Daye travel guide and discussion

During the National Day holiday, I visited relatives in Huangshi and took my child to see where his father grew up. This is an old industrial city surrounded by the Yangtze River and mountains. It is only a 30-minute high-speed train ride from Wuhan, yet it feels like another world: residential buildings are built along the mountains, staggered and compact, where industrial heritage and daily life coexist with nature. 🏞️ Huangshi overview Location: Huangshi is located on the south bank of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The urban area features rolling mountains, dotted with Ci Lake and Qingshan Lake, forming a unique layout of "mountains in the city, city by the river." Transportation: Approx. 80 km from Wuhan; ~30 minutes by high-speed train, ~1 hour by car Tags: Hometown of Bronze | Cradle of Steel | Home of Cement | Capital of Jingjiu 📸 City highlights 1️⃣ The rugged industrial character of the city Daye Special Steel: One of the birthplaces of China's modern steel industry, where century-old furnace fires still burn. Huaxin Cement: Founded in 1907, known as the "cradle of China's cement industry." Jing Brand Co., Ltd.: A leader in the health liquor industry. The slogan "Jingjiu is good, but don't overindulge" is a household name. Tonglushan Ancient Copper Mine Site, dating back about 3,000 years, bears witness to the brilliance of China's Bronze Age civilization. 2️⃣ A landscape where mountains and water blend Xisai Mountain stands by the river. The famous lines "White egrets fly before Xisai Mountain, peach blossoms and flowing water, mandarin fish are fat" describe this very place. River boats, cliffs, and white egrets form a natural landscape painting. Ci Lake is a large lake in the city. Walking along the lake in the evening, with the sunset reflecting on the water and the distant mountains silhouetted against the sky, is the most everyday romance for locals. The "Asia's No. 1 Sinkhole" in the Mining Park offers a different kind of awe, where industrial traces interweave with natural vegetation, creating a rugged and magnificent sight. 3️⃣ A city where old and new intersect In the old town, slopes, old buildings, red-brick factories, and old signs remain. Turn around, and you can see new real estate developments, greenways, cafes, and young faces. Huangshi is not in a hurry to tear down the past. Instead, it integrates industrial memories into new life, giving the city grit, just like the people who live here—distinctive and full of character. 🌟 Summary If you stay in Huangshi for a day, you might want to visit the Huaxin 1907 Cultural Park, which is free to enter. You can also go to the Xisai Mountain Scenic Area to climb up and overlook the rushing Yangtze River. Or, choose to walk around the old town; time has left deep marks on these buildings, settling the glory of the city's past development. Entering a city means understanding the living environment of a group of people. A city is closely related to the people who live and grow up in it. This kind of observation adds a layer of intriguing depth to travel.

Hey everyone! Today I've put together a list of hidden gems in Huangshi 📋, and every single one is worth a visit! Come explore the charm of this city with me~ 💫 🏔️ Huangshi National Mine Park This place really blew me away! You can see the Sky Pit, the largest open-pit iron mine in Asia. Standing on the edge of the pit and watching the excavators working at the very bottom is an indescribable feeling 😱. You can also explore the miners' tunnels and experience the mystery of the underground world! It's perfect for taking industrial-style photos 📸. 🏞️ Cihu Lake Scenic Area The fifth-largest urban lake in China! A stroll around the lake is so relaxing~ The water sparkles, surrounded by lush trees. On a clear day, you can even see the misty mountain views. It's like walking into an ink wash painting 🎨. It's perfect for a walk and taking photos! 🏝️ Xiandao Lake The Number One Wonder Lake in Jingchu is no exaggeration! With 1,002 islands scattered across the lake, taking a boat tour feels like traveling through a landscape painting~ The stunning scenery makes you marvel at the wonders of nature ✨. ⛰️ Dongfang Mountain Scenic Area Known as the Number One Mountain in Sanchu! Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the entire city—the vista is incredibly wide! The mountains are shrouded in mist, giving it a vibe straight out of a fantasy drama 🎋. A must-visit for hiking enthusiasts! 📍 Xisai Mountain Scenic Area A natural barrier on the south bank of the Yangtze River, the Number One Mountain of the Ten Thousand-Mile Yangtze River lives up to its name! Standing on the mountain looking out over the Yangtze, you'll feel the majestic power of the river! 🏺 Tonglüshan Ancient Copper Mine Site Museum Over 3,000 years of copper mining history! Learning about ancient Chinese mining technology is a real eye-opener! History buffs definitely shouldn't miss this~ 🏭 Huaxin 1907 Cultural Park A super stylish industrial-style spot! Converted from an old cement factory, it retains a strong industrial cultural atmosphere. Every photo you take here looks like a masterpiece! 🥗 Must-try local food: Huangshi Gangbing, Daye Hu noodles, and Yangxin Tun bird soup—every one of them is authentic and delicious! Don't forget to try them, everyone! 😋 It's recommended to book your accommodation and transportation in advance~ Have a great time in Huangshi! 🥳

For short trips around Hubei, if you don't want to crowd into popular tourist spots, these four ancient villages are just right. 🏡 Jinling Village, Dawu Highlights: A cluster of Ming and Qing dynasty dwellings in northern Hubei, the quiet and elegant Yanhui Academy, old bluestone streets, and the Zhaijishan ancient fortress. Surrounded by rice paddies and streams, you can also watch intangible cultural heritage shadow puppetry. Itinerary: Spend half a day strolling through the ancient village, have tea at the academy, and head to Guanxing Valley in the evening to watch the sunset. Food recommendations: Stewed chicken soup, farmhouse cured meats, and scorched rice porridge. 🌲 Guifeng Mountain Village, Macheng Highlights: Located right next to Guifeng Mountain, it's a natural forest oxygen bar. Check out the unique turtle-head rock formation. Enjoy azaleas in spring and colorful foliage in autumn, with expansive views from the mountain trails. Itinerary: Stay in a village homestay and enjoy light hiking on the mountain trails. No strenuous climbing required, perfect for relaxing. Food recommendations: Macheng hanging pot and local wild vegetables. 💧 Liutongwan, Zhaoshan Village, Daye Highlights: Known as the "Little Wuyuan of Hubei," it features the Baima Ancient Bridge, century-old honey locust trees, streams winding through the village, and 10,000 acres of peach blossoms. You can also watch the "Peach Blossom Spring" live water performance. Itinerary: Take a slow stroll through the village, visit the ancient bridge and old houses, and take a break at the campsite. Food recommendations: Bao'an "dog blood" peaches, mugwort cakes, and firewood-cooked scorched rice porridge. ✨ Xichong Starry Sky Ancient Village, Xishui Highlights: An ancient fortress hidden in the high mountains, featuring the "Gate to the Sky" viewing platform and the Shuxin Academy. With expansive views, it's a niche stargazing spot where you can see the starry sky at night. Itinerary: Head up the mountain in the afternoon, wait for the sunset, stargaze at night, and stay in a mountain homestay. Food recommendations: Luyang "Ten Great Bowls" and authentic farmhouse dishes. 📌 Tips There are many mountain roads in the villages, so wear comfortable flat shoes. The temperature difference between day and night in the mountains is large, so bring a light jacket. There are not many homestays in the ancient villages, so it is recommended to book in advance for weekend trips. Please protect the environment of the ancient villages and take your trash with you. No crowds, just mountains, fields, and ancient alleys. Come here on the weekend to clear your mind—simple and healing.

