Qidong County Tourism, Hengyang City, Hunan Province
Qidong County, Hengyang City, Hunan Province — a pearl of landscapes in the hinterland of southern Hunan, integrating ecological scenery, ancient architectural customs and red culture. It boasts characteristic scenic spots such as Siming Mountain National Forest Park, Shajingwan Ancient Dwellings and Dingshan Park. Experience the diverse customs of "cloud forest + Ming and Qing ancient architecture + martyr's footprints" in 2 days.
2-Day Trip of Landscape and Ancient Rhyme in Qidong County
Explore forests in the clouds, seek seclusion in ancient dwellings, relax by the lake, and pay tribute to martyrs
In the morning, climb Siming Mountain National Forest Park to breathe fresh air in the cloud forest and enjoy the sea of clouds and pine waves; in the afternoon, visit Shajingwan Ancient Dwellings to touch history in the Ming and Qing architectural complex and experience the charm of southern Hunan ancient architecture.
- Take a bus from Hengyang urban area to Qidong County seat (Hongqiao Town)
- Self-driving or chartered car is required from the county seat to Siming Mountain (about 1.5 hours)
- Shajingwan Ancient Dwellings is about 15 kilometers from the county seat, with township buses directly reaching there
- Some sections of Siming Mountain are steep, please drive carefully
- Siming Mountain National Forest Park: ¥40
- Shajingwan Ancient Dwellings: ¥20 (including explanation)
- Qidong Daylily Fried with Pork
- Crispy Jujubes
- Qidong Fish Noodles
- Sweet Potato Vermicelli Sheets
In the morning, stroll in Dingshan Park to relax and exercise in the urban green lung; in the afternoon, visit Hongqi Reservoir to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, then pay homage to Martyr Cao Yan's Tomb to cherish the memory of revolutionary martyrs.
- Dingshan Park is located in the county seat, accessible on foot or by bike
- Hongqi Reservoir is about 25 kilometers from the county seat, self-driving or taking township buses is recommended
- Martyr Cao Yan's Tomb is about 30 kilometers from the county seat, about 50 minutes by car
- The road conditions between attractions are good, suitable for self-driving and connecting tours
- The hiking trails in Dingshan Park are gentle, suitable for visitors of all ages
- Wear life jackets and follow safety regulations when taking boats at Hongqi Reservoir
- Please maintain solemnity and respect history when visiting Martyr Cao Yan's Tomb
- Pay attention to sun protection and heatstroke prevention in summer, and prepare drinking water and mosquito repellent
Must-Try Foods in Qidong County
Qidong Daylily
A specialty of Qidong County and a national geographical indication product of China, known as the "Hometown of Chinese Daylily". Qidong daylily has a golden color, thick flesh, rich in protein and amino acids. It can be stir-fried fresh, boiled in soup or made into dried products, with a delicious taste and both dietary and therapeutic effects. It is a fine product for local dining tables and gifts.
Crispy Jujubes
A characteristic fruit processed product of Qidong County, made from local fresh jujubes through special craftsmanship. The finished product has a bright red color, crispy and sweet taste, retains the nutritional components of jujubes, and is easy to preserve. It is a well-known leisure snack and specialty in the local area.
Qidong Fish Noodles
A traditional breakfast in Qidong County, made by boiling soup with fresh fish meat, matching with local rice noodles, and adding chili, scallions and other seasonings. The soup is milky white, the fish meat is tender, the rice noodles are smooth, fresh and spicy, appetizing, and it is a favorite home-style food of local people, full of market vitality.
Sweet Potato Vermicelli Sheets
A traditional farmhouse food in Qidong County, made from local sweet potato starch through handmade production and drying. The vermicelli sheets have a transparent color and a tough, chewy taste. They can be stir-fried, boiled or cold mixed, and are a common ingredient on farmhouse dining tables, reflecting the local farming diet culture.
- Spring (April-May): Siming Mountain is covered with new green, and daylilies are in bud
- Summer (June-August): Siming Mountain is a great place for summer resort, and Hongqi Reservoir is suitable for water activities
- Autumn (September-October): The weather is clear, suitable for mountain climbing and visiting ancient dwellings
- Winter (November-December): You can pick crispy jujubes and experience the rural New Year flavor
- Watch the sea of clouds, sunrise and pine waves at Siming Mountain
- Listen to ancient architectural stories at Shajingwan Ancient Dwellings
- Climb to the top of Dingshan Park to overlook the panoramic view of the county seat
- Take a boat tour to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery at Hongqi Reservoir
- Taste Daylily Fried with Pork with Qidong Fish Noodles
- Tickets and Transportation: ¥60-160 (including scenic spot tickets and transportation fees)
- Catering: ¥70-120 per day
- Accommodation: ¥80-160 per night (county seat hotels or homestays around scenic spots)
- Shopping: ¥50-120 (specialties such as daylilies and crispy jujubes)
- Total: ¥180-480
- Is Siming Mountain suitable for camping? → Camping is allowed in some areas, please contact the forest farm management office in advance
- Are there tour guides at Shajingwan Ancient Dwellings? → There are local villager explainers, and the fee is included in the ticket
- Where to buy authentic Qidong daylilies? → Specialty stores or large supermarkets in the county seat
- Is transportation convenient between attractions? → Self-driving is recommended, township buses have fewer schedules