Yongzhou

Yongzhou is a seriously underrated historic gem. It has not only the “Xiaoxiang landscapes” written about by Liu Zongyuan, but also wonderfully down-to-earth, authentic Hunan cuisine. Most attractions are free, prices are friendly, and it is perfect for a slow weekend or short-holiday trip.

Recommended Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Tracing Ancient City Culture
  • Morning: Head to Liuzi Temple and Liuzi Street to experience a thousand years of literary heritage. Check in at the Yuxi Site and look for the real-life mood of *A Note on the Little Stone Pond*.
  • Afternoon: Visit Yongzhou Museum to learn about the city’s history, then go to Huilong Pagoda and Chaoyang Rock to enjoy views of the Xiaoshui River and stone inscriptions from past dynasties.
  • Evening: Stroll through Lingling Ancient City, take in the beautiful night lights, and try authentic late-night snacks.

• Day 2: Immersed in Mountains and Rivers
  • Morning: Take a boat to Pingzhou Academy and experience the poetic atmosphere of a river island associated with “Xiaoxiang Night Rain.” It is ideal for ancient-style photos.
  • Afternoon: Go to Yangming Mountain for an easy hike and fresh mountain air. In spring, you can admire vast seas of azaleas. Alternatively, visit Yunbing Mountain for cloud seas and alpine meadows.
  • Evening: Try authentic Yongzhou blood duck and Dong’an chicken in the city, and experience bold, full-flavored Hunan cuisine.

• Day 3: Ancient Villages and Folk Culture at a Leisurely Pace
  • Morning: Visit Goulan Yao Village or Shanggantang Ancient Village to experience thousand-year-old villages and Yao ethnic culture that have not been overly commercialized.
  • Afternoon: Wander around the artsy, refreshing Huolongjing Community, have a coffee, check in at the graffiti walls, then return home with local souvenirs.

Must-Visit Attractions

Yongzhou’s attractions blend culture and nature, and most urban sights are free, making them excellent value.

Authentic Food Guide

When visiting Yongzhou, do not miss the spicy, satisfying specialties of southern Hunan. Remember to prepare some stomach medicine.

• Yongzhou Blood Duck: Duck meat stir-fried with duck blood until richly coated, with a deep savory sauce aroma and fresh heat that goes perfectly with rice. A must-order signature dish.

• Dong’an Chicken: One of the top Hunan dishes served at state banquets, known for its appetizing sour-spicy flavor, tender meat, and long history.

• Lingling Helo: A snail soup simmered with perilla and chili, fresh, spicy, and deeply satisfying. It is a favorite late-night snack among locals.

• Yongzhou Fish Rice Noodles: Rice noodles with fish offal or fish meat in a deliciously fresh broth. Soaking fried dough sticks in the soup is especially good.

• Yao-Style Oil Tea: Made by simmering tea leaves, peanuts, ginger, and garlic, this savory drink warms the stomach and is delicious with puffed rice.

Practical Travel Tips

• Transport Guide: High-speed rail goes directly to Yongzhou Station. Within the city, you can take buses or shared electric scooters. For more distant scenic areas such as Yunbing Mountain and Jiuyi Mountain, self-driving or hiring a car is recommended.
• Accommodation Suggestions: Staying near Lingling Ancient City is recommended. There are many guesthouses and inns, and it is very convenient for evening strolls and food hunting.
• Pitfall Reminders: Yongzhou cuisine is quite spicy, so be sure to say in advance if you cannot handle heat. Mountain areas have large temperature differences between morning and evening, so bring a light jacket. Some remote scenic areas have weak signal, so it is worth preparing some cash in advance.