[2025 Chenzhou Hotels] Travel Guide for Yunlai Banshan B&B (Yangtian Lake Branch) (Updated Oct)

Chenzhou Yangtian Lake! No editing needed at all! Every snap looks like a frame from a Studio Ghibli fairy tale 🌿 After the National Day holiday, I took my family to Yangtian Lake. Who knew that during this grassland trip, half the time was spent "practicing driving skills" and the other half frantically pressing the shutter—because the scenery is so beautiful that no editing is needed! A heads-up: Be mentally prepared for the mountain road! "Super, super many curves" is not an exaggeration. Even my experienced driver had to slow down. I feel like even Takumi Fujiwara would have to call out "brother" 😂 The road is good, but it takes over half an hour to drive all the way up. Beginners are advised to let an experienced driver take the wheel! The most important thing: definitely check the weather! The day I went was a perfect sunny day, with the blue sky so low it looked like it was pasted onto the grassland. Whether you shoot the lake or the mountains, every photo on your phone will be wallpaper-worthy. If it rains, I really don’t recommend coming—the mountain roads are steep and visibility is poor, which will ruin the experience. Some details everyone cares about: • Ticket price: 97 RMB per adult. There are also packages including activities, choose according to your needs. • Must-try small activities: Feeding sika deer costs 30 RMB per person. One bag of feed lets you get close to these large deer—totally worth it! Feeding sheep costs 10 RMB per bag of carrots. These sheep are super greedy; once you feed them, they’ll follow you all the way, perfect for snapping lots of cute interaction photos—such a heartwarming scene! Grass sledding costs 30 RMB per ride. There’s not much queue, and zooming down is super stress-relieving, guaranteed fun! • Dining hall: The food is average, but the ventilation is great. It’s a good place to rest when you’re tired from playing, so don’t expect too much. The biggest surprise is the joy of "no editing needed"! Standing on the grassland, looking at the distant lake and nearby cattle and sheep, the breeze even makes your hair look atmospheric. That sense of openness instantly refreshes your mind. It really feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli animation~ ✨ Practical tips: 1. If you go in November, definitely bring a light jacket! The afternoon wind is strong and a bit chilly, don’t get cold. 2. The UV rays are super strong! Sunscreen clothing, sunscreen lotion, and a sun hat are a must, or you’ll get two shades darker. 3. When feeding the sheep, have your camera/phone ready in advance. The sheep crowding around you make for amazing shots! I sincerely recommend couples or families with kids to come and play. Strolling slowly for half a day, even the air feels relaxing~ This southern grassland trip was totally worth it! Yunlai Banshan Homestay (Yangtian Lake Grassland Scenic Area Branch)

Capturing the Wild Vitality on the Grasslands Who can relate? Driving three hours overnight to Yangtian Lake, arriving at Yunlai Banshan Guesthouse at 1:30 AM, and waking up the next morning to a grassland of "free-roaming cattle and horses"—this isn't just photography; it's bottling up 'freedom' in every frame! 📸 Poses for Capturing Freedom & Vitality (with Scene Suggestions) 1. Running on the Grass Slope: Find an empty grass slope, run against the wind away from the camera, and have your friend capture the moment your skirt or hair flutters. The dynamic blur in the shot will perfectly encapsulate the joy of "escaping the city." 2. Posing with Cattle and Horses: Stand at a safe distance behind a herd of cattle or horses, spread your arms, tilt your head back, and smile. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the relaxed vibe of "being on the grasslands, accompanied by cattle and horses." Keep a safe distance for the best shots. 3. Looking Up at Wind Turbines: Walk to the wind turbine area, squat on the grass, and look up at the turbines with your hands resting naturally on your knees. Frame the blue sky, turbines, and grass tips for a shot that makes you look taller and conveys a sense of being "embraced by nature." 4. Sitting and Daydreaming: Sit casually on the grass with your legs stretched out or bent. Prop yourself up with one hand while raising the other to make a peace sign towards the sky. Let the sunlight fall on your side profile, and smile with your eyes closed for a shot brimming with vitality. ✨ Little Joys from the Trip • Tickets & Parking: National Day tickets are 120 RMB each, and parking is surprisingly free! Arrive early to park close to the entrance, saving you a lot of walking. • Heartwarming Guesthouse Moments: Huge shoutout to Yunlai Banshan Guesthouse! The hostess treated us like family, helping with luggage, arranging rooms, and even offering us warm milk tea. The rooms were spotless, the bedding was super soft, and we had a great night's sleep despite the late check-in. 🌿 Tips • Outfit: Go for light colors! A white T-shirt with denim shorts or a floral dress looks amazing against the green grass. Add a straw hat for sun protection and aesthetic appeal. • Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen and a sun-protective jacket! The UV rays on the grasslands are intense. Don't just focus on taking photos—getting sunburned is no fun. This short National Day escape was a healing experience, thanks to the winds of Yangtian Lake and the warmth of the guesthouse. Happiness can be so simple—running on the grasslands, meeting cattle and horses, and sipping a cup of warm milk tea from the hostess.

