Dongkou County Tourism, Shaoyang City, Hunan Province

Dongkou County, Shaoyang City, Hunan Province — a charming city at the foot of Xuefeng Mountain, integrating the hometown of heroes, a millennium-old ancient town, and primeval forests. It boasts distinctive attractions such as Cai E's Hometown, Luoxi National Forest Park, and Dongkou Tang. Experience the diverse customs of "cultural history + natural ecology" in 2 days.

2200
square kilometers of area
800,000+
permanent population
5
national and provincial-level cultural relic protection units
1200+
historical and cultural heritage sites
Dongkou Tang Scenery in Dongkou County, Shaoyang
Dongkou Tang Canyon Scenery - Iconic Landscape of Dongkou County
Known as "Xiakou" in ancient times, Dongkou Tang is a natural canyon formed by the remaining veins of Xuefeng Mountain. The Zishui River flows through the cave, with steep cliffs and jagged rocks on both banks. Known as the "Little Three Gorges", it is one of the famous natural landscapes in Dongkou County.

2-Day Culture & Nature Tour in Dongkou County

Hometown of Heroes, Exploration of Ancient Towns, Forest Adventure, Canyon Scenery

Trip Duration
2 Days
Main Destinations
Cai E's Hometown, Gaosha Ancient Town, Luoxi Forest Park, Dongkou Tang, Banjiang Scenic Area
Suitable For
History and culture enthusiasts, nature explorers, red education participants, photography lovers
Per Capita Budget
¥180-¥500
1
Cultural History & Ancient Town Style Tour
Cai E's Hometown · Gaosha Ancient Town
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Cai E's Hometown Cultural Expo Park in the morning to cherish the heroic deeds of the National Protection General; stroll through Gaosha Ancient Town in the afternoon to experience the historical charm of the millennium-old commercial town in the ancient streets and alleys.

Attraction Arrangement
Cai E's Hometown Cultural Expo Park
Built to commemorate Cai E, a great modern patriot and famous militarist. The park includes Cai E's Former Residence, Life Story Exhibition Hall, Bronze Statue Square, etc. Cai E's Former Residence is a typical folk architecture in southwest Hunan. The exhibition hall shows Cai E's life course from studying, joining the army to leading the National Protection War, and it is a national patriotic education demonstration base.
Gaosha Ancient Town
Founded in the Han Dynasty and flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it is an important commercial ancient town in southwest Hunan. The ancient town retains the pattern of "seven streets, eight lanes and nine wharves", and has many ancient buildings such as Wufu Palace, Zengbazhi Ancestral Hall, and the Victory Memorial Wall of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The ancient street is lined with shops, and the dwellings with blue bricks and black tiles are scattered, showing the unique style of the ancient town in southwest Hunan.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take a bus from Shaoyang urban area to Dongkou County (about 1.5 hours)
  • There is a tourist special line from the county to Cai E's Hometown (about 30 minutes)
  • Take a bus from the county to Gaosha Ancient Town (about 20 minutes)
  • Walking is the main way to visit the ancient town, it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes
Ticket Information
  • Cai E's Hometown Cultural Expo Park: Free (reservation in advance required)
  • Gaosha Ancient Town: Free (about 15 yuan for visiting some ancestral halls)
Food Recommendations
  • Dongkou Bacon Fried Fern
  • Gaosha Rice Noodles
  • Xuefeng Mountain Dried Bamboo Shoots
  • Glutinous Rice Cake
2
Primitive Ecology & Canyon Scenery Tour
Luoxi Forest Park · Dongkou Tang · Banjiang
Itinerary Highlights

Explore Luoxi National Forest Park in the morning to appreciate the ecological wonders of the primeval forest; visit Dongkou Tang Canyon and Banjiang Scenic Area in the afternoon to enjoy the natural beauty of mountains and rivers.

