Chenzhou is a city in Hunan Province, China, known for its natural attractions including Gaoyi Mountain Tourism Resort, Dongjiang Lake Tourist Area, Yangtianhu Grassland, and Wuzhifeng Scenic Area in Mangshan. The city center is located at approximately 113.07°E, 25.76°N.
Overview
Chenzhou, in Hunan, features Gaoyi Mountain's red rocks, Dongjiang Lake's misty scenery, Yangtianhu Grassland, and Wuzhifeng's forested peaks.
Ideal Pace
2–3 days
Seasonal Window
Spring and autumn, comfortable weather
Overview
Chenzhou, Hunan, is known for Gaoyi Mountain, Dongjiang Lake, Yangtianhu Grassland, and Wuzhifeng Scenic Area.
Getting There & Around
City center hub for Zixing and Yizhang attractions; local transport needed for Dongjiang Lake and Yangtianhu.
Transportation
Chenzhou is accessible by road and rail. The city center serves as a hub for reaching nearby attractions such as Dongjiang Lake and Yangtianhu Grassland. Visitors may need to arrange local transport to explore areas like Zixing and Yizhang.
Practical Information
Popular attractions: Gaoyi Mountain (3-4 hours), Dongjiang Lake (0.5-1 day), Yangtianhu (0.5-1 day), Wuzhifeng (0.5-1 day). Best mist at Dongjiang Lake Apr–Oct.
Practical Info
Popular attractions include Gaoyi Mountain Tourism Resort (recommended 3-4 hours), Dongjiang Lake Tourist Area (0.5-1 day), Yangtianhu Grassland (0.5-1 day), and Wuzhifeng Scenic Area (0.5-1 day). The best time to visit Dongjiang Lake for mist views is from April to October at sunrise and sunset.
Top Experiences
Visit Gaoyi Mountain's red rocks and turquoise lakes, experience Dongjiang Lake's mist, see Yangtianhu's grassland, and explore Wuzhifeng's peaks.
Chenzhou offers a range of natural attractions.
- Gaoyi Mountain Tourism Resort: Features red rock formations and turquoise lakes.
- Dongjiang Lake Tourist Area: Known for its misty mornings and water activities.
- Yangtianhu Grassland: Provides high-altitude prairie scenery.
- Wuzhifeng Scenic Area in Mangshan: Offers forested peaks.
- Dongjiang Lake (Xiaodongjiang): Famous for its seasonal fog.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities; summers warm, winters mild.
Chenzhou has a subtropical climate. Spring and autumn are generally pleasant for outdoor activities. Summer can be warm, while winter is mild. Specific seasonal events are not detailed in available sources.
Attraction Highlights
Key attractions: Gaoyi Mountain, Dongjiang Lake, Yangtianhu Grassland, and Wuzhifeng in Mangshan.
Gaoyi Mountain Tourism Resort
Gaoyi Mountain Tourism Resort is located on the border of Suxian District and Zixing City. It features unique red rock landscapes and turquoise lakes, surrounded by forest. Visitors can enjoy hiking and scenic views. The resort is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Dongjiang Lake Tourist Area
Dongjiang Lake Tourist Area in Zixing is known for its misty mornings over Little Dongjiang, the Dongjiang Reservoir Dam, and Longjing Gorge. Activities include rafting, parasailing, jet skiing, and cultural performances. The area is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Yangtianhu Grassland
Yangtianhu Grassland, located in Beihu District, Chenzhou, is the southernmost alpine grassland in China. At an average altitude of 1,314 metres, it covers 40 square kilometres and is easily accessible from Guangzhou via high-speed rail. Known as the 'most beautiful alpine grassland in the south', it offers expansive views and outdoor activities. The site gained fame as the filming location for Hunan Satellite TV's 'Chinese Restaurant' Season 6 and has been recognised as a national 5C camp.
Wuzhifeng Scenic Area In Mangshan
Wuzhifeng Scenic Area, located in Yizhang County, Chenzhou, showcases the core essence of Mangshan Mountain. It features dozens of scenic spots including Wuzhifeng, Jinbian Grand Canyon, and Motianling. Visitors can enjoy strange pines, unusual rocks, sea of clouds, waterfalls, and hot springs. Sightseeing cable cars and cloud plank roads provide stunning views, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Dongjiang Lake
Dongjiang Lake, located in Zixing, Chenzhou, is famous for its misty scenery from April to October. At sunrise and sunset, fog rises over the lake, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The reflections of green mountains and white clouds in the clear water add to its charm. Evening visits with music and dim lights enhance the artistic experience, attracting tourists from around the world.
Feitian Mountain Tourist Resort
Feitian Mountain Tourist Resort, located in Suxian District, Chenzhou, comprises Feitian Mountain National Geopark, scenic areas along Cuijiang River, and Wayaoping Historical District. It features internet-famous spots like Mahuangqiu Grand Canyon and Kowloon Water Village. The Cuijiang River, formed by the confluence of Dongjiang and Chenjiang, runs through the geopark, offering 48 kilometres of picturesque waterways with numerous scenic spots.
Feitian Mountain National Geological Park
Feitian Mountain National Geological Park showcases Zhai-type Danxia landforms, featuring Cretaceous fault basins, Carboniferous karst caves, and hot springs. The landscape includes stone fields, stalagmites, and stalactites in diverse shapes. Cultural sites such as village houses, stone Buddha temples, and tombs complement the natural scenery. The famous 'Sleeping Beauty' formation can be viewed from Juxian Terrace.
Mangshan Tourist Area (West Gate)
The west gate of Mangshan Tourist Area is located in the Nanling Mountains at the border of Hunan and Guangdong. Named for its python inhabitants and vast forests, the area enjoys an average annual temperature of 17.2°C.