Huaihua Travel Guide 2025: A Guide to Hidden Gems Around Huaihua
Tired of crowded tourist attractions? The hidden landscape paradise in southwestern Huaihua offers scenery and coolness comparable to popular internet-famous destinations. With just a short drive, you can escape into a picturesque world of green forests and thousand-year-old terraced fields.
I. Green Lung Paradise: Jingzhou Paiya Mountain National Forest Park
In the southwestern part of Jingzhou, 97 peaks are arranged like the teeth of a comb, creating a green canopy with 95.06% forest coverage. Stepping into the forest, 6,800 hectares of metasequoia groves immediately embrace you, with dappled light and shadow dancing on the walking trails, accompanied by the duet of streams and birdsong. Here, the average summer temperature is 3-5°C lower than in urban areas, making it a veritable “natural air conditioner” in southwestern Hunan.
A forest secret realm with scenery in all seasons:
· Spring: Mountains covered with azaleas like a spreading fire
· Summer: Dense shade blocks the sun, the stream is refreshingly cool to the bone
· Autumn: Thousands of acres of dawn redwood forest dyed into the “Central China Redwood Kingdom”
· Winter: Rime ice adorns the branches, silent as poetry
Family luxury experience: On the lawn of the self-driving camping base, canopy tents sway gently in the wind, parents sit leisurely sipping tea, while children chase and play in the playground. Stay overnight in the newly opened luxury homestay, where log cabins are hidden among the trees, open your window to see the sea of forests, lie in bed listening to the sound of pine waves, with family rooms and detached villas available. In the morning, stroll along the hiking trail, occasionally encountering squirrels and wild rabbits. A two-day, one-night stay is needed to fully appreciate the essence of this hidden paradise.
II. Terraces in the Clouds: The Fairyland of Shanbei Huayao in Xupu
A 2-hour drive from Paiya Mountain leads you to the wonder deep in Xuefeng Mountain—the Shanbei Huayao Terraces. Cultivated during the Northern Song Dynasty, these vast terraces stretch 7.5 kilometers, with 1,500 silver-like terraces rising from the Xushui River to the 1,500-meter mountain peak. Compared to the bustling Yuanyang Rice Terraces, this place retains its original poetic charm of “silver waves like mirrors in spring, and jade-green lushness in summer.”
Recommended In-depth Experiences:
· For Photography Enthusiasts: Wait at dawn for the sea of clouds over the terraces, capturing the chain-like curves in the morning mist.
· Cultural Exploration: Visit Huayao households and watch women dressed in colorful embroidered skirts pounding rice.
· Wonder Spotting: Seek the “Dragon’s Brain Fragrant Land” deep in the terraces—a 300m² area that emits a mysterious exotic fragrance year-round.
The Joy of Climbing High and Playing in Water: Follow the mountain road straight to Fengxiang Yao Village, where the infinity pool on the mountaintop resembles a blue gem nestled among the peaks. Immerse yourself in mountain spring water seeping from rock fissures—warm in winter and cool in summer—while overlooking the magnificent terraces and waiting for the sunset to paint the clouds golden-red. As night falls, join the Huayao bonfire party and feel the passion of this thousand-year-old tribe through the Lusheng dance.
III. Poetic Landscapes: Simeng Danxia and Ancient Village Charm
Simeng Danxia (40 minutes’ drive from the terraced fields)
Take a wooden boat and head west along the Xu River, where the red mountains on both banks resemble giant beasts drinking from the river. In the morning mist, a scene of “clear waters and red rocks, misty rain in Simeng” unfolds like one of the Eight Scenic Views of Xiaoxiang. Climb high for a distant view, and the karst peak clusters appear and disappear in the clouds, as if entering the mythical Penglai fairyland.
Yangquepo Ancient Village (15 kilometers north of Simeng)
Step into the bluestone alleyways from the Qianlong period, where a 300-year-old complex of Ming and Qing Dynasty courtyard houses is well-preserved. Let your fingers trace the bullet-scarred brick walls from the war of resistance, and listen to the historical echoes of the Xuefeng Mountain Campaign in this tunnel through time.
