Taoyuan

Things to do in Taoyuan

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Taoyuan

View all Attractions
Taohuayuan Ancient Town

Taohuayuan Ancient Town

4.7
3.9/5
14 reviews
Taohuayuan Ancient Town is located about 50 kilometers southwest of Taoyuan County, Changde City, Hunan Province, adjacent to Taohuayuan Scenic Area. It was built based on the legend of "Utopia" written by Tao Yuanming. The ancient town covers an area of ​​about 1,600 acres, with a core Ming and Qing style building complex of more than 400,000 square meters. The small bridges and flowing water, blue tiles and white walls, and archway bridges complement each other. It has both the charm of Jiangnan water town and the folk customs of Hunan. Walking through the streets, you can see attractions such as Chenghuang Temple, Fubo Tower, Ancient Theater, and Marriage Tower, as well as cultural venues such as Baichuang Hall and Calligraphy and Painting Academy. Wuliu Lake is located between Taohua Mountain and Taoyuan Mountain. The lake and mountains are interdependent, and the shore is shaded by weeping willows. It is the spiritual place of the ancient town; there is a Taoyuan Craft Museum on the lakeside to display local intangible cultural heritage handicrafts and cultural and creative products. In spring, peach blossoms bloom all over the mountains, in summer, lotus leaves are in the fields, in autumn, red leaves are in full bloom, and in winter, there are green pines and cypresses, each with its own style. The ancient town has developed special projects such as Hanfu experience, Leicha performance, and winemaking skills through the model of cultural tourism integration and rural revitalization, combining the millennium intangible cultural heritage with contemporary cultural creation to create a variety of brands such as "Peach Blossom Spring in Tea" and "Peach Blossom Spring in Wine".Taoyuan · 15.6km from downtown
Xingde Mountain

Xingde Mountain

3
4.3/5
45 reviews
Xingde Mountain is located in Xingxing Village, Reshi Town, Taoyuan County, Changde City, Hunan Province. It is located on the border of Taoyuan, Shimen and Cili counties, and at the junction of "three threes" of Reshi, Guangfuqiao and Mengquan towns. Xingde Mountain is mainly reflected in the "four wonders" - wonders, pines, rocks, and peaks, especially the wonders.Taoyuan · 56.7km from downtown
Orange Isle Scenic Area
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Hunan Jiangxi Fujian Region

Orange Isle Scenic Area

9
4.6/5
13.7k reviews
Orange Isle Scenic Area is a narrow sandbar lying across the heart of the Xiang River in Changsha, stretching approx. five km. It faces Yuelu Mountain to the west and borders Changsha's old city to the east, surrounded by water on all sides. Named after the abundant orange trees planted on the isle, it was historically called Shuiluzhou. Formed by river alluvium, this sandbar has existed for over a millennium, where the "River and sky in evening snow" scenery was once among the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang. In 1925, the poem "Spring in a pleasure garden - Changsha" was composed here, with its iconic line "Alone I stand in the biting fall, watching the Xiang River flow north past Orange Isle's head," which made this riverine landmark widely renowned. The highlights of the visit are concentrated at the islet's head: A granite art sculpture over 30 m tall, modeled after the 1925 youth image, stands facing the river as Changsha's highly recognizable landmark. Nearby, the Questioning Heaven Platform extends toward the river center, where leaning on the railing reveals the mighty Xiang River flowing northward, with Yuelu Mountain and the city skylines on both banks facing each other across the water. The Songju Pavilion, white marble poetry stele, and the 200-year-old ancient phoenix tree at the islet head are all in this area. Heading north from the islet head, a hundred-acre orange orchard bears golden fruits in fall, while bamboo groves, peach orchards, plum gardens, and osmanthus groves take turns showcasing seasonal flora. The historic Zhuzhang Ferry (where Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi once crossed the Xiang River for lectures) and the Huxiang Culture Exhibition Hall are scattered along the way. At the islet's tail, the reconstructed Jiangshen Temple and Gongji Tower area was precisely where ancients admired the "River and sky in evening snow" scenery. The island is long and narrow, making round-trip walks quite tiring. A sightseeing train is available for transportation, with multiple stops along the way for hopping on and off. Travelers with limited time are advised to head straight to the island's tip to see the sculpture and river views, then stroll leisurely along the riverside path. At dusk, watching the sunset over the Xiang River and seeing the lights gradually illuminate both shores from the island's tip is especially worth setting aside time for.China · Changsha
Liuye Lake Tourist Resort
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Changde