It's more than just a mountain; it's a national 4A-rated scenic area and one of the best-kept secrets near Wuhan—a "Stone City" and a "Little Jiuzhaigou." For a 26 yuan admission ticket, you can see nearly 100 types of volcanic rocks that are millions of years old and let the kids splash around in a 5km-long cool stream. When you stand before Shisunding Rock and marvel at nature's craftsmanship, when your child can't stop laughing in the shallows of Daquangou, and when you finish a bowl of farm-style chicken soup—you'll understand why locals in Huangshi call this their "weekend getaway" 🏔️ In Hubei, everyone knows the wonders of Huangshan and the waters of Jiuzhaigou, but few know that hidden among the mountains of Chengui Town, Daye, Huangshi, lies the Leishan Scenic Area—a national 4A-rated tourist attraction consisting of three main areas: Xiaoleishan, Daquangou, and Tiantaishan. I. Transportation Guide | Driving is most convenient, 2 hours from Wuhan 📍Location: Chengui Town, Daye City, Huangshi City, Hubei Province 🚗 Driving (Recommended): Navigate to "Leishan Scenic Area" or "Xiaoleishan Village." From Wuhan, take the Da-Guang Expressway, exit at Daye, and follow the signs toward Chengui Town. The trip takes about 2 hours. Parking at the scenic area is free. 🚄 High-speed rail + transfer: Take the high-speed rail to "Huangshi North Station," then take a taxi for about 40 minutes to reach the scenic area. 🚌 Bus: Take the "Daye–Lingxiang" bus in Daye to Chengui Town (fare is only 4 yuan), then take a taxi to the scenic area. ⚠️ Important reminder: The three areas are some distance apart; driving is recommended for visiting them all, as public transport is limited. II. Admission & Opening Hours | Enjoy a 4A scenic area for 26 yuan ⏱️Opening hours: 07:00–19:00 daily 💰Ticket prices: · Xiaoleishan main ticket: Government-set price of 26 yuan/person · Free admission policy: Seniors over 70 are free; seniors 60–70 are half-price at 13 yuan; national middle and high school graduates get free admission with their exam admission ticket · Daquangou and Tiantaishan: Separate tickets required; hot spring projects are charged separately III. How to Play | A one-day "journey" through the Stone City and cool valleys Essential itinerary (recommended 1 day, approx. 6–8 hours) ⏰Recommended pace: 08:30–11:30 AM for hiking and viewing strange rocks, 2:00–5:00 PM for stream trekking and water play. Stop 1: Xiaoleishan - The "Stone City" maze (2–3 hours) This is the soul of Leishan. Xiaoleishan is famous for its magical rock formations: stone pines, stone cities, stone beds, stone waves, stone coffins, stone lions... nearly 100 unique rock landscapes, each with its own character. Must-see highlights for kids: · Shisunding Rock: A giant boulder that looks like it's being held up by a stone shoot; it looks precarious but is very stable—a must-stop photo spot · Stone Pine: Not a real pine tree, but a rock formation that looks like one, over 600 years old · Longfeng Pool: A pool of clear water not far from the entrance, with water seeping from the rock walls and moss covering the rocks—a great place to "de-stress" before entering the mountains · Guxuntang: A replica ancient temple on the hillside, surrounded by nine dragon pillars in the front, with a small "Heavenly Pool" reflecting the eaves · Leifeng Pagoda: The nine-story pagoda at the top of the mountain offers a great view of the village and fields Stop 2: Daquangou - The "Little Jiuzhaigou of Huangshi" (2–3 hours) This is a paradise for kids to play in the water. The valley is 5km long with lush forests and year-round mountain springs, earning it the reputation of Hubei's "Little Jiuzhaigou." There are many shallows along the stream with crystal-clear water where children can wade barefoot, catch small fish, and have water fights. Coming here in summer for stream trekking is the ultimate way to cool off. Stop 3: Tiantaishan - Mountain hiking and nature wellness (1–2 hours, optional) Focuses on hiking and breathing in the fresh mountain air, suitable for active visitors who love the outdoors. Walk through strange peaks, rocks, and green bamboo forests to enjoy the mountain scenery. You can taste local farm-style food at the Jinxiu Villa at the foot of the mountain. 📸 Must-visit photo spots: · In front of Shisunding Rock: Take fun photos with the "suspended boulder" in the background · In the shallows of Daquangou: Capture the joyful moments of children playing in the water · Top of Leifeng Pagoda: Wide-angle shots overlooking the village and fields · By the Heavenly Pool at Guxuntang: Frame the eaves and their reflection together IV. Nearby Connections | Leishan + Daye, 1–2 day family trip Route 1 (One-day trip): Xiaoleishan (morning hiking/rock viewing) → Lunch (Chengui Town farmhouse) → Daquangou (afternoon stream trekking/water play) → Return Route 2 (2-day deep dive): Day 1: Xiaoleishan + Daquangou → Stay at Leishan Hot Spring Resort; Day 2: Tiantaishan hiking → Tonglüshan Ancient Copper Mine Ruins (mining culture) → Return V. Food | The taste of Leishan, farm-style chicken soup is the star 🍖 Must-eat list: Leishan farm-style chicken soup: The signature dish of Chengui Town farmhouses. Free-range chicken slow-cooked until the soup is golden, fresh, and nourishing—a must-order when bringing kids. Jiuqiao Reservoir lake delicacies: Signature dish of the Leishan Hot Spring Dining Center, using fresh catch from the Jiuqiao Reservoir, delicious whether steamed or braised. Leishan valley fresh vegetables: Dishes mainly use vegetables and wild ingredients from the Leishan valley, focusing on farm-style, authentic flavors. Daye Humi: A traditional Daye noodle dish; the noodles are soft but not mushy, with a rich, flavorful broth that is warming and easy to digest. Recommended locations: Chengui Town Tianshou Farmhouse, Leishan Hot Spring Dining Center, Jinxiu Villa VI. Accommodation Recommendations | Stay amidst the landscape, relax in the hot springs 🏡 Leishan Hot Spring Resort (In the scenic area, highly recommended): Located within the Leishan Scenic Area, this green hot spring resort was built with a 1.05 billion yuan investment by Guangdong Yuexiang Clothing Co., Ltd. It integrates hot springs, dining, guest rooms, and entertainment. After a day of playing with the kids, soaking in the hot spring at night is the perfect way to relax. 🏡 Leishan Defeng Kailong Hot Spring Hotel: Within walking distance of the Leishan Scenic Area and just a stone's throw from the Daquangou Scenic Area. Its two restaurants (Chinese and Western) serve local, Sichuan, and Cantonese cuisine. 🏨 Chengui Town Homestays: There are many rural homestays scattered around Chengui Town and Xiaoleishan Village, suitable for hiking, stream trekking, and family trips. You can stay right around the scenic area and upgrade your one-day trip into a mini-vacation. VII. A Sincere Traveler's Memo ⚠️ Key reminders: · Wear non-slip sports shoes! The stone steps in Xiaoleishan are steep and slippery after rain · Bring water play gear: For Daquangou stream trekking, it is recommended to wear water shoes or sandals, and bring a change of clothes, towels, and a waterproof phone pouch · Sun protection and mosquito repellent: UV rays are strong in the mountains, and there are many mosquitoes in the forest; sunscreen and mosquito repellent are essential · Bring snacks and water: Supply points in the scenic area are limited; prepare dry food when traveling with children · Caution after rain: Summer is rainy; stone steps are slippery after rain, and the water level in Daquangou may rise—please pay attention to safety · Best season: July–August is best for escaping the heat and stream trekking; March–May for spring outings and flower viewing; October–November for autumn scenery and mountain climbing VIII. In Leishan, I understood the "coolness of the Stone City" When you stand before Shisunding Rock and see that giant boulder held up by a stone shoot, when your child can't stop laughing in the shallows of Daquangou, and when a bowl of Leishan farm-style chicken soup warms away the fatigue of the day—you will understand that the most beautiful thing about Leishan isn't the 26 yuan admission ticket or the nearly 100 types of strange rocks. It's how it packs family hiking and stream trekking into the same weekend with a "Stone City" and a "Little Jiuzhaigou." If you are looking for a place near Wuhan where you can take your kids to climb a mountain of strange rocks in the morning and jump into a stream to have fun in the afternoon—come to Huangshi Leishan. Interactive topic: Would you rather take your kids to find strange rocks in the "Stone City" of Xiaoleishan, or splash around in the stream at Daquangou to cool off? Share your Leishan wishes in the comments section~ Want a detailed 2-day itinerary for Leishan + Tonglüshan Ancient Copper Mine Ruins? Follow me and send a private message with "Leishan," and I will send you my hand-drawn map and a list of water play gear.

Before I set off, I was a bit skeptical about the name "Village of Nine Ancient Wonders." I've been to many ancient villages and towns, most of which just fence off a few old houses to charge admission, and after walking around, all I remember are the snack stalls. But Shangfeng Village is different. Once the car stopped and I walked in a few steps, I bumped into a tree so tall I had to crane my neck to see the top. Locals say it's a Chinese holly planted by Yue Fei himself, nearly 1,000 years ago. 🌳 🌳 King of Chinese Holly: The tree planted by Yue Fei is still growing This Chinese holly tree is 18 meters tall and nearly 1,000 years old, known as the King of Chinese Holly. Standing under the tree and looking up, the leaves are so dense that sunlight can barely filter through. A sign nearby lists its ID information—a national first-class ancient tree, with dedicated records and a guardian. There are over 40 ancient trees in the village over 200 years old, and over 1,000 that are over a century old. Walking through the village, you might be blocked by an ancient tree at any moment, but the villagers don't cut them down; they build their houses around the trees. 🏠 Daifu Mansion and Ancient House Complex: Over 40 old houses, still inhabited Shangfeng currently has over 40 existing ancient residences with gray walls, black tiles, and carved beams and painted rafters. The Daifu Mansion and the Scholar's Ancient Residence are well-preserved, but what moved me most is that they aren't empty shells. Some old houses are still inhabited, with laundry hanging at the door and potted plants on the windowsills. An elderly woman sat on the threshold picking vegetables; seeing me peek inside, she smiled and said, "Come in and sit for a while." I waved my hand to decline, and she lowered her head to continue picking her vegetables. This feeling of a living ancient village is more precious than any exquisite renovation. 💧 Ancient Wells and Canals: A running water system from hundreds of years ago There are several ancient wells in the village, with deep grooves worn into the well rims by well ropes. What surprised me most were the ancient canals—stone-paved waterways, both open and covered, that channel water from the mountains through the village, dating back hundreds of years. The water is still flowing today, and it's very clear. Walking along the canal, you can hear the soft sound of water following you all the way. The ancient millstone is still in its original position, with rainwater collected in the stone trough, as if the owner had just stepped out. 📌 Practical Information: Tested and Verified 📍Address: Shangfeng Village, Jinhu Subdistrict, Daye City, Huangshi City (Navigate to "Shangfeng Ancient Village Eco-Tourism Area Visitor Center") 🚗Transportation: Driving is the most convenient. About 1.5 hours from Wuhan, about 40 minutes from downtown Huangshi, and about 25 minutes by taxi from Daye North Station. Parking is about 10 yuan/day 🕒Opening Hours: Approx. 8:00 AM–5:00 PM 🎫Admission: The ancient village itself is free; experience projects (glass skywalk/rafting, etc.) require separate fees ⏳Recommended duration: 2–3 hours, take your time to walk and explore 🗺️ Suggested route: Visitor Center → King of Chinese Holly (see this tree first) → Daifu Mansion → Ancient Well Complex → Along the Ancient Canal → Ancient Millstone → Ancient Ancestral Hall → Return along the ancient path. The village is not large, so no need to rush. Turn into any fork in the road you see; there are often surprises ⚠️ Tips: Wear comfortable flat shoes, as the bluestone roads are uneven; the ancient houses are inhabited, so be polite before taking photos; bring your own water, as there are very few commercial facilities in the village The most special thing about Shangfeng Village is that it hasn't turned itself into a tourist attraction. The nine ancient wonders are not exhibits—the ancient trees are still growing, the ancient wells still have water, the ancient canals are still flowing, and people are still cooking in the old houses. When you come for a visit, every stone slab you step on and every door frame you touch has been there for hundreds of years. 🚶