IV. Mountain Flavors: A Taste Sensation Not to Be Missed
Paiya Mountain Specialties
The camp restaurant’s stoves are bustling, with Jingzhou sour soup fish simmering in clay pots. The tender river fish is coated in a special sour and spicy sauce, awakening the appetite with a single bite. Accompanied by the delicate sweetness of Poria cakes and the richness of Poria chicken soup, topped with a glass of local bayberry wine that is refreshingly sweet and sour. Don’t forget to bring a few bottles as souvenirs when you leave.
Xupu’s Three Delicacies
· White Silk Glutinous Rice: A snow-white, soft, and sticky imperial tribute that emits a rich bamboo leaf fragrance after steaming
· Pillow Zongzi: A giant meat zongzi wrapped in banana leaves that fills the room with fragrance when cut open
· Artemisia Rice Cake: With a crispy outer skin mixed with artemisia fragrance, filled with bean paste or pickled vegetables, a perfect match for breakfast
Pitfall Avoidance Guide: Smart Travel in Huaihua
1. Transportation Tips:
· Paiya Mountain is suitable for self-driving, with ample parking spaces in the scenic area;
· To visit Shanbei Terraced Fields, you can take the high-speed rail to Xupu South Station, then transfer to a direct scenic area bus (40 minutes). Due to narrow winding mountain roads, it’s not recommended for new drivers to go by themselves.
2. Optimal Itinerary Planning:
Allow at least one full day for Paiya Mountain (2-3 days for thorough exploration). It’s recommended to stay one night at Shanbei Terraced Fields to capture the best shots of the sea of clouds over the terraces early the next morning. The Fengxiang Yao Village pool requires booking one day in advance to avoid capacity restrictions.
3. Secret Guide to Avoiding Crowds:
During the National Day red leaf season, tourist numbers surge dramatically. If you want to enjoy the autumn scenery to yourself, it’s recommended to travel in advance in late September. The peak red maple season in Paiya Mountain’s metasequoia forest occurs in November, extending the beauty of autumn viewing by half a month compared to regular autumn appreciation destinations.
The beauty of Huaihua is an agricultural epic spread across the layered terraced fields, flowing green poetic lines in the primeval forests, and even more, a thousand-year-old culinary heritage preserved by the stoves in deep alleys. While cities gasp in heat waves, this secret paradise in western Hunan awaits travelers who understand it, with its 21°C refreshing breeze, intoxicating red autumn scenery, and the Yao people’s rice wine.
If reprinted, please indicate the source:https://www.nhtour.com/travel-blogs/huaihua-travel-guide-2025-a-guide-to-hidden-gems-around-huaihua/
Related recommendations
-
Hawaii Travel Guide: A Super Practical 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary for the Big Island of Hawaii
Hawaii’s Big Island is way more fun than Oahu! Just follow this itinerary, and you’ll have an incredibly deep experience without any extra planning! 3-Day Big Island Itinerary DAY 1｜Oahu ✈️ Hilo, Big Island → Sunset & Stargazing at Mauna Kea Arrive at Hilo Airport by noon Stock up + rest → Drive up or join a tour Summit Mauna Kea (4,205m) Watch breathtaking sunset + Milky Way DAY 2｜Black Sand Beach + Volcanoes National Park + Manta Ray Night Dive Depart → Black Sand Beach (spot sea turtles) Rainbow Falls photo stop Volcanoes National Park: Kīlauea Crater, lava tubes, etc. Head to Kona in the afternoon Join a Manta Ray night dive in the evening DAY 3｜Explore Kona Town or Add Snorkeling → Return to Oahu Attractions & Tips Mauna Kea Stargazing Not recommended to drive to the summit—join a tour for safety (altitude sickness + night driving + 4WD required) Temps near 0°C at night—bring warm layers + closed-toe shoes Volcanoes National Park Don’t miss the Crater Rim Drive Wait until dark to photograph the glowing lava Manta Ray Night Dive No swimming skills needed—guides assist, hold onto a float board Manta rays glide just centimeters away—thrilling and…
-
Summary after 3 trips to Shenzhen: A complete travel guide to Shenzhen, absolutely worth it!
