Changning City Tourism, Hengyang Hunan

Changning City, Hengyang, Hunan — a pearl in southern Hunan, integrating stone carving art, ecological scenery and red culture. It has distinctive scenic spots such as China Seal Mountain, Tiantang Mountain National Forest Park and Xijiang Rafting. Experience the diverse customs of "epic on stones + forest sea in the clouds + exciting rafting" in 2 days.

1554
km² Area
800,000+
Permanent Population
6
National & Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units
1800+
Historical and Cultural Heritage Sites
China Seal Mountain Landscape in Changning City, Hengyang
Chinese Seal Mountain Cliff Carving Landscape - Iconic Landscape of Changning City
China Seal Mountain is the only cultural tourism scenic spot in China with seals as the theme. It collects more than 5,000 stone carvings of celebrity seals from past dynasties, distributed on the cliff walls, known as the "Epic on Stones", which is a perfect integration of seal cutting art and natural landscapes.

2-Day Trip of Stone Carvings and Landscape in Changning City

Appreciate seal art at Yinshan Mountain, recall history at the Red Memorial Hall, enjoy the scenery at Tianhu Lake, and raft on Xijiang River

Trip Duration
2 Days
Main Destinations
China Seal Mountain, Shuikoushan Memorial Hall, Tiantang Mountain, Xijiang Rafting, Peiyuan Pagoda
Suitable For
Culture lovers, eco-tourists, rafting enthusiasts, red education participants
Per Capita Budget
¥240-¥600
1
Stone Carving Culture and Red Memory Tour
China Seal Mountain · Shuikoushan Workers' Movement Memorial Hall
Trip Highlights

Explore China Seal Mountain in the morning to appreciate the charm of seal cutting art in the cliff carvings; visit Shuikoushan Workers' Movement Memorial Hall in the afternoon to review the magnificent history of the workers' movement.

Attraction Arrangement
China Seal Mountain
A national AAA-level scenic spot, with seal culture as the core, more than 5,000 celebrity seals from past dynasties are re-carved on the cliff walls, covering the fine seal cutting works from the pre-Qin period to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The scenic area is divided into "Chinese Seal Grand View Garden", "Celebrity Seal Garden" and other areas. The stone carvings are set against mountains, forests and streams, with both cultural appreciation and ecological tourism value.
Shuikoushan Workers' Movement Memorial Hall
Built to commemorate the revolutionary struggles carried out by the pioneers of the Chinese workers' movement in Shuikoushan, the memorial hall displays major historical events such as the 1922 Shuikoushan Workers' General Strike through cultural relics, pictures, scene restoration and other methods, reproducing the magnificent course of the early workers' movement, and is a national patriotic education demonstration base.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take a bus from Hengyang urban area to Changning urban area
  • Take the special bus to Miaoqian Town from the urban area to China Seal Mountain (about 1 hour)
  • Shuikoushan Memorial Hall is about 15 km from the urban area, with direct township buses
  • Walking is the main way to visit in Yinshan Mountain Scenic Area, some sections are steep
Ticket Information
  • China Seal Mountain: ¥60
  • Shuikoushan Workers' Movement Memorial Hall: Free (Registration required)
Food Recommendations
  • Changning Rice Noodles
  • Fiber-Free Ginger Fried Pork
  • Camellia Oil Cakes
  • Yao Ethnic Bacon
2
Ecological Secret Land and Exciting Rafting Tour
Tiantang Mountain · Xijiang Rafting · Peiyuan Pagoda
Trip Highlights

Climb Tiantang Mountain National Forest Park in the morning to feel the beauty of nature in the cloud forest; experience the excitement of Xijiang Rafting in the afternoon, then visit Peiyuan Pagoda to experience the style of the ancient pagoda.