Huangshi is truly a severely underrated treasure of a city! In Huangshi from October to November, autumn's palette has been completely overturned here: Chinese tallow trees are a mottled orange-red, ginkgo trees are dazzlingly golden, and the London plane trees are all draped in "golden armor". When hardcore industrial ruins intertwine with the golden curtain of autumn leaves, every snapshot looks like a vintage blockbuster. But I have to be honest—the temperature difference in Huangshi from October to November is ridiculously huge! You can still wear a light jacket to pose during the day, but as soon as the sun sets, the cold wind drills right into your bones. More importantly, once this industrial rust belt puts on its "golden belt," your wallet really can't be saved... because you just can't stop taking photos and eating! 🗺️ My 3-day, 2-night hardcore roaming itinerary Day 1: Industrial ruins walk & mine shock Head straight to Huangshi National Mine Park in the morning; navigate to "No. 2 Dongfang Avenue, Tieshan District." Tickets are 35 yuan for adults, 20 yuan for students and seniors aged 60–69, and free for those over 70 and children under 1.2 meters. Walking into the park, the "Asia's No. 1 Open Pit Mine" is truly shocking—the massive mine looks like a scar on the earth; standing on the edge looking down makes your legs go a bit weak. In the afternoon, head to the former site of the Huaxin Cement Plant, which is near the mine park, about a 10-minute drive away, and free to enter. Towering cement kiln cylinders, mottled conveyor corridors, red brick floor-to-ceiling arched windows, vintage steam trains... every piece of this dormant industrial heritage is a perfect subject for photography. Day 2: Autumn colors at Cihu Lake & old street vibes Take a slow walk along the north bank of Cihu Lake in the morning. The autumn scenery near Jiangnan Jiuyu is particularly photogenic, with ginkgo and London plane trees intertwined and reflected on the lake surface—every shot is a winner. In the afternoon, head to the Laosimen area in Xisaishan District, dive into the mottled alleys to find old shops; the sweet aroma of Laosimen lard pancakes will hook you from the entrance of the alley to the end. In the evening, go to Wangjiawan BBQ Street, where the savory smoke and bustling city life intertwine, completely washing away the day's fatigue. Day 3: Climbing Dongfang Mountain & lake views to finish Go to Dongfang Mountain Scenic Area in the morning to climb high and enjoy the autumn, with layers of forests dyed in color and a profound artistic conception. If you want to see water views, you can go to Emerald Lake; the lake water changes color richly, and the autumn leaves and mountain scenery reflected by the lake make it exceptionally photogenic. It is recommended to go in the morning when the light is best. Find an old shop at noon to eat a bowl of authentic Daye Hu noodles, then slowly wind down and head back in the afternoon. 🍜 Flavors only locals know 🔥 Huangshi Gangbing, a classic etched in memory Huangshi Gangbing is a century-old snack, rich in sesame fragrance, crispy, fluffy, and sweet—one bite is sweeter than a first love. It's definitely a safe bet as a souvenir, but don't buy it at the entrance of scenic spots; go to the old-established shops in the city, where it's fresh and cheap. 🥔 Huangshi potato slices, a local favorite Huangshi potato slices are the soul of street food that locals have grown up eating. They are golden, crispy, and rich in sauce—the more you eat, the more addictive they become. You can find them at street stalls and night markets for a few yuan a serving; they are best eaten hot. 🥩 Laosimen lard pancakes & Taizi tofu Laosimen lard pancakes are a hit street snack, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a savory aroma—super satisfying when eaten hot. Taizi tofu was an ancient imperial tribute, known as a "Jingchu specialty," fresh, tender, and delicious, and it doesn't fall apart even after long cooking. There's also Daye Hu noodles, simple and unpretentious but never boring, thick, smooth, and rich in flavor. 📸 Photo spots revealed 📍 Cement kiln corridor: An excellent spot for cinematic light and shadow shots. When the afternoon light slants in, the texture of the concrete combined with the warm light is incredibly cool. 📍 Yellow spiral staircase: A dopamine-inducing influencer spot. Wear bright-colored clothes and stand on it with the industrial steel frame and autumn leaves in the background for maximum contrast. 📍 Vintage green train & rusty pipes: A mark of the era unique to Huangshi. Wear bright, vivid dresses for hardcore, vintage-style photos. 📍 North bank of Cihu Lake: In autumn, ginkgo trees pave the road, and the lake reflects the golden color. It is recommended to go during the "blue hour" in the evening; the soft warm light combined with the lake reflection gives it a cinematic feel. 🏨 How to choose accommodation For convenience in shopping and eating, prioritize the Huangshi Gang District or the area around Huangshi North Railway Station. You can walk to commercial districts, and comfortable hotels can be booked for as low as 170-something yuan—the value for money is really high. If you want to see lake views, homestays around Xiandao Lake are just over 200 yuan per person, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the thousand-island blue water. If you have a flexible budget, go for luxury hotels in the Huangshi Gang District for over 400 yuan a night; the rooms come with large bathtubs, which are super healing for a soak after a day of walking. ⚠️ There are many people during the ginkgo season from mid-November to December, so don't book last minute; booking a week in advance can save you a lot. For those driving, note that the parking lot at the Mine Park is free. ⚠️ Heartfelt tips to avoid pitfalls ❗ The temperature difference is enough to make you doubt life, so you must bring a jacket. It's okay during the day in October and November, but the temperature drops sharply as soon as the sun sets, and the wind by the river is strong, so it's best to add a windproof jacket; a thin down jacket is not an exaggeration. ❗ Wear non-slip shoes at Xisaishan, don't wear high heels. Some trails are quite steep, and some sections inside the mine are slippery, so safety first. ❗ The sightseeing car combo ticket for the Mine Park is more cost-effective. The ticket plus the sightseeing car is 50 yuan. The park is huge, and if you rely on walking, you'll be exhausted in half a day, so the combo ticket is a must. ❗ Go to the old street alleys for potato slices and lard pancakes; don't buy them at the entrance of scenic spots. The same thing costs double the price, and the taste isn't authentic. The old shops in the mottled alleys of Laosimen in Xisaishan District are where locals really go. ❗ Don't dress too revealingly at Dongfang Mountain; after all, it's a religious cultural scenic spot, so respect local customs. Also, the cable car has operating hours, so check in advance so you don't miss the last ride. ❗ It's rainy in October and November, so bring rain gear. The wind is strong at Cihu Lake and by the river, and umbrellas are easily blown over, so a waterproof jacket is more practical. The beauty of Huangshi is truly beautiful. The contrast of the industrial rust belt turning into a golden belt, the shock of Asia's No. 1 open-pit mine, and the flavors in the old street alleys that haven't changed for decades are all worth a trip. But the temperature difference and damp cold from October to November are also truly torturous. If you are afraid of the cold, afraid of climbing slopes, or afraid of rainy days, you should really consider this time period carefully. Unless you think, "What's a little cold? The industrial style and autumn colors are what really matter."

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Around Wuhan This Huangshi Dinosaur Wonderland scenic area is such a hidden gem It exceeded my expectations Around Wuhan This Huangshi Dinosaur Wonderland scenic area is such a hidden gem It exceeded my expectations

When people think of traveling in Hubei, they often focus on Wuhan or Enshi🍂, but they don't realize that Huangshi is an underrated autumn treasure. This ancient industrial city hides gentle lake views, magnificent thousands of islands, serene ancient temples, and artistic industrial relics. In September–October, Huangshi is crisp and clear, filled with the scent of osmanthus. The lake water is crystal clear, the forests are turning shades of autumn, and the summer heat has faded. With fewer tourists and affordable prices, it's a one-stop destination for scenery, culture, and unique photo spots. Visiting in autumn is a great deal! Why you must visit Huangshi in September–October✨ ✅ Stunning autumn atmosphere, healed by the scent of osmanthus throughout the city The weather in Huangshi is stable in September–October with plenty of sunny days. Osmanthus flowers bloom across the city and scenic spots, filling the air with a sweet fragrance wherever you go. The autumn waters of Ci Lake are serene, and the forest colors are soft. Without the sweltering summer heat, photos come out clear and crisp, naturally filtered with autumn's gentleness. ✅ Comfortable climate, relaxing throughout your trip Early autumn is neither stuffy nor scorching, and late autumn is cool and pleasant. Whether you're walking around the lake, hiking for blessings, exploring ancient villages, or visiting industrial ruins, it's very comfortable. Suitable for all ages, with no need to rush. ✅ Off-peak and niche, avoiding the crowds The summer crowds have completely faded. Except for the brief National Day peak, major scenic spots are quiet and relaxed. No need to queue or fight for photo spots; you can leisurely immerse yourself in the scenery. ✅ Diverse activities, high value for money One city brings together river and lake autumn colors, thousand-island scenery, industrial secrets, ancient temple culture, and folk customs. Scenic spot tickets are affordable, and local snacks are generous and reasonably priced, making short trips easy and budget-friendly. Must-visit scenic spots🏞️ Xiandao Lake & City in the Sky | The ceiling of thousand-island scenery in Central China🌟 Huangshi's top autumn attraction, with thousands of islands scattered across the lake, and crystal-clear blue water. In autumn, the sky is high and the clouds are light, offering an incredibly wide view. Climb to the glass observation deck of the City in the Sky to overlook the entire panorama of islands—it's breathtaking and healing. You can take a boat tour, walk across the popular suspension bridge, and enjoy scenery that rivals famous mountains and lakes. It's perfect for autumn photos. Ci Lake Scenic Area | Healing urban autumn lake views A free urban secret, the backyard of Huangshi locals. In autumn, the lake surface is calm and clear, the banks are filled with the scent of osmanthus, and the trees are turning yellow. The lakeside trail is clean and comfortable. At sunset, the light spills onto the lake, creating a gentle and romantic atmosphere. It's a great place for walking, cycling, or just relaxing—a hidden leisure spot for locals. Huangshi National Mine Park | Unique industrial autumn scenery A well-known sinkhole site in Asia, niche and stunning. In autumn, the Boston ivy in the park turns red, paired with old steam locomotives and railway relics, creating a full industrial vibe. Climb up to overlook the giant mine pit and feel the historical depth of this old industrial city. It's a unique spot for photos that won't look like everyone else's. Dongfang Mountain | Famous mountain for blessings in southeastern Hubei Known as the "Number One Mountain of Blessings in Central China," it features quiet forests and serene ancient temples. In autumn, the forest changes colors, and the air is fresh. Reaching the summit offers a view of the entire mountain range and the city's autumn scenery. It's perfect for mindful hiking, praying for blessings, and relaxing. Huaxin 1907 Cultural Park | Artistic retro secret spot A cultural and creative park transformed from a century-old cement industrial site, free and great to explore. Old factory buildings, railways, and machinery are full of retro charm. The autumn light falling on the buildings creates a strong artistic atmosphere, perfect for unique photos and leisurely strolls. Xisai Mountain | Poetic ancient scenery by the Yangtze River A thousand-year-old mountain backed by the Yangtze River, with magnificent terrain and vast river views. In autumn, the Yangtze River is quiet, and the mountain vegetation is rich with autumn colors. It has been a popular spot for scholars since ancient times. Climb the mountain to gaze at the river and feel the poetic beauty of the landscape and the grandeur of the Yangtze. Must-try authentic Huangshi food🥘 1. Huangshi Gangbing (Port Cake)🥮: The city's signature specialty! The sesame crust is crispy and flaky, and the osmanthus filling is sweet but not cloying. Suitable for all ages, it's the top choice for snacking and souvenirs. 2. Daye Hu Mian (Thick Noodle Soup): A popular local staple. The noodles are soft and flavorful, served with shiitake mushrooms, lean meat, and dried shrimp, sprinkled with pepper. It's warm and perfect for autumn. 3. Bao'an Fish Head Hot Pot: The fish is tender and flavorful, and the broth is rich and savory. It's a warming, satisfying, and authentic Huangshi dish for autumn and winter. 4. Yangxin Tun Bird Soup: The soup is clear, and the meat is nourishing. It's fresh without being greasy, a must-have for locals in autumn and winter for health. 5. Taizi Tofu: Tender, smooth, and rich in soy flavor. It's delicious whether stir-fried or in soup—light and refreshing. 6. Thick Rice Noodle Soup with Fried Dough Sticks: A classic local breakfast. The rich broth is made from fish bones, and the noodles are soft and savory. Affordable and filling. 💡 Tip: For authentic and affordable food, prioritize old streets in the city center and long-standing shops in residential areas for the most genuine taste and best value. 3-day relaxed, unhurried itinerary📅 Day 1: Arrive in Huangshi → Enjoy autumn scenery and the scent of osmanthus around Ci Lake Scenic Area → Evening stroll at Huaxin 1907 Cultural Park, stay in the city center Day 2: Full day at Xiandao Lake + City in the Sky, visit the stunning thousand-island lake scenery, and enjoy the autumn landscape Day 3: See industrial wonders at Huangshi Mine Park → Hike and pray for blessings at Dongfang Mountain, enjoy authentic Huangshi food, and head home leisurely Practical travel tips📌 1. Best time to visit: September–October is the golden period for traveling in Huangshi, with crisp autumn air, the scent of osmanthus throughout the city, and crystal-clear lake water. 2. Clothing guide: There is a moderate temperature difference between day and night. Long sleeves or thin sweatshirts are fine during the day, but it gets cooler by the river and in the mountains in the morning and evening, so bring a light jacket. 3. Reservation reminder: The Mine Park and some exhibition halls require advance booking via their official WeChat accounts. Most are closed on Mondays, so plan your itinerary accordingly. 4. Accommodation advice: Prioritize staying in the Xialu District or Xisai Mountain District in the city center for convenient transportation, dining, and shopping. 5. Travel tips: The Xiandao Lake scenic area is large, so wear comfortable flat shoes. Assess your comfort level for high-altitude activities and prioritize safety. Final thoughts Huangshi in September–October hides the gentlest autumn landscapes in southeastern Hubei🍁. Crystal-clear thousand-island lake views, gentle urban autumn lakes, unique retro industrial scenery, serene ancient temples, and affordable, authentic local life. It's not overly commercialized, there are no huge crowds, the scenery is healing, and the pace is relaxed. If you're looking for a niche, comfortable, and high-value short autumn trip, you must come to Huangshi. Once you've been, you'll know this trip is truly worth it!

