10-Day 9-Night Family Travel Guide for Four in Hunan (Budget: 12,000 RMB)

1. Trip Overview Destinations: Changsha, Zhangjiajie, Phoenix Ancient Town, Yueyang Highlights: Natural scenery, historical culture, food experiences Budget: Approximately 12,000 RMB (including transportation, accommodation, tickets, meals, and transport) 2. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Changsha Transportation: Arrive in Changsha by plane or high-speed train (depending on departure location) Accommodation: Budget hotel or family guesthouse (about 200 RMB/night) Activities: After arrival, stroll along Huangxing South Road Pedestrian Street and try Changsha specialties such as stinky tofu and sugar oil rice cakes Budget: Transportation 2,000 RMB (round trip, depending on departure), accommodation 200 RMB, meals 100 RMB Day 2: Changsha City Tour Attractions: Yuelu Mountain, Yuelu Academy (ticket about 50 RMB/person) Others: Orange Isle (free), Hunan Provincial Museum (free) Meals: Local specialty lunch and dinner (about 150 RMB) Accommodation: Changsha city (200 RMB) Budget: Tickets 150 RMB, meals 150 RMB, accommodation 200 RMB Day 3: Changsha → Zhangjiajie (about 4 hours by car) Transportation: High-speed train or bus (about 150 RMB/person, total 600 RMB) Accommodation: Budget hotel in Zhangjiajie city (about 250 RMB/night) Activities: Explore the city and experience the local night market after arrival Budget: Transportation 600 RMB, accommodation 250 RMB, meals 100 RMB Day 4: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Attractions: Tianmen Mountain (ticket about 245 RMB/person), Glass Skywalk (additional fee) Suggestion: Purchase park tickets and cable car tickets in advance Meals: Simple meals inside the park (about 150 RMB) Accommodation: Zhangjiajie (250 RMB) Budget: Tickets about 980 RMB (for 4 people), meals 150 RMB Day 5: Zhangjiajie → Phoenix Ancient Town (about 4 hours by car) Transportation: Chartered car or bus (about 300 RMB) Accommodation: Characteristic guesthouse inside Phoenix Ancient Town (about 300 RMB/night) Activities: Explore the ancient town, Tuojiang River rafting (about 80 RMB/person) Meals: Local specialty food in the ancient town (about 150 RMB) Budget: Transportation 300 RMB, rafting 320 RMB, accommodation 300 RMB, meals 150 RMB Day 6: In-depth Tour of Phoenix Ancient Town Attractions: Nanhua Mountain, Shen Congwen’s Former Residence, Yang Family Ancestral Hall Suggestion: Leisurely stroll and experience the ancient town culture Meals: Ancient town snacks (about 150 RMB) Accommodation: Phoenix Ancient Town (300 RMB) Budget: Tickets and transport about 100 RMB, meals 150 RMB Day 7: Phoenix → Yueyang (about 4 hours by car) Transportation: Bus or chartered car (about 300 RMB) Accommodation: Budget hotel near Yueyang Tower (about 200 RMB) Activities: Visit Yueyang Tower (ticket about 70 RMB/person) Meals: Yueyang specialty meals (about 100 RMB) Budget: Transportation 300 RMB, tickets 280 RMB (for 4 people), meals 100 RMB Day 8: Yueyang → Changsha (about 2 hours by car) Transportation: Bus or high-speed train (about 150 RMB/person, total 600 RMB) Accommodation: Changsha city (200 RMB) Activities: Explore Changsha cultural districts and shopping Meals: Local cuisine (about 150 RMB) Budget: Transportation 600 RMB, tickets and shopping 150 RMB, accommodation 200 RMB Day 9: Changsha → Return to Departure Location Transportation: Return flight or high-speed train Budget: Depends on departure location 3. Budget Breakdown (Approximate Estimate) Item Cost (RMB) Transportation (airfare/high-speed train) about 2,000 (adjust based on departure) Long-distance bus/charter about 2,000 Accommodation (9 nights) 9×200=1,800 Tickets and park fees about 1,500 Meals about 150×9=1,350 Others (shopping, emergencies) about 1,300 Total approximately 11,850 RMB The budget is basically controlled within 12,000 RMB; it is recommended to adjust transportation and meal budgets according to actual conditions. 4. Notes Book in advance: Tickets, accommodation, and transportation should be booked early to enjoy discounts. Manage time reasonably: Avoid overly tight schedules and allow rest time. Bring enough cash and mobile payment options: Many places in Hunan support WeChat/Alipay payments. Pay attention to safety: Especially at rafting, cable cars, and other attractions; follow guide instructions. Bring common medicines: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc. Weather preparation: Hunan is rainy; prepare rain gear and sun protection. 5. Warm Tips Family-friendly attractions mainly focus on natural scenery and cultural relics, allowing children to have fun and enhancing family bonds. Don’t miss the local specialties: Changsha’s stinky tofu and sugar oil rice cakes, Phoenix’s Miao ethnic flavors, Yueyang’s Dongting Lake fish. Wishing you a pleasant and joyful trip!