Guzhang County, Xiangxi Prefecture, Hunan Travel

Guzhang County, Xiangxi Prefecture, Hunan — a hidden gem integrating geological wonders and tea culture, featuring the Red Stone Forest National Geopark, the "Number One Canyon in Central South China" Zuolong Canyon, and thousands of acres of Guzhang Maojian tea plantations. It is an ideal destination for exploring natural wonders and experiencing tea culture tourism.

1297
Area (km²)
140,000+
Permanent Population
1
National Geopark (Red Stone Forest)
65,000+
Mu of Premium Tea Plantations
Panorama of Red Stone Forest in Guzhang, Xiangxi
Red Stone Forest Geological Wonder - Iconic Landscape of Guzhang
Formed during the Ordovician Period 450 million years ago, the red stone forest displays color variations from purple-red to brownish-red under different sunlight, complementing the clear Youshui River. It is China's only red carbonate stone forest.

Guzhang County 2-Day Geology and Tea Culture Tour

Stone Forest Exploration, Canyon Adventure, Tea Aroma Experience, Miao Village Customs

Duration
2 Days
Main Destinations
Red Stone Forest, Zuolong Canyon, Maojian Tea Plantation, Gaowangjie
Suitable For
Geology enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, tea culture lovers, photography enthusiasts
Per Person Budget
¥500-¥1200
Day 1
Geological Wonders and Tea Aroma Experience
Red Stone Forest · Maojian Tea Plantation · Youshui River Scenery
Trip Highlights

In the morning, explore the Red Stone Forest to witness billion-year geological wonders. In the afternoon, visit the Maojian Ecological Tea Plantation to experience tea picking and processing. In the evening, stroll along the Youshui River to enjoy the sunset glow.

Attractions
Red Stone Forest National Geopark
A National AAAA-level scenic area formed during the Ordovician Period 450 million years ago, featuring unique red carbonate stone forest landforms. The stone forest displays fantastic shapes and changes color with weather conditions, earning the title "Number One Wonder of Wuling." The area also features Ordovician seabed relics and Youshui River scenery.
Guzhang Maojian Ecological Tea Plantation
Guzhang is known as the "Hometown of Famous Chinese Tea." Tea plantations are mostly distributed in mountainous areas at altitudes of 600-800 meters, shrouded in clouds and mist with fertile soil. Visitors can tour the ecological tea plantation, experience the joy of tea picking, watch traditional tea-making techniques, taste fresh tea, and immerse themselves in the tea culture of "one leaf enriching a region."
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take the tourist shuttle from Guzhang county town to Red Stone Forest (about 40 minutes)
  • The tea plantation is 5 km from the county town, accessible by taxi or shared bike
  • Sightseeing cars are available inside the Red Stone Forest scenic area (¥20/person)
Ticket Information
  • Red Stone Forest National Geopark: ¥148
  • Maojian Tea Plantation: Free (tea-making experience charged separately at ¥50/person)
  • Red Stone Forest + Youshui River Boat Combo Ticket: ¥198
Food Recommendations
  • Guzhang Maojian Tea Pastries
  • Mugwort Rice Cake
  • Miao-style Sour Pork
  • Youshui River Fish
  • Stir-fried Cured Meat with Bracken
Day 2
Canyon Adventure and Forest Oxygen Bar
Zuolong Canyon · Gaowangjie · Miao Village Customs
Trip Highlights

In the morning, challenge the Zuolong Canyon adventure with thrilling plank walks. In the afternoon, stroll through the primitive forest of Gaowangjie to enjoy the natural oxygen bar. In the evening, visit Morong Miao Village to experience Miao customs.

Attractions
Zuolong Canyon Scenic Area
Known as the "Number One Canyon in Central South China," the canyon stretches about 6.5 km, with the narrowest point only wide enough for one person. Featuring primitive canyons, waterfalls, and deep pools, the scenic area offers suspended plank walks, iron ladders, stone paths, and other adventure routes, making it an outdoor destination integrating adventure, summer escape, and sightseeing.
Gaowangjie National Forest Park
A National Forest Park with an average altitude of over 1000 meters and a forest coverage rate of 92%, known as a "natural oxygen bar." The park features rare plants such as dove trees and yew trees, as well as waterfalls, mountain springs, and alpine meadows, making it an ideal destination for leisure, summer retreat, and forest wellness.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Zuolong Canyon: Take a minibus from the county town (about 30 minutes)
  • Gaowangjie: Chartered car from the county town (about 1.5 hours)
  • It is recommended to charter a car for the second day (about ¥200/car)
Ticket Information
  • Zuolong Canyon Scenic Area: ¥88 (including insurance)
  • Gaowangjie National Forest Park: ¥60
  • Morong Miao Village: ¥100 (including performances)
Experience Tips
  • Wear non-slip shoes and bring spare clothes for Zuolong Canyon (you may get wet)
  • Gaowangjie has high altitude; bring a light jacket even in summer
  • For the Miao village experience, we recommend joining the long-table banquet (¥50/person)

Must-Try Foods in Guzhang County

Guzhang Maojian Tea Pastries

A series of tea pastries made with the nationally famous Guzhang Maojian tea as the raw material, including tea crisps and tea-flavored cakes. Crispy texture with rich tea aroma. Paired with freshly brewed Guzhang Maojian, it is an excellent combination for a tea tourism experience, available at tea houses around the tea plantations.

Mugwort Rice Cake

A traditional Guzhang snack made from wild mugwort and glutinous rice, stuffed with sesame, peanuts, and other fillings. Steamed to a soft and chewy texture with the refreshing fragrance of mugwort. It is a specialty food around the Qingming Festival, commonly found at street stalls and farmhouses.

Miao-style Sour Pork

A traditional Miao fermented food made by marinating pork with glutinous rice flour, salt, and other seasonings. Bright red in color with a unique sour aroma. Can be steamed or stir-fried, it is a signature dish at Miao banquets, known for stimulating the appetite and aiding digestion.

Youshui River Fish

Fresh fish from the Youshui River section within Guzhang County. Thanks to the clear water quality, the fish is tender and delicious. Locally, it is often steamed or braised to preserve the fish's natural flavor, making it a must-try river delicacy when visiting Guzhang.

Guzhang County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (April-May): Tea picking season, pleasant climate
  • Autumn (September-October): Red Stone Forest colors are most vibrant, ideal for photography
  • Summer (June-August): Zuolong Canyon summer escape, Gaowangjie forest wellness
  • Avoid the heavy rain period in July-August to prevent canyon flooding
Must-Do Experiences
  • Watch sunrise at Red Stone Forest (best at 6:30-7:30 AM)
  • Full Zuolong Canyon adventure (about 3 hours)
  • Hand-pick tea at the plantation and participate in the full tea-making process
  • Gaowangjie forest hike (recommend the Cloud Top Observation Deck route)
  • Experience Miao silver jewelry crafting at the Miao village
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: ¥300-400 (including main attractions)
  • Accommodation: ¥120-300/night (county town offers good value)
  • Meals: ¥80-150/day (including specialty meals)
  • Transport: ¥100-200 (including county and inter-attraction transport)
  • Total: ¥500-1200
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Is Zuolong Canyon adventure difficult? → Medium difficulty, suitable for healthy individuals aged 10-60
  • Where to buy authentic Guzhang Maojian tea? → County town tea specialty stores or tea plantation direct sales points
  • Do I need a guide for Red Stone Forest? → Audio guides are available (¥20/unit), rental recommended
  • How long is the drive from Guzhang to Fenghuang Ancient Town? → About 2.5 hours, can be combined in a single trip

Explore Districts & Counties of Xiangxi Prefecture