It's really great to visit here near Wuhan It's really great to visit here near Wuhan

Before going, I thought Huangshi was just an industrial city, but after visiting, I was totally won over!! Half mountain, half lake—Xiandao Lake is so beautiful it looks like a painting, and the Mining Park is hardcore enough to give you goosebumps. The best part is that the food is delicious and cheap! I didn't hit a single pitfall during my 3-day trip, so I'm sharing all my best insider tips here👇 --- 🍜 About the food (eat until you're stuffed) Huangshi potato slices are a must-try! Thin, translucent potato slices fried until golden and crispy, drizzled with a secret sauce, and mixed with chili powder and cumin—one bite and you're hooked. Locals always add lotus root slices, rice cakes, and crab sticks, which are amazing when coated in the sauce. Huangshi Gangbing (port cakes) are also a city icon; the sesame aroma on both sides is mouth-watering, and they're crispy and melt in your mouth—a 200-year-old intangible cultural heritage snack. Laosimen lard cakes are another intangible heritage, a childhood taste that's super crispy. Dazhong Restaurant is a 25-year-old shop where the lotus seed and pork tripe soup warms your heart. Shisanxiang fish lips are a street food success story—the fish lips are packed with collagen. Daye noodle soup is thick, smooth, and addictive. Taizi tofu was an ancient imperial tribute, a Jingchu specialty that doesn't fall apart even after long boiling. To try everything in one go, head to the Zhonglou Food Street, where nearly 50 local eateries are packed into a 300-meter stretch. At night, go to the Hushanjinshan Night Market and eat your way from one end to the other. You should also try the local pearl fruit rice wine and Kale Ka milk tea, which locals have been drinking since childhood. 📍 Places worth visiting (personally tested, no pitfalls) Huangshi National Mining Park—the first national mining park in the country! Standing on the edge of the Asia's No. 1 Open-Pit Mine is truly shocking. It's about 2,200 meters long and has a maximum drop of 444 meters. The layers of steps look like a giant's fingerprints. It's not an industrial style created by Photoshop; it's a living industrial history dug over decades. Admission is CNY 35, half price for students. Xiandao Lake—the Hubei version of Thousand Island Lake, with 1,002 islands dotting 64,000 acres of clear water. The Sky City glass viewing platform extends nearly 50 meters from the cliff, hanging at an altitude of 520.1314 meters, with thousands of islands and blue waves beneath your feet. Magnetic Lake Scenic Area is free, and cycling around the lake is super chill; the sunset in the evening is stunning. Dongfang Mountain is the No. 1 Mountain in Sanchu. Climb to the top of Dongchang Pavilion for a 360° panoramic view of Huangshi city and Magnetic Lake. Huaxin 1907 Cultural Park is an industrial heritage site converted from a century-old cement factory, featuring giant factory buildings and old machinery—a perfect spot for retro industrial-style photos. Weisuwan is a free Jiangnan water town vibe with blue tiles, white walls, a lake-view lighthouse, and a beach. Tuanchengshan Park is a local favorite for strolling, and cycling around the lake is super refreshing. 🏠 How to choose accommodation For value, stay at the Taoran Zhixing Fashion Hotel or Fuli Hotel near the Zhonglou Pedestrian Street; both are convenient for travel and food. If you want something nicer, choose the Hilton Garden Inn Huangshi. For a trip to Xiandao Lake, you can stay at the Xiandao Lake Qingjing Lakeside Homestay. Huangshi Hotel is well-priced and well-located. It's recommended to book in advance, as September–October is peak season. 🗺️ 3-day, 2-night itinerary (personally tested, relaxed pace) Day 1: Morning high-speed train to Huangshi North Station → Head straight to Huangshi National Mining Park, spend 2–3 hours deeply exploring the Asia's No. 1 Open-Pit Mine (highly recommend the ticket + sightseeing bus + underground exploration package) → Lunch: Fish hot pot around Magnetic Lake → Afternoon: Free cycling or walking around Magnetic Lake Scenic Area; the Lover's Road has beautiful lake and mountain views → Evening: Climb Tuanchengshan Park to watch the sunset → Night: Eat potato slices, Gangbing, and barbecue at Zhonglou Food Street. Day 2: Morning: Drive or charter a car to Xiandao Lake (about 1.5 hours from the city center), take a boat tour of the east or west line; the 1,002 emerald islands are breathtaking → Afternoon: Take the cable car up to Sky City, stand on the 520-meter-high glass viewing platform to overlook the Thousand Island Lake scenery → Night: Stay at a homestay near Xiandao Lake and enjoy a lake-side fish feast. Day 3: Morning: Climb Dongfang Mountain and pray for peace at the thousand-year-old Honghua Temple → Lunch: Try the vegetarian food at Dongfang Mountain; the mushroom noodles are amazing → Afternoon: Take industrial-style photos at Huaxin 1907 Cultural Park, or visit the artistic shops and take traditional-style photos at Weisuwan → Evening: Buy some Huangshi Gangbing as souvenirs → Return trip. 📸 Great photo spots The Mining Park viewing platform is great for shooting the Asia's No. 1 Open-Pit Mine—use a wide-angle lens to capture a god's-eye view. The light at Weisuwan is softest after 4:00 PM; the white lighthouse + blue sky and clear water make for wallpaper-worthy shots. The lakeside at Magnetic Lake is perfect for atmospheric portraits after 4:00 PM. The top of Dongfang Mountain offers a panoramic view of the mountain city. The Xiandao Lake viewing platform offers healing shots of blue water + green mountains. Huaxin 1907's red brick factory buildings + old machinery are a must for cool photos. The lakeside corridor at Tuanchengshan Park is perfect for healing shots. ⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls (all hard-learned lessons) Tickets for Xiandao Lake and Sky City are not interchangeable; buy them separately and don't get them mixed up. The Sky City cable car is optional, but walking up and down 1,314 steps is physically exhausting, so I recommend buying the cable car ticket. The east/west lines of Xiandao Lake and Sky City are three separate areas; decide which route you want to take before you go. The Mining Park stops admitting visitors at 5:00 PM, so don't arrive right at the cutoff. There is a large temperature difference in the scenic area; bring a jacket for the cool mornings and evenings in September–October. Don't buy natural minerals from street vendors; many are fake. Beware of low-priced tour groups; CNY 99 trips to certain places usually hide forced shopping. Using e-hailing for taxis in the city is cheaper than ride-sharing apps. The museum is closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. It's recommended to reserve 4 hours for visiting Xiandao Lake. Book accommodation in advance during peak season, or good options will be gone. Huangshi is truly an underrated treasure of a small city! September–October is cool and pleasant, with Xiandao Lake's vast blue waters and the hardcore, shocking Mining Park, all at very reasonable prices. Take advantage of the good season and go now! 🏭🍁📸

On the evening of September 5, Angela Zhang's "Player" tour concert took place at the Olympic Sports Center in Yichang. As the 15th stop of this year's "Player" tour and her return to Yichang after two years, Angela filled the city with warmth and sincerity. 👗 Golden Eagle Goddess gown heart gesture, the details were stunning Angela made a stunning appearance that night wearing the Golden Eagle Goddess gown. Even more amazing, the gown actually "formed" a heart shape under the lights! From her singing to her look, every detail said: I've received all your love ❤️ 🎤 Last-minute song change to "Chapter," fan wish comes true During the encore, Angela made a last-minute change to perform "Chapter" in response to fan requests. This level of fan service—singing whatever the fans want to hear—brought the atmosphere to a climax. The fun "pretending to have amnesia" interaction electrified the crowd, while the "Magic Box Unboxing" featured a special NPC from Yichang's cultural tourism IP, and the entire "ANGMUZIK BAND" float band was assembled. 🏙️ Yichang-style fan service: Free shuttles + impeccable cleanliness The city of Yichang also showed its full sincerity: adding free shuttle lines, increasing bus frequency, coordinating parking spaces, and adding parking areas for e-bikes. Yichang recently went viral for its trash cans, with its extreme urban cleanliness becoming a hot topic online. The clean and tidy streets, along with the music, washed away the audience's fatigue. 💡 Angela said: "I hope my singing can become a 'power station' in your lives, recharging your happiness to the max and your energy to the limit." This musical feast was both an echo of a generation's youth and a vivid testament to Yichang's urban vitality. See you at the next stop in Huangshi~