Liuye Lake Tourist Resort

5.4
4.4/5
413 reviews
Willow Lake is in the northeast of the ancient city of Changde. It is named after tree because of its shape. Baihe Mountain, Huashan Mountain and Sun Mountain surround the northern part of the lake. Baihe Mountain is a treasure, where white cranes live. Every season, many white cranes and egrets arrive. They fly in blue skies over clear water, adding wonderful colors to the Willow Lake. The vast water of Willow Lake is ideal for water sport competitions. A water course has been built, and many events are successfully held.Changde · 32.3km from Taoyuan
The Three Gorges Dam Tourism Area
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Hubei

The Three Gorges Dam Tourism Area

8.9
4.7/5
8.9k reviews
The Three Gorges Dam Tourism Area is located in the Xiling Gorge section of the Yangtze River in Yichang, Hubei. It is a scenic attraction built around the Three Gorges hydro project, covering over ten square kilometers. Currently, it offers travelers three viewing spots: Tanzi Ridge, the 185 viewing platform, and the river closure memorial park. The dam crest itself is not open to travelers, so visits primarily revolve around these three attractions. Tanzi Ridge is the highest accessible point in the dam area, named for its jar-shaped summit viewing platform resembling an overturned jar. It also served as the survey site for the dam's initial location selection. From the ridge top, visitors can overlook the Three Gorges Project in its entirety—the dam, power station, and twin five-level ship locks are all visible. The five lock chambers cascade down the mountainside, earning the nickname "Fourth Gorge of the Yangtze." The park displays engineering artifacts like ancient riverbed stones, river closure rocks, and foundation stones from the dam site, complemented by model exhibits that help visitors intuitively understand the origins and development of this mega-project. The 185 observation platform is located on the left bank of the dam. It gets its name from sharing the same elevation of 185 m as the dam crest. Standing on the platform feels like being atop the dam: on one side, the dam and vertical ship lift are within close reach, offering a chance to witness ships "riding the elevator" over the dam; on the other side lies the vast, tranquil reservoir upstream. The stark contrast between the stillness above and the dynamism below the dam is striking. The closure memorial park is situated on the right bank downstream of the dam, preserving artifacts like tetrahedral closure stones and large loading machinery used during the construction. It's an ideal spot to view the dam's full frontal grandeur. During flood seasons when the dam releases water, torrents rush out from the deep outlets, creating towering mist and thunderous echoes that reverberate through the valley—a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. The three attractions are far apart, and the scenic area provides shuttle buses for transportation. It is recommended to reserve half a day to visit them in order.China · Yichang
Hunan Museum
2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Hunan Museum

8.8
4.8/5
16.3k reviews
Hunan Museum has a rich collection of cultural relics, especially of those from the Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs. The Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs Exhibition is a permanent exhibit at Hunan Museum. It features thin-as-cicada-wing plain yarn garments, undamaged printed cotton gowns, all kinds of exquisite embroidery, brightly painted lacquer wares, delicate and detailed paintings, and so on.China · Changsha
Mount Yuelu
No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Hunan

Mount Yuelu

8.3
4.6/5
5.5k reviews
Mount Yuelu stands on the west bank of the Xiang River and is a landmark mountain in Changsha. At its foot lies the Yuelu Academy, founded during the Northern Song Dynasty, a millennium-old institution sharing the mountain's name. Ascending from here leads to Qingfeng Gorge, where the Aiwan Pavilion, named after Du Mu's poetic line "I stop my carriage to admire the maple woods at dusk," is surrounded by maple trees. Midway up the mountain, the ancient Lushan Temple, established in the Western Jin Dynasty over 1,700 years ago, features a lush six-dynasty-era podocarpus tree in front of its sutra repository. At the summit stands the Yunlu Palace, a Taoist temple built during the Ming Dynasty, offering panoramic views of the Xiang River and Changsha's urban area. The mountain's historical sites extend further, with the Yu King Stele, Python Cave, and Changsha Battle Memorial Stele scattered along its trails. Modern figures such as Huang Xing, Cai E, and Chen Tianhua are also buried here, making the mountain a condensed repository of profound modern history. Most cultural attractions are concentrated near the south gate, where you can visit major historic sites in sequence from Yuelu Academy to Aiwan Pavilion. For those preferring not to hike, a cableway station near the east gate allows easy ascent, eliminating most uphill climbing. With an elevation of about 300 m and well-developed trails, reaching the summit on foot is manageable. Ancient trees like Jin dynasty podocarps, Tang dynasty ginkgos, Song-Yuan era camphor trees, and Ming-Qing maple-chestnuts line the paths, making the entire mountain resemble a natural botanical museum. In late fall when maple leaves turn red across the slopes, it becomes an ideal time for hiking. Allocate half a day to leisurely photograph Aiwan Pavilion and the mountaintop viewpoints.China · Changsha
Fenghuang Ancient Town
2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

