Suining County Tourism, Shaoyang City, Hunan Province

Suining County, Shaoyang City, Hunan Province — an ecological pearl in southwest Hunan, integrating primeval forests, thousand-year-old ancient towns, and Miao-Dong ethnic customs. It boasts characteristic scenic spots such as Huangsang National Nature Reserve, Zhaishi Ancient Town, and Huayuange Wetland Park. Experience the diverse charm of "secret landscape + ancient town heritage + folk customs" in 2 days.

2927
km² of regional area
380,000+
Permanent population
5
National and provincial-level cultural relic protection units
800+
Historical and cultural heritage sites
Huangsang Nature Reserve Landscape in Suining County, Shaoyang
Huangsang National Nature Reserve - Iconic Landscape of Suining County
Huangsang National Nature Reserve is one of the most well-preserved secondary primeval forests in central South China, home to rare plants such as Davidia involucrata and Taxus chinensis var. mairei, with numerous streams and waterfalls. It is a paradise for eco-tourism and summer recreation.

2-Day Eco & Folk Custom Tour of Suining County

Seeking seclusion in secret realms, exploring rhymes of ancient towns, visiting Miao villages to experience customs, and relaxing by the lake

Tour Duration
2 Days
Main Destinations
Huangsang Reserve, Zhaishi Ancient Town, Dayuan Miao Village, Huayuange, Shenpo Mountain
Suitable For
Eco-lovers, history and culture seekers, folk custom experiencers, outdoor hikers
Per Capita Budget
¥200-¥500
1
Eco Secret Realm & Ancient Town Customs Tour
Huangsang Reserve · Zhaishi Ancient Town · Dayuan Miao Village
Itinerary Highlights

Explore the primeval forest of Huangsang in the morning and feel the wild beauty of nature; stroll through Zhaishi Ancient Town in the afternoon to trace historical imprints; walk into Dayuan Ancient Miao Village in the evening to experience Miao folk customs.

Attraction Arrangement
Huangsang National Nature Reserve
A national-level nature reserve covering a total area of 125.9 square kilometers with a forest coverage rate of 92.8%. It is home to rare plants such as Davidia involucrata and Cathaya argyrophylla, as well as wild animals like clouded leopards and black bears. The reserve features landscapes such as Liu'e Cave Waterfall, Quyou Valley, and Chinese Fir Forest, making it a natural gene bank and summer resort.
Zhaishi Ancient Town
Founded during the Three Kingdoms period, it was an important commercial distribution center and military stronghold in the ancient Miao border area. It preserves ancient architectural complexes from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including East Gate Tower, South Gate Tower, Wanshou Palace, and Confucian Temple. The stone-paved streets of the ancient town wind and turn, and the dwellings are built against the mountains, showing the unique style of ancient towns in southwest Hunan.
Dayuan Ancient Miao Village
Founded in the Qing Dynasty, it is an ancient village inhabited by the Miao people, famous for its "Eight Diagrams" layout. The bluestone roads in the village crisscross, and Miao-style buildings such as stilted buildings and wind-rain bridges are well preserved. Villagers still retain traditional customs such as Miao songs, Miao dances, and Miao embroidery, making it a living fossil for experiencing Miao culture.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take a coach from Shaoyang urban area to Suining County (about 2.5 hours)
  • There is a tourist special line from the county to Huangsang Reserve (about 1 hour)
  • Zhaishi Ancient Town is about 15 km from the county, accessible by township bus
  • Dayuan Miao Village is about 10 km from the county, self-driving or taxi is recommended
Ticket Information
  • Huangsang Reserve: ¥60/person (additional fees for some attractions)
  • Zhaishi Ancient Town: Free (Confucian Temple ¥10)
  • Dayuan Ancient Miao Village: Free (additional fees for experience projects)
Food Recommendations
  • Suining Bacon
  • Miao Family Oil Tea
  • Black Rice
  • Blood Curd Duck
2
Wetland Scenery & Mountain View Tour
Huayuange · Shenpo Mountain
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Huayuange National Wetland Park in the morning to admire the lake and mountain scenery; climb Shenpo Mountain in the afternoon to overlook the pastoral scenery and experience Taoist culture.

