2025 Linxiang Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

#triplocal somewhere on the way from Yueyang to wuhan #triplocal

🚗 Self-driving guide: A journey through greenery straight to the clouds • Route: Changsha → Jinggang'ao Expressway → Hangrui Expressway (exit at Yanglousi) → X020 county road winding up the mountain, navigate to "Meichi Mountain Villa" for direct access • Duration: 3 hours to reach the mountaintop village at 880 meters elevation; the deeper into the mountains you drive, the lower the temperature on the thermometer drops! • Trip.com bonus: Book the "Meichi Yun She" homestay on the app to enjoy a 10% discount + a hand-drawn summer cooling map (search "Longjiao Mountain Summer Package" to lock in the room) • Mountain road tip: The last 8 kilometers have many curves, SUV recommended; along the way, Longyuan Reservoir is as green as jade, perfect for stopping to take stunning road photos📸 ❄️ Ultimate summer escape: An average daily temperature of 22°C in a green wonderland • Natural air-conditioning secret: 99% forest coverage + three water systems running through the village, feels 18°C cooler than Changsha! At noon, you need a light jacket even when eating watermelon in the shade • Must-visit cool spots: ✅ Jiuchong Waterfall creek tracing: Barefoot in the ice-cold creek water, trek 10 kilometers through the canyon and vine forest, jump into the emerald pool at the third pond for a swim💦 (water depth 1 meter, very safe) ✅ Sanchongyan Tyndall Pool: Sunlight penetrates the primeval forest onto mossy stone walls, snorkeling here feels like swimming through flowing golden silk! (Bring a waterproof phone pouch for underwater shots) ✅ Millennium Ginkgo Blessing: A 1,300-year-old tree forms a giant green umbrella, tie a red ribbon to make a wish said to be very effective! Stunningly beautiful when bathed in golden dusk light 🌌 Starry sky homestay: Nightlife with a view of the Milky Way from your window • Sleep to bamboo waves: Stay in a rammed earth stilt house, cover yourself with a quilt at night while listening to the sound of bamboo waves🌬️ (No joke! You really need a quilt on summer nights) • Starry sky blast: After 9 PM, lie flat on the rooftop terrace and see the Milky Way hanging overhead! Use a phone tripod to capture star trails, the homestay lends red light flashlights for free🔭 • Morning cloud sea chase: At 5:30 AM, climb Longjiao Mountain viewing platform to see the cloud waterfall engulf red-tiled roofs, wear Hanfu and stand on the stone arch bridge as if stepping into a fairyland ________________________________________ 📸 Perfect photo spots: Forest-themed shots at zero cost • "Bamboo Sea Stairway": 200 steps of bluestone stairs behind the homestay, flanked by towering bamboo, a girl in a white dress photographed from above instantly looks like a scene from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"🎋 • Ancient Yao Village Stone Gate: Vines entwined on mottled stone walls, touch the sun-patterned stone carving, the Yao people's thousand-year migration history frozen at your fingertips • Streamside rain curtain: Stand in the mist of the waterfall rain, silhouette shots with full ink-wash painting effect! 🍃 Mountain and wild exclusive experiences • Bamboo lantern crafting: Learn to weave bamboo wind chimes with villagers and take home your own bamboo forest memory (free for homestay guests) • Yao culture roots search: Find the village elder to hear the "Pan King Legend," explore the stone altar ruins, unlock the Trip.com "Secret Realm Explorer" badge • Family bonus: Nighttime firefly hunt in the bamboo forest, catch peach blossom jellyfish by the stream in July (transparent little fairies only around for 20 days!) 🚫 Pitfall guide · Real experience report • Gear list: → Creek tracing shoes + waterproof bag (mossy stones are very slippery!) → Long-sleeve quick-dry shirt (sun protection and mosquito repellent in one) → Mosquito repellent (mosquitoes in the primeval forest are fierce) • Off-peak suggestion: Homestays are fully booked on weekends! Depart Thursday for fewer people and exclusive photo opportunities, return Sunday and visit the Chibi Ancient Battlefield on the way 📍 Self-driving tips ⛽ Fuel stop: Yunxi Service Area on Hangrui Expressway (last stop before climbing the mountain) 🅿 Parking: Free at the homestay, arrive early on weekends to grab shaded spots 🎫 Cost: No entrance fee! Creek tracing/starry sky/bamboo sea all free, about 300 RMB per night to stay in this fairyland