Fenghuang Ancient Town

8
4.3/5
8.7k reviews
The ancient town of Fenghuang is located in the southwest of Xiangxi, Hunan Province. The ancient city was built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. It is surrounded by mountains and rivers, with the Tuojiang River running through the city. The red sandstone walls stand on the shore, and the Nanhua Mountain is set against the city towers from the Qing Dynasty. A narrow wooden bridge with stone piers is across the river under the north gate of the ancient city. It was the passage out of the city in those days. The bluestone streets in the city, the stilt houses by the Tuojiang River, the numerous ancient buildings and the rich customs constitute the unique charm of western Hunan. The main attractions include the former residence of Shen Congwen, the ancient city museum, Chongde Hall, etc., which are worth visiting.China · Fenghuang County
Li Zijian Art Museum
No. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Hunan

Li Zijian Art Museum

7.7
4.9/5
1.2k reviews
Li Zijian Art Museum is located on the bank of Xiangjiang River in the Yanghu Wetland Park area of Changsha City. It is a large-scale modern public art museum in China and abroad, which was solely invested and founded by Li Zijian and Dan Hui. The construction started in December 2014 and was completed and opened on October 1, 2016. At the same time, Li Zijian Art Museum has the reputation of "the world's largest individual artist art museum". Introduction to artist Li Zijian: Li Zijian is a famous American painter and the director of Li Zijian Art Museum. Born in Shaoyang, Hunan in 1954, he graduated from the Oil Painting Department of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts in 1982 and moved to Los Angeles, USA in 1988. Over the past 20 years, he has held 72 large-scale global tour solo exhibitions in 30 countries and regions on six continents. He has independently and at his own expense promoted the universal values of "humanity and love" and spread the spirit of Chinese culture through realistic oil painting art tours, and has gained international reputation and attracted attention in the art world. In March 2018, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Knight of the Order of Literature (Arts) of the United Nations Global Philanthropy Alliance in Paris, France. In 2006, he was awarded the "Special Contribution Medal for International Peace" at the International Peace Forum. In 2005, he was awarded the European Byzantine "Knight of the Order of St. John" in Belgium and was knighted. In October 2016, painter Li Zijian and his wife invested in the construction of the "Artist's Personal Art Museum" - Li Zijian Art Museum in Changsha, Hunan, and he served as the lifelong director.China · Changsha
Yangtze River Three Gorges
No. 3 of Night Attractions in Hubei

Yangtze River Three Gorges

7.5
4.8/5
264 reviews
The Yangtze River Three Gorges is a grand canyon formed by the Yangtze cutting through the Wushan Mountains. It stretches nearly 200 km from White Emperor City in Fengjie, Chongqing, in the west to Nanjin Pass in Yichang, Hubei, in the east, connecting three gorges—Qutang, Wuxia, and Xiling—from west to east. This stretch of river has served as a vital waterway between Ba and Chu since ancient times. Li Bai's verse "Departing at dawn from White Emperor City veiled in colorful clouds" depicts the eastbound journey from the gorge entrance, while Du Fu left his famous line "The endless Yangtze rolls on and on" in Fengjie. Each gorge has distinct characteristics, often summarized as "majestic Qutang, graceful Wuxia, and perilous Xiling." Qutang Gorge spans only about 8 km but is renowned for its sheer cliffs. At Kuimen, its entrance, the river abruptly narrows to less than 100 m between knife-cut bluffs—a scene featured on the back of China's fifth series CNY 10 banknote. Ancient plank road holes and Wind Box Gorge's hanging coffins remain visible on the cliffs. Wuxia Gorge extends over 40 km like a winding gallery, with the Twelve Peaks lining its banks. Goddess Peak stands elegantly photogenic in morning mist. Xiling Gorge was once notorious for rapids, but the Three Gorges Dam has transformed its upper reaches into a "high gorge with placid waters." Riverside landmarks like White Emperor City and Huangling Temple are worth visiting. Cruising is the best way to experience the gorges. Long-distance ships sail downstream, while short round-trip boats shuttle through key sections. Watching peaks drift by from the deck offers a more immersive perspective than shore viewing. Morning mist often creates ideal conditions for photographing Kuimen and Goddess Peak. Cliffside plank road relics and inscriptions may flash by during the cruise—keep an eye out to avoid missing them.China · Yichang