Attraction Arrangement
Luoxi National Forest Park
Located in the hinterland of Xuefeng Mountain Range, it is one of the largest secondary primeval forests in Hunan Province, with a forest coverage rate of 94.1%. The park has landscapes such as Wanzhangyan Waterfall, Gongxi River Canyon, and Puzhao Temple. It is inhabited by rare animals such as clouded leopards and pangolins, and has a high content of negative oxygen ions, known as the "Natural Oxygen Bar" and the "Green Pearl of Southwest Hunan".
Dongkou Tang
Also known as "Xiakou", it is a natural canyon landscape in the upper reaches of the Zishui River, named for the confrontation of mountains on both banks like a gate. The canyon has jagged rocks and rapid water flow, known as "not the Three Gorges, but better than the Three Gorges". There are landscapes such as Fubo Temple and Dongkou Tang Bridge on the bank, which is a good place to watch the river scenery, take photos and sketch.
Banjiang Scenic Area
Centered on Banjiang Reservoir, it is named because "Zishui River comes from the west and turns half here". The scenic area is surrounded by green mountains and clear lakes, with natural landscapes such as "One Line Sky" and "Immortal Cave". Pavilions and pavilions are built by the lake, where you can take a boat tour and fish for leisure, making it an ideal place for suburban vacation.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Luoxi National Forest Park is about 50 kilometers from the county, it is recommended to drive by car (about 1.5 hours) or take a township bus
  • Dongkou Tang is about 3 kilometers from the county, you can take a bus or taxi
  • Banjiang Scenic Area is about 15 kilometers from the county, 30 minutes by car
  • Some sections in Luoxi National Forest Park are rugged, SUV models are recommended
Visiting Tips
  • Prepare enough drinking water and dry food for Luoxi National Forest Park, wear non-slip hiking shoes
  • Pay attention to sun protection and insect prevention in summer, some sections may have snow in winter
  • There are no guardrails in some areas along Dongkou Tang, please pay attention to safety
  • Wear life jackets when taking a boat in Banjiang Scenic Area and follow the instructions of the staff

Must-Try Foods in Dongkou County

Dongkou Bacon

A traditional food in Dongkou County, made from local native pork through salting and smoking. The finished product is bright red in color, rich in aroma, and firm in meat quality. It can be fried or steamed, and is a necessary dish for local festivals, reflecting the dietary characteristics of southwest Hunan.

Xuefeng Mandarin Orange

A specialty of Dongkou County, named for growing in the unique climatic environment of the Xuefeng Mountain Range. The fruit is golden in color, thin-skinned and thick-fleshed, sweet and sour, rich in vitamin C. It is a national geographical indication product, known as the "treasure among oranges".

Gaosha Rice Noodles

Made from high-quality rice through traditional craftsmanship, it is flexible in texture and smooth in taste. Matched with locally made minced meat (such as beef, mixed sauce), the soup is delicious, and it is one of the most popular breakfasts in Gaosha Ancient Town and surrounding areas.

Glutinous Rice Cake

A traditional pastry in Dongkou County, made by steaming and mashing glutinous rice. It can be fried, often eaten with white sugar or honey. It has a soft and sweet taste, is a characteristic food during festivals, implying reunion and happiness.

Travel Tips for Dongkou County
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Luoxi National Forest Park is full of blooming flowers and pleasant climate
  • Autumn (September-October): Xuefeng Mandarin Oranges are ripe, suitable for picking experience
  • Summer (June-August): Summer resort, you can play in the water at Dongkou Tang and Banjiang
  • Winter (December-February): There is snow scenery in mountainous areas, suitable for photography
Must-Experience Activities
  • Listen to the historical stories of the National Protection War at Cai E's Hometown
  • Visit the Ming and Qing ancient building complex in Gaosha Ancient Town
  • Hike in the primeval forest secret land of Luoxi National Forest Park
  • Watch the Zishui River canyon scenery at Dongkou Tang
  • Taste Dongkou Bacon with Xuefeng Mandarin Orange
Budget Reference
  • Tickets and transportation: 80-200 yuan (including scenic spot transportation and a small number of tickets)
  • Catering: 70-120 yuan/day
  • Accommodation: 80-180 yuan/night (county hotels or scenic spot homestays)
  • Shopping: 50-150 yuan (specialties such as Xuefeng Mandarin Orange, bacon)
  • Total: 180-500 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Do I need to climb mountains in Luoxi National Forest Park? → Some attractions require hiking, with moderate difficulty
  • When is the best time to eat Xuefeng Mandarin Orange? → The taste is the best during the ripening season (October-November)
  • Is there accommodation in Gaosha Ancient Town? → There are a small number of characteristic homestays, it is recommended to return to the county for accommodation
  • Is Dongkou County far from Langshan Scenic Area? → About 120 kilometers, 2.5 hours by car

Explore Tourism in Districts and Counties of Shaoyang City