Yuanling County Tourism, Huaihua City, Hunan Province

Yuanling County, Huaihua City, Hunan Province – a scenic resort on the banks of the Yuanshui River, integrating exotic mountains and beautiful waters, primitive forests, and millennium-old temples. It features attractions such as Fenghuang Mountain Forest Park, Jiemuxi Nature Reserve, and Longxing Lecture Temple. Experience the diverse customs of "landscape gallery + ecological secret land + ancient temple Zen charm" in one day.

5850
square kilometers of regional area
600,000+
permanent resident population
1
National Nature Reserve (Jiemuxi)
3
Major National Historical and Cultural Protection Units
Jiemuxi Nature Reserve Landscape in Yuanling County
Jiemuxi Nature Reserve - Primitive Ecological Secret Land of Yuanling County
Jiemuxi National Nature Reserve preserves a complete subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest ecosystem with a forest coverage rate of over 95%. Known as the "Gene Bank of Species in Central South China", it is an ideal destination for eco-tourism and scientific research.

1-Day Tour of Landscapes and Ancient Temples in Yuanling County

Explore exotic mountains, seek Zen in ancient temples, and enjoy the scenery of Yuanshui River

Trip Duration
1 Day
Main Destinations
Fenghuang Mountain Forest Park, Jiemuxi Nature Reserve, Longxing Lecture Temple, Yuanshui River Scenic Belt, Eryou Mountain
Suitable for
Nature lovers, Buddhist culture lovers, photography enthusiasts, mountaineering enthusiasts
Per Capita Budget
¥80-¥200
1
Tour of Landscape Ecology and Buddhist Culture
Fenghuang Mountain · Jiemuxi · Longxing Lecture Temple
Trip Highlights

Climb Fenghuang Mountain Forest Park in the morning to overlook the scenery of Yuanshui River; visit Jiemuxi Nature Reserve in the afternoon, tour Longxing Lecture Temple and Eryou Mountain; stroll along the Yuanshui River Scenic Belt in the evening to admire the magnificent scenery of mountains and rivers blending together.

Attraction Arrangement
Fenghuang Mountain Forest Park
A provincial-level forest park located in the southeast of Yuanling County seat, with the main peak at an altitude of 636 meters. The mountain is majestic and named for its shape like a spreading phoenix. The park is covered with ancient trees and dense vegetation, known as the "Ancient Tree Museum". Climb to the top to overlook the winding Yuanshui River and the panoramic view of the county seat, making it an ideal place for mountaineering, fitness, sightseeing and photography.
Jiemuxi Nature Reserve
A national nature reserve with a total area of about 130 square kilometers, preserving a complete subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest ecosystem with a forest coverage rate of over 95%. The reserve is rich in biodiversity, with rare plants such as Davidia involucrata and Taxus chinensis var. mairei, and protected animals such as clouded leopards and giant salamanders. It is known as the "Gene Bank of Species in Central South China".
Longxing Lecture Temple
A millennium-old temple founded in the second year of Zhenguan in the Tang Dynasty (628 AD), it is one of the oldest existing wooden architectural complexes in Hunan Province. The Mahavira Hall in the temple is well-preserved with a unique architectural style integrating the characteristics of Tang and Song dynasties. Historically, it was an important Buddhist dissemination center in western Hunan and is now a Major National Historical and Cultural Protection Unit.
Yuanshui River Scenic Belt
A waterfront landscape belt built along both banks of the Yuanshui River, with a total length of about 8 kilometers. The river water is clear, and the green mountains on both banks are like daisy. It is equipped with viewing platforms, water-friendly trails, cultural squares and other facilities. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery of "Yuanshui River with blue waves" and experience the poetic realm of "boating on the blue waves, people swimming in the painting".
Eryou Mountain
Named after Confucian scholars hiding bamboo slips in the caves of Eryou Mountain during the Qin Shi Huang's burning of books and burying of scholars, it is known as the "Holy Mountain of Chinese Culture". The mountain is steep with many historical sites, including the Book Collection Cave and Yangzhi Pavilion. It is an important place to understand China's ancient book collection culture and the historical culture of western Hunan.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take the Huaihua-Yuanling special bus from Huaihua urban area to reach the county seat
  • The attractions are far apart, it is recommended to travel by chartered car or self-driving
  • Advance reservation is required to enter Jiemuxi Nature Reserve
  • Buses connect major attractions in the county seat
Ticket Information
  • Fenghuang Mountain Forest Park: Free
  • Jiemuxi Nature Reserve: ¥60 per person
  • Longxing Lecture Temple: ¥30 per person (half price for students)
  • Yuanshui River Scenic Belt: Free
  • Eryou Mountain: ¥40 per person
Food Recommendations
  • Yuanling Preserved Pork
  • Jiemuxi Wild Vegetables
  • Yuanshui River Fish
  • Artemisia Baba
  • Blood Rice Cake Duck

Must-Try Foods in Yuanling County

Yuanling Preserved Pork

Traditional characteristic preserved meat of Yuanling County, made from local native pork smoked with special materials such as pine branches and tea tree branches. It has a bright red color, firm meat quality and a unique smoky flavor. It can be cooked in various ways such as steaming, stir-frying and stewing, and is a must-have food for local people to entertain distinguished guests and celebrate festivals.

Jiemuxi Wild Vegetables

Various wild vegetables collected from Jiemuxi Nature Reserve, such as bracken, bamboo shoots and wild mushrooms. They are pure natural and pollution-free, cooked with local characteristic seasonings, tasting delicious and rich in nutrition, reflecting the original ecological characteristics of mountainous diet.

Yuanshui River Fish

Made from wild river fish in the clear waters of the Yuanshui River, cooked 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 made into soup, reflecting the dietary cultural characteristics of the Yuanshui River basin.

Yuanling County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-May): Jiemuxi is full of blooming flowers with beautiful scenery
  • Autumn (September-November): Cool weather, comfortable for mountain climbing and sightseeing
  • Summer (June-August): Jiemuxi is an ideal place for cooling off in summer
  • Avoid the rainy season to prevent slippery mountain roads affecting travel
Must-Experience Activities
  • Climb to the viewing platform of Fenghuang Mountain to overlook the scenery of Yuanshui River
  • Hike and explore the primitive forest of Jiemuxi
  • Experience the millennium-old Buddhist culture at Longxing Lecture Temple
  • Admire the landscape painting at Yuanshui River Scenic Belt
  • Taste authentic Yuanling preserved pork and wild mountain vegetables
Budget Reference
  • Tickets and transportation: ¥70-120 (including attraction tickets and transportation fees)
  • Catering: ¥50-100 per day
  • Shopping: ¥40-80 (specialties such as Yuanling preserved pork)
  • Total: ¥80-200
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Do I need a guide for Jiemuxi Nature Reserve? → It is recommended to hire a guide to ensure safety
  • Is there a guide service at Longxing Lecture Temple? → Yes, guide service can be reserved
  • What is the difficulty level of climbing Eryou Mountain? → Moderate difficulty, requires a certain amount of physical strength
  • What is the accommodation condition in Yuanling County? → There are various hotels and homestays in the county seat

Explore Tourism in All Districts and Counties of Huaihua City