Shenzhen, known as the “City of Innovation,” is simply like a treasure city containing endless wealth! Here, you can instantly switch from the skyscrapers of a modern metropolis to the natural secret realm where mountains and seas meet; you can also experience rich local culture amidst the bustling city life. During my three recent visits to Shenzhen, I discovered that this city truly has too many fun places to visit, delicious foods to eat, and great accommodations to stay. Today, I’m here to share this comprehensive Shenzhen travel guide with you all. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Shenzhen or a local looking to discover new ways to explore the city, you can find inspiration from this guide. I. Distribution of Attractions and Itinerary Planning The distribution of attractions in Shenzhen is quite distinctive and can be divided into three major categories based on regions: urban scenery, cultural history, and natural ecology. For urban scenery, you must visit the Ping An Finance Centre in Futian CBD. Ascend to the 547-meter cloud observation deck to enjoy a panoramic view of Shenzhen’s bustling cityscape. Shenzhen Bay Park in Nanshan is absolutely beautiful. Riding a bicycle at a leisurely pace, feeling the gentle…
-
Wuhu Travel Guide: A 2-Day, 1-Night In-Depth Tour Itinerary for Wuhu
As the last tourist city in Anhui Province to make its debut, Wuhu is often underestimated. This “famous city east of the Yangtze” boasts the water charm of the Yangtze River and the poetic beauty of Southern Anhui. It has both the joyful bustle of Fantawild Adventure and the thousand-year-old atmosphere of the ancient city. This guide will take you to explore Wuhu and experience the unique charm of this city! — I. Wuhu Impression: The Two Sides of the Pearl on the Wan River Modern Vitality: Fantawild Theme Park, Squirrel Town, the most popular gathering place for family amusement parks in the Yangtze River Delta. Historical Heritage: 2300 years of city history, the first of the four great rice markets on the Yangtze River, half of Jiangnan’s commercial history hidden along the banks of the Qingyi River. Poetic Landscape:Misty rain at Mirror Lake, clear haze at Zhe Tower, the “Ten Scenic Spots of Wuhu” hide the gentle charm of Southern Anhui. — II. 2-Day, 1-Night Essential Route Day 1: A Journey Through Ancient and Modern Times Morning: Visit the Ancient City of Wuhu ▶️ Stroll through Flower Street and South Zheng Street, climb Changhong Gate to overlook the old…
-
Japan DIY Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Guide to Transportation, Accommodation, Shopping, and Attractions
Why can a small island nation surrounded by sea rank 3rd in the world economy? Today, let’s learn about the specific overview of Japan. Japan is an arc-shaped island nation located on the western coast of the Pacific Ocean, extending from northeast to southwest. It includes four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and more than 6,800 small islands, so Japan is also known as the country of a thousand islands. Japan’s terrain is mainly mountainous and hilly, accounting for 75% of the total land area. Located at the junction of the American Plate, Eurasian Plate, and Pacific Plate, geological activities are frequent, leading to many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes in Japan. Japan has a total area of 378,000 square kilometers and consists of one metropolis, one territory, two urban prefectures, and 43 prefectures. As of April 2023, the total population is approximately 124.43 million, making it the only developed country with a population exceeding 100 million besides the United States. The main ethnic group is the Yamato people, Japanese is the common language, and the main religions are Shintoism and Buddhism. Its overseas assets are twice its gross domestic product, making it the world’s largest creditor nation. It has…
-
Shanghai Metro City: The Ultimate Guide to Xujiahui’s Iconic Shopping & Entertainment Destination (2025)
