Yiyang Travel

Yiyang, Hunan — a land of bamboo, dark tea and legendary beauties. Home to Peach Blossom River, South Dongting Wetland, and the Anhua Ancient Tea Horse Road, it is a historic city blending mountain scenery, wetland ecology, and tea culture. Known as China's Hometown of Dark Tea.

1
Birthplace of Chinese Dark Tea
2
National Nature Reserves
120
Thousand Mu of Bamboo Forest
4.3M+
Population

Yiyang City District & County Travel

Yiyang 3-Day Bamboo & Dark Tea Journey

Search for beauty by Peach Blossom River, watch birds at Dongting, savor tea on ancient trails, explore bamboo groves

Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Main Destinations
Peach Blossom River, South Dongting Wetland, Anhua Ancient Tea Horse Road, Huilongshan Park
Suitable For
Tea culture lovers, nature enthusiasts, history seekers, food explorers
Budget per person
¥900 – ¥2000
01
Beauty Nest Quest
Peach Blossom River & South Dongting Wetland Ecology Tour
Highlights

Morning: visit Peach Blossom River and enjoy the scenic beauty of the legendary beauty nest. Afternoon: head to South Dongting Wetland for birdwatching and wetland ecology. Evening: stroll along Zijiang Riverside and taste Yiyang specialties.

Attractions
Peach Blossom River
Made famous by Li Jinhui's song "Peach Blossom River is a Beauty Nest," the river boasts crystal-clear waters, peach blossoms lining both banks, and lush bamboo groves. In spring when the peach trees bloom, the scenery is especially enchanting — a top choice for experiencing Yiyang's natural beauty and folk culture.
South Dongting Wetland
An internationally important wetland covering about 800 km², it is a crucial stopover on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. With vast reed marshes and abundant aquatic plants, tens of thousands of migratory birds winter here each year, creating a spectacular ecological wonder.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Peach Blossom River Resort Hotel
  • Homestays near Nan County Wetland
  • Downtown Yiyang business hotels
Food Recommendations
  • Yiyang Spicy Hot Pot
  • Dongting Lake Silverfish
  • Taojiang Lei Cha (ground tea)
  • Anhua Dark Tea
Travel Tips
  • Best time for Peach Blossom River: March–April
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching at South Dongting
  • Use insect repellent in the wetland
02
Tea Trail Savor
Anhua Dark Tea Culture & Ancient Tea Horse Road Exploration
Highlights

Morning: head to Anhua County, visit the Ancient Tea Horse Road to learn about dark tea history. Afternoon: experience traditional dark tea processing and taste authentic Anhua dark tea. Evening: immerse yourself in Anhua's tea culture atmosphere.

Attractions
Anhua Ancient Tea Horse Road
One of the most important remaining sections of the southern Tea Horse Road, historically used to transport dark tea to northwestern China and beyond. The trail preserves ancient post roads, bridges, and tea pavilions amid beautiful scenery — an essential site for understanding China's tea trade history.
Anhua Dark Tea Cultural Park
A comprehensive cultural park integrating dark tea production, exhibition, and hands-on experiences. Visitors can observe traditional tea-making techniques, learn about the thousand-year history of Anhua dark tea, and sample teas from different years — a deep dive into tea culture.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Direct buses from Yiyang to Anhua
  • Some sections of the Tea Horse Road require hiking
  • A local guide is recommended for tea culture insights
Tickets
  • Ancient Tea Horse Road: ¥50/person
  • Dark Tea Cultural Park: ¥30/person
  • Includes tea ceremony performance and tasting
Cultural Tips
  • Learn about dark tea processing
  • Study tea ceremony etiquette
  • Identify quality characteristics of dark tea
03
Bamboo Country Discovery
Urban Leisure & Bamboo Culture Experience
Highlights

Morning: climb Huilongshan Park for a panoramic view of Yiyang. Afternoon: visit Yiyang Bamboo Art Museum to discover bamboo culture. Evening: conclude your Yiyang cultural journey.

Attractions
Huilongshan Park
The highest point in downtown Yiyang, named for its dragon-like mountain ridge. The park features ancient trees, peaceful paths, Fuyuan Temple, and the Zeng Shiying Monument. From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the Zijiang River and the entire city — a favorite spot for locals.
Yiyang Bamboo Art Museum
China's first museum dedicated to bamboo art, showcasing Yiyang's long-standing bamboo culture and exquisite craftsmanship. The collection includes bamboo weaving, carving, musical instruments, and other artworks, reflecting the unique charm of Yiyang as the "Hometown of Bamboo Art."
Practical Info
Departure Tips
  • High-speed rail from Yiyang to Changsha: ~40 min
  • Suggest departing before 3 PM
  • Buy Anhua dark tea as a souvenir
Souvenir Suggestions
  • Anhua Dark Tea
  • Taojiang bamboo crafts
  • Dongting Lake silverfish
  • Yiyang Songhua preserved eggs
Trip Summary
  • Enjoy the beauty of Peach Blossom River
  • Savor the mellow flavor of dark tea
  • Discover the exquisite art of bamboo craft

Must-Try Foods in Yiyang

Yiyang Spicy Hot Pot

A signature Yiyang snack. Unlike Sichuan-style malatang, Yiyang's version has a lighter, more savory broth with richer ingredients — especially local river and lake delicacies — creating a unique local flavor that dominates the night markets.

Dongting Lake Silverfish

A specialty of Dongting Lake, these tiny translucent fish are tender and nutritious. They can be pan-fried, stir-fried, or made into soup — a classic delicacy that showcases the rich aquatic resources of Dongting Lake.

Anhua Dark Tea

A product of geographical indication in China, with a long history and unique processing methods. The liquor is bright red, the aroma pure, and the taste mellow. Known for health benefits such as reducing fat and aiding digestion, it is Yiyang's most representative specialty.

Taojiang Lei Cha (Ground Tea)

A traditional beverage from Taojiang, made by grinding tea leaves, sesame, peanuts, ginger and other ingredients in a mortar, then mixing with boiling water. Fragrant and flavorful, it helps beat the heat, quench thirst, and strengthen the spleen and stomach.

Yiyang Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Mar–Apr: Peach blossoms in full bloom, most scenic
  • Sep–Nov: Pleasant autumn weather, ideal for wetland birding and hiking
  • Nov–Feb: Peak season for migratory birds at South Dongting
  • Avoid May–Jun rainy season and summer heat
Must-Do Experiences
  • Stroll along Peach Blossom River
  • Birdwatching & photography at South Dongting Wetland
  • Hike the Anhua Ancient Tea Horse Road
  • Tea tasting at the Dark Tea Cultural Park
  • Visit Yiyang Bamboo Art Museum
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥150–300
  • Accommodation: ¥150–350/night
  • Meals: ¥60–100/day
  • Transport: ¥70–120
  • Total: ¥900–2000
FAQ
  • Best photo spots at Peach Blossom River? → Peach Blossom River Bridge and Fuqiu Mountain viewing platform
  • What to bring for South Dongting birding? → Binoculars and telephoto lens recommended
  • How to identify genuine Anhua dark tea? → Buy from reputable sellers, look for geographical indication mark
  • Is transportation from Yiyang to Changsha convenient? → High-speed rail takes about 40 minutes, very convenient