Lunar New Year Reverse Travel: This Underrated Small City is Full of Surprises

90% of people don't know about this small city - Yiyang, Shangrao When I got close, I was amazed: Here is Guifeng, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Yiyang Qiang, a national intangible cultural heritage The world's largest reclining Buddha; - A treasure city you'll fall in love with Easy to eat, stay, and play, full of experiences No crowds, perfect for a Lunar New Year trip! - 2-day, 1-night itinerary: Day 1: High-speed rail to Yiyang County - Fang Zhimin Memorial Hall - Dieshan Academy - Stay overnight at Guifeng Day 2: Guifeng - Reclining Buddha - Return - Check-in points: 1. Guifeng: A national 5A scenic spot, a rare Danxia landform, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, named after a mountain that looks like a giant turtle. Xu Xiake visited Guifeng and couldn't help but exclaim, "The wonders of Guifeng are not found in Yandang!" Few people, beautiful scenery, perfect for a New Year's hike to experience the wonders of nature! - Three routes to choose from: 1. Turtle Route (2.5 hours) Visitor Center - Osmanthus Garden - General's Tower - Hero's Slope - Crape Myrtle Garden - Guifeng Lake 2. Xiake Route (3.5 hours) Visitor Center - Turtle Welcome - Century Road - Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers - General's Tower - Hero's Slope - Crape Myrtle Garden - Guifeng Lake 3. Full Route (4 hours) Visitor Center - Osmanthus Garden - General's Tower - Three Passes - Southern Sky Pillar - Camel Peak - Guifeng Lake - I chose the full route, climbed to Jinzhong Peak, unlocked the rocking horse at the top, and enjoyed the stunning view of the mountains! If you have time, visit Sheshen Cliff, not on the three routes, but worth checking out for great photos! - 2. Fang Zhimin Memorial Hall: Rich exhibits and historical materials, learn about Fang Zhimin's patriotic deeds and great spirit! Feel the passion and power of those turbulent years! - 3. Dieshan Academy: Over 700 years of history, a very simple Chinese garden, a view at every step, ferns on the roof, dense plants, deep cultural heritage, light and shadow intertwined, warm and cozy, great for photos! - 4. Reclining Buddha: "The mountain is a Buddha, the Buddha is a mountain," 416 meters long, 5 meters tall toes, standing in front of it makes you feel small, visually stunning - Local delicacies: Yiyang has a lot of food, cheap and plentiful! Be sure to find a local snack shop to try taro dumplings (the sweet aroma of taro combined with the deliciousness of dumplings), Yiyang rice cakes (chewy and bouncy), fried cakes, and other specialties - About accommodation: I chose "Shangrao Guifeng Kaiyuan Fancao Land," a quiet and clean room, breakfast buffet, less than 100 meters from Guifeng Scenic Area, very convenient - About transportation: 📍 Yiyang High-speed Rail Station, only 15 minutes by taxi to Guifeng, small county, easy to get around