(Jump to Section: Location & Transport | Shopping | Dining | Entertainment | Facilities & Services | Hours & Contact | FAQs) Target Keywords: Shanghai Metro City, Shanghai Metro City Shopping, Shanghai Metro City Restaurants, Shanghai Metro City Food, Shanghai Metro City Brands, Shanghai Metro City Cinema, Shanghai Metro City Hours, Shanghai Metro City Address, Xujiahui Shopping Mall, Shanghai Shopping Mall. Meta Description: Your complete 2025guide to Shanghai Metro City! Explore shops (Apple, Sony, MUJI), global cuisine, the iconic globe screen, cinema, transport (Metro Lines 1,9,11), parking, hours, tips & more. Plan your Xujiahui visit now! Introduction: The Beating Heart of XujiahuiDominating the skyline of Shanghai’s vibrant Xujiahui district, Shanghai Metro City isn’t just a shopping mall; it’s a landmark, a cultural icon, and a dynamic hub pulsating with energy. Instantly recognizable by its awe-inspiring massive spherical LED screen – affectionately dubbed “The Crystal Globe” or “The Bubble” – Metro City stands as a cornerstone of modern Shanghai retail, dining, and entertainment. Since its opening, it has evolved into a must-visit destination for locals seeking the latest trends, tourists exploring Shanghai’s urban landscape, foodies craving global flavors, and families enjoying a day out. This comprehensive guide delves deep into everything…
-
Shenzhen Travel Guide: Explore All Shenzhen Attractions in 4 Days and Enjoy Shenzhen Pictures
I. Itinerary Overview (4 Days 3 Nights) Theme: Tech City × Mountain & Sea Scenery × Local Life & Culture Features: A blend of modern landmarks, natural wonders, food culture, and immersive experiences, suitable for families, couples, and young people. II. Daily Itinerary Planning Day 1: Urban Landmarks and New Cultural Experiences Morning Lianhua Mountain Park (08:30-10:30) Climb to the top to overlook Shenzhen’s central axis, visit the Deng Xiaoping statue, and feel the pulse of the city’s vigorous development. Walk to Shum Yip Upper Hills on the northeast side, take artistic photos in the colorful internet-famous blocks, and stroll along the Happiness Footbridge. Afternoon Shenzhen Museum (14:00-16:00) Free visit to the Ancient Art Museum and Folk History Museum to learn about Shenzhen’s transformation from a fishing village to an international metropolis. Huaqiangbei Pedestrian Street (16:30-18:00) Explore the “No.1 Electronics Street in China”, visit the Huaqiangbei Museum, and experience the collision of technology and commerce. Evening Civic Center Light Show (20:00-20:25) Best viewing spots: Civic Square or the top of Lianhua Mountain, enjoy the dreamy interaction of lights and architecture. Day Two: Mountain and Sea Romance and Intangible Cultural Heritage Exploration Morning Fairy Lake Botanical Garden (09:00-12:00) Stroll around the…
-
A Complete Guide to Xi’an Tourism: Exploring the Ancient Capital of Thirteen Dynasties in 5 Days, with Tips to Avoid Pitfalls and a Food Map
Xi’an, formerly known as Chang’an, served as the capital for thirteen dynasties, with a city history of over 3,100 years and a capital history of over 1,100 years. Here you can find both the magnificent landscape of “eight rivers surrounding Chang’an” and the prosperous Tang Dynasty atmosphere depicted in “the horse’s hooves fly fast in the spring breeze.” From the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors to the brilliant lights of the Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, from the thousand-year-old artifacts in the Shaanxi History Museum to the aromatic flavor of Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Xi’an perfectly blends profound history with vibrant life, making it an “ancient capital secret realm” worth exploring slowly with curiosity. Must-visit Attractions – Where History and Daily Life Collide 1. Shaanxi History Museum Highlights: China’s first large-scale modern national museum with a collection of over 370,000 cultural relics, ranging from Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes to Tang dynasty gold and silver artifacts. Recommended reason: Known as the “Shaanxi Forbidden City”, you can see artifacts from the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties for free. The gold artifacts in the Hejiacun Treasury Exhibition allow you to directly experience the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. Practical tips: Free admission requires booking 1-3…