Experiences you can't miss in Taoyuan

Featured Cultural experiences in Taoyuan

View all Cultural experiences
1-Day Zhangjiajie Tour to Avatar Mountain and Glass Bridge
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
FromJPY 23,092
1+0.5 Days Furong , Tianmen, Avatar, Glass Bridge,  Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour
󱌍
Duration: 13.8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromJPY 7,564
1+0.5 Day Furong Town, Avatar, Tianmen, Bailong Elevator Zhangjiajie Private Day Tour
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 12.1 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromJPY 6,902

Featured Outdoor experiences in Taoyuan

View all Outdoor experiences
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park 1-day tour [10-person group/private tour includes round-trip cableway]
Trip.Select
󱌍
4.9/5
· 957 reviews· 4.9k booked
Duration: 7.1 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
99% of travelers recommend
FromJPY 11,062
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park + Furong Town 1-day tour [12-person group/Tianmen Cave/Furong Town]
Trip.Select
󱌍
5.0/5
· 60 reviews· 255 booked
Duration: 10.6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
60 consecutive positive reviews
FromJPY 16,970
1-day tour for 10 people to Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain + Grand Canyon glass bridge | Glass bridge + glass skywalk
󱌍
5.0/5
· 32 reviews· 164 booked
Duration: 7.1 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
32 consecutive positive reviews
FromJPY 20,516
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon high-altitude glass bridge + Huanglong Cave (pure fun) 1-day tour (guide hotel pick-up and drop-off)
󱌍
FromJPY 13,557
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Huanglong Cave Shared/Private Day Tour
󱌍
5.0/5
· 7 reviews· 58 booked
Duration: 10 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromJPY 12,220
Private day tour to Glass Bridge + Included Zip Line & Canyon Activities + Huanglong Cave
󱌍
4.8/5
· 12 reviews· 50 booked
Duration: 10 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromJPY 9,088
1-Day private Tour in Zhangjiajie Tianmen mountain& Tianmen cave & glass skywalk
󱌍
5.0/5
· 3 reviews· 36 booked
Duration: 10 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromJPY 6,907
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park + 72 Marvelous Towers Night View [Premium Private Tour] in Zhangjiajie
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 30 booked
Duration: 12.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
FromJPY 14,158

Free things to do in Taoyuan

What travellers say about Taoyuan

user-avatar
gz当地向导伊妹儿14 July 2021
5.0
The scenery of Taohuayuan Ancient Town is so beautiful. There are not many people. There are many antique buildings with unique features. It is suitable for taking photos and checking in. It is very interesting. You can stroll around the ancient town and eat local food. It is very cost-effective and good!

Taohuayuan Ancient Town

user-avatar
喜欢猫的虎11 December 2022
5.0
Xingde Mountain is located in Taoyuan County, Changde City, Hunan Province. It is located on the edge of Taoyuan County, Shimen County, Zhangjiajie Cili County, and at the junction of Reshi, Guangfuqiao and Mengquan Town. It is a pearl dotted on the Provincial Highway 1801 to Changci Highway. The characteristics of Xingde Mountain's tourism resources are mainly reflected in the "four wonders" - wonders, strange pines, strange stones, and strange peaks. The wonders are the most prominent, so the function is mainly to appreciate and experience the profound Taoist culture. The beautiful Xingde Mountain is 842.5 meters high and faces the Taoist holy place Wulei Mountain in Cili across the mountain. It is a famous Taoist mountain that integrates natural and cultural landscapes and has a very profound cultural heritage.

Xingde Mountain

user-avatar
Anonymous user8 October 2026
5.0
There were no assigned seats, so you could sit anywhere. We spent most of our time on the third deck enjoying the view and taking photos. Although it was very hot outside, there was a breeze on both sides of the deck, so it wasn't too bad. There were karaoke machines and vendors selling snacks and drinks on both the second and third decks. The air conditioning on the second deck was very strong. We arrived at the pier half an hour early, and there was already a queue.