**Yueyang Tower Travel Guide: Dongting Lake, the World's Water; Yueyang Tower, the World's Tower** **1. Scenic Area Introduction** **Yueyang Tower** is located on the shores of Dongting Lake in Yueyang City, Hunan Province. Along with **Yellow Crane Tower** and **Tengwang Pavilion**, it is known as one of the "Three Great Towers of Jiangnan." It has been praised since ancient times as "Dongting Lake, the world's water; Yueyang Tower, the world's tower." Originally built in the 20th year of Jian'an in the Eastern Han Dynasty (215 AD), it became famous worldwide due to Northern Song Dynasty scholar Fan Zhongyan's "Record of Yueyang Tower," which includes the timeless line "Be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures." The current Yueyang Tower was rebuilt in 1984 following the Qing Dynasty style. The main tower stands 19.42 meters tall, made entirely of wood without using a single nail or rivet, featuring flying eaves and a helmet-shaped roof, exuding grandeur. From the tower, visitors can gaze far across the magnificent 800-li Dongting Lake and feel the majestic spirit of "steam rising over Yunmeng Marsh, waves shaking Yueyang City." --- **2. Core Attractions** 1. **Main Yueyang Tower** - Inside the tower are displays of architectural models of Yueyang Tower through the ages and calligraphy inscriptions by famous artists. The top floor offers a panoramic view of Dongting Lake. - **Must-see:** - First floor: Carved screen of "Record of Yueyang Tower" (Qing Dynasty calligraphy by Zhang Zhao) - Second floor: Miniature models of Yueyang Tower from different eras - Third floor: Distant view of Dongting Lake and Junshan Island 2. **Xiao Qiao's Tomb** - Believed to be the burial site of Xiao Qiao, wife of the famous Eastern Wu general Zhou Yu from the Three Kingdoms period. There is a stele pavilion and statue beside the tomb. 3. **Huaifu Pavilion** - Commemorates Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu, who wrote "Climbing Yueyang Tower" here. The pavilion houses a statue of Du Fu and a poetry stele. 4. **Yueyang Gate** - The southern city gate of ancient Yueyang. Climbing the city wall offers views of Dongting Lake. 5. **Five Dynasties Tower Exhibition** - Displays miniature models of Yueyang Tower from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, showcasing its historical evolution. 6. **Dongting Lake Scenic Belt** - Lakeside walking paths where visitors can enjoy lake views, birdwatch (especially migratory birds in winter), and beautiful sunsets. --- **3. Recommended Itineraries** **Half-day Tour (Essentials)** **Main Yueyang Tower → Xiao Qiao's Tomb → Huaifu Pavilion → Five Dynasties Tower Exhibition → Dongting Lake Scenic Belt** **Full-day Tour (In-depth)** **Main Yueyang Tower → Xiao Qiao's Tomb → Huaifu Pavilion → Five Dynasties Tower Exhibition → Yueyang Gate → Bianhe Street (lunch) → Junshan Island (optional)** --- **4. Transportation Guide** - **High-speed Rail:** Take the high-speed train to **Yueyang East Station**, then taxi about 20 minutes to the scenic area (around 30 RMB). - **Bus:** From Yueyang Station/East Station, take bus **Tourist Line 1 or Line 15** to [Yueyang Tower Scenic Area Stop]. - **Self-driving:** The scenic area has parking lots, but spaces are limited during holidays; early arrival is recommended. --- **5. Ticket Information** - **Yueyang Tower Scenic Area:** 70 RMB per person (peak season May-October), 60 RMB per person (off-season November-April). - **Discounts:** Half price for students and seniors over 60; free for children under 1.2 meters. - **Opening Hours:** 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM (peak season), 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (off-season). --- **6. Best Photo Spots** 1. **Top Floor of Yueyang Tower:** Overlooking Dongting Lake, capturing the magnificent "water and sky as one" scenery. 2. **Yueyang Gate City Wall:** Photographing the blend of the ancient city and Dongting Lake. 3. **Dongting Lake Sunset:** The shimmering golden lake surface at dusk is perfect for photography. --- **7. Nearby Food Recommendations** 1. **Bianhe Street** (pedestrian street near the scenic area) - Recommended dishes: Yueyang barbecue, Dongting silverfish, braised duck, stinky tofu. 2. **Baling Whole Fish Banquet** - Dongting Lake specialty, recommended dishes include chopped chili fish head and steamed mandarin fish. 3. **Junshan Silver Needle Tea** - One of China's top ten famous teas, available for tasting at the scenic area's tea house. --- **8. Accommodation Recommendations** - **High-end:** Yueyang Grand Hotel (near Dongting Lake), Pullman Hotel (lake view rooms) - **Budget:** Home Inn, 7 Days Inn (near Bianhe Street or train station) --- **9. Best Time to Visit** - **Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November):** Comfortable climate, most beautiful lake views. - **Summer (June-August):** Lotus flowers bloom, but it can be hot. - **Winter (December-February):** Fewer tourists, ideal for birdwatching (such as cranes and swans). --- **10. Notes** 1. The stairs in Yueyang Tower are steep; elderly and children should be cautious. 2. Dongting Lake water levels vary seasonally; it may rise in summer and recede in winter, offering different landscapes. 3. If time permits, take a boat to **Junshan Island** (separate ticket required, about 40 minutes by boat). --- **11. Nearby Joint Tour Recommendations** - **Junshan Island** ("A green snail in a silver plate," the island of love legend) - **Zhangguying Village** (Ming and Qing Dynasty ancient village, known as the "Folk Palace Museum") - **Nanhu Square** (night light show) --- **Summary** Yueyang Tower is not only a historic landmark but also a symbol of Hunan culture. Climbing the tower to admire Dongting Lake allows visitors to feel Fan Zhongyan's spirit of "not rejoicing in external gains nor grieving over personal losses" and to appreciate the magnificent nature that "embraces distant mountains and swallows the Yangtze River." Combined with the delicious food of Bianhe Street and the exploration of Junshan Island, it is truly a feast of culture and nature!

