Hengyang County Tourism, Hengyang City, Hunan Province

Hengyang County, Hengyang, Hunan — a pearl of landscapes in the hinterland of central Hunan, integrating red culture, ecological scenery and historical relics. It boasts well-known scenic spots such as Gulou Peak National Forest Park, Xia Minghan Former Residence and Zhinv Lake. Experience the diverse charm of "forest oxygen bar + red memory + lake and mountain scenery" in 2 days.

2558
square kilometers of regional area
1.03 million+
permanent population
8
national and provincial-level cultural relic protection units
3000+
historical and cultural heritage sites
Gulou Peak Landscape, Hengyang County, Hengyang
Panoramic View of Gulou Peak National Forest Park - Iconic Landscape of Hengyang County
Gulou Peak is one of the 72 peaks of Nanyue (Mount Heng), with the main peak at an altitude of 1106 meters and a forest coverage rate of over 95%. Known as the "green lung of central Hunan", the mountain is covered with ancient trees and gurgling streams, making it an ideal destination for summer recreation and ecological sightseeing.

Two-Day Red and Ecological Tour of Hengyang County

Seeking roots in red culture, exploring green forests, relaxing by the lake, visiting ancient residences to pay homage to sages

Trip Duration
2 Days
Main Destinations
Xia Minghan Former Residence, Gulou Peak, Zhinv Lake, Wang Chuanshan Former Residence, Shishi Danxia
Suitable For
Red culture enthusiasts, eco-tourists, history researchers, family travelers with kids
Per Capita Budget
¥200-¥600
1
Red Memory and Green Forest Oxygen Bar Tour
Xia Minghan Former Residence · Gulou Peak
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Xia Minghan Former Residence in the morning to cherish the memory of revolutionary martyrs and inherit the red gene; climb Gulou Peak National Forest Park in the afternoon, walk through the primeval forest, breathe fresh air and experience the beauty of nature.

Attraction Arrangement
Xia Minghan Former Residence
Built in the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, it is the birthplace of Xia Minghan, a proletarian revolutionary and revolutionary poet. The former residence is a typical Xiangnan folk residence, with existing main houses, wing rooms and other buildings. It displays precious cultural relics such as Xia Minghan's life story and manuscripts, and is a national patriotic education demonstration base.
Gulou Peak National Forest Park
One of the 72 peaks of Nanyue (Mount Heng) and a national forest park, famous for its "wonder, danger, seclusion and beauty". The park has historical relics such as Yu King Hall and Leizu Hall, as well as natural landscapes such as primeval secondary forests and waterfalls and streams. The main peak overlooks the scenery of the central Hunan plain, making it an ideal place for eco-tourism and popular science education.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • There are regular buses from Hengyang urban area to Xidu Town, Hengyang County
  • Rural buses are available from Xidu Town to Xia Minghan Former Residence (about 1 hour)
  • Gulou Peak is about 30 kilometers from Xidu Town, self-driving or chartered car is recommended
  • You can walk or take a sightseeing bus in Gulou Peak Scenic Area
Ticket Information
  • Xia Minghan Former Residence: Free (Reservation required)
  • Gulou Peak National Forest Park: ¥40
  • Scenic Area Sightseeing Bus: ¥20 one-way
Food Recommendations
  • Zhajiang Rice Noodles
  • Xidu Huzhi Wine
  • Taiyuan Black Lotus Soup
  • Gulou Peak Wild Vegetables
2
Lake and Mountain Scenery & Historical Culture Tour
Zhinv Lake · Wang Chuanshan Former Residence · Shishi Danxia
Itinerary Highlights

Tour Zhinv Lake in the morning to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery and island views; visit Wang Chuanshan Former Residence in the afternoon to experience the wisdom of the thinker, then go to Shishi Danxia to appreciate the uncanny craftsmanship of nature.

