Hengshan County Tourism, Hengyang City, Hunan Province
Hengshan County, Hengyang City, Hunan Province — a millennium-old county on the banks of the Xiangjiang River, integrating ancient town charm, red culture, and ecological landscapes. It boasts distinctive attractions such as Xuanzhou Ancient Town, Purple Mountain Forest Park, and Jiuguan Lake. A 2-day tour allows you to fully experience the diverse customs of "Ming and Qing ancient streets + martyrs' footprints + lake and mountain scenery".
2-Day Trip of Ancient Charm and Landscape in Hengshan County
Seeking seclusion in ancient towns, commemorating martyrs, enjoying the scenery of green mountains, and relaxing by the lake
In the morning, stroll through Xuanzhou Ancient Town to explore the former prosperity of the water transport wharf in the Ming and Qing ancient streets; in the afternoon, visit Mao Zejian Martyrs Cemetery to cherish the memory of revolutionary martyrs and inherit the red spirit.
- Take high-speed rail from Hengyang urban area to Hengshan Station, then transfer to bus to the county seat
- There is a special bus from the county seat to Xuanzhou Ancient Town (about 40 minutes)
- Mao Zejian Martyrs Cemetery is located in the outskirts of the county seat, accessible by county bus or taxi
- Walk to visit the ancient town, some sections are bluestone roads, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes
- Xuanzhou Ancient Town: Free (About 10 yuan for visiting some ancestral halls)
- Mao Zejian Martyrs Cemetery: Free (Registration required)
- Hengshan Tofu Pot
- Xuanzhou Pomelo Candy
- Sugar Oil Rice Cakes
- Xiangjiang Diaozi Fish
In the morning, climb Purple Mountain Forest Park to overlook the panoramic view of the Xiangjiang River and the county seat; in the afternoon, visit Jiuguan Lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, then visit Dayuandu Navigation and Hydropower Hub to experience the grandeur of modern water conservancy projects.
- Purple Mountain Forest Park is about 2 kilometers from the county center, accessible on foot or by bike
- Jiuguan Lake is about 20 kilometers from the county seat, self-driving or taking township buses is recommended
- Dayuandu Navigation and Hydropower Hub is about 15 kilometers from the county seat, about 30 minutes by car
- The road conditions between attractions are good, suitable for self-driving and connecting tours
- The hiking trail of Purple Mountain is steep, it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes
- There are many mosquitoes in Jiuguan Lake in summer, prepare mosquito repellent
- Dayuandu Hub is an industrial scenic spot, please abide by safety regulations
- The road is slippery on rainy days, pay attention to safety on some mountain roads
Must-Try Foods in Hengshan County
Hengshan Tofu
A traditional food in Hengshan County, made of local soybeans and mountain spring water, with tender texture and rich bean aroma. Classic methods include tofu pot, fried tofu, tofu pudding, etc. Especially "Hengshan Fresh Tofu" is famous for its smooth and tender taste, which can be matched with various seasonings, reflecting the unique flavor of tofu in southern Hunan.
Xuanzhou Pomelo Candy
A special snack in Xuanzhou Town, Hengshan County, made from local pomelo peel boiled with rock sugar. The finished product is golden in color, sweet with a slight bitterness, and has the effect of moistening the lungs and relieving coughs. It is a traditional snack during festivals in the local area and also a good gift for relatives and friends.
Sugar Oil Rice Cakes
A common street snack in Hengshan County, made by kneading glutinous rice flour into balls, frying them, and then coating with syrup. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, sweet but not greasy, it tastes best when eaten hot. It is a favorite breakfast and supper choice for locals, full of market vitality.
Xiangjiang Diaozi Fish
Made of wild Diaozi fish from the Xiangjiang River basin, marinated and then fried or braised in brown sauce. The fish meat is tender and delicious with few bones, which is a representative river fresh dish in Hengshan County, reflecting the dietary characteristics along the Xiangjiang River. It tastes better with local rice wine.
- Spring (March-May): Rapeseed flowers bloom in Xuanzhou Ancient Town, and Jiuguan Lake is full of greenery
- Summer (June-August): Cool off in Purple Mountain, and Jiuguan Lake is suitable for water activities
- Autumn (September-November): The weather is clear, suitable for mountain climbing and ancient town tours
- Winter (December-February): Fewer tourists, can experience the rural New Year flavor
- Walk on the bluestone roads of Xuanzhou Ancient Town to visit Ming and Qing ancient buildings
- Cherish the memory of revolutionary martyrs at Mao Zejian Martyrs Cemetery
- Watch the Xiangjiang River sunset and the panoramic view of the county seat on the top of Purple Mountain
- Take a boat to explore the scenery of small islands in Jiuguan Lake
- Taste Hengshan Tofu Pot with Xiangjiang Diaozi Fish
- Tickets and Transportation: 50-150 yuan (Including a small amount of attraction tickets and transportation fees)
- Catering: 60-100 yuan/day
- Accommodation: 70-150 yuan/night (County hotels or ancient town homestays)
- Shopping: 30-100 yuan (Specialties such as pomelo candy and tofu products)
- Total: 150-450 yuan
- Is Xuanzhou Ancient Town suitable for taking photos? → Very suitable, the light is best in the early morning or evening
- Is there an entrance fee for Purple Mountain? → Free and open, no fee for mountain climbing
- Can I camp in Jiuguan Lake? → Allowed in some areas, need to contact the management in advance
- Is Hengshan County far from Nanyue Hengshan Scenic Area? → About 30 kilometers, accessible by direct bus