail Round Trip About 500 RMB/person About 250 RMB/person About 1500 RMB Calculated from departure to Yingtan Total / / About 2780 RMB / 5. Accommodation and Dining Budget Item Details Budget Accommodation Day 1 Shangqing Ancient Town family homestay (about 600 RMB) + Day 2 Longhushan scenic area hotel (about 800 RMB) About 1400 RMB Dining 6 main meals + 2 breakfasts, including specialty tofu feast, chestnut braised chicken, etc. About 1000 RMB Others Snacks, water, cultural products (Taoist bookmarks, paper-cutting, etc.) About 640 RMB 6. Total Budget (About 5820 RMB) · Tickets + Experiences: About 900 RMB · Transportation (including high-speed rail): About 1700 RMB · Accommodation: About 1400 RMB · Dining: About 1000 RMB · Others: About 820 RMB · Balance: 180 RMB (can buy local specialties or add small experiences) 7. Parent-child and Content Creation Tips 1. A 14-year-old child is suitable for deep cultural experiences; let the child read Taoist stories in advance for better immersion 2. Wear comfortable sports shoes; Longhushan plank roads and flat paths are easy and not tiring 3. Content creation equipment: phone + stabilizer, use waterproof bags for filming rafting and hanging coffin performance 4. Best shooting times: before 9 AM (ancient town morning mist), after 4 PM (Danxia sunset) 5. Parent-child interaction small tasks: · Find 3 Taoist symbols (Taiji, Bagua, Immortal Crane) · Take 5 photos of Danxia landforms from different angles · Record 1 hanging coffin legend to tell friends

🌟【In-Depth Tour of Yingtan】The Daoist Wonderland · The Legend of the Copper City! How magical is this secret land where mountains, waters, and faith intertwine? ✨⛰️Must-visit TOP 5: 1️⃣ **Mount Longhu** - The Ancestral Home of Taoism 📍Longhu Mountain Town, Guixi City | 🎫165 RMB (includes sightseeing bus + bamboo raft) ⏰7:30 AM - 5:30 PM ✨World Natural Heritage + Global Geopark, thrilling hanging coffin performances, Elephant Trunk Hill natural wonder, experience millennium-old Taoist charm at Zhengyi Temple 2️⃣ **Shangqing Ancient Town** 📍Inside Longhu Mountain Scenic Area | 🆓Free (ticket required to enter the Celestial Master's Mansion) ⏰Open all day ✨Millennium-old Taoist town, winding bluestone paths, explore the Celestial Master's Mansion and the Zhang family legacy, experience intangible cultural heritage at the traditional tofu workshop 3️⃣ **Shengjing Mountain Scenic Area** 📍Southern Suburb of Guixi City | 🎫98 RMB (includes rafting) ⏰8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ✨4D fantasy rafting with nonstop thrills, colorful slides like falling rainbows, glass plank road suspended hundreds of meters, a perfect summer cooling spot 4️⃣ **Baihe Lake** 📍Yujiang District | 🆓Free ⏰Open all day ✨Thousands of acres of lake with dancing egrets, secret cypress forest for boating, birdwatching platform equipped with telescopes, lakeside inns for stargazing reflections 5️⃣ **China Copper Museum** 📍Tongxing Road, Yuehu District | 🆓Free with reservation ⏰9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed on Mondays) ✨Asia’s largest copper-themed museum, immersive 3,000-year copper mining history, giant copper cauldron awe-inspiring, DIY copperware making experience 🏮【Taoist Culture】 ▪️ **Morning Taoist Class at Celestial Master's Mansion**: 6:30 AM Taoist morning prayers to observe ▪️ **Zhengyi Temple Rituals**: Held on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month ▪️ **Taoist Medical Consultations**: Old Taoist doctors diagnose in the ancient town ▪️ **Taoist Vegetarian Feast**: Experience the healthful Eight Trigrams banquet 🚣【Luxi River Activities】 ▫️ **Bamboo Rafting**: From Xianshui Rock to Fairy Rock (about 40 minutes) ▫️ **Hanging Coffin Exploration**: Daily at 10:00/12:00/14:00/16:00 ▫️ **Cormorant Fishing**: Traditional skill performance ▫️ **Night Tour**: Summer live show "Dream-seeking at Longhu Mountain" 🍜【Yingtan Flavors】 ✅ **Shangqing Tofu Feast**: Twelve variations of ancient Taoist tofu