A girls' road trip to Yuntian Lake, 7 hours of driving, but all the fatigue was cured! 🌿 Over the weekend, I grabbed my girlfriends and headed to Yuntian Lake in Chenzhou. Initially, I was worried that the 7-hour drive would be exhausting, but the whole journey turned out to be a pampered experience—snacks were handed to me non-stop, the homestay was booked in advance, and even the details of photo poses were taken care of. The moment I stepped out of the car, all the tiredness vanished. This must be the magical joy of a girls' trip! Here are some practical tips: The scenic area is rated as a National 3A-level attraction, with an entrance fee of ¥108. For those driving, be prepared for the winding mountain roads—they're quite "thrilling," so hold that steering wheel tight and stay calm! The parking lot isn't very large, but it's free, and arriving early can get you a closer spot. Honestly, this place is all about "weather-dependent photography"! On sunny days, the lake reflects the blue sky, and the water lilies along the shore look like they've been plucked straight from a Monet painting. Hobbit-like castles, lakeside swings, and the vast grasslands make for wallpaper-worthy shots (after all, it's known as the "most beautiful alpine grassland in the South," hiding a dormant volcano from the Quaternary Ice Age, along with iconic sights like the Yuntian Giant Buddha and Anyuan Stone Forest, each with its own story). We visited on a misty, rainy day, which had its own charm. Late September was perfect for wearing a windbreaker with long sleeves and pants. I recommend entering the scenic area in the morning to maximize your time! Major props to one of my friends who braved the wind in a short-sleeve dress for the perfect shot, then quickly bundled up in a coat and dashed to the next photo spot—so funny and adorable! At night, we stayed at the Yuntian Lake Yunlai Half-Mountain Homestay. Opening the window revealed a dreamy view of the grassland at night, and the day's fatigue melted away in the tranquility. A girls' trip truly turns even regrets (like missing out on sunny weather) into special memories. Yunlai Half-Mountain Homestay (Yuntian Lake Grassland Scenic Area Branch)

Experience Miyazaki's Autumn Fairytale from August 30 to October 8! Who can resist this? Yingtian Lake Grassland has turned 'harvest' into a fairytale! From August 30 to October 8, the entire grassland is adorned with giant pumpkins stacked into castles and shaped into carriages. Under the sunset, the landscape glows in shades of orange and yellow, and even the breeze carries a sweet scent of grass, instantly transporting you into an autumn scene straight out of a Miyazaki animation! Don't miss the heartwarming pumpkin parade, where pumpkin elves roam the grassland holding little lanterns, handing out pumpkin candies that are sweet enough to melt your heart. On weekends, bring your kids to join the pumpkin sports games—ring toss to win seeds, kangaroo-style pumpkin races—laughter will echo far and wide. At night, lie on the grass and enjoy a starlit opera, letting the autumn breeze wash away all your fatigue. This is what autumn should feel like! Stay at Yunlai Banshan Inn (Yingtian Lake Grassland Scenic Area).

