Hidden niche treasures in Chenzhou, each spot stunningly beautiful!
Chenzhou 3-day 2-night guide | Niche treasure travel destinations
🎈"City in the forest, capital of innovation," this is Chenzhou, Hunan, a hidden treasure travel destination nestled among mountains and waters. If you want to escape the city's hustle and bustle and encounter breathtaking natural scenery, follow this guide to start your 3-day 2-night trip to Chenzhou!
🍱 Food Highlights
🍜 Qifengdu Fish Noodles: A must-try in Chenzhou! Rich fish broth, smooth rice noodles, plus spicy red oil, every bite is super satisfying. Recommended is "Jinguo Fish Noodles," a beloved old local shop.
🍢 Dongjiang Fish: Tender meat, available steamed, braised, fried, and more, all delicious. You can find it in restaurants near the scenic spots.
🐔 Roast Chicken Gong: Fresh and spicy, the chicken is firm and chewy, perfect with rice. "Riyisen Roast Chicken Gong" is a famous local restaurant worth trying.
🍣 Dongjiang Lake Salmon: Multiple ways to enjoy one fish—sashimi, fish porridge, fried fish bones... each method showcases the unique flavor of salmon. Authentic dishes can be tasted in restaurants around Dongjiang Lake.
📅 Itinerary
✅ Day 1: Gaoyiling - Dongjiang Lake
Morning: After arriving at Chenzhou West High-Speed Railway Station, carpool to Gaoyiling (about 1 hour, carpool costs around 30-40 RMB per person). It’s recommended to navigate to "Gaoyiling Village Committee" to enter the scenic area with fewer stairs, saving energy.
Afternoon: Visit Gaoyiling Geological Park (ticket 80 RMB), admire the unique Danxia landform, and check in at iconic spots like Longjibei and Giant Lizard Lake. Wearing bright clothes is recommended for better photos!
Evening: Head to a guesthouse near Dongjiang Lake to check in, rest a bit, then enjoy Dongjiang Lake cuisine at nearby restaurants.
✅ Day 2: Misty Little Dongjiang - Bailang Scenic Area
Early morning: Get up early! Arrive at Misty Little Dongjiang Scenic Area around 5:30 AM (ticket 85 RMB, including sightseeing bus). Viewing platform No. 2 is the best spot to watch fishermen casting nets (every 15 minutes). The mist-covered river looks like a fairyland.
Morning: After visiting Misty Little Dongjiang, take the sightseeing bus to Longjing Canyon, stroll through the canyon, enjoy waterfalls and green mountains, and feel the freshness and tranquility of nature.
Afternoon: Head to Bailang Scenic Area, known as "Little Erhai of Hunan." Rent an electric bike (50 RMB/3 hours) and ride along the lakeside, feeling the breeze and admiring the beautiful lake views—so relaxing. Navigate to "Changyingtou Pier" for great photo opportunities, perfect for stunning shots.
Evening: Return to the city, visit Wuling Square or Xinglong Pedestrian Street night market, taste various snacks, and experience the lively atmosphere of Chenzhou.
✅ Day 3: Yangtianhu Grassland - Return Trip
Morning: Depart from the city, charter a car to Yangtianhu Grassland (about 2 hours, car charter costs around 400-500 RMB per car, cost can be shared by carpooling). Book tickets online in advance (120 RMB). Inside the park, you can ride horses, feed sika deer, visit Hobbit houses, and enjoy vast grassland scenery, like being in a fairy tale.
Afternoon: After lunch in the scenic area, pack up and prepare to return. Before leaving, don’t forget to have another bowl of Chenzhou’s signature fish noodles to perfectly end this trip.