Chenzhou, a city located in the southeastern part of Hunan Province, is known as the “City of Forests” and is like a bright pearl inlaid at the northern foot of the Nanling Mountains. It combines magnificent natural scenery and profound historical and cultural heritage, presenting tourists with fascinating pictures. Here are the must – visit tourist attractions in Chenzhou carefully recommended for you.
Dongjiang Lake
Dongjiang Lake is one of the most representative attractions in Chenzhou, enjoying the reputation of “A lake on earth like in the heaven, with thousands of scenes within”. The scenic area is vast, and the lake water is clear and green, showing different charming styles in different weather and time periods.
The Mist – covered Xiaodongjiang River is the most famous landscape of Dongjiang Lake. In the early morning, water vapor rises from the river surface, forming a layer of mist as thin as cicada wings, lingering between the green river surface and the green mountains on both sides. Taking a cruise ship and moving forward slowly, you seem to be in a fairyland. Fishermen will cast their nets to catch fish at this time, and the scene is like a beautiful landscape painting, attracting countless photography enthusiasts to capture this wonderful moment.
The Dongjiang Dam is also a major highlight of Dongjiang Lake. This concrete double – curvature arch dam is magnificent, with a height of 157 meters. It is the first double – curvature thin arch dam designed and constructed independently in China. Standing on the dam crest and overlooking the downstream, the surging river water rushes out from the bottom of the dam with great momentum, making people marvel at the greatness of human engineering.
Mangshan Mountain
Mangshan National Forest Park is located in the middle section of the Nanling Mountains at the junction of Hunan and Guangdong provinces, enjoying the reputation of “The Green Pearl on the Same Latitude of the Earth” and “Gene Bank of Animals and Plants”. Here, the mountains are high, the forests are dense, the peaks are strange, and the rocks are unique. It has rich natural resources and a unique ecological environment.
Tiantai Mountain is one of the core scenic areas of Mangshan Mountain, famous for its steep peaks and strange rocks. Along the winding mountain climbing trail, you can enjoy many unique pictographic stone landscapes such as the Golden Whip Divine Pillar and the General Stone. Standing on the top of Tiantai Mountain and looking into the distance, the continuous mountains are surrounded by clouds and mist, and the scenery is magnificent, making people feel relaxed and happy.
Houwangzhai is a place full of wild interest. Here, the valley is deep, the forest is dense, and there are groups of waterfalls. It is the habitat of the Mangshan stump – tailed macaque. Tourists can observe these lovely little creatures playing in the mountains and forests up close and feel the vitality and energy of nature. In addition, the waterfall group in Houwangzhai is also very spectacular. The stream water rushes down from a high place, splashing layers of water flowers. Under the sunlight, colorful rainbows are formed.
Gaoyiling
Gaoyiling is a Danxia landform wonder that has not been fully developed. It attracts many tourists to explore with its unique “Red Cliff Danxia” landscape. The Danxia landform here is well – developed and in various forms, with mountains, waters, springs, caves, stockades, cliffs, and chuantan (a kind of geological feature) all available. It is a Danxia treasure yet to be carved.
The biggest feature of Gaoyiling lies in its “Danxia on Water” landscape. The red rocks and green waters, dangerous stockades and strange gorges seem to be a magnificent picture carefully outlined by nature with a paintbrush. Especially the Dragon’s Back, which looks like a huge whale. Overlooking from the air, it is lifelike. Walking on it, there are steep cliffs on both sides, which is thrilling. Under the sunlight, the red rocks become more vivid and eye – catching, setting off against the surrounding green lake water, forming a beautiful visual feast.
Suxianling Mountain
Suxianling Mountain has long enjoyed the reputation of “The 18th Blessed Land under Heaven” and is one of the first – batch provincial – level scenic spots in Hunan Province. It is famous for the legend of Suxian and carries a profound historical and cultural heritage.
There are many historical sites on Suxianling Mountain. Bailu Cave is one of them. It is said that Suxian’s mother picked up a colorful egg near Bailu Cave and hatched Suxian. The cave is quiet and secluded, with a clear spring flowing out. Walking along the ancient mountain – climbing path, you can reach Suxian Temple. Suxian Temple is a Taoist temple for sacrificing Suxian. The architectural style is simple, elegant, solemn, and solemn. Standing in front of Suxian Temple and looking into the distance, the beautiful scenery of Chenzhou City comes into view. In addition, there is the Sanjue Stele on Suxianling Mountain. The stele is engraved with Qin Guan’s “Tasha Xing·A Lodge in Chenzhou”, Su Shi’s postscript, and Mi Fu’s calligraphy. The three are perfectly combined, which can be called a masterpiece.
Chenzhou, this charming city, each scenic spot is like a bright pearl, shining with a unique light. Whether you are intoxicated in the dreamy fairyland of Dongjiang Lake, amazed at the strange peaks and rocks of Mangshan Mountain, exploring the Danxia wonders of Gaoyiling, or feeling the historical culture of Suxianling Mountain, Chenzhou can bring you an unforgettable travel experience.