recipes ✅ **Celestial Master Chestnut Chicken**: Sweet chestnut flavor from Longhu Mountain ✅ **Luxi Fresh Fish**: Freshly caught and cooked, incredibly delicious ✅ **Guixi Lampwick Cake**: Intangible cultural heritage dessert, sweet but not greasy 🏞️【2 Days 1 Night Itinerary】 D1: Full tour of Longhu Mountain (hanging coffin + bamboo raft) → Overnight at Shangqing Ancient Town D2: Morning Taoist class at Celestial Master's Mansion → Rafting at Shengjing Mountain → Copper Museum 💡【Local Tips】 ✅ Arrive 30 minutes early for the hanging coffin show to get waterside viewing spots ✅ For Shangqing tofu, try the freshly ground tofu at "Lin Family Tofu Workshop" ✅ Bring a change of clothes for rafting at Shengjing Mountain (you will get wet) ✅ Buy copperware at Tongluowan Plaza (beware of fakes) do you want to explore most: the mountain waters or the millennium-old hanging coffins? Come experience the spiritual charm and wonder of this dual World Heritage city! 🕊️

Girls! Don’t compete over Sanya or Xi’an this Spring Festival😭 These 4 truly off-the-beaten-path small towns have been personally tested with “direct high-speed rail + affordable prices” — 3 days and 2 nights for under 2000 RMB per person to relax and enjoy, no queues for photos, and full of festive vibes! Here’s a breakdown by “budget + attractions + route + food”👇 1️⃣ Hunan · Huaihua Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town (The Ultimate Xiangxi New Year Experience) 💰Budget: 3 days 2 nights, about 1800-2000 RMB per person (high-speed rail + ancient town guesthouse) · Transport: Shaoyang → Huaihua South high-speed rail round trip ≈ 300 RMB/person · Accommodation: Twin room in ancient town guesthouse 200-250 RMB/night × 2 nights ≈ 250 RMB/person · Tickets + Food: Ancient town combo ticket 100 + daily meals 80 × 3 ≈ 340 RMB/person · Miscellaneous: Taxi/local transport ≈ 100 RMB/person 🏮Recommended Attractions: · Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town: A “living fossil” of Ming and Qing merchant docks, bluestone streets + escort agency and money exchange, hanging New Year lanterns instantly transport you back in time📸 · Qianyang Ancient Town: 10 times less crowded than Fenghuang! Furong Tower + old city walls, super chill tea by the river · Xuefeng Mountain Hiking (optional): Light trail suitable for elderly and kids 🚶Route: Day 1: Shaoyang → Huaihua South → 1-hour bus to Hongjiang → check in ancient town → night stroll in Escort Agency Alley (red lanterns are stunning) Day 2: Leisurely explore Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town (money exchange/museum) → 40-minute bus to Qianyang Ancient Town in the afternoon → watch sunset by the river Day 3: Morning walk in Qianyang Ancient Town → return to Huaihua South → back to Shaoyang 🍜Food: Hongjiang blood rice duck, Qianyang rock sugar oranges, Zhijiang duck, Artemisia cakes ~ Xiangxi’s sour and spicy flavor, remember to request “mild spice”! 2️⃣ Guangxi · Huangyao Ancient Town (Hezhou Ink Wash New Year) 💰Budget: 3 days 2 nights, about 1700-1900 RMB per person (high-speed rail + ancient town guesthouse) · Transport: Shaoyang → Hezhou high-speed rail round trip ≈ 400 RMB/person · Accommodation: Guesthouse inside Huangyao Ancient Town 150-200 RMB/night × 2 nights ≈ 200 RMB/person · Tickets + Food: Ancient town ticket 88 + daily meals 70 × 3 ≈ 300 RMB/person · Miscellaneous: Shared car Hezhou ↔ Huangyao ≈ 100 RMB/person 🏮Recommended Attractions: · Huangyao Ancient Town: A “living ancient town” amid karst mountains and waters, featuring Dailong Bridge + ancient banyan tree + red lanterns, no need to fight for photo spots🎐 · Yaojiang Bamboo Raft: Boat ride on the river, suitable for elderly and kids to sit and enjoy the scenery · Dongtanling Sunrise (optional): Shared car up the mountain to see the sea of clouds, go at your own pace 🚶Route: Day 1: Shaoyang → Hezhou → 1-hour shared car to Huangyao → check in ancient town → night stroll at Dailong Bridge (lanterns are breathtaking) Day 2: Leisurely explore ancient town (Guo Family Courtyard/Stone Jump Bridge) → Yaojiang bamboo raft → afternoon tea house chill time Day 3: Morning visit to market to buy fermented black beans/huangjing wine → return to Hezhou → back to Shaoyang 🍜Food: Steamed pork ribs with fermented black beans, Huangyao stuffed tofu, oil tea, water chestnut noodles ~ ancient town snacks average 10-15 RMB, super cost-effective! 