Travel in Lixian County, Changde, Hunan

Lixian County, Changde, Hunan — the Ancestor of Chinese Cities and the World's Rice Source, integrating prehistoric civilization, historical relics, and ecological agriculture. It boasts distinctive attractions such as Chengtoushan Site, Pengshan Scenic Area, and Lizhou Confucian Temple. Experience the historical and cultural beauty of "Prehistoric Ancient City + Imperial Garden + Confucian Culture" in one day.

2075
square kilometers of area
930,000+
permanent population
6000
years of history at Chengtoushan Site
10+
national-level cultural relic protection units
Chengtoushan Site, Lixian County, Changde
Chengtoushan Site - Cultural Landmark of Lixian County
Chengtoushan Site is the earliest, best-preserved, and most culturally rich ancient city site discovered in China to date. The world's earliest paddy fields were found here, earning it the reputation of "Ancestor of Chinese Cities · World's Rice Source". It is an important window for exploring the origins of Chinese civilization.

One-Day Historical and Cultural Tour of Lixian County

Exploring ancient city origins, imperial gardens, Confucian temple pilgrimage, and fresh grape tasting

Tour Duration
1 Day
Main Destinations
Chengtoushan Site, Pengshan Scenic Area, Lizhou Confucian Temple, Tiangong Mountain Forest Park, Liyang Plain Vineyards
Suitable For
History and culture enthusiasts, archaeological explorers, natural scenery lovers, food experience seekers
Budget Per Person
¥100-¥320
Full Day
Historical and Cultural Experience Tour of Lixian County
Chengtoushan Site · Pengshan Scenic Area · Lizhou Confucian Temple · Tiangong Mountain
Tour Highlights

Morning: Visit Chengtoushan Site to explore prehistoric civilization and tour Pengshan Scenic Area to admire imperial garden scenery; Afternoon: Visit Lizhou Confucian Temple to learn about Confucian culture and climb Tiangong Mountain Forest Park to enjoy natural ecology; Evening: Visit Liyang Plain Vineyards and taste fresh grape specialties.

Attraction Arrangement
Chengtoushan Site
A key national cultural relic protection unit, Chengtoushan Site is the earliest (dating back about 6000 years), best-preserved, and most culturally rich ancient city site discovered in China. The site has yielded the world's earliest paddy fields, altars, and city walls, along with a large number of pottery, stone, and bone artifacts. Known as the "Ancestor of Chinese Cities · World's Rice Source", it is an important physical witness to exploring the origins of Chinese civilization.
Pengshan Scenic Area
A national 4A-level tourist scenic area, named after Li Yuanze, King of Peng in the Tang Dynasty, who built a royal residence here. The scenic area integrates natural scenery and cultural landscapes, with main attractions including Pengshan Siwang Shrine, Pengshan Manor, Jiujiu Forest of Steles, and Fangweng Bridge, combining imperial garden art and Huxiang architectural characteristics.
Lizhou Confucian Temple
A provincial-level cultural relic protection unit, first built in the Song Dynasty, it is a place for worshipping Confucius. The Confucian temple complex is large-scale, including the Dacheng Hall, East and West Corridors, Lingxing Gate, and Pan Pool, all well-preserved. Its architectural style reflects the characteristics of Confucian architecture in northern Hunan during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Tiangong Mountain Forest Park
A provincial-level forest park with a main peak elevation of 421 meters and a forest coverage rate of over 90%. The park features steep mountains, dense vegetation, and attractions such as Tiangong Temple, Fairy Cave, and Heavenly Lake. With fresh air and a quiet environment, it is an ideal place for leisure vacation and forest health preservation.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • There is a tourist special line from Lixian county seat to Chengtoushan Site
  • Self-driving or chartered car is recommended from Chengtoushan to Pengshan Scenic Area
  • Public buses are available from Pengshan Scenic Area to Lizhou Confucian Temple
  • Self-driving or chartered car is required to reach Tiangong Mountain Forest Park
Ticket Information
  • Chengtoushan Site: ¥60 per person
  • Pengshan Scenic Area: ¥50 per person
  • Lizhou Confucian Temple: ¥20 per person
  • Tiangong Mountain Forest Park: ¥30 per person
  • Liyang Plain Vineyards: Free admission
Food Recommendations
  • Lixian Grapes
  • Chengtoushan Rice
  • Pengshan Wild Vegetables
  • Lizhou Sauce-Flavored Duck

Must-Try Foods in Lixian County

Lixian Grapes

A national geographical indication product and the most representative specialty of Lixian County. With diverse varieties including Kyoho, Summer Black, and Shine Muscat, the grapes feature plump berries, bright color, sweet taste, and rich nutrition. The picking season is from July to October every year, making them a must-try seasonal fruit for tourists.

Chengtoushan Rice

Produced in the surrounding areas of Chengtoushan Site, it is famous for its 6000-year history of rice cultivation. The rice has plump grains, excellent quality, fragrant aroma when cooked, and soft taste. As a local characteristic agricultural product, it embodies Lixian's agricultural heritage as the "World's Rice Source".

Pengshan Wild Vegetables

Various wild vegetables around Pengshan Scenic Area, including bracken, purslane, and wild celery. These wild vegetables are naturally pollution-free and rich in nutrition, which can be eaten cold, stir-fried, or in soup, reflecting the original flavor of mountain ingredients and being a featured dish in local farmhouses.

Lizhou Sauce-Flavored Duck

A traditional famous dish of Lixian County, made from local Ma ducks with more than 30 kinds of spices and Chinese herbal medicines through processes such as marinating, drying, and stewing. The finished product has a sauce-red color, firm meat, and rich aroma, combining the deliciousness of duck meat with the mellow taste of spices.

Lixian County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-May): Pengshan Scenic Area is full of blooming flowers with pleasant climate
  • Summer (June-August): Grapes are ripe, ideal for picking experience
  • Autumn (September-November): Clear sky and pleasant weather, suitable for mountain climbing and sightseeing
  • Winter (December-February): Can taste farm cured meat and experience New Year customs
Must-Experience Activities
  • Learn about the origins of Chinese civilization at Chengtoushan Site
  • Admire imperial garden art at Pengshan Scenic Area
  • Experience the cultural heritage of Confucianism at Lizhou Confucian Temple
  • Enjoy forest health preservation at Tiangong Mountain Forest Park
  • Pick and taste fresh grapes at vineyards
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: ¥160-180 (main attractions)
  • Catering: ¥50-90 (including featured dishes and snacks)
  • Transportation: ¥40-70 (self-driving or chartered car recommended)
  • Shopping: ¥30-80 (grapes and specialties)
  • Total: ¥100-320
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Is there a guide service at Chengtoushan Site? → Professional guides are available, advance reservation required
  • Is Pengshan Scenic Area suitable for traveling with children? → Yes, with parent-child activities and amusement facilities
  • When is the sacrificial ceremony at Lizhou Confucian Temple? → Sacrificial ceremony is held on Confucius' birthday every year
  • Transportation from Lixian to Changde urban area? → Regular buses and expressways available, about 1 hour drive

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