Wuhan friends, stop staying home and grinding on the weekends! Here are 4 hidden gem spots, all within a 1–2 hour drive, perfect for a day trip. They're uncrowded, beautiful, and almost entirely free! They're incredibly photogenic and perfect for an immersive, relaxing getaway to get some fresh air. It's all about a low-cost, healing escape from the city 🌿 1️⃣ Daye, Huangshi · Liutongwan 📍Location: Liutongwan, Zhaoshan Village, Bao'an Town, Daye City, Huangshi 🚗Drive from Wuhan: About 1.5 hours by car, good road conditions the whole way ⏰Day trip itinerary 🌿Morning (9:00 AM–12:00 PM): Explore the ancient village and take great photos! Wander through the Hui-style alleys with white walls and black tiles, walk on bluestone paths, touch century-old walls, check in at the Ming Dynasty ancient bridge and the old camphor tree at the village entrance. Take backlit photos of the horse-head wall reflections—every shot looks like a traditional Chinese ink painting. 🍚Lunch (12:00 PM–1:30 PM): Enjoy farm-style food in the village! Order the free-range chicken soup + sweet potato starch pork. Everything is locally sourced, full of authentic flavor, and an incredible value. ☕Afternoon (1:30 PM–4:00 PM): Chill at a niche cafe at the village entrance! Sit by the window overlooking the creek for the afternoon, watch the flowing water, feel the mountain breeze, or take a walk along the creek. It's so slow that time seems to stand still. ⚠️Tips · The village is free with no admission fee. Just drive in and park in the open space at the entrance. · Don't wear high heels! The bluestone paths are uneven; flat shoes or canvas shoes are most comfortable. · The cafe is only slightly crowded on weekends; you'll basically have the place to yourself on weekdays. 2️⃣ Chongyang, Xianning · Bankeng "Little Jiuzhaigou" 📍Location: Bankeng Village, Tongzhong Township, Chongyang County, Xianning 🚗Drive from Wuhan: About 2 hours by car, with a short stretch of country road after exiting the highway. ⏰Day trip itinerary 💧Morning (9:30 AM–12:30 PM): Stream trekking in the upper section! Start from the Bankeng Village Committee, walk down along the valley, step into the clear blue water, and see layers of waterfalls. The bamboo raft and small bridge are must-visit photo spots. The sunlight filtering through the leaves creates beautiful dappled light—perfect for forest-style goddess photos. 🥢Lunch (12:30 PM–1:30 PM): Grab a farm-style meal at the village entrance! Stir-fried pork with bamboo shoots + stir-fried wild vegetables, all freshly picked from the mountains. It's incredibly fresh and delicious. 🚣Afternoon (1:30 PM–4:30 PM): Take a bamboo raft and play in the water in the lower section! The bamboo raft is super cheap at 10 RMB one way. Sit at the bow to take photos of the green mountains and clear waters on both sides. Take off your shoes to wade in the shallows and catch small fish. It feels 5 degrees cooler—a true natural air conditioner. ⚠️Tips · Search for "Bankeng Village Committee" on your navigation app. There is free parking at the entrance; don't take the wrong entrance. · Be sure to wear non-slip water shoes! The stones at the bottom of the creek are covered in moss and are very slippery. · There are many mosquitoes in the mountains, so keep mosquito repellent on you at all times. Wear long sleeves to prevent scratches. 3️⃣ Dawu, Xiaogan · Jinling Village + Xianjuding 📍Location: Jinling Village + Xianjuding, Xincheng Town, Dawu County, Xiaogan 🚗Drive from Wuhan: About 2 hours by car; it's a 20-minute drive from the ancient village to the mountain top. ⏰Day trip itinerary 🏡Morning (9:30 AM–12:00 PM): Explore the century-old ancient village! Walk along the old bluestone streets to see Ming and Qing Dynasty houses, and take traditional-style photos on the stone bridge by the river. The village is so quiet that only birdsong can be heard, with absolutely no commercial noise. 🍲Lunch (12:00 PM–1:30 PM): Eat local farm food in the village! Cured pork trotter hot pot + acorn starch noodles—authentic Northern Hubei flavors with very generous portions. 🌄Afternoon (1:30 PM–6:00 PM): First, visit Xianwuhu Wetland Park, take a drive along the lakeside road to see the reeds and water birds, then head to Xianjuding in the evening! Huge wind turbines paired with the mountain sunset—once the evening breeze blows, all your worries disappear. The atmosphere is absolutely perfect. ⚠️Tips · No admission fees for the whole trip! Parking is also completely free—the ultimate value. · The mountain road to Xianjuding is a bit winding, so drive slowly. It's best to arrive at the top 1 hour before sunset. · It's windy at the top, so bring a light jacket even in summer. 4️⃣ Ezhou · Jurengou + Sifeng Mountain 📍Location: Yueshihong Village, Tingzu Town, Echeng District, Ezhou 🚗Drive from Wuhan: About 1 hour by car—the ultimate distance for a short trip in Hubei. ⏰Day trip itinerary 🌳Morning (9:00 AM–11:30 AM): Light hike in Jurengou! Enter the bamboo forest valley that feels like a scene from "The Wizard of Oz," see seven or eight connected waterfalls, mossy stone steps, and clear pools. The whole route is only 2 km, easy for both seniors and children. It's perfect for getting some fresh air and clearing your lungs. 🥬Lunch (11:30 AM–1:00 PM): Grab a farm-style meal in the village! Freshly picked vegetables + farm eggs—simple but super delicious. ⛰️Afternoon (1:00 PM–4:30 PM): Head to Sifeng Mountain to see the sinkhole! Drive halfway up the mountain and hike for another half hour to reach the top. See the largest natural sinkhole in Asia. If you're brave enough, you can even try paragliding. The view overlooking the entire mountain landscape is stunning. ⚠️Tips · Both places are free! Park at the village entrance for Jurengou, and at the halfway parking lot for Sifeng Mountain. · The hiking trails are primitive dirt roads, so don't wear white shoes or clothes as they'll easily get splattered with mud. · There are no railings at the edge of the sinkhole, so watch your step when taking photos and don't get too close.

Want to avoid the crowds in October? These 4 lesser-known cities are great to explore. They are affordable, have a slow pace, and are perfect for a relaxing getaway. [Trip highlights] · Duyun, Guizhou🌿: The ancient stone-paved streets are polished smooth. Rent ethnic costumes for CNY 30 and fill up your camera roll. The Luosike alpine meadow is free to visit, with wind-swept grass waves that feel like a miniature prairie in the mountains. The Guilanshan waterfall group is hidden in the wilderness, with clear water and serene scenery—all free. It's a great spot for a refreshing hike. · Chenzhou, Hunan🏞️: The Bailang lakeside road is free. Cruising along the lake feels like visiting a mini Erhai Lake, and it's quiet enough to stop wherever you like. Yuhou Street, a thousand-year-old street, lights up in the evening and offers affordable, authentic snacks. Wayao Ping ancient village is built along the river, featuring rows of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings that are perfect for traditional-style photos. · Huangshi, Hubei🌄: The "Sky Mirror" at Xiandao Lake offers a bird's-eye view of the thousand islands, and the lesser-known viewing platforms mean no crowds. Explore the underground river at Fenglin Earth Core Grand Canyon, where the 2,000-meter cave stays at a constant 18°C, with tickets costing just a few dozen yuan. The Daye Lake greenway is free, and in autumn, the pink muhly grass is in full bloom—perfect for walking or camping. · Rizhao, Shandong🌊: Renjiatai Reef Park is free for clam digging; just wait for low tide to dig for crabs and clams. The Sunshine Coast campsite is uncrowded with fine sand; just lay down a mat and watch the sunset. Lighthouse Square offers an unobstructed view of the sunrise, and you don't have to pay for a ticket. [Itinerary] (2 days, 1 night per city) Duyun: Day 1: Explore the stone-paved streets and Nanshazhou Park. Try the sour soup rice noodles. Day 2: A light hike at Luosike to see the alpine meadow before heading home. Chenzhou: Day 1: Cruise along the Bailang lakeside road. Explore and eat at Yuhou Street in the evening. Day 2: A slow stroll through Wayao Ping ancient village. Enjoy some spicy chicken pot before heading home. Huangshi: Day 1: Explore the caves at Fenglin Earth Core Grand Canyon. Watch the sunset at Daye Lake in the evening. Day 2: View the scenery from the mountainside at Xiandao Lake. Enjoy a farm-style meal before heading home. Rizhao: Day 1: Go clam digging at Renjiatai. Wait for the sunset at Sunshine Coast in the evening. Day 2: Watch the sunrise at Lighthouse Square. Explore the university town night market before heading home. [Food recommendations] Duyun: Sour soup beef rice noodles are tangy and appetizing; sticky rice with crispy pork is fragrant and chewy. Chenzhou: Qifengdu fish noodles are fresh and savory; spicy chicken pot is flavorful. Huangshi: Huangshi port cakes are crispy; Taizi tofu is fresh and tender. Rizhao: Sea sand noodle soup is flavorful; mackerel dumplings are packed with filling. [Travel tips] Most attractions in these 4 cities are free, and the main paid attractions are all under CNY 100, making them budget-friendly. October mornings and evenings in the mountains are cool, and it can be windy by the sea, so bring a light jacket. Don't forget sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Duyun and Chenzhou have many mountain roads, so drive slowly if you are renting a car. The caves in Huangshi can be slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. Don't crowd the entrances of tourist attractions for meals. Head into the old alleys and residential areas for affordable, authentic food.