3️⃣ Jiangxi · Wuyuan Huangling (Huizhou Autumn Drying · Winter Edition) 💰Budget: 3 days 2 nights, about 1900-2100 RMB per person (high-speed rail + mountainside guesthouse) · Transport: Shaoyang → Shangrao/Jingdezhen transfer to Wuyuan high-speed rail round trip ≈ 500 RMB/person · Accommodation: Guesthouse at the foot of Huangling Mountain 180-220 RMB/night × 2 nights ≈ 220 RMB/person · Tickets + Food: Huangling cable car + ticket 145 + daily meals 80 × 3 ≈ 385 RMB/person · Miscellaneous: Shared car Wuyuan ↔ Huangling ≈ 100 RMB/person 🏮Recommended Attractions: · Huangling: Winter “autumn drying” is subtle but the red lanterns + Huizhou architecture are a perfect match! Tianjie Street + Leixin Bridge + drying workshops, plenty of photo spots📸 · Terraced Field Cable Car: Up and down the mountain, no stairs for elderly and kids · Likeng/Wangkou (optional): Huizhou ancient villages, even fewer people than Huangling 🚶Route: Day 1: Shaoyang → Wuyuan → 40-minute shared car to Huangling → check in mountainside guesthouse → cable car up for night stroll (lantern night view is stunning) Day 2: Full day in Huangling (Tianjie Street + drying workshops + Leixin Bridge) → cable car down in the afternoon to rest Day 3: Half day in Likeng (or return directly) → Wuyuan high-speed rail station → back to Shaoyang 🍜Food: Hu tofu, steamed pork with rice flour, steamed cakes, Qingming rice cakes ~ Huizhou cuisine is oily, order mild versions for kids! 4️⃣ Guizhou · Zhaoxing Dong Village (Qiandongnan Secret New Year) 💰Budget: 3 days 2 nights, about 1800-2000 RMB per person (high-speed rail + village guesthouse) · Transport: Shaoyang → Congjiang high-speed rail round trip ≈ 400 RMB/person · Accommodation: Guesthouse inside Zhaoxing Dong Village 150-200 RMB/night × 2 nights ≈ 200 RMB/person · Tickets + Food: Village ticket 80 + daily meals 70 × 3 ≈ 290 RMB/person · Miscellaneous: Shared car Congjiang Station ↔ Zhaoxing ≈ 100 RMB/person 🏮Recommended Attractions: · Zhaoxing Dong Village: Five drum towers + wind and rain bridges, Dong folk songs + long table feast, full-on New Year atmosphere🔥 · Tang’an Terraced Fields: 1-hour hike behind the village (or shared car), sea of clouds + terraced fields are stunning in winter · Dong Ethnic Museum: Indoor exhibition, good option for rainy days 🚶Route: Day 1: Shaoyang → Congjiang → 15-minute shared car to Zhaoxing → check in village → night stroll at drum towers (lights are super cozy) Day 2: Leisurely explore Zhaoxing (five drum towers + wind and rain bridges) → afternoon at Tang’an terraced fields to watch sunset Day 3: Morning visit to village market to buy glutinous rice cakes + sour fish → return to Congjiang → back to Shaoyang 🍜Food: Sour soup fish, glutinous rice cakes, beef tripe hotpot (order carefully), Dong-style pickled fish ~ sour and spicy, remember to request “less spicy”! 💡General Off-Peak Tips (copy to avoid mistakes) · Transport: Book high-speed rail tickets early! All 4 towns are reachable from Shaoyang with 1-2 transfers, travel time within 3-5 hours~ · Accommodation: Choose guesthouses within walking distance inside ancient towns/villages, prioritize “with elevator” if traveling with elderly · Pace: 1 major attraction + 1 leisure spot per day, return to hotel for lunch break, no rushing · Clothing: February in the south is damp and cold, bring a light down jacket + waterproof shoes; pack extra clothes for kids · Food: Request less spicy/oily, bring common medicines + stomach remedies for kids These 4 towns are truly tested “off-peak treasures with fewer people and rich New Year vibes”! Just pick based on your budget and energy level~ Wishing everyone a relaxed and crowd-free Spring Festival trip🎉