Attraction Arrangement
Tiantang Mountain National Forest Park
A national forest park, the main peak Tiantang Mountain is 1265 meters above sea level, the second highest peak in southern Hunan. The forest coverage rate in the park is over 90%, with primeval secondary forests, alpine meadows, waterfalls and other landscapes. There is also Tianhu Lake (Yangquan Reservoir) in the mountains, with beautiful lakes and mountains, which is an excellent place for summer vacation, hiking and star-gazing.
Xijiang Rafting
Known as "the First Rafting in Chinese Yao Township", the rafting river course is 10 kilometers long with a drop of nearly 100 meters. The two banks are primeval forests with deep canyons and rapid water flow. The rafting process includes the excitement of rapids and shoals as well as the leisure of gentle river sections, where you can enjoy the scenery of Yao Township and experience the fun of dancing with waves.
Peiyuan Pagoda
A pavilion-style brick pagoda built in the Qing Dynasty, more than 30 meters high with 7 floors. The pagoda is octagonal with overhanging eaves and angled corners on each floor, and exquisite relief carvings on the tower body. The name of the pagoda means "cultivating wind and nurturing vitality". Climbing the pagoda offers a bird's-eye view of Changning urban area. It is an iconic ancient building in Changning City and a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Tiantang Mountain is about 30 km from the urban area, self-driving is recommended (1 hour)
  • Xijiang Rafting is located in Tashan Yao Ethnic Township, about 50 km from the urban area, self-driving or tourist special line
  • Peiyuan Pagoda is located in the urban area, accessible on foot or by taxi
  • The road section in Tashan has many mountain roads, drive carefully; there are special cars to return to the starting point after rafting
Visiting Tips
  • Wear non-slip shoes and prepare drinking water for climbing Tiantang Mountain
  • Wear life jackets for Xijiang Rafting, follow the coach's guidance, and keep valuables properly
  • The stairs of Peiyuan Pagoda are steep, pay attention to safety when climbing
  • Do a good job of sun protection for rafting in summer, and prepare a thin coat due to the large temperature difference between morning and evening in Yao Township mountainous area

Must-Try Foods in Changning City

Changning Camellia Oil

A specialty drink of Changning City and a national geographical indication product of China. It is pressed from local camellia seeds through traditional craftsmanship. The tea soup is clear and mellow, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, and can be drunk hot or with rice flowers, peanuts, etc. It is a high-quality product for entertaining guests locally, known as "Oriental Olive Oil".

Fiber-Free Ginger

A specialty of Changning City, named for its tender meat and no fiber residue. It can be stir-fried fresh, pickled or made into ginger candy. Among them, "Ginger Fried Pork" is a classic recipe, with strong ginger flavor, slightly spicy and appetizing, and has therapeutic effects, which is an iconic ingredient in Changning's diet.

Changning Rice Noodles

A traditional breakfast in Changning City, made from local rice through stone grinding technology. The rice noodles are delicate and smooth, served with pork bone soup, beef topping or three fresh toppings, with delicious soup. Among them, "Banqiao Rice Noodles" is the most famous, which is a daily home-style food for local people.

Yao Ethnic Bacon

Traditional cured meat of Tashan Yao Ethnic Township, selected local native pork, cured and then smoked with pine firewood. The bacon is bright red, fat but not greasy, with rich aroma, and can be steamed, stir-fried or stewed. It is a necessary dish for Yao Ethnic festivals and entertaining guests, reflecting the dietary culture of the Yao people.

Changning City Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Azaleas bloom on Tiantang Mountain, and Yinshan Mountain is full of greenery
  • Summer (June-September): Best season for Xijiang Rafting, summer vacation on Tiantang Mountain
  • Autumn (October-November): Sunny weather, suitable for mountain climbing and visiting cultural attractions
  • Winter (December-February): Experience the New Year flavor of Yao Township, warm up with camellia oil
Must-Experience Activities
  • Recognize famous seals of past dynasties and take photos of stone carving art at China Seal Mountain
  • Climb the main peak of Tiantang Mountain to watch the sea of clouds and visit Tianhu Lake
  • Experience the excitement of rapids on Xijiang Rafting
  • Listen to the history of the workers' movement at Shuikoushan Memorial Hall
  • Drink Yao Township camellia oil with camellia oil cakes
Budget Reference
  • Tickets and Transportation: ¥150-250 (Including rafting, scenic spot tickets, transportation)
  • Catering: ¥80-150 per day
  • Accommodation: ¥100-200 per night (Urban hotels or Yao Township homestays)
  • Shopping: ¥60-150 (Specialties such as camellia oil, ginger products)
  • Total: ¥240-600
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Is Xijiang Rafting suitable for children? → Children under 1.2 meters and the elderly are not recommended to participate
  • Do I need a tour guide to explain at China Seal Mountain? → There are explanation boards in the scenic area, and you can also book a explainer (¥50 per time)
  • Where to drink the most authentic Changning camellia oil? → Time-honored camellia oil shops in the urban area or Tashan Yao Ethnic Township
  • Can I camp on Tiantang Mountain? → Allowed in designated areas, need to report to the management office in advance

Explore Tourism in All Districts and Counties of Hengyang City