4-Day Trip to Xiangtan | Classic Combination of Shaoshan Chongwai and Yuhu · Suitable for All Groups

Xiangtan, an ancient city nourished by the Xiang River for thousands of years, hides the gentleness and vitality of Huxiang culture. Here you will find beautiful lakes and mountains, quaint old streets, and mouth-watering cuisine—take the elderly for a walk by the lake, accompany children to play in the park, and every day here lets you feel the comfort and beauty of life. 🗓️ Itinerary Overview Day 1: Arrive in Xiangtan → Yuhu Park → Yaowan Historical and Cultural District Day 2: Panlong Grand View Garden → Xiangtan Museum Day 3: Xiangxiang Shuifu Temple Tourist Area Day 4: Qi Baishi Memorial Hall → Return trip 🌳 Day 1: Lakeside Stroll · Exploring Ancient Streets 📍 Yuhu Park (Free) Highlights: Known as the "city’s green lung" in downtown Xiangtan, the park features a wide lake, shaded trees, the Nine-Bend Bridge, and an island in the lake. In the early morning, elders often exercise here while children play. Elders can relax in lakeside pavilions soaking up the sun and chatting; children can play on the slides in the "Children’s Playground" (10 RMB per use) and feed the koi (5 RMB per bag of feed). The whole family can stroll along the lake, enjoying the gentle breeze. 🕙 Opening Hours: All day 📸 Photo Spots: Nine-Bend Bridge (capture the lake and bridge reflections), under the willow trees on the island (especially beautiful when willow catkins fly in spring) 📍 Yaowan Historical and Cultural District (Free) Highlights: An ancient dockside street from the Ming and Qing dynasties, preserving relics like "Wangheng Pavilion" and "Tangxing Temple." The cobblestone street is lined with vintage shops. Elders can listen to Xiang opera in the "Old Teahouse" (20 RMB per cup of tea); children are attracted by "Sugar Painting" (15 RMB each) and buy "Dengxin Cake" (8 RMB per box) as snacks. When lanterns light up at dusk, the old street is full of charm. 🍖 Recommended Dining: "Mao Family Restaurant" (non-red-themed branch) in the district, must-try Mao-style braised pork (58 RMB) and chopped chili fish head (68 RMB), about 60 RMB per person, flavors suit most tastes. 🏨 Recommended Accommodation: "Huatian Hotel" by Yuhu (lake view rooms, family rooms available), priced 400-600 RMB per night, 10-minute walk to attractions. 🎡 Day 2: Garden Scenery · Cultural Exploration 📍 Panlong Grand View Garden (4A, 100 RMB entrance fee) Highlights: A large comprehensive garden featuring cherry blossom, lotus, and orchid gardens with flowers blooming year-round, plus a family playground and pet interaction area. Elders can enjoy flowers and rest in the "Wisteria Corridor"; children can feed alpacas (20 RMB per feed) and ride bumper cars (30 RMB per ride) in the "Pet Playground." Lunch at the "Eco Restaurant" offers farmhouse dishes (50 RMB per person) with ingredients mostly from the garden’s vegetable plots. 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM 💡 Tip: The garden is large; sightseeing buses (30 RMB per person) are available to save energy for elders and children. 📍 Xiangtan Museum (Free, reservation required) Highlights: Exhibits on Xiangtan’s history and culture, including "Xiangtan Stories" and "Collection of Cultural Relics," with rich displays of bronze and ceramics. Elders can reminisce over old items in the "Folk Customs Exhibition Hall"; children can play puzzles (free) and learn rubbing techniques (10 RMB per set) in the "Interactive Area," and buy museum creative bookmarks (15 RMB per set). 🕙 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Mondays) 💧 Day 3: Lake Island Leisure · Fishing Fun 📍 Xiangxiang Shuifu Temple Tourist Area (4A, 65 RMB entrance including boat ride) Highlights: A lake island scenic area formed by a reservoir, with 34 islands scattered like stars, clear waters, boat rides to islands, and fishing opportunities. Elders can enjoy lake views and chat on the boat deck; children can watch crocodile shows on "Crocodile Island" (free) and collect shells on the shallow beach. Lunch at the "Lake Fresh Restaurant" features Qiaozui fish (68 RMB per dish) and stir-fried water celery with meat (38 RMB), about 60 RMB per person, incredibly fresh. 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM 📸 Photo Spots: Boat deck (for panoramic lake island views), Peach Blossom Island (when peach blossoms bloom in spring) 💡 Tip: The boat ride is smooth and comfortable for elders; bring sun protection as UV rays on the lake are strong. 🎨 Day 4: Artistic Immersion · Tasteful Farewell 📍 Qi Baishi Memorial Hall (Free) Highlights: A special venue commemorating the master of Chinese painting Qi Baishi, displaying his artworks and life stories, with an elegant garden inside. Elders can appreciate representative works like "Shrimp Fun," feeling the charm of brush and ink; children can learn to paint shrimp in the "Painting Area" (30 RMB per session, materials included) and buy replica fridge magnets of Qi Baishi’s paintings (20 RMB each). 🕙 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Mondays) 🍖 Recommended Dining: Near the memorial hall, "Old Street Restaurant" offers must-try Xiangtan scraped cold noodles (8 RMB) and stir-fried yellow beef (58 RMB), about 40 RMB per person, a final taste of authentic Xiangtan flavor. ✨ Xiangtan Survival Guide 1️⃣ Transportation: Taxi starting fare 6 RMB, bus 2 RMB per ride; take the tourist shuttle (20 RMB per person, 1.5 hours) to Shuifu Temple Tourist Area; private car hire between attractions 200-250 RMB per day, suitable for elders and children. 2️⃣ Clothing: Wear light jackets in spring and autumn (lake winds are strong), short sleeves plus sun protection in summer, down jackets in winter (damp and cold), and comfortable shoes (lots of walking in parks and old streets). 3️⃣ Etiquette: Do not pick flowers or break branches in parks; keep quiet and do not touch exhibits in museums; do not litter in Shuifu Temple Scenic Area. 4️⃣ Accommodation: Stay in the city for the first three days and the last day for easy return; recommended "Xiangtan Central Holiday Hotel" with convenient transport and family rooms. 🛍️ Must-Buy Souvenirs ① Xiangtan Dengxin Cake ("Mao’s" brand, 10 RMB per box, sweet but not greasy) ② Xiangxiang Baked Cake (20 RMB per bag, crispy and tasty, loved by elders and children) ③ Qi Baishi Creative Artworks (replica small paintings, 50-100 RMB each, artistic) ④ Xiangtan Betel Nut ("Fat Brother" brand, 20 RMB per pack, local specialty, consume moderately) The soul of Xiangtan is the gentleness rippling from Yuhu’s blue waves, the lively atmosphere hidden in Yaowan’s ancient streets, and the elegance depicted by Qi Baishi’s brush. Whether you take your parents to bask in the sun by the lake, let your children play all day in the park, or enjoy snacks with friends on the old street, life here always carries a lingering comfort. If you come to Xiangtan, would you first want to feed the fish at Yuhu or eat Dengxin Cake in Yaowan?