Friends, if you're still searching for a Chinese New Year destination with ethereal charm, snowy landscapes, and a rich festive atmosphere, listen to me – go to Longhu Mountain in Jiangxi! I just returned a few days ago, and by chance, I encountered a snowfall. The mountains were pristine white, and the Luxi River was as emerald green as jade, truly like stepping into a Taoist immortal mountain version of 'Frozen.' Make sure to keep this freshly-baked winter travel guide handy. 🧳 Essential Pre-Trip Info: Transportation & Tickets Where is it? Longhu Mountain Scenic Area, Yingtan City, Jiangxi Province. From Nanchang or Fuzhou, take the high-speed train for about 1 hour to Yingtan North Station. From there, take a taxi or transfer to bus K2, which takes about 40 minutes to reach the scenic area directly. It's very convenient. 🎫 Hassle-Free Ticket Purchase We recommend purchasing the "Ticket + Sightseeing Bus" two-day package (approx. 135 RMB). This allows you to freely ride the sightseeing bus between attractions for two days, offering excellent value for money and perfect for a leisurely visit. ❄️ 2-Day, 1-Night Winter Itinerary (Smooth & Tested) Day 1: Picturesque Landscapes & Immortal Night Dreams · Morning: Arrive at the Visitor Center and take the sightseeing bus directly to Elephant Trunk Hill. After the snow, the Elephant Trunk appears even more vibrant, with the plank road covered in snow, making it feel like walking among the clouds. · Afternoon: Head to the Bamboo Raft Pier and take a bamboo raft down the Luxi River. A winter raft ride offers unique tranquility, with snowy peaks reflecting in the emerald water. You might spot cormorants flying by, and you can also witness the mysterious "coffin raising" performance. · Evening: Check into accommodation within the scenic area or in Shangqing Town, and enjoy a warm Jiangxi meal. · Night: Don't miss the "Dreaming of Longhu Mountain" live performance. With the entire cliff as its backdrop, light and shadow tell a thousand-year-old Taoist story, especially dreamlike and stunning in the cold winter. (Remember to dress warmly!) Day 2: Ancient Town Charm & Icy Wonderland · Morning: Take the bus to Shangqing Ancient Town. The bluestone paths are covered with a thin layer of snow, flanked by weathered wooden gatehouses. The red walls and dark tiles of Tianshi Mansion and Great Shangqing Palace look particularly solemn in the snow. This is the ancestral home of Taoism and a filming location for "Under One Person," exuding a strong Xianxia (immortal hero) vibe. · Afternoon: Visit Zhengyi Temple to experience its serene Taoist charm. The ancient architecture provides a great backdrop for photos. If you're still interested, you can head to Shengjing Mountain for a 4D fantasy experience (winter availability subject to scenic area confirmation). · Dusk: With a heart full of tranquility and visual satisfaction, begin your journey home. 📸 Winter Exclusive: Photo Guide 1. On the Luxi River Bamboo Raft: With the snow-covered peaks as a backdrop, wear a simple or red coat, and sit sideways at the front of the raft for a poetic shot. 2. In front of Tianshi Mansion's Red Wall: Snow on the branches, red wall as the base. Take a photo of your back or a glance over your shoulder, blending Taoist charm with ancient style. 3. Shangqing Ancient Town Streets: Capture wooden doors adorned with cured meats and Spring Festival couplets, or candid moments of local life with wisps of cooking smoke. The New Year's spirit and local flavor are most touching here. 4. Elephant Trunk Hill Snowy Plank Road: Use the winding lines of the plank road to create an adventurous feel of walking through a snowy forest. 