Chenxi County Travel, Huaihua City, Hunan Province

Chenxi County, Huaihua City, Hunan Province — a landscape ancient city on the banks of the Chenshui River, integrating cave wonders, historical sites, and landscape scenery. It features distinctive attractions such as Yanzidong Cave Scenic Area, Jinyan Pagoda, and Chenshui River Scenic Belt. Experience the diverse customs of "underground wonders + ancient pagoda vicissitudes + beautiful landscapes" in one day.

1977
square kilometers of regional area
450,000+
permanent resident population
1
Provincial-level Scenic Area (Yanzidong Cave)
2
Provincial-level Cultural Relic Protection Units
Yanzidong Cave Scenic Area in Chenxi County
Yanzidong Cave Scenic Area - Underground Karst Cave Wonder of Chenxi County
Yanzidong Cave is a famous karst cave in Chenxi County, with various forms of stalactites and an underground river winding through it. It is named after the large number of swallows nesting here every spring and summer, and is known as the "Underground Art Palace of Western Hunan".

One-Day Cave and Historical Site Tour in Chenxi County

Explore Caves, Trace Ancient Pagodas, Admire Chenshui River Scenery

Tour Duration
1 Day
Main Destinations
Yanzidong Cave Scenic Area, Jinyan Pagoda, Chenshui River Scenic Belt, Danshan Temple, Chenxi County Museum
Suitable for
Nature lovers, history and culture enthusiasts, photography enthusiasts, geology enthusiasts
Per Capita Budget
¥70-¥180
1
Cave Wonders and Historical Culture Tour
Yanzidong Cave · Jinyan Pagoda · Chenshui River Scenery
Tour Highlights

Visit Yanzidong Cave Scenic Area in the morning to admire the underground cave wonders; explore Jinyan Pagoda and Danshan Temple in the afternoon to experience the historical and cultural heritage; stroll along the Chenshui River Scenic Belt in the evening to enjoy the beautiful scenery of mountains and rivers blending together.

Attraction Arrangement
Yanzidong Cave Scenic Area
A famous karst cave scenic area in Chenxi County, about 3 kilometers deep, divided into upper, middle and lower layers. The cave is full of various forms of stalactites, stalagmites and stone curtains. An underground river flows through the cave with clear water. Named after tens of thousands of swallows nesting and reproducing in the cave every spring and summer, it is one of the large-scale cave landscapes in Western Hunan.
Jinyan Pagoda
An ancient pagoda built in the Ming Dynasty, a seven-story octagonal pavilion-style brick and stone structure, about 28 meters high. The pagoda body is built of blue bricks, with arched doors and relief decorations on each floor, and a gourd-shaped top. Standing on the bank of the Chenshui River, Jinyan Pagoda is a historical landmark of Chenxi County, witnessing the historical changes of Chenxi for hundreds of years.
Chenshui River Scenic Belt
A waterfront landscape belt built along both banks of the Chenshui River, about 5 kilometers long, with clear river water, green trees on both banks and beautiful pastoral scenery. Equipped with water-friendly platforms, viewing pavilions, leisure trails and other facilities, it is an ideal place for citizens to walk, ride bicycles and fish, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the winding Chenshui River and the reflection of green mountains on both banks.
Danshan Temple
A Buddhist temple built in the Qing Dynasty, located on Danshan Mountain. The buildings in the temple are simple and elegant, including the Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall, Scripture Collection Pavilion and other buildings. The temple is surrounded by a quiet environment with towering ancient trees. Climbing the temple, you can overlook Chenxi County and the Chenshui River scenery, making it a quiet place for self-cultivation and prayer.
Chenxi County Museum
A comprehensive museum displaying the history, culture, folk customs and natural resources of Chenxi County. It has a rich collection of cultural relics, including Neolithic stone tools, Han Dynasty pottery, Ming and Qing folk utensils, etc. Through physical exhibits and multimedia displays, it systematically introduces the historical evolution and cultural characteristics of Chenxi County.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take the Huaihua-Chenxi special bus from Huaihua urban area to the county seat
  • Yanzidong Cave Scenic Area is about 15 kilometers from the county seat, need to transfer to local transportation
  • It is recommended to take a taxi or chartered car to travel between attractions
  • There are buses connecting major attractions in the county seat
Ticket Information
  • Yanzidong Cave Scenic Area: ¥50 per person (half price for students)
  • Jinyan Pagoda: Free
  • Chenshui River Scenic Belt: Free
  • Danshan Temple: ¥10 per person
  • Chenxi County Museum: Free (registration required)
Food Recommendations
  • Chenxi Bacon
  • Chenshui River Fish
  • Blood Rice Cake Duck
  • Artemisia Baba
  • Sour Soup Fish

Must-Try Foods in Chenxi County

Chenxi Bacon

A traditional characteristic cured meat in Chenxi County, made from local pork through traditional marinating and smoking processes. It has a golden color, firm meat quality and a rich smoky flavor. It can be steamed, stir-fried, stewed and other cooking methods, and is a must-have food and special gift for festivals in the local area.

Chenshui River Fish

Made from wild river fish in the clear waters of the Chenshui River, with local characteristic seasonings and cooking methods. The fish meat is fresh and tender, with a delicious taste. It can be steamed, braised in brown sauce or boiled in soup, and served with Chenxi's special sour chili, the taste is more unique, reflecting the dietary characteristics of the Chenshui River basin.

Blood Rice Cake Duck

A traditional characteristic dish in Chenxi County. Blood rice cake is made by mixing duck blood with glutinous rice, and cooked with duck meat, served with chili, ginger, garlic and other seasonings. The duck meat is fresh and tender, the blood rice cake is soft and glutinous, with a rich spicy flavor, and is a must-have dish for local banquets and festivals.

Travel Tips for Chenxi County
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-May): Best time to watch swallows returning to their nests in Yanzidong Cave
  • Autumn (September-November): Cool weather, comfortable for outdoor sightseeing
  • Summer (June-August): Ideal for summer escape in Yanzidong Cave with cool temperature
  • Avoid rainy season to prevent slippery roads in the cave affecting sightseeing
Must-Experience Activities
  • Admire the various stalactite wonders in Yanzidong Cave
  • Climb Jinyan Pagoda to enjoy the Chenshui River scenery from a distance
  • Stroll along the Chenshui River Scenic Belt to experience the beauty of mountains and rivers
  • Pray at Danshan Temple to experience Buddhist culture
  • Taste authentic Chenxi bacon and blood rice cake duck
Budget Reference
  • Tickets and transportation: ¥50-100 (including attraction tickets and transportation fees)
  • Catering: ¥40-90 per day
  • Shopping: ¥30-70 (Chenxi bacon and other specialties)
  • Total: ¥70-180
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is the temperature inside Yanzidong Cave? → Constant temperature of about 18℃ all year round, need to bring a coat
  • Can I climb Jinyan Pagoda? → Yes, but pay attention to safety
  • What are the local specialties of Chenxi County? → Chenxi bacon, blood rice cake duck, artemisia baba, etc.
  • What is the accommodation condition in Chenxi County? → There are various hotels and guesthouses in the county seat