Where to travel on a budget in September and October? These 8️⃣ places are less crowded, beautiful, and inexpensive 01 Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan If you come to Xishuangbanna in September or October, don't rush to Gaozhuang. I suggest staying in the old town near Manting Park. Hostel beds are around 40 yuan a night, and there's a local market right outside. Go to the market at 7 am; a bowl of rice noodles for 3 yuan with a spoonful of chili oil is much better than the 30 yuan breakfast in the scenic area. 📍 The Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden is a highlight, but don't buy a full-length electric cart ticket. You can walk around the western area in two hours. The King Lotus Pond and the Hundred Flowers Garden are within walking distance. The 50 yuan saved on the electric cart fee is enough for two meals of Dai-style barbecue. ⚠️ After 3 pm, the sunlight is oblique, making it easy to take photos with backlighting. Try to go in the morning. If you have to choose between the Dai Ethnic Cultural Park and the Primitive Forest Park, I'd choose the former. The peacock release at the forest park was indeed spectacular, but the entrance fee plus cable car ride cost 150 yuan per person, making it only so-so in terms of value. Renting a Dai costume at the Folk Custom Park for 20 yuan and exploring at your own pace is much more comfortable than rushing around with a tour group. 🍜 In the evening, head to Mandou Village. Five yuan for pounded chicken feet—spicy and sour, even more generous in portion than the 15 yuan ones at the night market. 02 Zhenjiang City | Jiangsu Province Zhenjiang is the most underrated riverside town I've ever seen. A taxi from the high-speed rail station to Xijindu costs 10 yuan. Staying at a chain hotel near the ancient ferry crossing, a standard room costs 120 yuan in the off-season, including breakfast. Start your day with Jinshan Mountain. The entrance fee is 65 yuan, but the Yangtze River Road at the entrance is free. There are more joggers than tourists, and the river breeze carrying moisture is more invigorating than any other scenic spot. A combined ticket for Jinshan, Jiaoshan, and Beigushan Mountains costs 120 yuan. If you only have one day, I recommend climbing only Beigushan. The view of the Yangtze River from Beigu Tower is expansive; Xin Qiji's line, "The scenery of Beigu Tower is breathtaking," is truly no exaggeration. Jiaoshan requires a ferry ride, which is a hassle, so it's not recommended for families with elderly members or children. Jurong Maoshan is an hour's drive from the city center, and public transportation is inconvenient; carpooling or driving is advised. ⚠️ The Taoist temple on the mountaintop closes at 4:30 PM, so don't arrive right on time. There's a restaurant called "Maoshan Old Goose" at the foot of the mountain; half a goose costs 48 yuan, savory and flavorful, and it's perfect with pot-lid noodles. 🍜 For pot-lid noodles, look for "Lao Zhao Noodle Shop" on Daxi Road; a bowl costs 10 yuan, and you can add your own toppings—much more affordable than the trendy shops near the scenic area entrance. 03 Ankang City | Shaanxi Ankang is a small city nestled in the Qinling Mountains; September and October are perfect for escaping the summer heat. Stay in the old town of Hanbin District; a river-view room costs 80 yuan a night, and you can see the Han River right outside your window. A morning walk along the riverside path is more comfortable than any gym. Qianceng River is in Lan'gao County. It's a two-hour bus ride from the city center, costing 15 yuan. The scenic area entrance fee is 40 yuan. The riverbed cascades down like steps, and the water is so clear you can see the veins in the stones. ⚠️ The best time to go is the day after rain, when the water volume is high and the waterfall roars loudly. Don't wear flip-flops; the boardwalk is slippery, and I saw someone slip into the water myself. Fengyan Ancient Terraces are in Han'yin County. In October, after the rice harvest, the terraces are exposed, like fingerprints on the earth. Take a bus to Han'yin County and then transfer to a minibus; the cost is 20 yuan per person. There's no entrance fee to the terraces, but the mountain roads are winding, so take motion sickness medication beforehand if you get carsick. 🍜 A farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain costs 30 yuan for a full meal. Stir-fried cured pork with dried green beans and crispy rice—I could eat two bowls! 04 Jixi City | Heilongjiang Province Many people think Jixi is far away, but precisely because it's far, prices are incredibly low. Staying near the train station in Jiguan District, a standard room costs 80 yuan, and there's a morning market downstairs. Two yuan for a bowl of corn porridge, 1.5 yuan for a leek pancake—you can eat your fill for less than 10 yuan. Xingkai Lake is the highlight, a border lake between China and Russia, its surface as vast as the sea. From the city center, take the tourist bus; the journey takes one hour and costs 15 yuan. ⚠️ Don't buy "lake seafood" at the scenic area entrance; it's expensive and not fresh. Walk two kilometers inland, and you'll find dried fish dried by fishermen themselves—20 yuan per jin (500g). Steaming it at home makes it especially delicious. It's windy by the lake; you'll need a jacket in the mornings and evenings in September. Hutou Town is in Hulin City, a two-hour drive from Jixi. There's a memorial tower commemorating the end of World War II there; its historical significance outweighs the scenery. If you're not interested in that history, you can skip it and save your time for the sunset at Xingkai Lake. 🚄 The return high-speed rail station is far from the city center; a taxi ride will cost 30 yuan, so allow plenty of time. 05 Huangshi City | Hubei Province Huangshi isn't a traditional tourist city, but precisely because it's undeveloped, it offers surprises. Stay near Tuanchengshan Park; a guesthouse costs 90 yuan a night, and Cihu Lake is right downstairs. Take a morning walk around the lake and watch elderly people practicing Tai Chi – more down-to-earth than any tourist attraction. Chengyue Island is in the middle of Cihu Lake, only a ten-minute walk from the shore. The island isn't large, but the osmanthus flowers are in bloom in September, filling the entire island with a sweet fragrance. Admission is free, perfect for spending an afternoon with a book. ⚠️ There are no shops on the island, so bring your own water. In the evening, head to the lakeside road for "Huangshigang cakes" – 3 yuan a piece, fragrant with sesame, perfect with tea. If you have enough time, you can also visit the Tonglushan Ancient Copper Mine Site; admission is 20 yuan, where you can see mining relics from 3,000 years ago. However, transportation is inconvenient; a round trip by taxi costs 60 yuan, so skip this if you're on a tight budget. 🍜 "Lao Si Men Zhu You Bing" (Old Fourth Gate Pig Lard Cake) in the city center costs 5 yuan each. Freshly baked, it's incredibly crispy and crumbly, much better than many tourist souvenirs. 06 Anshun City | Guizhou Anshun is a hidden gem in Guizhou, overshadowed by Guiyang. Stay in the old town of Xixiu District; a hostel bed costs 30 yuan, and the Gu Fu Street night market is right downstairs. At 10 pm, you can eat grilled small intestines, hot pot, and ice cream—around 30 yuan per person, until you're stuffed. Huangguoshu Waterfall is a must-see, but don't buy the all-inclusive ticket. The entrance fee plus the sightseeing bus is 180 yuan. If you're physically fit, just buy the ticket and walk down the path to the valley floor. It takes 20 minutes longer than taking the escalator, but you'll save 50 yuan. ⚠️ The Water Curtain Cave has long queues; rush there when it opens at 8 am to avoid the crowds. The water volume is still high in September and October, so remember to wear a raincoat; the waterfall mist can soak your clothes even from 200 meters away. Longgong (Dragon Palace) is a half-hour drive from Huangguoshu Waterfall, and the entrance fee is 120 yuan. If you've seen Zhijin Cave, you can skip Longgong, as the scenery inside is similar. However, Longgong has an advantage—fewer tourists; it's practically private after the National Day holiday. 🍜 In the city center, "Wangji Beef Noodles" costs 12 yuan a bowl; the sour beef soup with mint leaves is a Guizhou specialty that you can't find anywhere else. 07 Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Autumn in Haibei is the cleanest autumn I've ever seen. Staying in Xihai Town, a hostel bed costs 40 yuan, and at night you can see the Milky Way. The altitude here is 3100 meters, so don't do strenuous exercise when you first arrive; I was out of breath climbing stairs on my first day. Qilian Mountains are the highlight, but don't go to the main peak; go to the Lenglongling section instead. A chartered car from Xihai Town costs 300 yuan a day; a shared car for four people costs 75 yuan per person. The grasslands along the way are golden, with yaks and sheep scattered across the slopes like black beans and white sesame seeds. ⚠️ Snow is possible in October, so make sure your rental car has snow chains. The Heihe Grand Canyon is in Qilian County, a two-hour drive from Xihai Town. The canyon is deep, the river is emerald green, and the banks are lined with colorful forests, a tapestry of red, yellow, and green. Ami Dongsuo means "Thousand-Soldier Outpost" in Tibetan; there's a meadow at the foot of the snow-capped mountains, perfect for a picnic. 🍜 Yak meat buns at the Tibetan restaurants in town cost three yuan each; they're bursting with juicy meat, and paired with butter tea to cut the richness. 08 Hengshui City | Hebei Hengshui is an easily overlooked small city in Hebei, but Hengshui Lake is truly beautiful in autumn. Staying in Taocheng District, a standard hotel room costs 90 yuan, and a taxi to the lake costs 10 yuan. Going at 6 am, the lake is shrouded in mist, and water birds fly through it, like a traditional Chinese ink painting. Entrance to Hengshui Lake is free, but boat rides cost extra. ⚠️ Don't take the large cruise ships; it's not worth the 80 yuan for a round trip. There are small wooden boats propelled by villagers along the lake for 20 yuan per person, taking you through the reed beds and stopping at small islands for photos. During September and October, migratory birds fly south, so you can see egrets and cranes; bringing binoculars is even better. 🍜 In the city center, "Gucheng Smoked Meat" is 30 yuan per jin (500g), fatty but not greasy, and eaten with sesame flatbread—much better than many touristy fast food options. 🚄 Hengshui North Station is far from the city center; a taxi ride will cost 25 yuan, so allow plenty of time. If you're short on time, half a day is enough. The east bank of the lake is less crowded than the west bank, making it quieter for watching the sunset. September and October are great times to travel, avoiding crowds and high prices. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Ankang and Anshun the most—one is quiet, and the other has delicious food. Do you have any places in mind? Let's chat in the comments; maybe we'll bump into each other on the road.