If I were to recommend the best attraction in Chenzhou, Yuntian Lake Grassland would be the top choice. Once you arrive, you won’t want to leave. Every visitor is captivated by the scenery here—the clouds resemble fluffy cotton candy, and the vast green grasslands are incredibly soothing. It feels like stepping into a summer scene straight out of a Hayao Miyazaki manga. The air quality is excellent, perfect for taking deep breaths of fresh oxygen. The summer temperature difference is significant, making it refreshingly cool—a favorite local spot for family outings and summer escapes. 1️⃣ The background music "If There’s a Next Life" perfectly complements the grassland vibe. The lyrics go: "Let’s go to the lakeside of the grassland and watch the migratory birds return." 2️⃣ If you’re traveling from Changsha to Chenzhou, be aware that the highway section near Leiyang is under maintenance, requiring a detour onto the national road. To avoid traffic jams, plan your trip during off-peak hours for a smoother journey. 3️⃣ I prepared in advance by bringing two sun umbrellas, which were handy for both rain and sun protection. I also packed some snacks, making it possible to enjoy a camping experience 🏕—super convenient! 4️⃣ We arrived at Yuntian Lake Grassland in the morning. Although we encountered some traffic along the way, the roads weren’t too primitive. The route was like a rainbow, and the scenery along the way was stunning. Lastly, a few important tips❗️ For those prone to motion sickness, make sure to bring medication, especially for kids. Don’t let motion sickness ruin the fun, as the mountain roads have many curves. The grassland is truly vast—so large that words can’t fully describe it. Almost every hill has fun activities to explore, including wild fishing, horseback riding, archery, a mini train, children’s play areas, swings, and more. We spent nearly 4 hours there before heading down the mountain. It’s definitely worth a second visit with kids. Recommended accommodation: Yunlai Banshan Homestay (Yuntian Lake Grassland Scenic Area Branch).

For those planning a trip to Yangtian Lake Grassland, you absolutely must know about this homestay! The experience is top-notch, offering unparalleled comfort and relaxation✨ Homestay: Yunlai Banshan Homestay (Yangtian Lake Grassland Scenic Area) 🚗 Convenient location for lazy travelers: Just a three-minute drive from the scenic area! No need to wake up early and rush; you can leisurely get ready and head straight to the grassland without worrying about traffic jams. Perfect for those who love sleeping in! ✨ A cozy environment that makes you want to stay in: The homestay is incredibly comfortable, with rooms that are spotless and meticulously maintained. It feels just like home, surrounded by lush greenery and the fresh scent of nature. Every deep breath is filled with a healing aroma. 💖 Exceptional service from the owner: The owner deserves special praise! Super friendly and welcoming, they helped us plan our itinerary and recommended must-try local delicacies—like having a "live travel guide" on hand. When the evening chill set in and they noticed we were underdressed, they immediately provided extra clothing. Such thoughtful service truly warmed our hearts! ☕ Surprise addition: a coffee area: The homestay now features a coffee area! Since there are few snack shops in the mountains, enjoying a warm cup of coffee here was a delightful treat. The taste was amazing, and the photo opportunities were endless. The cozy atmosphere made it hard to leave! 🌤 A lucky trip with perfect weather: We were fortunate to visit during rare sunny weather, with blue skies and white clouds complementing the grassland scenery. Every photo turned out stunning! Strolling through the scenic area, breathing in the fresh air, all our worries melted away—it was the ultimate relaxation. This stay was flawless—great location, fantastic environment, warm service, and delicious coffee! If you're visiting Yangtian Lake, this homestay is a must-choose. You won't regret it!👍 Yunlai Banshan Homestay (Yangtian Lake Grassland Scenic Area)