Yiyang

Yiyang is a seriously underrated hidden-gem small city, with a slow pace, plenty of good food, and wallet-friendly prices. It is perfect for a short weekend trip or a food-focused getaway. Here is an easy two-day, one-night itinerary for you, centered on relaxed sightseeing and eating without rushing!

Itinerary Route Plan

• Day 1: After arriving in the morning, head to the Yiyang Museum to learn about the city’s history. In the afternoon, go to Sanzhou Cultural Square to take photos with the red-brick architecture. At dusk, stroll through the Ming-Qing Ancient Alleys and enjoy the night views. In the evening, have Yiyang malatang and Yabaw.
• Day 2: In the morning, visit Qingxi Village (the First Village of Great Changes in a Mountain Village) to soak up its literary and artistic atmosphere. In the afternoon, take a walk in Huilongshan Park and check in at the ancient temples. At dusk, try leicha before returning home.

Must-Visit Attractions

Most of Yiyang’s attractions are free and close together, making them ideal for slow wandering.

• Ming-Qing Ancient Alleys: Yiyang’s one-of-a-kind ancient architectural complex with “arched supports holding up the walls,” open to the public for free. It is best to go around dusk. At night there are colorful lights and traditional-style performances, and you can also watch the sunset over the Zijiang River from the city wall. Wearing Hanfu here makes for especially photogenic pictures.
• Qingxi Village: The prototype location for Great Changes in a Mountain Village, known as “China’s First Literary Village.” The village has 21 writers’ bookstores, thoughtfully designed architecture, and lotus flowers in summer. It is well suited to literature lovers and families with children.
• Huilongshan Park: A natural oxygen bar within the city. The mountain is home to historic sites such as Guangfa Temple, Qixia Temple, and Bailu Temple, as well as the Peace Visa Theme Hall commemorating diplomat Ho Feng-Shan. Climb Happiness Tower for a panoramic view of the city.
• Yiyang Museum: Advance reservation is required, and it is closed on Mondays. The museum is not large, but it offers a quick overview of Yiyang’s history and bamboo culture. The folk culture exhibition hall on the third floor is especially interesting, and it is a good place to escape the summer heat.
• Sanzhou Cultural Square: A red-brick sloped building facing Xiliuwan Bridge, and a very niche, photogenic cultural check-in spot within the city.

Must-Eat Food List

Yiyang is a small city full of good food, and you are unlikely to go wrong by walking into an old street-side eatery.

Transportation and Accommodation Tips

• Transportation: After taking the high-speed rail to Yiyang South Station, a taxi to the city center costs about 15-20 yuan. Attractions in the urban area are concentrated, so shared electric scooters or taxis are the most convenient options. Buses are relatively slow.
• Accommodation: Prioritize the Yiyang Ancient City area or places along the Zijiang River. As soon as you step out, you will find late-night food stalls, and evening walks with river views are very pleasant. It is also convenient to take taxis to various attractions.

Pitfalls and Things to Note

• Heat and Mosquito Protection: Summer days are hot and muggy, so try to avoid the harsh sun in the morning and bring sun protection. In mountain areas and parks, pay attention to mosquito prevention.
• Navigation Details: When going to Qingxi Village, be sure to navigate to “Zhou Libo Former Residence.” Searching directly for “Qingxi Village” may take you to the wrong place.
• Food Preferences: Yiyang cuisine tends to be spicy. If you cannot eat spicy food, be sure to note “mildly spicy” in advance. Some old malatang shops may only accept cash, so it is best to prepare a little small change.
• Performance Times: The performances and activities in the Ming-Qing Ancient Alleys are richer on weekends and public holidays. On regular evenings there may only be lights, so it is recommended to check the day’s program schedule in advance.