Changde's ordeal is over, really don't recommend coming in July

🌿 ​​Changde July Travel Guide｜A literary town by the Yuan River, perfect for spicy food + water views!​​ Changde is in northern Hunan, with the Yuan River running through the city. The average temperature in July is about 28°C, a bit cooler than Changsha🌊. Here you’ll find the stunning Liuyue Lake, the artistic Changde Old Street, and the nationally famous Changde rice noodles🍜—a paradise for foodies and photo lovers! ​​🗓️Super detailed 2-day itinerary​​ ​​Day 1​​ 🌅 ​​Morning​​: Head straight to Liuyue Lake, the water is as clear as glass! Rent a bike and cycle around the lake, the breeze is so refreshing🚴♀️. 🍜 ​​Noon​​: Eat Changde rice noodles at "Yi De Yi," beef noodles + tiger skin eggs, the broth is rich and the noodles silky smooth! 🌌 ​​Evening​​: Stroll and snack at Laoximen Night Market, sugar oil rice cakes + spicy meat, so good you won’t want to stop eating🤤. ​​Day 2​​ 🏞️ ​​Morning​​: Walk around Taohuayuan Scenic Area, the utopia described by Tao Yuanming, lotus flowers are stunning in July🌸. 🥘 ​​Noon​​: Eat steamed dumplings at "Wang Jiao’er," thin skin and lots of filling, dipping in chili oil is irresistibly delicious! 🛍️ ​​Evening​​: Take the Zihe River cruise to enjoy the night view, the lights on both sides are super romantic, perfect for photos to share on social media📸. ​​🔥Must-visit checklist​​ 1️⃣ ​​Liuyue Lake​​: Free! Open all day, cycling around the lake is very pleasant, and you can also take a boat cruise to enjoy the lake view⛵. 2️⃣ ​​Laoximen​​: Free! Open until 22:00, the night market has so many snacks you’ll be spoiled for choice, a must-visit for artsy youth🛍️. 3️⃣ ​​Taohuayuan Scenic Area​​: Ticket 80 RMB, open 8:00-17:30, the July Lotus Festival is beautiful, perfect for taking photos in Hanfu🌸. 4️⃣ ​​"Yi De Yi" Rice Noodles​​: About 15 RMB per person, beef noodles are a must-order, the broth is so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows raise🍜. 5️⃣ ​​"Wang Jiao’er" Steamed Dumplings​​: About 20 RMB per person, thin-skinned and juicy dumplings that burst with flavor💦! ​​🏨Accommodation Recommendations​​ ​​Changde Liuyuan Jinjiang Hotel​​: River view rooms directly overlooking the Yuan River, super convenient walking distance to Old Street, very stylish decor✨! ​​Changde Gonghe Hotel​​: Established four-star hotel, great location, shopping mall and food street right next door, perfect for lazy travelers🛍️! ​​🚌Transportation Guide​​ 🚄 ​​High-speed train to Changde Station​​, taxi to downtown about 10 minutes (Heads up: taxi drivers might not know the way well!). 🚌 ​​Bus H1 to Liuyue Lake, bus 5 to Laoximen, frequent service but can be crowded during peak hours🚇. ​​💡Tips​​ ✅ ​​Why visit​​: Fewer people, beautiful scenery + lots of delicious food, better for slow travel than Changsha! ❌ ​​Why not​​: Occasional rain in July, remember to bring an umbrella🌂! ​​🍜Food Highlights​​ 1️⃣ ​​Changde Rice Noodles​​: Rich beef broth and silky noodles, paired with tiger skin eggs, absolutely addictive🤤! 2️⃣ ​​Spicy Meat​​: Fried tofu skin coated with chili powder, spicy and flavorful, a night market must-try🌶️! 3️⃣ ​​Sugar Oil Rice Cake​​: Soft fried glutinous rice drizzled with brown sugar syrup, sweet but not greasy💕! 4️⃣ ​​Sauced Duck​​: Spicy and mouth-tingling, but the more you chew the more fragrant it gets, perfect as a souvenir🦆! 5️⃣ ​​Lei Tea​​: Ground sesame + peanuts + tea leaves into a paste, served with puffed rice to relieve spiciness, locals’ favorite🍵! ​​💰Expense List (2 days)​​ Accommodation: Liuyuan Jinjiang Hotel 1 night ≈ 400 RMB (river view rooms are pricier but worth it!) Meals: Rice noodles + snacks + main meals ≈ 300 RMB Transport: High-speed train + bus ≈ 150 RMB Others: Boat cruise + snacks ≈ 100 RMB ​​Total ≈ 950 RMB​​, about 500 RMB per person for a great trip! Changde is truly an underrated treasure town! Fewer crowds than Changsha, more down-to-earth than Fenghuang Ancient Town, July is perfect for escaping the heat + enjoying spicy food🔥. Boating on Liuyue Lake, snacking at Laoximen, Hanfu photos at Taohuayuan—each activity is perfect for sharing on social media! 👇 ​​Like and save, see you next time in Changde!​