🍲 Heartwarming & Stomach-Pleasing: Mountain Food Recommendations · Shangqing Tofu: Made with Luxi River water, this tofu is tender and subtly sweet, delicious even with simple preparation. · Braised Chicken with Chestnuts: Winter chestnuts are sweet and glutinous. Braised with local free-range chicken, it's a must-have for warmth. · Stir-fried Winter Bamboo Shoots with Cured Meat: A seasonal mountain delicacy, savory and perfect with rice, a local winter staple. · Steaming Hot Farmhouse Dishes: Find a small eatery in the ancient town and eat around a stove for a truly festive New Year's atmosphere. 💡 Thoughtful Winter Travel Tips · Warmth & Anti-slip: Mountain temperatures are low, so be sure to wear non-slip, warm snow boots, gloves, and a scarf. · Check Weather: Before your trip, check the Yingtan weather forecast. The scenery is most beautiful after snow, but confirm if cable cars, bamboo rafts, and other attractions are operating normally. · Flexible Itinerary: Winter days are shorter, so it's advisable to start your sightseeing early. The sightseeing bus routes are clear; just get on and off at the designated stops. · Accommodation Options: For an immersive experience, we highly recommend staying within Shangqing Ancient Town to enjoy the quiet, immortal mountain without tourist crowds in the mornings and evenings. On the way back, I kept recalling that snowy morning: mist rising from the river, distant mountains like ink paintings, and the ancient town quietly awakening. Winter in Longhu Mountain washes away the hustle and bustle, leaving only a tranquil poem composed by mountains, water, Taoist charm, and falling snow. This Chinese New Year, if you're looking for a different kind of place, this might be just what you're looking for. Longhu Mountain Winter Wonderland

Hey everyone! 👋 Today I'm taking you to Yingtan, Jiangxi, a treasure trove of surprises! It boasts the mysterious and ancient charm of Longhu Mountain, a Taoist holy site, and unique cultural customs. Let's embark on this wonderful journey together! 🚗 Preparations · Documents: ID card, student ID (discounts available). · Clothing: Yingtan is hot in summer and damp and cold in winter, so pack appropriate clothing for the season. If you're going hiking in Longhu Mountain, comfortable sneakers are recommended. · Medications: Commonly used medications such as cold medicine, stomach medicine, and motion sickness medicine. · Other: Sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella or raincoat. Itinerary Day 1: Shangqing Ancient Town → Tianshi Mansion · Morning: After arriving in Yingtan, head straight to Shangqing Ancient Town. This is an ancient town with a thousand-year history, where time seems to slow down. Stroll along the cobblestone streets 🛣️, feeling the charm of the ancient streets and alleys. The old houses and shops exude a rich historical atmosphere. You can sample local delicacies, such as Shangqing tofu, which is tender and smooth with a rich bean flavor – a must-try! 😋 · Afternoon: Visit the Tianshi Mansion, the ancestral home of the Zhengyi School of Taoism. Upon entering, you'll feel a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The architecture is simple and elegant, exuding the essence of Taoist culture. Here, you can learn about the history and culture of Taoism, and you might even encounter Taoist priests doing their morning prayers! 🧑‍🦲 After visiting the Tianshi Mansion, you can stroll around the surrounding area and buy some souvenirs with Taoist elements. · Evening: Return to the city and enjoy the local night market. Yingtan's night market offers a variety of local snacks, such as Na Cai, a spicy and sour dish, a specialty of Yingtan. Day 2: Longhu Mountain Scenic Area · Morning: Arrive at Longhu Mountain Scenic Area early and take a bamboo raft tour of the Luxi River. Sitting on a bamboo raft, you can take in the breathtaking views of the uniquely shaped peaks and rocks on both banks, the clear river shimmering in the sunlight 🌊. Along the way, you can also see a hanging coffin performance; how the ancients placed coffins on cliffs