Yiyang Travel Guide: Explore the Beauty of Traditional Architecture

🌅"The sunshine is just right, the breeze is gentle - it's the perfect season for travel." In April, Yiyang is full of spring vitality with blooming flowers, making it an ideal city to visit. Today I'm bringing you the most comprehensive travel guide for Yiyang in April📖, to help you discover this city's unique charm. 📍Introduction: Yiyang, located in north-central Hunan province, is close to the Yangtze River in the north and backed by Xuefeng Mountain in the south, with the Zi River flowing through the city. It features both beautiful natural scenery and rich historical culture. Known as the "Silver City" and "Beautiful Capital," it also enjoys titles such as "China's Badminton Hometown," "China's Bamboo Hometown," and "China's Dark Tea Hometown." 🗺️Itinerary Planning: - Day 1: Arrive in Yiyang in the morning and visit Bailu Temple to experience the tranquility and solemnity of the ancient temple while listening to the bell sounds; enjoy firewood-cooked fish at Zijiang Scenic Belt for lunch; visit Zhou Libo's Former Residence in the afternoon to learn about the literary master's life story. - Day 2: Head to the Ancient Tea Horse Road Scenic Area in the morning, ride horses through the mountains and experience the caravan culture; enjoy bamboo tube rice, smoked bacon and other local delicacies for lunch in the scenic area; stroll through Guanshan Canyon in the afternoon to appreciate the natural scenery. - Day 3: Visit Yunmeng Ark International Resort in the morning - enjoy the water park in summer or the indoor fantasy kingdom in other seasons; taste Hunan specialty snacks at the resort for lunch; explore Yiyang Old Street in the afternoon to experience local life and buy specialty souvenirs. 🌟Must-Visit Attractions: 1. Ancient Tea Horse Road: The last remaining caravan site in southern China and one of China's three major ancient roads. Here you'll find cliff-hanging teahouses and thousand-year-old covered bridges. During the April tea-picking season, you can wear tea-picking costumes and experience tea processing to feel the rich dark tea culture. Located in Gaocheng Village, Jiangnan Town, Anhua County. Admission: 68 yuan. 2. Taohuajiang Bamboo Sea: 150,000 acres of lush bamboo forest, the filming location for the "Beauty Nest" music video. You can take the rainbow slide straight into the bamboo forest, take martial arts-style photos in traditional Han clothing on the glass walkway, and discover hidden bamboo tube rice deep in the forest. Located in Taohuajiang Town, Taojiang County. Admission: 45 yuan. 3. Longquan Cave: Known as the "First Cave of Long Treasure," this 3,000-meter magical karst cave features stalactites like crystal palaces and rare soda straw formations hanging like icicles. It's pleasantly cool inside during summer. Located in Malu Town, Anhua County. Admission: 70 yuan. Don't miss the underground river adventure, soda straw formations, and cave light show. 4. Ming-Qing Ancient Alley: An immersive ancient street that will become popular in 2025, with three "most beautiful alleys in Jiangnan" not to be missed. The "arch-supported wall" architecture is perfect for photos. At night, there's a light show called "Dragon's Prosperity." Located in Damaqiao Street, Ziyang District. Free admission. You can also experience paper-cutting and shadow puppetry at the intangible cultural heritage market, drink "Chinese medicine milk tea" for 5 yuan, and try the popular soufflé for 20 yuan. 5. Bailu Temple: A thousand-year-old temple nestled on the hillside of Huilong Mountain, named after a legend of white deer listening to Buddhist scriptures. Red flying eaves contrast with ancient trees. Climbing to the highest Main Hall, you can see the Zi River stretching into the distance. It's a popular place for people seeking good relationships. Located at 58 Huilong Road, Heshan District. Free admission. You can listen to the "White Deer Evening Bell," ask for safety amulets, and overlook the panoramic view of Zi River. 6. Renmin Road Food Alley: A local food haven with concentrated food stalls. The 5-yuan handmade wonton has thin skin and fresh filling, the scallion pancakes are crispy, and the spicy skewers paired with iced Lei tea are absolutely amazing! Located next to Qiaobei People's Hospital in Ziyang District. Must-try foods include Xiao Laoguan wontons, Yang Dama scallion pancakes, and charcoal-grilled beef skewers. 7. Zhenzhihu Lake in Yuanjiang: Legend has it that this was where Xi Shi bathed, with water as clear as jade. Rent a small boat to float on the lake, watch the sunset turn the water red in the evening, and enjoy fresh silver fish soup. The surrounding farmhouses offer complete fish feasts for just 50 yuan per person. Located in Sanyantang, Yuanjiang City. Free admission. Activities include boating to enjoy the sunset, fishing by the lake, and eating complete fish feasts. 8. Yiyang Museum: A treasure trove spanning thousands of years, with impressive 4,000-year-old stone axes and Chu State jade bi discs with phoenix patterns. The story of He Fengshan saving Jewish people is deeply moving. Located on Kangfu Road, Heshan District. Free admission (closed on Mondays). Treasures include Neolithic grooved stone axes, Warring States period double-phoenix jade bi discs, and Spring and Autumn period bronze vessels. 🍜Food Recommendations: - Mala Tang (Spicy Hot Pot): Different from other places, ingredients are skewered and cooked in a large pot, then dipped in special sauce - spicy and addictive. Jinhua Mala Tang is very popular. - Gualiang Fen (Scraped Jelly): Smooth jelly mixed with chili oil, vinegar, minced garlic and other seasonings, melts in your mouth and is refreshingly cool - a must-try street snack. - Suo Luo (Sucking Snails): Fresh river snails cleaned thoroughly and stir-fried with chili, perilla and other spices. When sucking, the spicy broth and snail meat enter your mouth together, creating an excellent flavor. - Anhua Bacon: Traditionally smoked with a firm texture, stir-fried with garlic sprouts for a fragrant dish. - Yiyang Rice Noodles: Soup noodles served with pork trotters or beef brisket. The "Changji" old shop on Taiping Ancient Street is most respected by locals. - Taohuajiang Fish Cake: Minced fresh fish steamed to a fine texture, can be used as a hot pot ingredient. 🏠Accommodation Guide: - For convenience: Choose hotels in the city center with convenient transportation and complete surrounding facilities. - For peace and comfort: Homestays near scenic areas are good choices to better experience local customs, such as Tea Horse Road Post wooden cabins or Taohuajiang Bamboo Sea farmhouses. - High-end vacation: Zijinwan Happy Kingdom Resort Hotel includes water park and hot spring tickets, with starry skylights in family rooms; Yuntai Mountain cliff homestay features panoramic glass rooms facing the sea of clouds and offers customized tea tour experiences. - Budget options: Hotels in the Yiyang Wanda Plaza business district, near subway stations, average 100-150 yuan per night, within walking distance to night markets. 📌Travel Tips: - Weather in Yiyang can be changeable in April, so remember to bring rain gear and appropriate clothing. - Some attractions like the Dark Tea Museum are closed on Mondays, so confirm opening times and make reservations in advance. - Temperature differences on Yuntai Mountain can be significant; bring windproof jackets in spring and autumn. Cave floors can be slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. - Ask for residents' permission when taking photos in ancient villages. Climbing on Tea Horse Road relics is prohibited. 🌈Yiyang is a city with natural beauty, delicious food, and profound cultural heritage. I hope this guide helps you have a perfect trip to Yiyang and create wonderful memories💕.