Attraction Arrangement
Huayuange National Wetland Park
A wetland park built relying on a tributary of the Wu River, covering a total area of 780 hectares, including 340 hectares of water area. The park features winding rivers, dense sandbanks, lush vegetation on both banks, and is inhabited by water birds such as mandarin ducks and egrets. It is a wetland scenic area integrating ecological protection, sightseeing and leisure, and popular science education.
Shenpo Mountain
One of the famous mountains in Suining, with a main peak altitude of 1139 meters, named after the legend that Shennong (the Divine Farmer) once collected medicinal herbs here. The mountain has relics such as Shennong Temple and ancient altars, with profound Taoist cultural heritage. Climbing to the top offers a bird's-eye view of Suining's pastoral scenery and the Wu River basin. The mountain is rich in exotic flowers and herbs, especially spectacular when azaleas bloom in spring.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Huayuange is about 40 km from the county, self-driving is recommended (1 hour)
  • Shenpo Mountain is about 30 km from the county, self-driving takes about 50 minutes
  • Boat tours are available in the wetland park (¥30/person)
  • The hiking trail of Shenpo Mountain is gentle, suitable for walking
Visiting Tips
  • Protect against sun and mosquitoes in Huayuange in summer, and prepare rain gear
  • Some sections of Shenpo Mountain are steep, it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes
  • Swimming in the water is prohibited in the wetland park
  • Respect the customs and habits of local Miao and Dong ethnic groups

Must-Try Foods in Suining County

Suining Bacon

A traditional delicacy of Suining, made from local native pork, marinated and then smoked with cypress branches. The meat is firm, rich in flavor, and fat but not greasy. It can be steamed or stir-fried, and is a must-have dish for local festivals and a perfect gift.

Miao Family Oil Tea

A traditional drink of the Miao people, made from tea leaves, ginger, garlic and other raw materials, stir-fried and then boiled with water. The tea soup is filtered and served with rice crackers, peanuts, fried beans, etc. It has a spicy and refreshing taste, with the effect of refreshing the mind, and is an important etiquette for the Miao people to receive guests.

Black Rice

A characteristic food made by soaking glutinous rice in the juice of Vaccinium bracteatum leaves and steaming it. It has a shiny black color and a fragrant, soft taste. It is a must-eat during the Miao "Black Rice Festival" on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, with the effect of nourishing the body, and is a representative of Suining's Miao dietary culture.

Blood Curd Duck

A characteristic dish of southwest Hunan, made by stir-frying local duck meat with duck blood (taken immediately after slaughter) and braising it with chili, ginger and other seasonings. The meat is tender, and the coagulated duck blood has a unique taste, spicy and delicious, making it a famous dish at Suining banquets.

Suining County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Azaleas bloom on Shenpo Mountain, and Huayuange is full of greenery
  • Summer (June-August): Summer resort in Huangsang Reserve, suitable for hiking and exploration
  • Autumn (September-November): Cool weather, charming autumn scenery in Zhaishi Ancient Town
  • Winter (December-February): Experience Miao Spring Festival folk customs, fewer tourists
Must-Experience Activities
  • Hike and explore the primeval forest in Huangsang Reserve
  • Taste oil tea and stroll through the ancient streets in Zhaishi Ancient Town
  • Learn to sing Miao songs and experience Miao embroidery in Dayuan Miao Village
  • Take a boat tour to enjoy wetland scenery in Huayuange
  • Climb Shenpo Mountain to enjoy the panoramic pastoral view
Budget Reference
  • Tickets and transportation: ¥100-200 (including attraction tickets and transportation fees)
  • Catering: ¥80-120 per day
  • Accommodation: ¥100-200 per night (county hotels or Miao village homestays)
  • Shopping: ¥50-150 (specialties such as bacon and Miao embroidery)
  • Total: ¥200-500
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Is Huangsang Reserve suitable for children? → Some gentle routes are suitable, pay attention to safety on steep sections
  • Is there accommodation in Dayuan Miao Village? → There are a small number of characteristic homestays to experience Miao life
  • Where to buy authentic Suining bacon? → County farmers' market or specialty stores in Zhaishi Ancient Town
  • Are the attractions far from each other? → Self-driving or chartered car is recommended, most driving time between attractions is within 1 hour

Explore Tourism in Districts and Counties of Shaoyang City