Summer at Daquan Gou means stream water, cicada song, and an entire afternoon of coolness. From Wuhan, head toward Daye; a drive of just over 1 hour brings you to Daquan Gou. The name alone sounds refreshing. The road into the mountain follows the stream. The midsummer sun is fierce, but once you enter the gorge, tall trees block most of the light. The sound of trickling water fills your ears, the breeze carries moisture, and a restless mind instantly calms. The first surprise is the many pools of water, big and small. The water is a clear jade, so transparent you can see the pebbles and the small fish below. I couldn’t help taking off my shoes and sticking my feet in—wow, that was bone‑chillingly cool! The spring water is so cold it makes you shiver, yet you don’t want to get out. Children play with water guns in the shallow pools, having water fights; laughter mixes with the water sounds, making it very lively. Walking upstream along the creek, the path is not too difficult, though in some places you must step on stones to cross. At those times, be careful, pick your spot, and leap across like you did when you were a kid. When tired, sit on a rock by the stream, listen to the cicadas, and look at the greenery between the mountains. The mountain greens vary in depth and tone, layered and distinct, and after a while your eyes feel relaxed. The most delightful sights are the waterfalls tucked into the mountains. They are not the kind of “water falling straight down for thousands of feet” spectacle, but they have a delicate charm. Water plunges from above, spraying a fine mist that cools your face. Standing by a waterfall with your eyes closed, letting the mist and negative ions surround you, you feel the fatigue of the past days washed away by the water sounds. After a stroll, your stomach will start to grumble. At the foot of the mountain there are farmhouse restaurants serving countryside dishes. We ordered a bowl of local chicken soup, a plate of stir‑fried sweet potato leaves, and a serving of crispy rice porridge. The chicken soup was golden, the sweet potato leaves tender, and the crispy rice porridge had a toasty fragrance—authentic flavors all. With the mountain breeze and cicada song, the meal tasted especially good. When leaving, the sun was already tilting west. You take away the mountain’s cool and leave behind a body relaxed from fatigue. Daquan Gou is not a famous peak, but it wins on authenticity and nature. It is like an old friend in the wild, quietly waiting for you to come, feel the breeze, play in the water, and then return to life refreshed. If you also want to find a quiet place in summer, consider taking a walk in Daquan Gou. Remember to bring sandals, a water gun, and a heart ready to run wild. 1. Basic information about the attraction 1. Location Chenggui Town, Daye, Huangshi, Hubei (2 km from the Chengui exit on S78 Qijia Expressway). 15 km from Daye city center, 30 minutes from Huangshi, 1.5 hours by car from Wuhan, making it an excellent short day trip. 2. Opening hours Open year round 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Last admission 4:30 PM. ⚠️ During the rainy season and flood period, some waterside walkways and creek sections may be temporarily closed. Check the weather before you go; it is recommended to enter before 9:00 AM, when the mountains are cool, windless, and less crowded for the best experience. 3. Tickets and on-site expenses (latest for 2026) · Main ticket: onsite CNY 30 per person, online prebooking as low as CNY 25, excellent value. · Discount policy: children under 1.2 m and seniors aged 70 and above free of charge; students and seniors aged 60–69 half price with valid ID. · Internal transport: no mandatory shuttle service. The entire area is accessible via gentle walking paths with no upsell. · Parking fee: CNY 10 per vehicle for unlimited all‑day parking; the attraction parking lot has ample spaces. · Note: a niche, original ecological attraction with no extra bundled entertainment charges, purely natural scenery. 2. Must-see attractions explained 1. Ten‑mile clear creek cascade valley (the attraction’s core highlight) Daquan Gou’s signature landscape. The creek winds through the forest, with water flowing sometimes slowly, sometimes swiftly, passing shallow pools, cascades, clear ponds, and strange rocks. The water is crystal clear and pure; the shallow pools barely cover the ankles, with gentle slopes and no fast or deep areas, making it perfect for families to go barefoot, catch fish, and play in the water. 2. Dragon cave (a distinctive natural karst cave) A representative cave of the area, located not far from the gorge entrance, formed by natural rock piles. The cave is bone‑cool and moist, with a constant temperature year round, instantly cooling you when you enter in summer. Its peculiar shapes and natural rock wall textures need no artificial lighting, preserving a pure wilderness feel—ideal for exploring, taking photos, and escaping the heat. 3. Strange pines and odd rock formations The entire trail is dotted with naturally formed odd rocks and sturdy ancient pines. Rocks and trees are arranged picturesquely, with plants intertwined, preserving the original mountain landscape. No need to search for sights; scenic rock and water scenes are everywhere, creating a fresh, healing atmosphere and perfect shots. 4. Shaded walking boardwalk A smooth, natural trail runs alongside the water and close to the mountain, with gentle slopes and no steep steps, suitable for all ages. The trail links the entire creek landscape, passing through dense forest and clear streams, with abundant negative ions for an immersive and tranquil forest experience—an excellent, mild hiking route for relaxation. 3. Safety tips for visiting 1. The attraction is an original ecological creek with minimal development and no commercial tricks; do not trust roadside unofficial guides, navigate directly to the main gate and buy tickets to enter. 2. Although the creek’s shallow pools are gentle, stones are wet year round and covered with algae; step slowly when wading, and do not run or jump to avoid slipping. 3. Strictly stay away from undeveloped deep pools and secluded waters; stay on official paths and shallow areas, and watch children carefully. 4. After rain during the rainy season, creek water can rise rapidly—do not enter the water, obey attraction closure notices, and prioritize safety. 5. Open flames, barbecues, and littering are prohibited in the forest—practice leave‑no‑trace to protect the original creek environment. 6. Try to visit on weekdays to avoid peak crowds; weekends are busier, and early morning entry offers the best experience.

Angela "Player" Tour unlocks the Huangshi stop! The concert kicks off on September 12 at the Huangshi Olympic Sports Center. Even better—attractions citywide are offering 50% off or even free entry for fans. Save this super detailed guide now👇 📍 Core info: September 12 (Sat) 7:30 PM | Huangshi Olympic Sports Center Stadium 🎫 Ticket prices & booking: Reference other stops: Floor seats CNY 1,580/1,088/888/698 | Stands CNY 688/488/388 💻 Booking platforms: Damai, Maoyan, Fenwandao, etc. 🎁 Exclusive Huangshi perks (your ticket stub is your pass!): From September 11–13, show your electronic concert ticket stub to enjoy: ✅ 50% off/free entry to A-level attractions: 50% off tickets for Dongfangshan Changge Pavilion, OCT Dinosaur Park, Huangshi National Mine Park, and Xisaishan Scenic Area; free general admission to Daye Longfengshan Scenic Area and Junken Wufuyuan ✅ Special camping discounts: 30% off accommodation and 50% off paddleboarding at Xianhudao Yunshuiju Campsite; free entry + 15% off accommodation at Mengxiangwan Water Forest Campsite ✅ 8% off citywide dining: 8% off food bills at participating restaurants citywide 🏛️ "Travel with the tour"—3 official recommended routes for fans: · Influencer hotspot route: Xisaishan Riverview Coffee > Huaxin 1907 Cultural Park > Cihu Lake night tour > Concert at the Olympic Sports Center · Family fun route: Huangshi National Mine Park > OCT Dinosaur Park > Local delicacies > Concert at the Olympic Sports Center · In-depth slow travel route: Day 1: Xiandao Lake > Stay at a unique homestay > Cihu Lake night tour | Day 2: Hike up Dongfang Mountain > Visit Weisuwan > Concert at the Olympic Sports Center 🎵 Concert highlights: Angela serves as the creative director. Featuring a 500 million stage production + 76-meter giant screen + 3,000+ light array + top-tier international d&b sound system for a stunning audio-visual experience!

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Jiaohe Ancient Village has a history of over 300 years. It is known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty residences and rich revolutionary cultural heritage. The village currently has 17 old residences over 100 years old, 5 ancient ancestral halls, and several cultural relic protection sites in Huangshi City (such as Jiaohe residences). The architectural style blends the sturdy framework of Gan style with the elegance of Hui style, featuring exquisite details like bluestone foundations, horse-head walls, and carved wooden windows. Among them, the ancestral hall "Dunwentang" is grand and majestic, witnessing the family’s tradition of farming and scholarship. This is the hometown of the female hero Jiao Ziying, known as the "Double Gun Woman." Some ancient houses once served as the headquarters of the Northeast Field Army, preserving valuable revolutionary historical marks and creating a unique cultural landscape of "red heritage + ancient charm." It is listed as the fifth batch of China’s traditional villages.

Chengzhitang’s head, Cao Shenghuang (1773–1817), was a student at the Imperial Academy and held the title of Wenlin Lang. His official name was Feng Cai, and his pen name was Tongxuan. He first married Ms. Liang and later married Ms. Chen. Ms. Chen was gentle, virtuous, humble, and kind. She treated Liang’s young sons Shan Zu and Shan Lun, and daughter Wei Di as her own, encouraging and educating them to succeed. According to oral traditions passed down through generations, to honor her virtue and promote her spirit, a large golden plaque inscribed with “Chengzhitang” was specially hung during her 60th birthday celebration. “Chengzhitang” is a three-tiered, five-bay brick and wood residence covering about 800 square meters. It features blue bricks and dark tiles, carved beams, and painted rafters, presenting a grand and imposing appearance. Its brick, stone, and wood carvings are exquisitely crafted, beautifully composed, and deeply symbolic, reflecting the owner’s values of farming and scholarship, loyalty and filial piety, integrity and righteousness, humility and trustworthiness, harmony and friendship, and the practice of virtue and kindness in life and conduct. The architectural style represents the finest example of Qing dynasty Gan-style residential art. The entire hall includes 14 main rooms, 6 side rooms, 9 courtyards, and one each of a study tower, storage tower, theater tower, embroidery tower, and firewood tower. Despite more than 200 years of weathering, it remains antique, elegant, luxurious, and majestic.

Shangfeng Ancient Village in Daye is known as the "No. 1 ancient village in Jingchu" and "Poetic and picturesque Shangfeng." This traditional village has a history of over 600 years, founded in the late Yuan Dynasty by Feng Gonghui, who chose the site to establish the settlement. The village is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces a stream on one side, offering an excellent ecological environment. It has preserved nine categories of historical relics intact, including ancient trees, old houses, ancestral halls, wells, tombs, steles, roads, ditches, and stone mills. More than 40 well-preserved ancient residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties remain, featuring architectural styles that blend Gan-style horse-head walls with stone foundations typical of southeastern Hubei, gray walls, black tiles, and carved beams and painted rafters. In addition, there is an ancestral hall built during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, housing statues of Feng Yi, a general from the Eastern Han Dynasty, and Feng Jing, a famous general from the Northern Song Dynasty. The village is home to over a thousand ancient trees more than 100 years old, including 9 national first-class ancient trees (over 500 years old) and 15 national second-class ancient trees (over 300 years old). The most notable are the thousand-year-old "Chinese Cornus King," standing 18 meters tall, and a thousand-year-old camphor tree stump covering more than 30 square meters, known as a living fossil of camphor trees. To protect these precious resources, local public security authorities have created files for the ancient trees and hung identity plaques on them. It is recognized as a second batch of Chinese traditional villages.

