Shimen County Tourism, Changde City, Hunan Province

Shimen County, Changde City, Hunan Province — an ecological pearl in northwest Hunan, integrating Qifeng caves, Zen culture, and citrus industry. It boasts distinctive scenic spots such as Huping Mountain, Jiashan Temple, and Dragon King Cave. Experience the natural and cultural beauty of "Hunan's Roof Ridge + Ancestral Court of Zen Tea + Underground Maze" in one day.

3973
km² Area
670,000+
Permanent Population
2098.7
Huping Mountain Altitude (meters)
1200
Years of Citrus Cultivation History
Huping Mountain Scenery in Shimen County, Changde
Huping Mountain Sea of Clouds - Natural Landmark of Shimen County
Huping Mountain is the highest peak in Hunan Province, known as "the roof of Hunan". Famous for its precipitous mountain terrain, spectacular sea of clouds, and rich biodiversity, it is an ideal destination for outdoor adventure and eco-tourism.

One-Day Ecological and Cultural Tour of Shimen County

Enjoy the scenery of the roof ridge, explore the source of the Zen temple, discover the wonders of the cave, and taste fresh citrus in the orchard

Tour Duration
1 Day
Main Destinations
Huping Mountain, Jiashan Temple, Dragon King Cave, Xianyang Lake, Shimen Citrus Orchard
Suitable for
Outdoor Enthusiasts, Culture Seekers, Photography Lovers, Food Tasters
Per Capita Budget
¥120-¥350
Full Day
Ecological and Cultural Experience Tour of Shimen County
Huping Mountain · Jiashan Temple · Dragon King Cave · Xianyang Lake
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, climb Huping Mountain to enjoy the scenery of Hunan's roof ridge and visit Jiashan Temple to learn about Zen tea culture; in the afternoon, explore Dragon King Cave to admire the wonders of underground karst caves and tour Xianyang Lake to experience the beauty of mountains and rivers; in the evening, visit Shimen Citrus Orchard to taste fresh citrus specialties.

Attraction Arrangement
Huping Mountain
The highest peak in Hunan Province, with a main peak altitude of 2098.7 meters, named for its shape like a pot and a bottle. The mountain is covered with dense forests and crisscrossed by streams, known as the "natural labyrinth on the Earth's strange circle". Major scenic spots include Dingping, Jiangping River, Huanglian River, etc. It is a national nature reserve and a popular destination for outdoor adventures.
Jiashan Temple
An ancestral court of Buddhist Zen, first built in the Tang Dynasty, named after the "Jiashan Realm". The temple houses the tomb of Monk Fengtianyu of the Ming Dynasty (rumored to be Li Zicheng's place of monasticism), and is the birthplace of Zen tea culture, where "the unity of tea and Zen" originated. Existing buildings include the Mahavira Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Lingquan Pagoda, etc.
Dragon King Cave
A national 4A-level tourist scenic area, a typical karst cave with a total length of 5 kilometers (10 li), featuring more than 60 scenic spots of various sizes. The cave is filled with various stalactites, stone stalagmites, stone curtains, and stone flowers. Especially the "Dragon Palace" and "Crystal Palace" landscapes are the most spectacular, known as the "underground art palace".
Xianyang Lake
A national wetland park, formerly known as Zaoshi Reservoir, with a water area of 54 square kilometers. The lake is dotted with islands, the water is clear to the bottom, and surrounded by green mountains. It offers activities such as boat tours, water sports, and fishing, making it an ideal place for leisure and vacation.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • There are tourist special lines from Shimen County to Huping Mountain
  • Self-driving or chartered car is recommended from Huping Mountain to Jiashan Temple
  • There are township buses from Jiashan Temple to Dragon King Cave
  • Xianyang Lake is around the county seat and can be reached by taxi
Ticket Information
  • Huping Mountain: ¥80 per person
  • Jiashan Temple: ¥30 per person
  • Dragon King Cave: ¥70 per person
  • Xianyang Lake: Free
  • Shimen Citrus Orchard: Free visit
Food Recommendations
  • Shimen Pork Intestines
  • Huping Mountain Wild Vegetables
  • Jiashan Zen Tea
  • Xianyang Lake Fresh Fish

Must-Try Foods in Shimen County

Shimen Pork Intestines

The most representative specialty dish of Shimen County, made with fresh pork large intestines and carefully cooked with a variety of spices and chili peppers. The intestines are cleaned thoroughly, with a chewy texture, spicy and delicious, rich but not greasy. It is a must-have dish for local banquets and is deeply loved by tourists.

Huping Mountain Wild Vegetables

Various wild vegetables endemic to Huping Mountain, including bracken, bamboo shoots, wild mushrooms, etc. These wild vegetables are naturally pollution-free and rich in nutrients. They can be eaten cold, stir-fried, or in soup, reflecting the original flavor of mountain ingredients, and are a specialty dish of local farmhouses.

Jiashan Zen Tea

Tea produced in Jiashan Temple, famous for "the unity of tea and Zen". The tea is grown around Jiashan Mountain, influenced by Zen culture, with clear tea soup, elegant aroma, and mellow taste. It has the effect of calming the mind and tranquilizing the spirit, making it an excellent choice for tea tasting and gifting.

Shimen Citrus

A geographical indication product of Shimen County, with a long cultivation history and excellent quality. The citrus has a beautiful shape, bright color, tender flesh, juicy and sweet taste, and is rich in vitamin C. The picking season is from October to February of the next year, making it the most representative specialty of the region.

Shimen County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Rhododendrons bloom on Huping Mountain, with magnificent scenery
  • Summer (June-August): Dragon King Cave is cool and pleasant, suitable for summer escape
  • Autumn (September-November): Citrus is ripe, can experience picking fun
  • Winter (December-February): Huping Mountain has charming snow scenery, pay attention to cold protection
Must-Experience Activities
  • Climb to the top of Huping Mountain to watch the sea of clouds and sunrise
  • Taste Zen tea and understand tea ceremony at Jiashan Temple
  • Explore the underground art palace in Dragon King Cave
  • Take a boat tour on Xianyang Lake to enjoy the landscape scenery
  • Pick and taste fresh citrus in the citrus orchard
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: ¥180-200 (main scenic spots)
  • Catering: ¥60-100 (including special dishes and snacks)
  • Transportation: ¥50-80 (self-driving or chartered car recommended)
  • Shopping: ¥30-70 (citrus, tea and other specialties)
  • Total: ¥120-350
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Do I need professional equipment to climb Huping Mountain? → No for ordinary hiking trails, required for professional adventure trails
  • Are there Zen tea experience activities at Jiashan Temple? → Yes, tea ceremony experience can be booked
  • What is the temperature inside Dragon King Cave? → Constant temperature of about 18℃ all year round, need to bring a coat
  • Transportation from Shimen County to Changde urban area? → There are buses and expressways, about 1.5 hours' drive

Explore Tourism in Districts and Counties of Changde City