Yongzhou City Travel

Yongzhou, Hunan — the source of Xiaoxiang, a renowned national historical and cultural city. It is home to famous scenic spots including Jiuyi Mountain, Liuzi Temple, Yangming Mountain and Shun Emperor Mausoleum. As the birthplace of Xiaoxiang culture, it perfectly combines magnificent landscapes, profound history, culture and ecological wellness resources.

1
National Historical and Cultural City
3
National Nature Reserves
2000+
Years of Urban Construction History
5.2 Million+
Permanent Resident Population

Yongzhou City Travel in Each District and County

Lingling District

Central urban area of Yongzhou, core of time-honored culture

Liuzi Temple Lingling Ancient City Pingzhou Academy Chaoyang Rock
Lengshuitan District

Political and economic hub with modern urban style

Yongzhou Museum Xiaoxiang Park Li Da's Former Residence Songjiazhou
Qiyang City

Northern gateway of Yongzhou, famous for stone carvings

Wuxi Stone Forest of Steles Qiyang Ancient City Wenchang Pagoda Jindong Rafting
Dong'an County

Hometown of Martial Arts, home to Shunhuang Mountain

Shunhuang Mountain Guangli Bridge Shude Villa Chenxiang Temple
Shuangpai County

Core area of Yangming Mountain, eco-tourism resort

Yangming Mountain Xiao River Lake Qinglong Cave Tongzi'ao
Daoxian County

Birthplace of Neo-Confucianism, hometown of Lianxi

Lianxi Hometown Moon Rock Yuchan Rock He Baozhen's Former Residence
Jiangyong County

Hometown of Nüshu, settlement of Yao people

Nüshu Garden Qianjiadong Shanggantang Ancient Village Lanxi Yao Village
Ningyuan County

Center of Shun Culture, location of Jiuyi Mountain

Jiuyi Mountain Shun Emperor Mausoleum Ningyuan Confucian Temple Zixia Cave
Lanshan County

Source of Xiangjiang River, ecological barrier

Xiangjiang Source Taxia Temple Baidieling Maojun Ancient Village
Xintian County

Red revolutionary land, home to Longjia Courtyard

Longjia Courtyard Jiang Xianyun's Former Residence Qingyun Pagoda Daguang Ridge
Jianghua Yao Autonomous County

Hunan's only Yao autonomous county, core of Yao culture

Qin Rock Panwang Hall Centian River Yao Customs Park

3-Day 2-Night Xiaoxiang Culture Tour in Yongzhou City

Seeking roots at Jiuyi Mountain, admiring relics at Liuzi Temple, wellness tour at Yangming Mountain, cruising along Xiao River

Trip Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Jiuyi Mountain, Liuzi Temple, Yangming Mountain, Shun Emperor Mausoleum
Suitable For
Culture lovers, history fans, nature lovers, wellness travelers
Per Capita Budget
¥750-¥1700
01
Shun Emperor Culture Root-seeking Tour
Jiuyi Mountain & Shun Emperor Mausoleum Cultural Visit
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Jiuyi Mountain in the morning to explore historical relics related to Emperor Shun. Tour Shun Emperor Mausoleum in the afternoon to learn about the origin of Chinese civilization. Taste authentic Yongzhou local delicacies in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Jiuyi Mountain
A national forest park. Legend has it that Emperor Shun passed away and was buried here during his southern inspection tour. The mountain features nine similar peaks, which give it the name "Jiuyi". It boasts gorgeous landscapes and abundant natural resources, and is the cradle of Shun Emperor culture in China.
Shun Emperor Mausoleum
The mausoleum of Emperor Shun, one of the ancient ancestors of the Chinese nation, and one of the oldest imperial mausoleums in China. The complex includes sacrificial squares, mausoleum halls and stele corridors. It is a sacred place for Chinese people at home and abroad to worship ancestors and seek cultural roots, known as "No.1 Mausoleum in China".
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Jiuyi Mountain Resort Hotel
  • Business Hotels in Ningyuan County
  • Yao-style Homestays
Food Recommendations
  • Yongzhou Blood Duck
  • Dong'an Chicken
  • Ningyuan Stuffed Tofu
  • Yao Bacon
Travel Tips
  • Wear non-slip sneakers for mountain climbing
  • Keep solemn during sacrificial rituals at the mausoleum
  • Carry rain gear as mountain weather is changeable
02
Ecological Wellness Experience
Yangming Mountain National Forest Park Tour
Itinerary Highlights

Spend the whole day touring Yangming Mountain National Forest Park. Enjoy forest oxygen bar, admire seas of azalea flowers and experience natural ecological wellness.