Originally the ancient residence of the Feng family in Shangfeng village, the Zhuangyuan building covers an area of 486 sqm. It consists of front, middle, and rear three-section houses with a symmetrical interior layout. The center features a courtyard, flanked by the east and west wings, fully showcasing the architectural style of southeastern Hubei residences. Old items from Shangfeng ancient village are collected and displayed in a scenographic way to present important life milestones: birth, growth, success in the imperial exam, marriage, harvest, and celebration. It recreates key daily life scenes such as dining, cooking, crafts, sleeping, traveling, and nurturing, illustrating the rural lifestyle of villagers in the ancient settlement. The building allows visitors to revisit the historical changes, folk customs, and living scenes of Shangfeng ancient village, creating a scenographic living museum focused on ancient village cultural education and nostalgic experience.

Sandutang was built during the Qing Dynasty. It is the Zuo family branch ancestral hall in Zhoujiawan, Jiangqiao Village, collectively built by clan members in the mid-Qing Dynasty. It served as an ancestral hall for the Zhoujiawan branch to worship ancestors, featuring a layout with one entrance and three courtyards, and an ancient stage inside. Its architectural style blends characteristics from Jiangxi and Hubei ancestral halls. It functioned for ancestor worship, compiling genealogies, clan meetings, and performing plays during festivals. Currently, the ancestral hall has been converted into the Jiangqiao Street Cultural Hall.

Menlou village was settled by the Lu ancestors who migrated from Wuning, Jiangxi, at the end of the Ming and beginning of the Qing dynasties, establishing the "Tai Menlou" estate. The main part of the Quanpuwan ancient residential cluster was built during the Jiaqing period of the Qing dynasty (starting in 1810), making it about 200 years old. The total building area is approximately 21,000㎡, with the existing core area covering about 6,000㎡. The architecture blends Hui and Gan styles. All the alleys are paved with bluestone slabs, and the houses are connected like a fortress. The roofs have high, upturned ridges with carved beams and painted rafters. Some members of the Lu family still live here. The village’s landmark is an ancient watchtower about 10 meters tall with three stories, made of blue bricks. It served both as a lookout and defense structure, with a wall inscription dating to the Jiaqing era. The contiguous ancient residences feature blue bricks, black tiles, horse-head walls, courtyard houses, and bluestone slab alleys. Each household is connected, and every building is linked. The brick carvings, wood carvings, and window lattices are exquisite. It is part of the fifth batch of China’s traditional villages. ​

Jiangqiao Ancient Village in Daye, Hubei Province, is located in Jinhu Subdistrict, Daye City, Huangshi. This traditional village has a history of over 700 years and is known as the "Little Zhouzhuang of Hubei" and the "No. 1 Water Town in Chutian." The village is named after the three-arched stone bridge built by the Jiang Weiyuan brothers in the early Yuan Dynasty (1292). It was once an important post town connecting Daye and Jiangxi. The village still preserves its bluestone-paved streets, ancient bridges, and traditional residential buildings in the Gan architectural style. Jiangqiao Harbor runs through the village, with tree-lined banks creating a unique scene of "small bridges, flowing water, and homes," blending the charm of southern water towns with the beauty of western landscapes. It is part of the fifth batch of China's traditional villages.

During the Wanli period of the Ming dynasty, the Cao family migrated from Ruichang, Jiangxi, to Shuinanwan village. From the late Ming to early Qing dynasty, it took 13 years and over 100 craftsmen to build the contiguous ancient residences, which are now more than 400 years old. Shuinanwan ancient residences cover about 250,000 square meters, centered around the Cao family ancestral hall, Jiuru Hall. It features a "one courtyard, nine gates" layout, connecting over 100 horizontal houses. The houses are linked and the alleys interconnect, creating the unique effect of "not getting your shoes wet when visiting neighbors on rainy days." The village has 36 courtyards and 72 lattice windows. The drainage outlets are carved with carp motifs, combining practical function with auspicious symbolism. The horse-head walls vary in height and serve to block wind, fire, and theft. The wood, stone, and brick carvings in the residences are exquisite. Brick carvings mostly depict dragons on the wind-fire walls. Wood carvings mainly show daily life scenes and floral and bird patterns. Stone carvings often feature peonies, qilin, and other auspicious designs, showcasing masterful craftsmanship. The main buildings are Jiuru Hall, Chengzhi Hall, Dunshan Hall, and Sixing Hall. It is listed as a fifth batch Chinese traditional village and a key cultural relic protection unit in Hubei Province.

Taishi residence is the ancestral hall of the Ke family, also known as "Ruihe Hall." The "Taishi residence" plaque is an honorary mark bestowed by the imperial court during the Qianlong period, transferred by the imperial tutor Ke Jin (some records list the name as Ke Jin). The Taishi residence was originally built during the Zhengde period of the Ming dynasty and was rebuilt in the Qing dynasty. It serves as the main ancestral hall of the Ke family, facing southeast with its back to the northwest. It consists of one courtyard with four sections (four buildings). The front building is slightly narrower to gather wealth. Ancient majestic lions guard the entrance. Inside the ancestral hall are exquisite stone carvings, wood carvings, and ancestral shrines. Ruihe Hall also displays a plaque inscribed "Hanlin Academy," personally bestowed by the emperor in the Jiazi year of Tongzhi (1864) to Ke Meizao, an imperial censor of the Hanlin Academy (granted the name Ke Guodong). The entire structure is a fusion of the Gan and Hui architectural styles typical of southeastern Hubei.

Clickbait warning ⚠️ Take my advice! Don’t rush to Huangshi, Hubei in summer, or you’ll completely fall in love with this hidden gem of a city and want to come back every year to relax. Read on and copy this guide📝 About Huangshi 📍 Don’t just think of “mines” when you hear “Huangshi”! This city is known as “half city mountain, half city lake.” Xian Island Lake stretches with endless blue waves, and Dongfang Mountain is lush and green. Summer temperatures here are several degrees cooler than surrounding areas, making it a perfect summer escape. The best part—great food, fun shopping, and amazing photo spots. It’s truly an underrated treasure city! 🥘 Food recommendations (carb lovers, get ready to take off) Huangshi’s food is seriously underrated! Every bite is pure joy👇 Must-try list: · Huangshigang cake: a classic flavor etched in locals’ memories, rich sesame aroma, crispy and sweet, one bite and you’re hooked · Huangshi potato chips: a local favorite since childhood, golden and crispy with rich sauce, addictive with every bite · Daye rice noodles: simple but never boring, thick and smooth with a rich, savory taste · Prince tofu: an ancient imperial tribute, “Jingchu’s finest,” tender and delicious, stays intact even after long cooking · Yangxin Tun bird soup: tender meat with fragrant, sweet broth · Daye sweet potato noodles with meat: called meat but actually made from sweet potato starch, the texture is amazing · Jinniu fish skin: mandarin fish cooked with fish skin, so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows raise Foodie hotspots: · Bell tower fireworks food street: over 300 meters long, nearly 50 local specialty food shops clustered together · Hushan Jinshan Impression night market: 100+ vendors, skewers, bone broth hot pot, fried rice… eat from one end of the street to the other with no repeats · Local milk tea: Kaleka milk tea, pearl fruit rice wine, locals have been drinking these since childhood 🗺️ Itinerary (two days, one night, no rush) Day 1|Artistic industrial walk 🏭 Start leisurely in the morning with a visit to Huaxin 1907 Cultural Park (a century-old cement factory turned industrial heritage site, red brick buildings full of history, visually stunning, plus the newly added Giant Rock Mountain waterfall is breathtaking) → lunch with an authentic bowl of Daye rice noodles → afternoon bike ride along Cihu greenway, photo stop at Tuan Chengshan Park → evening visit to Weisu Bay, a free “Jiangnan water town” vibe, lakeside boardwalk light show is stunning Day 2|Mountain and water adventure ⛰️ Drive to Huangshi National Mining Park in the morning to see the “Asia’s largest sinkhole.” Stand at the edge of the 2.2 km diameter sinkhole and feel the powerful clash of industrial civilization and ecological restoration → after lunch, head to Xian Island Lake Scenic Area, climb the 520.1314-meter-high glass observation deck of Sky City to overlook the heart-shaped lake made up of 1,002 islands → watch the breathtaking sunset at Wangying Reservoir dam in the evening 📸 Photo spots (every snap is wallpaper-worthy) · Weisu Bay: free “Jiangnan water town” with beach, lighthouse, and super soothing lake views. Best photo time: around 4 PM, soft natural light, perfect for photos with 200% success rate! Night views are also stunning, with lights illuminating the ancient town and lakeshore in a colorful glow · Huaxin 1907 Cultural Park: century-old industrial site, red brick buildings + Giant Rock Mountain waterfall, a must-visit for cool vibes · Huangshi National Mining Park: glass observation deck and steam locomotive, perfect for industrial-style shots. Best times are before 10 AM or after 4 PM for good lighting and manageable crowds · Cihu / Tuan Chengshan Park: lakeside greenway, mountains and water side by side, every shot looks like a postcard · Dongfang Mountain: climb to the top for a panoramic view of Huangshi, full of zen 🏨 Accommodation recommendations (options for every budget) · Lake view pick: Wentai Garden Hotel, lake view rooms with direct views of Cihu, about 450 CNY/night · Relax inside scenic area: Weisu Bay Huajian Pavilion · Feihua, white walls and flowers with lake views, a true Jiangnan water town feel · Near amusement park: Grand Skylight · Yueyuanbo Hotel, walking distance to Dinosaur Dream Factory and Water World · Best value: many hidden gem hotels near Huangshi North Station, like Shiyi Meisu and Fanxi Hotel, clean, tidy, and great value 💣 Pitfall guide (learn from my hard lessons) 1. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! Summer outdoor temps are 28–35℃. The mining park sinkhole area has shade but strong UV rays. Sunscreen + hat + arm sleeves are essential 2. Wear comfortable shoes at Xian Island Lake. Some paths are steep, high heels will make you cry 3. Check attraction reservations and discounts in advance! Recent high school exam takers get exclusive discounts at 16 attractions with their exam admission ticket; 100 CNY annual pass covers 32 attractions; visitors from Jiangxi and Jiangsu have free entry policies 4. Travel off-peak! Summer crowds are heavy, avoid peak times at popular spots 5. Transport tips: high-speed rail to Huangshi North Station; use Alipay to get the “Huangshi Cloud Card” for 1 CNY per bus ride; tram goes directly to Weisu Bay, super convenient; about 1.5 hours driving from Wuhan One last thing: almost all attractions are free or have very reasonable prices. No need to rush, just stroll slowly. You’ll find the local vibe here is warmer than faraway places. This summer, promise me you’ll visit Huangshi 🌿