Xiangyin County Tourism, Yueyang City, Hunan Province

Xiangyin County, Yueyang City, Hunan Province — a millennium-old county at the confluence of Dongting Lake and Xiangjiang River, integrating the source of Huxiang culture, the hometown of patriotic famous ministers, and ecological wetland scenery. It has characteristic scenic spots such as Yangsha Lake, Zuo Zongtang's Former Residence, and Confucian Temple. Experience the diverse charm of 'cultural heritage + natural ecology + folk customs' in 2 days.

1581
km² of regional area
780,000+
Permanent population
8
National and provincial-level cultural relic protection units
22+
Major tourist attractions
Yangsha Lake Landscape in Xiangyin County, Yueyang
Yangsha Lake Tourist Area - Iconic Landscape of Xiangyin County
Yangsha Lake Tourist Area is a national wetland park covering nearly 20,000 mu, including 10,000 mu of lake surface, 1,000 mu of lotus pond, wetland flower sea and other landscapes. It integrates ecological sightseeing, leisure vacation and cultural experience, and is the core carrier of ecological tourism in Xiangyin.

2-Day Huxiang Culture Tour in Xiangyin County

Enjoy the vast lake view, recall the famous minister at his former residence, trace the cultural context at the temple, and relish the tranquility in the mountains

Trip Duration
2 Days
Main Destinations
Yangsha Lake Tourist Area, Zuo Zongtang's Former Residence, Xiangyin Confucian Temple, Nanquan Temple, E'xing Mountain Forest Park, Yuezhou Kiln Site
Suitable for
History and culture lovers, ecological sightseers, photography enthusiasts, parent-child families, research travel groups
Per Capita Budget
¥300-¥550
1
Ecological Wetland and Zen Culture Tour
Yangsha Lake Tourist Area · Yuezhou Kiln Site · Nanquan Temple
Itinerary Highlights

Explore Yangsha Lake in the morning and indulge in the lake and mountain scenery; discover Yuezhou Kiln in the afternoon to trace the ceramic civilization; stroll around Nanquan Temple in the evening to experience the distant Zen meaning.

Attraction Arrangement
Yangsha Lake Tourist Area
A national wetland park, composed of an ecosystem of 10,000 mu of lake surface, 1,000 mu of wetland and hundreds of bird species, integrating fishing kiln culture, farming culture and Huxiang culture. The scenic area has facilities such as Wetland Museum, Fishing Kiln Town, Flower Sea Paradise, Hot Spring Resort Center, etc. You can take a cruise to enjoy the lake view, watch migratory birds, and experience intangible cultural heritage fishing song performances.
Yuezhou Kiln Site
A national key cultural relic protection unit, one of the six famous kilns in the Tang Dynasty. It started firing in the Eastern Han Dynasty and flourished in the Tang Dynasty, famous for celadon, known as the "source of Hunan porcelain". The site covers an area of about 20,000 square meters, and a large number of celadon bowls, plates, pots and other artifacts have been unearthed. There are 3 existing dragon kiln relics, and a display hall is built beside it to introduce the history and craftsmanship of Yuezhou Kiln.
Nanquan Temple
Founded in the Yongchu period of the Liu Song Dynasty in the Southern Dynasties, with a history of more than 1,500 years, it is a famous ancient temple in the history of Hunan Buddhism, and is known as one of the "Three Great Ancient Temples of Xiaoxiang" together with Lushan Temple in Changsha and Fuyan Temple in Nanyue. The existing buildings were rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty, including Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall, Scripture Collection Building, etc. The ancient cypresses in the temple are vigorous, the incense is prosperous, and the evening drum and morning bell have a strong Zen meaning.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take Bus No.5 from Xiangyin County to Yangsha Lake directly (about 30 minutes)
  • Taxi from Yangsha Lake to Yuezhou Kiln Site is about 20 minutes
  • From Yuezhou Kiln to Nanquan Temple, you can walk or ride a bike (about 15 minutes)
  • Sightseeing cars are available in Yangsha Lake Scenic Area (¥30 per person)
Ticket Information
  • Yangsha Lake Tourist Area: ¥120 per person (including wetland sightseeing)
  • Yuezhou Kiln Site: Free (explanation fee ¥50)
  • Nanquan Temple: Free (incense donation is voluntary)
Food Recommendations
  • Yangsha Lake Hairy Crabs
  • Xiangyin Noodles
  • Santang Sweet and Sour Chinese Chives
  • Helong Lake Hairy Crabs
2
Famous Person's Hometown and Mountain Scenery Tour
Zuo Zongtang's Former Residence · Xiangyin Confucian Temple · E'xing Mountain Forest Park
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Zuo Zongtang's Former Residence in the morning to understand the patriotic spirit; visit Xiangyin Confucian Temple in the afternoon to trace the thousand-year cultural context; climb E'xing Mountain in the evening to enjoy the tranquility of the mountains and forests.