Orange Isle Scenic Area

user-avatar
无为海之风2 July 2025
5.0
Changde Liuye Lake is the core tourist resort of Changde City, Hunan Province. It integrates natural scenery, human history, sports events and music culture, and is known as the "No. 1 Lake in Chinese Cities". Along the lake, there are fisherman and woodcutter cultural relics and a group of sculptures themed on the Battle of Changde; Dahe Street, Xiaohe Street and Mayang Street are national-level tourist and leisure districts, integrating ancient buildings and intangible cultural heritage. When Liu Yuxi was exiled to Changde (ancient Langzhou), he wrote "Humble House Inscription", and Sima Tower was built on the lakeside to commemorate him. Myths and legends such as "Liu Hai Cutting Wood" and "Chang'e Flying to the Moon" are circulated.

Liuye Lake Tourist Resort

user-avatar
E11***958 October 2026
5.0
The tour takes approximately 3.5 hours. From the visitor transfer center, take a sightseeing bus to Tanziling. After descending Tanziling, proceed to the 185 Park, where you can take an electric cart or walk. From the 185 Park, take a sightseeing bus to the Interception Memorial Park. Finally, take a sightseeing bus to the Miniature Landscape Park (the park's exit), concluding the tour.

The Three Gorges Dam Tourism Area

user-avatar
Anonymous user9 October 2026
5.0
Since we couldn't book through the official website, we chose this option. Entry was smooth, and the guide even led us into a classroom for a brief explanation before the tour. The explanation was very detailed and thorough. Even with many people inside, the guide repeatedly checked the number of people and led the group. Overall, they were very dedicated and responsible, and we learned a lot from the guide – definitely worth the visit.

Hunan Museum

user-avatar
118***585 October 2026
5.0
During the National Day holiday, the crowds were immense. Our tour guide, Xiao Xiang, led us along the way, providing lively and engaging explanations that saved us from taking unnecessary detours and greatly improved efficiency. He also clearly outlined the key locations.

Mount Yuelu

user-avatar
oueryuji13 September 2026
5.0
Fenghuang Ancient Town, located in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, is a border town renowned for its literary significance. A national 5A-level tourist attraction, it was praised by New Zealand writer Rewi Alley as "China's most beautiful small town." The Tuojiang River flows gently through the town, with stilted houses standing along its banks and winding ancient cobblestone alleys. This is the spiritual home of Shen Congwen's novel "Border Town," harboring unique Xiangxi charm. In the morning, a thin mist blankets the river; at night, lights reflect on the water. The landscape and culture blend seamlessly, half poetic, half down-to-earth; every step reveals the gentle warmth of time. #TravelRecommendationOfficer #HealingScenery #FenghuangAncientTown #XiangxiTourism

Fenghuang Ancient Town

user-avatar
不吃面包树的人13 October 2026
5.0
Changsha's Treasure Art Museum! Nestled beside Yanghu Wetland Park, built along the lake, the environment is serene and the admission is permanently free—truly deserving of its reputation as the world's largest privately owned artist's museum. The exhibition space is vast, with hundreds of realistic oil paintings quietly displayed. The rural figures and mother-daughter series are warm and simple, with delicate brushstrokes; each face is full of stories. The museum's centerpiece, "The Nanjing Massacre," is extremely impactful; I lingered there for a long time, feeling heavy-hearted and deeply moved. The museum's layout is comfortable, with soft lighting, making for a great viewing experience. Li Zijian and his wife built the museum at their own expense, opening the doors of art to the public free of charge—a truly touching act. Looking at the paintings, finding peace, and experiencing the humanity and love within the art—whether visiting alone or with friends, it's a healing and empowering journey. A must-visit in Changsha. (Photo taken after visiting the museum with my daughter.)

Li Zijian Art Museum

user-avatar
191***3230 April 2026
5.0
The scenery was beautiful, especially after the rain, like walking through a painting; the tour guide at the Three Gorges Dam was beautiful, had a lovely voice, and provided thorough explanations; the young man who accompanied us was professional, dedicated, and provided detailed explanations and made excellent arrangements! Highly recommended!

Yangtze River Three Gorges

Popular cities near Taoyuan

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Taoyuan?

Don't miss these attractions in Taoyuan: Taohuayuan Ancient Town, Xingde Mountain, and Orange Isle Scenic Area. If you like Cultural experiences, try 1-Day Zhangjiajie Tour to Avatar Mountain and Glass Bridge. If you enjoy Outdoor experiences, try Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park 1-day tour [10-person group/private tour includes round-trip cableway].

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.