Xinning County Tourism, Shaoyang City, Hunan Province

Xinning County, Shaoyang City, Hunan Province – a bright pearl in southwest Hunan, centered on the Langshan World Natural Heritage, integrating Danxia landforms, clear rivers, and ancient village customs. It features scenic spots such as Langshan, Fuyi River, and Zixia Cave. Experience the diverse customs of "Danxia Wonders + River Drifting + Folk Culture" in 3 days.

2751
km² Area
650,000+
Permanent Population
5
National & Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units
800+
Historical and Cultural Heritage Sites
Langshan Tianyi Lane Landscape, Xinning County, Shaoyang
Langshan Tianyi Lane - Iconic Landscape of Xinning County
Langshan is a World Natural Heritage site, and Tianyi Lane is its core scenic spot. The lane is 238.8 meters long, with the narrowest point only 0.33 meters wide, and the stone walls on both sides are 80-120 meters high. Known as "the narrowest lane in the world", it showcases the spectacular Danxia landform.

3-Day Danxia and Landscape Tour of Xinning County

Explore Danxia landforms, drift on clear rivers, seek seclusion in ancient caves, and experience folk customs

Trip Duration
3 Days
Main Destinations
Langshan Scenic Area, Fuyi River, Zixia Cave, Yunü Cave
Suitable For
Geology Enthusiasts, Outdoor Adventurers, Photography Lovers, Family with Kids
Per Capita Budget
¥300-¥800
1
Preliminary Tour of Danxia Wonders
Bajiaozhai · Tianyi Lane
Trip Highlights

Climb Bajiaozhai in the morning to watch the "Whales Playing in the Sea" sea of clouds wonder; explore Tianyi Lane in the afternoon to experience the narrowest lane valley landform in the world.

Attraction Arrangement
Langshan Bajiaozhai (Octagonal Village)
One of the core scenic areas of Langshan, named for its eight upturned corners on the main peak, with an altitude of 818 meters. Reaching the top offers a bird's-eye view of the Danxia peak forest at the junction of Hunan and Guangxi. When surrounded by clouds and mist, it presents the unique "Whales Playing in the Sea" landscape, which is the essence of Langshan's scenery and known as the "Soul of Danxia".
Tianyi Lane
One of the six wonders of Langshan, a lane valley landscape formed by rock stratum fractures, with a total length of 238.8 meters, the widest point is 0.8 meters, and the narrowest point is only 0.33 meters. The stone walls on both sides tower into the clouds, and only a line of sky can be seen when looking up. Walking through it, you can feel the uncanny workmanship of nature, known as "the No.1 Lane under Heaven".
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take a coach from Shaoyang urban area to Xinning County (about 2.5 hours)
  • There is a tourist special line from the county to Langshan Scenic Area (about 30 minutes)
  • Sightseeing buses connect various scenic spots in the scenic area
  • The hiking trail of Bajiaozhai is steep, it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes
Ticket Information
  • Langshan Combined Ticket (including Bajiaozhai, Tianyi Lane, etc.): ¥136/person (valid for 3 days)
  • Sightseeing Bus: ¥40/person
Food Recommendations
  • Blood Duck
  • Firewood-cured Bacon
  • Langshan Rice Noodles
  • Sweet Rice Wine Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)
2
Geological Wonders and River View Tour
La Jiao Peak · Fuyi River
Trip Highlights

Climb La Jiao Peak in the morning to challenge the cliff plank road; take a bamboo raft to drift down the Fuyi River in the afternoon to enjoy the reflection of Danxia landforms on both banks.

Attraction Arrangement
La Jiao Peak (Chili Peak)
An iconic landscape of Langshan, named for its shape like an inverted red chili, 180 meters high and 100 meters in circumference. The mountain is steep, with a circular plank road built on the cliff. Reaching the top allows a 360-degree view of the Danxia peak forest, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
Fuyi River
The main river flowing through Xinning County, with a total length of 143 kilometers, and the Langshan section has the best scenery. The river water is clear and green, and the Danxia mountain bodies on both banks are reflected in the water, forming the artistic conception of "boats sailing in the water, people sitting in the painting". Tourists can take bamboo rafts to drift and enjoy landscapes such as General Stone and Woodpecker Stone.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • La Jiao Peak is about 5 kilometers from Bajiaozhai, accessible by scenic sightseeing bus
  • The starting point of Fuyi River drifting is about 3 kilometers from La Jiao Peak
  • There are shuttle buses from the drifting terminal back to the county seat
  • The bamboo raft drifting takes about 1.5 hours, it is recommended to do sun protection
Visiting Tips
  • The plank road of La Jiao Peak is narrow, please pay attention to safety, those with acrophobia should be cautious
  • Fuyi River drifting is greatly affected by weather, and may be suspended during flood season
  • Keep personal belongings properly during drifting to avoid falling into water
  • UV rays are strong in summer, it is recommended to bring sun hat and sunscreen
3
Ancient Cave Customs and Folk Culture Tour
Zixia Cave · Yunü Cave
Trip Highlights

Visit Zixia Cave in the morning to experience the integration of Danxia landforms and religious culture; explore Yunü Cave in the afternoon to admire stalactite wonders and experience local folk customs.