-
2025 Hawaii Travel Guide: Fun the Four Islands of Hawaii from 0
As a veteran player who has been to the four major islands of Hawaii, today I want to share a super-detailed guide that does not hide privacy, allowing you to easily enjoy the essence of each island~Island Overview[1] Oahu• Waikiki Beach: This is the most famous vacation paradise in Hawaii, where the blue sea and blue sky are perfectly integrated with the bustling city. It is recommended to get up early to experience surfing, walk on the soft sand, and feel the lively and comfortable atmosphere• Diamond Head Mountain: A stunning observation deck overlooking the entire Waikiki coastline. Early morning hikes are best, remember to bring enough water• Nuanupali Lookout: An excellent location overlooking the Nuanu Valley and experiencing the historic sites of the Kingdom of Hawaii• Polynesian Cultural Center: Experience a variety of island performances, taste authentic cuisine, and learn about traditional culture• Lanikai Beach: With the reputation of “the most beautiful beach in Hawaii”, the white sand and the blue water complement each other• Gulan Ranch: The location of Jurassic Park, where you can explore the magnificent scenery by horseback or ATVTraffic strategyOahu:• TheBus covers the whole island, 3 dollars one way, 7.5 dollars one dayThe Waikiki Tram…
-
Shenzhen Travel Guide: Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Shenzhen
Shenzhen Bay Park – Features: Shenzhen’s longest coastal leisure belt, with a 15-kilometer trail connecting 12 themed parks. You can walk, cycle, enjoy sea views and city scenery, and there are also large flower fields. – Recommended activities: Enjoy the lupine flower sea from March to April, view the sunflower fields from November to December, watch the lights of Shenzhen Bay Bridge and the green mountains of Hong Kong across the water in the evening at the ‘Sea-viewing Boardwalk’, and ride the ‘Bay Glory’ Ferris wheel. Ping An Finance Centre Cloud Sightseeing Floor – Features: Located on the 116th floor of Shenzhen’s tallest building, featuring a 360° circular observation deck with panoramic views of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, newly added “AR City Tour”. – Recommended activities: Visit around 10 AM for portrait photography, experience the “Sky Walk” project, walking on the outdoor suspended walkway. Dapeng Fortress – Features: Shenzhen’s only national-level historical and cultural village with over 600 years of history, where you can experience the Ming and Qing dynasty coastal defense culture. – Recommended activities: Visit Qing Dynasty official residences such as ‘General Liu Qilong’s Residence’, participate in intangible cultural heritage handicraft experience at 3 PM, learn to make…
-
Xishan Hot Spring Tourism Strategy: Fuzhou Hot Spring Expansion
Fuzhou is a city soaked in hot springs Soak in hot springs in summer It is the secret recipe for Fuzhou people’s health It can not only detoxify and nourish the skin, but also promote metabolism It can also relieve stress and improve sleep quality “Blessed State Run a summer” 2025 Summer Hot Spring Promotion Season Activities is in full swing A number of hot spring companies have brought surprise discounts Come and enjoy the comfort of summer hot springs Fulongquan The hot spring water of Fukulong Spring is taken from a depth of more than 380 meters underground It is a high-quality rare physiotherapy hot mineral water As an active explorer of the deep integration of “hot springs + skills” in Fuzhou Fulongquan also launched eight major moves of Fujian-style (plate rack) back rubbing The whole experience is relaxing and relaxing Address: No. 3, Wenquan Branch Road, Gulou District Contact information: 0591-63183361 Promotions: Discounted packages Package contents Discounted price Ancient back rubbing package A Ancient method back rubbing+ Women’s bucket (2 hours) / Men’s large pool 118 yuan Ancient back rubbing package B Ancient Back Rubbing + Women’s Bucket Private Room (2 hours) 138 yuan Soup House Set for…