Come to Mangshan in Chenzhou from December to February! Save this super comprehensive guide! A must for niche snow activities!

Who understands! Shivering with teeth chattering in Mangshan, Chenzhou, wrapped in a down jacket and fleece pants but still trembling, the wind makes you want to cry on the spot. But when you turn around and see that icy fairyland, it’s so beautiful it leaves you speechless—this place is truly “painful yet joyful.” Don’t come without a good plan! 🌨️ Mangshan Wuzhifeng: A winter-exclusive song of ice and snow The snow viewing season is concentrated from December to mid-February, but snow conditions change quickly, so be sure to check the scenic area’s live broadcast or weather app in advance! Tested and proven life-saving tips you must remember: ❶ Don’t tough it out on transportation! Roads may be closed in icy and snowy weather. If driving yourself, bring snow chains; if you want to avoid hassle, take the high-speed train to Chenzhou West Station, then a shuttle (about 2.5 hours), much more worry-free. ❷ Dress by the “onion rule”! -10°C at the summit is normal. Layer a down jacket and a shell jacket, wear waterproof boots with wool socks, gloves and earmuffs are essential, and stuff warm packs in your waist and pockets, or you’ll really freeze stiff! ❸ Ice cleats are lifesavers! You can rent them at the entrance (20-30 RMB), especially for the suspended plank road section where icy steps are ridiculously slippery. Without them, you can’t move an inch—don’t skimp on this! ❹ Travel light but bring enough food! There are few and expensive shops at the summit. Fill a thermos with hot ginger tea, carry some chocolate and self-heating meals. When numb with cold, a warm bite can save your life! ❺ Don’t stubbornly chase the sunrise! In winter, fog only slowly clears after 9 AM. The ice formations clinging to the Golden Whip Grand Canyon with the sea of clouds create a breathtaking scene; rushing to the top at 7 AM? You’ll probably just see a white blur and freeze for nothing. 🏔️ Winter must-do list (with pitfall avoidance guide): ✔️ Gaoyiling: Only hike the “Dragon Spine” highlight section! The full hike takes 4 hours and can exhaust your legs in icy snow. Definitely rent a drone (about 150 RMB/hour) to shoot the giant lizard lake reflecting red rocks in the snow—an epic perspective! But don’t come on rainy days; red sandstone turns into an ice rink when wet, very dangerous! ✔️ Misty Xiaodongjiang: Sleep in and still see it! Don’t squeeze into the 6 AM fishing net scene; arrive after 9 AM at the No. 2 viewing platform. The thin mist hasn’t cleared, sunlight filters through, and fishermen row red boats drifting in the fog—10 times more poetic than crowded times! A quick note on “Dongjiang grilled fish”: many stalls use frozen fish to fake Qiaozui fish. Look for “Sanwen Yuwan,” freshly made on order for the freshest taste~ ✔️ Bailang Scenic Area: The ultimate lake loop drive! Rent an electric scooter (60 RMB/day) and see snowy fir trees along the lake, more photogenic and less crowded than the thousand-yuan Erhai Lake. At “Bailang Pier,” “Xingyi Restaurant” is a must-try. Their stove-cooked fish head soup with spicy sauce warms you from stomach to toes—amazing! Don’t take the boat; the lake wind is so strong it’ll freeze you to tears. Better to shoot Instagram-style fishing boats on shore. ❌ Avoid these places! Big winter traps: ❶ Yangtianhu Grassland: 8-level gale + bare grass slopes, the popular Hobbit house is blown crooked, alpacas hide in sheds, and the 120 RMB ticket is a pure rip-off! ❷ Yuhou Street: 70% of shops are closed, sparse lights look like a horror movie set, and you have to queue in the cold wind to take photos at the “Chenzhou” popular wall. Better to quickly slurp a bowl of “Yangpo fish noodles” and leave! ❸ Suxianling: Dim streetlights, icy steps, a 2-hour climb to the top, freezing to the point of questioning life—regret guaranteed for anyone who goes! 📅 Chenzhou 3-day itinerary (tested and reasonable): D1: Chenzhou West Station → Gaoyiling → Stay near Xiaodongjiang D2: Xiaodongjiang → Bailang Scenic Area → Continue staying at Xiaodongjiang D3: Mangshan snow viewing → Return trip Honestly, Mangshan’s cold is really cold, but the moment ice clings to pine trees and the sea of clouds flows over the plank road, it feels worth it—this “freezing yet joyful” experience probably only happens in winter in Chenzhou.