Attraction Arrangement
Zhinv Lake Scenic Area
Built on the Xiebei Yan Reservoir, it is named after the "Cowherd and Weaver Girl" legend. The lake covers an area of more than 3,000 mu, with dozens of large and small islands in the lake. The two banks are surrounded by green mountains and the water quality is clear. You can take a boat tour, go fishing and camping here, making it a good place for leisure and vacation.
Wang Chuanshan Former Residence (Xiangxi Thatched Cottage)
It is the place where Wang Fuzhi (styled Chuanshan), a thinker at the end of the Ming Dynasty and the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, lived in seclusion and wrote books in his later years, built in the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty. The former residence is a simple thatched cottage building, with existing main houses, wing rooms and a cypress tree planted by Wang Fuzhi himself. It displays his works, manuscripts, etc., and is an important site for studying Huxiang culture.
Shishi Danxia Landform
Danxia landscape formed in the Cretaceous period, with a total area of about 10 square kilometers. The red bed landform here is fully developed, with landscapes such as red cliffs, karst caves and stone forests. Among them, landscapes such as "One-Line Sky" and "Natural Bridge" have unique shapes, known as the "Little Guilin in Central Hunan".
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Zhinv Lake is about 20 kilometers from Xidu Town, rural buses are available
  • Wang Chuanshan Former Residence is relatively remote, self-driving is recommended (about 50 kilometers from Xidu Town)
  • Shishi Danxia is about 40 kilometers from Xidu Town, suitable for self-driving or carpooling
  • The driving time between attractions is long, it is recommended to set off early
Tour Tips
  • Wear life jackets when taking boats on Zhinv Lake and pay attention to safety
  • Taking photos is prohibited in Wang Chuanshan Former Residence, please respect the cultural relic protection regulations
  • Some areas of Shishi Danxia are undeveloped, please travel with companions
  • Pay attention to sun protection and heatstroke prevention in summer, and prepare enough drinking water

Must-Try Foods in Hengyang County

Xidu Huzhi Wine

A traditional famous wine in Hengyang County, originating from the Western Han Dynasty. Made from glutinous rice using ancient brewing methods, it has an orange-yellow color and a mellow and sweet taste, combining the mellowness of wine and the sweetness of honey. Known as "nectar and jade liquid", it is an intangible cultural heritage of Hunan Province.

Zhajiang Rice Noodles

A special snack in Zhajiang Town, Hengyang County. Made from high-quality rice, it is served with bone soup, beef, mixed sauce and other ingredients. The rice noodles are smooth and chewy, the soup is delicious, and the ingredients are rich. It has been the first choice for local people's breakfast for a hundred years.

Taiyuan Black Lotus

A specialty of Taiyuan Town, Hengyang County, and a national geographical indication product of China. Black lotus has plump grains, thick flesh, black color and fragrant taste, rich in protein and various vitamins. It can be cooked into soup, stewed with soup or made into preserves, combining nutrition and deliciousness.

Shishi Tofu

A traditional food in Shishi Town, Hengyang County, made from local mountain spring water and soybeans. The tofu has a delicate texture and rich bean aroma, and can be made into various foods such as tofu pudding, fried tofu, and fermented tofu. Especially Shishi fermented tofu has a unique flavor and is a delicacy on farmhouse dining tables.

Hengyang County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-May): Gulou Peak is in full bloom with pleasant climate
  • Summer (June-August): Summer resort at Zhinv Lake, suitable for water activities
  • Autumn (September-November): Sunny weather, suitable for mountaineering and outdoor activities
  • Winter (December-February): Fewer tourists, can experience rural New Year flavor
Must-Experience Activities
  • Revisit red stories at Xia Minghan Former Residence
  • Climb to the top of Gulou Peak to overlook the central Hunan plain
  • Take a boat tour of Zhinv Lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery
  • Experience the demeanor of the thinker at Wang Chuanshan Former Residence
  • Taste Xidu Huzhi Wine with Zhajiang Rice Noodles
Budget Reference
  • Tickets and Transportation: ¥100-200 (including scenic spot tickets and transportation fees)
  • Catering: ¥80-150 per day
  • Accommodation: ¥80-200 per night (inns in county town or around scenic spots)
  • Shopping: ¥50-150 (specialties such as Huzhi Wine and black lotus)
  • Total: ¥200-600
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Are the attractions in Hengyang County scattered? → Yes, self-driving or chartered car is more convenient
  • Do I need to make a reservation for Xia Minghan Former Residence? → Groups need to make reservations in advance, individual tourists can register on site
  • Is Gulou Peak suitable for the elderly and children to visit? → There are sightseeing buses, you can choose easy routes
  • Where to buy authentic Xidu Huzhi Wine? → Time-honored wineries or large supermarkets in Xidu Town