Attraction Arrangement
Zuo Zongtang's Former Residence
A national key cultural relic protection unit, also known as "Liuzhuang", is the place where Zuo Zongtang, a famous minister in the late Qing Dynasty, lived in seclusion to study and farm in his youth. Built in 1843, it covers an area of 4,000 square meters and is a typical Jiangnan residential style. The former residence displays Zuo Zongtang's life story, calligraphy handwriting and agricultural tools, reflecting his concept of "farming and reading to pass on the family".
Xiangyin Confucian Temple
A provincial cultural relic protection unit, founded in the 8th year of Qingli in the Northern Song Dynasty (1048). The existing buildings were rebuilt in the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, and it is one of the most well-preserved Confucian temples in Hunan. The Confucian Temple faces south, with Lingxing Gate, Dacheng Hall, Chongsheng Shrine and other buildings. Especially the stone carved dragon pillars in Dacheng Hall are the most exquisite, showing the essence of Qing Dynasty architectural art.
E'xing Mountain Forest Park
A provincial forest park, belonging to the remaining vein of Mufu Mountain, with the main peak at an altitude of 523 meters, named because the mountain shape is like a swan spreading its wings. The forest coverage rate in the park reaches 98%, with landscapes such as waterfalls, streams, exotic rocks and ancient trees. There are 5 kilometers of hiking trails and starry sky camping bases built. The average temperature in summer is 24℃, making it a natural oxygen bar for summer resort and leisure.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take a special minibus from Xiangyin County to Zuo Zongtang's Former Residence (about 40 minutes)
  • From the former residence to the Confucian Temple, take a rural bus and transfer to a public bus (about 1 hour)
  • Self-driving is recommended from the Confucian Temple to E'xing Mountain (about 50 minutes)
  • It is recommended to walk around E'xing Mountain Scenic Area
Visiting Tips
  • You can participate in the immersive experience of "Traveling through the Qing Dynasty" at Zuo Zongtang's Former Residence (reservation required)
  • Traditional etiquette performances are held at the Confucian Temple every Saturday morning
  • Wear non-slip shoes when climbing E'xing Mountain, pay attention to safety in rainy season
  • You can experience hand-made porcelain at Yuezhou Kiln (¥80 per person)

Must-Try Foods in Xiangyin County

Yangsha Lake Hairy Crabs

A specialty of Xiangyin, grown in the ecological wetland of Yangsha Lake with clear and pollution-free water quality. The crabs are large with plump meat and rich roe. Autumn is the best eating period, mainly served by steaming, dipped in ginger vinegar, fresh and sweet with a aftertaste. Crab manors around the scenic area can catch and cook them on the spot, which is a must-try food in Xiangyin in autumn.

Xiangyin Noodles

A traditional breakfast in Xiangyin, made of thin noodles from local wheat, which are chewy and elastic through multiple processes. Served with bone soup, beef, beef offal, three delicacies and other toppings, drizzled with locally made spicy oil, spicy and delicious. The "Old Noodle Restaurant" in the county has inherited century-old craftsmanship, and is full every early morning.

Santang Sweet and Sour Chinese Chives

A national geographical indication product, produced in Santang Town, Xiangyin. Selected local special fresh Chinese chives, made through salting, sugar marinating and other processes, crystal clear in color, crisp and tender in taste, moderate sweet and sour. It is not only an appetizer side dish, but also a cold dish for banquets. The vacuum packaging is easy to carry, making it a famous specialty of Xiangyin.

General Tso's Chicken

A famous Hunan dish in Xiangyin said to be created in memory of Zuo Zongtang. Selected local native chickens, cut into pieces, fried, then stir-fried with chili, garlic, vinegar, sugar and other seasonings, with crispy outside and tender inside meat, sweet, sour and slightly spicy. Named because Zuo Zongtang once entertained guests with this dish, many restaurants in the county have improved versions.

Travel Tips for Xiangyin County
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-May): Enjoy flowers at Yangsha Lake and go for an outing at E'xing Mountain
  • Autumn (September-November): Taste hairy crabs, the weather is cool and suitable for outdoor activities
  • Summer (June-August): Play with water at Yangsha Lake and escape the heat at E'xing Mountain
  • Winter (December-February): Pray for blessings at the Confucian Temple and experience the folk customs of the New Year
Must-Experience Activities
  • Take a painted boat at Yangsha Lake to enjoy wetland scenery and watch migratory birds inhabit
  • Make celadon by hand at Yuezhou Kiln to experience intangible cultural heritage skills
  • Listen to the historical story of "Recovering Xinjiang" at Zuo Zongtang's Former Residence
  • Appreciate the art of stone carved dragon pillars of the Qing Dynasty at Xiangyin Confucian Temple
  • Camp under the starry sky at E'xing Mountain and watch the night view of the mountains and forests
Budget Reference
  • Tickets and transportation: ¥200-280 (including scenic spot tickets and sightseeing cars)
  • Catering: ¥120-180 per day (including lake fresh food and special snacks)
  • Accommodation: ¥150-260 per night (county hotels or Yangsha Lake homestays)
  • Shopping: ¥80-150 (specialties such as Chinese chives and porcelain)
  • Total: ¥300-550
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is the best time to taste Yangsha Lake hairy crabs? → September to November, the most plump around the Double Ninth Festival
  • Is there a explanation service at Zuo Zongtang's Former Residence? → Yes, free explanation time is 10:00 and 15:00
  • Can I camp at E'xing Mountain? → Yes, the scenic area provides camping equipment rental (¥100 per set)
  • Transportation from Xiangyin County to Changsha City? → Take high-speed rail for about 30 minutes, ticket price ¥35