remains a mystery to this day—truly amazing 🤩. · Afternoon: Climb Longhu Mountain and visit attractions such as Elephant Trunk Hill. The shape of Elephant Trunk Hill is incredibly lifelike, a testament to nature's artistry. From the mountain, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the entire Longhu Mountain area, perfect for taking photos 📷. · Evening: You can watch the "Dreaming of Longhu Mountain" performance, a large-scale outdoor performance set against the backdrop of Longhu Mountain. Through lighting, sound effects, and the actors' brilliant performances, it showcases the charm of Taoist culture—a true feast for the eyes and ears 🎭. Food Recommendation · Guixi Na Cai: As mentioned before, this is a signature dish of Yingtan, a perfect accompaniment to rice. · Tianshi Bagua Banquet: Available at restaurants around the Tianshi Mansion, this dish features unique presentations and delicious flavors. · Luxi Live Fish: Fresh, live fish with tender flesh, delicious whether steamed or braised. Accommodation Recommendations · To experience the charm of an ancient town, consider staying in a guesthouse in Shangqing Ancient Town to soak in its rustic atmosphere. · For convenient access to Longhu Mountain Scenic Area, consider staying at a hotel near the scenic area. · For convenient shopping and dining, hotels in the city center are a good choice. Transportation Guide · External Transportation: Yingtan has both a train station and a high-speed rail station, making transportation relatively convenient. Choose the appropriate mode of transport based on your departure point. · Internal Transportation: From the city center, you can take a bus or taxi to the scenic area. Sightseeing buses are available within the scenic area for convenient tours. My darlings, the beauty of Yingtan awaits your discovery! Pack your bags and embark on a spontaneous trip! 🎉 Remember to share your travel stories in the comments section!

Xiangxi Secret Realm · Luxi Two Days One Night Tour 🚩 Here hides the most authentic Tujia ethnic style, fewer people, beautiful scenery, and free admission, perfect for photos! 🏯 Explore Luxi: 📍 Pushi Ancient Town One of the four major ancient towns in Xiangxi, the bluestone paths combined with light rain create a poetic atmosphere. Must-visit spots include Wanshou Palace and Taiping Street, with well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Handmade tofu workshops are everywhere in the ancient town, filling the air with the aroma of tofu. 📍 Tianqiao Mountain Scenic Area The Danxia landform is stunning, and the natural stone arch at the mountain top is a must-see. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes; the hiking trail is somewhat steep but the scenery is breathtaking. The mid-mountain viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the entire Luxi county town. 📍 Yuanjiang Riverside Scenic Belt A stroll along the river in the evening is very relaxing; locals often dance in the square here. The stilted buildings by the river look especially dreamy when lit up at night; remember to bring a tripod for photos. 🍜 Food Recommendations: ✅ Luxi Zhai Rice Noodles: The broth is made by simmering beef bones, paired with a secret chili oil that’s amazing! Recommended old brand "Yang’s Noodle House." ✅ Blood Rice Duck: A Tujia specialty dish, with tender duck meat and flavorful blood rice cake, look for "Ancient Town Restaurant." ✅ Rice Tofu: Ice-cold and very appetizing, even better with some pickled radish strips. 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations: Choose a guesthouse inside Pushi Ancient Town, where opening the window reveals blue tiles and white walls. Recommended "Ancient Town Family," where the owner will share many local stories. 🚗 Travel Tips: Take the high-speed train from Changsha to Huaihua South Station, then transfer to a bus for 1.5 hours to Luxi. Taxi rides within the county town generally cost less than 10 yuan, offering great value.