Attraction Arrangement
Yangming Mountain National Forest Park
A national forest park with a main peak altitude of 1625 meters. It is praised as the "Ecological Scroll South of the Ridges". The park is covered with dense primeval and secondary forests, with ultra-high negative oxygen ion concentration. It features a 100,000-mu azalea sea, Wanshou Temple and Lover's Pool, an ideal resort for health and leisure.
Wanshou Temple
An ancient temple built in the Ming Dynasty on Yangming Mountain. Surrounded by towering old trees, the temple enjoys a peaceful environment. A natural stone character "Wan" (Longevity) behind the temple is known as the top wonder of Yangming Mountain. It is an important Buddhist cultural site in the local area.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Direct tourist shuttle buses from downtown Yongzhou
  • Eco-buses required inside the scenic area
  • Suggest a full-day schedule for the visit
Ticket Information
  • Yangming Mountain Ticket: ¥80 per person
  • Eco-bus Fee: ¥30 per person
  • Wanshou Temple: ¥20 per person
Health Tips
  • Best azalea viewing: April to May
  • Drink enough water during hiking
  • Experience mountain spring foot bath for wellness
03
Xiaoxiang Culture Exploration
Liuzi Temple & Lingling Ancient City Cultural Tour
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Liuzi Temple in the morning to learn about the culture of Liu Zongyuan. Wander around Lingling Ancient City in the afternoon to experience profound Xiaoxiang heritage. End the whole trip in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Liuzi Temple
A memorial shrine built to commemorate Liu Zongyuan, a great litterateur of the Tang Dynasty. First built in the Northern Song Dynasty, it houses precious cultural relics including Liu Zongyuan's statue, Lizi Stele and stone carvings of his works. It is a key site to learn about Liu Zongyuan's life and literary achievements during his years in Yongzhou.
Lingling Ancient City
The core historical area of Yongzhou with a history of over 2000 years. A large number of ancient buildings and historic sites are well preserved here. The street layout still retains the style of Ming and Qing dynasties, being an important window to appreciate Yongzhou's long history and culture.
Practical Information
Departure Guide
  • High-speed train to Changsha takes about 2 hours
  • Suggest departing before 3 p.m.
  • Buy local specialties as souvenirs
Specialty Recommendations
  • Yongzhou Blood Duck
  • Dong'an Chicken
  • Jiangyong Taro
  • Daoxian Grey Goose
  • Yao Ethnic Brocade
Travel Summary
  • Explore the profound Shun culture heritage
  • Enjoy ecological wellness in mountains
  • Learn about Liu Zongyuan's literary legacy

Must-Try Dishes in Yongzhou City

Yongzhou Blood Duck

Yongzhou Blood Duck is a time-honored local delicacy and a classic representative of Hunan cuisine. It is cooked with local domestic duck and fresh duck blood, paired with ginger, chili and other seasonings. The dish features tender meat, smooth blood curd and rich spicy flavor, and is a must-serve dish for local banquets and festivals.

Dong'an Chicken

Originated from Dong'an County of Yongzhou, it is one of the most famous dishes of Hunan cuisine. Cooked with local young chickens, rice vinegar, Chinese prickly ash and ginger, it tastes sour, spicy, fresh and fragrant with tender meat, and enjoys a great reputation both at home and abroad.

Ningyuan Stuffed Tofu

A traditional folk snack in Ningyuan County. Made with handmade tofu stuffed with meat fillings, it is braised or fried to perfection. The tofu is soft and smooth with savory fillings, favored by locals and tourists alike.

Yao Bacon

A traditional preserved food of the Yao people. Local pork is smoked with pine and tea branches. The finished bacon has a bright color and unique aromatic flavor, which is a precious delicacy for receiving guests in Yao villages.

General Travel Tips for Yongzhou
Best Travel Seasons
  • Spring: Flowers bloom everywhere, great for mountain sightseeing
  • Autumn: Clear sky and cool weather, suitable for cultural tours
  • Summer: Mountain areas are ideal summer resorts
  • Winter: Indoor cultural attractions are recommended
Top Experiences
  • Pay homage at Shun Emperor Mausoleum
  • Hike in Yangming Mountain Forest
  • Visit Liuzi Temple and Ancient City
  • Taste authentic Yongzhou specialties
Overall Budget Reference
  • Tickets & Eco-transport: ¥300-450
  • Catering: ¥200-300
  • Accommodation: ¥280-600
  • Transportation & Souvenirs: ¥170-350
  • Total: ¥750-¥1700
Common Q&A
  • Is mountain road safe? → Roads are well-maintained, drive carefully in rainy days
  • Are scenic spots far apart? → It is recommended to rent a car or join a group tour
  • Any ethnic activities? → Yao customs performances on holidays
  • Can I climb Jiuyi Mountain? → Yes, with multiple hiking routes for different levels