Attraction Arrangement
Zixia Cave
An important part of the Langshan Scenic Area, featuring purple-red rock walls and cave landscapes, named for the frequent purple clouds lingering around. The scenic area includes attractions such as Zixia Palace and Wanjing Trough, integrating Danxia landforms, religious culture, and folk customs, making it a great place for leisure and sightseeing.
Yunü Cave (Jade Maiden Cave)
A cave landscape located in the southwest of Xinning County seat, with various shapes of stalactites inside, especially famous for landscapes such as "Jade Maiden Dressing Table" and "Dragon Palace Hall". The cave has a constant temperature of 18℃, cool and pleasant in summer. There is a folk culture village outside the cave, where you can experience Yao ethnic songs and dances, traditional handicrafts, etc.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Zixia Cave is about 2 kilometers from Langshan Tourist Center, accessible on foot or by taxi
  • Yunü Cave is about 15 kilometers from the county seat, with township shuttle buses directly reaching (about 40 minutes)
  • Self-driving is recommended for more convenient transportation between attractions
  • The ground in the cave is slippery, it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes
Cultural Experience
  • Watch Yao ethnic song and dance performances at Yunü Cave Folk Culture Village (10:00/15:00)
  • Participate in hand-made batik making experience
  • Taste Yao ethnic He Long Yan (Feast of Unity)
  • Buy local specialties such as Langshan Navel Orange and firewood-cured bacon

Must-Try Foods in Xinning County

Blood Duck

A traditional famous dish in Xinning County, made with local free-range ducks, stir-fried with duck blood, chili, ginger and other seasonings. The finished product is bright red in color, the duck meat is fragrant and slightly spicy, and the duck blood has a unique taste after solidification. It is a necessary dish for local festivals and entertaining guests, reflecting the dietary characteristics of southwest Hunan.

Firewood-Cured Bacon

A traditional farmhouse delicacy in Xinning, made by marinating local pork and slow-smoking with firewood. The finished product is golden in color, fat but not greasy, with a rich aroma. It can be steamed or stir-fried, and is a delicious dish on the winter table and an important local specialty.

Langshan Rice Noodles

A favorite breakfast of Xinning people, mainly made of rice noodles from local rice, served with pork bone soup, beef topping, mixed sauce topping, etc., and added with chili, scallions, sour beans and other seasonings. The rice noodles are smooth and chewy, and the soup is delicious. It is a common delicacy on the streets and alleys, full of local flavor.

Langshan Navel Orange

A characteristic fruit of Xinning, grown in the Danxia landform area with sufficient sunlight, it tastes sweet and juicy, rich in vitamin C. It matures from November to January of the next year, and is a national geographical indication product. It can be eaten fresh, or made into fruit juice, jam, etc., and is an important economic crop in the local area.

Xinning County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): The Danxia peak forest is green and lush, with pleasant climate
  • Autumn (September-October): Sunny weather, suitable for mountain climbing and sightseeing, navel oranges begin to ripen
  • Summer (June-August): Drifting can be experienced, but attention should be paid to flash floods caused by heavy rains
  • Winter (December-February): Fewer tourists, occasional snow scenes, suitable for photography
Must-Experience Activities
  • Watch the sunrise and sea of clouds "Whales Playing in the Sea" at Bajiaozhai
  • Experience the "Line of Sky" wonder at Tianyi Lane
  • Take a bamboo raft to drift on Fuyi River and enjoy the scenery on both banks
  • Challenge the cliff plank road at La Jiao Peak
  • Taste authentic Blood Duck and Firewood-Cured Bacon
Budget Reference
  • Tickets and Transportation: ¥200-300 (including combined ticket, sightseeing bus, drifting)
  • Catering: ¥80-120 per day
  • Accommodation: ¥100-200 per night (county hotels or scenic homestays)
  • Shopping: ¥50-200 (navel oranges, bacon and other specialties)
  • Total: ¥300-800
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What scenic spots are included in the Langshan combined ticket? → Includes core scenic areas such as Bajiaozhai, Tianyi Lane, La Jiao Peak, etc.
  • Is Fuyi River drifting safe? → Operated by professional raftmen, suitable for the whole family
  • When do Xinning navel oranges ripen? → Late November to January of the next year
  • Is there accommodation in the scenic area? → There are homestays near Bajiaozhai and Fuyi River with comfortable conditions

Explore Tourism in Districts and Counties of Shaoyang City