Travel Guide to Jiangnan Desert in Linxiang, Yueyang, Hunan Preparation - ID: Bring your ID card or other valid ID. - Clothing: Prepare comfortable sneakers and beautiful clothes for photos. Bring a coat as the temperature difference between day and night is large. - Other items: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a power bank, etc. If you want to camp, prepare a tent, sleeping bag, and other equipment. Transportation - Self-driving: Drive from Wujia Mountain to National Highway 107, then to Jingzhu Expressway towards Changsha, and exit at Taolin. Drive 2 km to Linxiang Hotel, turn right, then turn right again at the roundabout, and drive 17 km towards Jiangnan Desert and 6501 Underground Maze. - Public transportation: Go to Yueyang Bus Station, take a bus to Linxiang City, then take a bus to the dam from Linxiang Bus Station to Jiangnan Desert. Attractions - Silver Beach: Nearly 100 million cubic meters of tailings are piled up here. The sand is fine and glistens in the sun. You can stroll, take photos, and enjoy the desert scenery. - Surrounding scenery: The edge of the sand sea is water, and the end is a mountain. Neatly arranged pines and cypresses form a unique desert oasis landscape. Activities - Entertainment: You can experience exciting activities such as beach motorcycles, horseback riding, and beach surfing to feel the desert style. - Themed activities: If you encounter activities such as tent music and beer festivals, you can participate and enjoy music and food. Dining and accommodation - Dining: There are snack stalls near the scenic area, offering grilled sausages, cold noodles, and other snacks. You can also bring your own food for a picnic. - Accommodation: You can choose a hotel in Linxiang City, such as Linxiang Zhongfa Hotel, or camp around the scenic area.

Located at a crossroads, the hotel is surrounded by a variety of commercial facilities, such as cake shops and fruit shops, making life convenient. The breakfast offers a variety of Chinese dishes, such as rice noodles, and is well received. The front desk can proactively upgrade room types, reflecting high-quality customer service.

Experience the luxury of time travel, Yueyang Huayin Ramada Plaza Hotel Yueyang Huayin Ramada Plaza Hotel is not just a place to stay, but also a heritage of historical culture. Located in Yueyang, an ancient and vibrant city, the hotel integrates the essence of Hunan culture and the ingenious modern architecture. Stepping into the lobby, it seems to shuttle between the past and the present, the classical wood carving art and the modern design style complement each other, making people marvel at the unique design. Each room is a tribute to the cultural spirit of Yueyang. The ink painting on the wall depicts the majestic Yueyang Tower, as if telling a thousand-year-old story. And the facilities in the room all reflect Ramada's commitment to comfort and fashion. Whether it's the delicate and soft bedding, or the intelligent home system, it makes guests feel both noble and convenient. The special service is a highlight of the hotel. The professional butler team provides personalized services, whether it is a business meeting or leisure travel, you can get meticulous care. And the rich dining options in the hotel, from authentic Hunan cuisine to international cuisine, every meal is a feast for the taste buds. Yueyang Huayin Ramada Plaza Hotel is not just a hotel, it is a perfect combination of Yueyang's profound cultural heritage and modern lifestyle, and it is an irreplaceable memory in the hearts of every guest.