A Detailed Guide to Changning Million Cherry Blossom Garden

Located in the Dayi Mountain Ecological Nature Reserve of Luoqiao Town, Changning City, Hengyang, Changning Million Cherry Blossom Garden is a perfect destination for cherry blossom viewing in spring. Covering 5,360 mu, the garden features over a million cherry trees of more than ten rare varieties. From late January to mid-April each year, different varieties of cherry blossoms bloom in succession, transforming the park into a romantic pink ocean. 1. Admission and Opening Hours Tickets are CNY 60 per person, with free admission for children under 1.2m and seniors over 70, while seniors aged 65-69 get half-price tickets. Discounted tickets are often available on major travel platforms. Opening hours are 8:30 - 17:30. It's recommended to enter around 3pm when the soft lighting is perfect for photos and you can enjoy the dreamy sunset among the cherry blossoms. 2. Transportation Guide • Self-driving: Navigate to "Changning Million Cherry Blossom Garden." Take the Yuelin Expressway, then drive about 30 minutes after exiting. The roads are wide and smooth with nice scenery. The scenic area has 6 large parking lots with ample spaces. During peak times, you can also park at private parking lots outside the scenic area for CNY 10 per vehicle. • Public Transportation: Take a bus from Hengyang to Changning, then transfer to a special line to Luoqiao Town. Note that buses are infrequent, so plan your schedule accordingly. 3. Must-Visit Spots • Cherry Blossom Avenue: The garden's iconic landscape features cherry trees lining both sides of the path. When in full bloom, falling petals create a romantic pink pathway - perfect for Hanfu enthusiasts' photos. • Sun Moon Lake: Enjoy the beautiful interplay of lake, mountains, and cherry blossoms. Take a boat ride for a close-up view of the delicate blossoms or try an exciting speedboat ride for different perspectives. • Windmill and Flower Fairy Statues: Popular photo spots with fairy-tale charm, featuring windmills and adorable flower fairy statues as backdrops for whimsical photos. 4. Activities • Children's Zoo: Get close to adorable animals like sika deer, white rabbits, and squirrels. Kids can have fun while developing compassion and observation skills. • Zip Line: For thrill-seekers, enjoy a high-speed aerial view of the cherry blossoms across the mountains. • Boat Rides: Cruise peacefully on the lake surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms for a relaxing experience. 5. Special Events This year's "Cherry Blossom Parade" themed activities include: • Hanfu Float Parade: Four elaborately decorated cherry blossom-themed floats cruise through the park. "Cherry Blossom Ambassadors" in elegant Hanfu interact with visitors. Scan QR codes for a chance to win prizes. • Intangible Cultural Heritage Display: Showcasing traditional crafts from Nanyue and other areas. 6. Food Recommendations • Park Food Stalls: Enjoy Mongolian BBQ, fresh lemonade, Changsha stinky tofu, cheese hot dogs, crispy rice cakes, and other snacks while exploring. • Local Restaurants: Try Changning's specialty dishes like Seven Vinegar (intangible cultural heritage), mugwort rice cakes, Luoqiao fish dumplings, and frozen rice ball soup. 7. Photography Tips • Equipment: Use telephoto lenses to compress backgrounds and highlight cherry blossoms; large apertures for background blur. Use f/2.8 and 1/500 shutter speed for blossom close-ups; 1/1000 for parade shots. • Composition: Apply the rule of thirds for portraits; use diagonal composition for flower paths; leave appropriate white space for artistic effect. • Outfits: Wear light-colored dresses, Hanfu, or JK uniforms in pink or white. Accessories like straw bags, paper umbrellas, and floral hairpieces complement well. 8. Important Notes • Camping and BBQ are prohibited. Keep the environment clean. • Protect the flowers and trees. Do not pick or trample cherry blossoms. • Follow staff instructions and observe safety guidelines for activities.