#discoverchina Luxi Tianqiaoshan Provincial Nature Reserve is a protected area located in Luxi County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, China. Established as a county-level reserve in 1998 and upgraded to provincial status in 2011, it covers 13,878 hectares with an impressive forest coverage rate of 94%. The reserve serves as a crucial biodiversity hotspot in the Wuling Mountains-Snow Mountains transitional zone. Ecological Significance The reserve protects: · Unique purple sandstone ecosystems rarely found in central-southern China, · Subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests with complex, stable structures, · 1,373 plant species (including 27 fern families, 161 seed plant families), · 231 vertebrate species across 5 classes, · 2,073 insect species from 18 orders. The reserve boasts two remarkable millennium-old ginkgo trees: 2,600-year-old "Ginkgo King": 28m tall, 8m circumference at Huayan Pavilion 2,300-year-old "sister tree" at Juntingjie These ancient trees have survived lightning strikes, frost, and heavy snow, remaining vital parts of the local ecosystem and cultural heritage. Geological Landscape The reserve features: · Tianqiao Ancient Path: A breathtaking cliffside trail only 1-person wide, · 70-degree steep ridges with ingenious temple constructions, · Unique purple sandstone formations with fragile but well-preserved ecosystems. Tianqiaoshan combines ecological and cultural significance: · Buddhist-Taoist integration: Rare coexistence of both religions, · Historical sites: Temples dating back to Tang-Song dynasties, · "Five Wonders": · Summit views, · Buddhist-Taoist harmony, · Cliffside paths, · North Pole celestial ladder, · Millennium ginkgos. The reserve serves as: · Biological gene bank for subtropical species, · Ecological research base for purple soil vegetation recovery, · Biodiversity monitoring station with 13 newly discovered Hunan species records. Researchers from multiple universities have recognized its value for studying fragile purple soil ecosystems and their restoration. Luxi Tianqiaoshan Provincial Nature Reserve exemplifies China's ecological conservation efforts, protecting unique purple sandstone ecosystems, ancient flora, and diverse wildlife while maintaining cultural heritage. Its successful integration of protection, research, and sustainable tourism makes it a model for nature reserves in subtropical area.

#favouriteitinerary Chayan Yuese, a popular milk tea chain based in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. It is known for its Chinese-style branding and is considered a "net red" or internet-famous brand. Key facts about Chayan Yuese: Founded in 2013. Operates over 500 stores, mainly in Hunan. Known for long queues and scalpers reselling drinks. Incorporates traditional Chinese elements in its branding. Offers a variety of tea-based drinks, including milk tea with whipped cream and crushed pecans. Focuses on the domestic market and currently has no plans for overseas expansion.

#chinatravelitinerary The Tusi Site in Hunan, China, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves the history and culture of the Tusi system, a form of indigenous governance used by ethnic minorities in China. This archaeological site showcases ancient Tujia and Miao heritage, featuring well-preserved fortresses, tombs, and administrative buildings. The site reflects the unique blend of imperial Chinese and local tribal traditions, offering insights into a lesser-known yet fascinating aspect of Chinese history. Surrounded by lush landscapes, the Tusi Site is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those interested in China’s diverse cultural heritage.

If you come to Pushi Ancient Town, you must visit Pushi Zui Inn. Even if you don't stay at the inn, you should have a meal here, try the delicious river fish, and taste the homemade Tujia bacon. The spacious and bright restaurant 🍴 can host banquets, the outdoor lawn can host weddings 🎎, and the homemade dragon boat can host long table banquets. It's truly unique! The "Pushi Zui" inscription in front of the gate 🚪 is a map of the streets of Pushi Ancient Town.

Xinzhaiping, Xiangxi, Hunan, Hunan. #### Discover a treasure place~ It looks like this is an ordinary village. When you walk in, you will find that it is not ordinary. Unlike the stone houses in the Laha Village of Fenghuang, the houses in the Xinzhaiping old house in Xiangxi, Xiangxi are mostly wooden structures. The landscape of the virgin forest between the mountains and forests hides a variety of precious plants and herbs. The Miao people in the stockade sang the old Miao songs and guarded the old houses that have lived for decades...