Things to do in HongJiang

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Huaihua

Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town

5.8

HongJiang · 19.6 km from downtown

679 reviews

Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town was built along the two rivers of Yuan and Wu. It took shape in the late Yuan Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty. Until now, the atmosphere of this important ancient commercial town can still be experienced. The architectural style of Hongjiang Ancient City is typical of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and the south of the Yangtze River. At the same time, it has significant characteristics of Yuanxiang. Every house in the city feels harmonious. Workers used only bricks, wood, and stone as materials, with no nails. They created solid, practical, and artistic buildings. The exquisite window frames, lattice fans, door carvings and delicate railings reflect the ingenuity of ancient Chinese architectural art.

Furong Tower, Qianyang Ancient Town

4.7

HongJiang · 2.8 km from downtown

239 reviews

The Furong House is situated in Qiancheng Town, at the confluence of the Yuan and Wu rivers. It is a perfect example of classical garden architecture. The Furong House is exquisite and well-ordered. According to legend, In the 7th year of the reign of the Tianbao Emperor of Tang (748 AD), Wang Changling was degraded as the Governor of Longbiao (now Qianyang County). During his reign he built the Furong House, for drinking, poetry, reception and farewell guests. In the 20th year of the reign of the Jiaqing Emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1815 AD), the local people rebuilt the Furong House at Xianglubi in the western part of the city to commemorate the famous poet. The currently extant building was constructed in the 19th year of the Daoguang Emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1839 AD).

HongJiang · 57.9 km from downtown

Xuefeng Mountain National Forest Park

4.3

3.8/5

32 reviews

Xuefeng Mountain National Forest Parkis distributed from south to north along the middle section of the main ridge of Xuefeng Mountain, forming a long, narrow strip. The highest peak within the park, Laoli Mountain, has an elevation of 1,541m, and the lowest point, Chanziping, is at an elevation of 764m. Xuefeng Mountain gets its name from the snow that covers its peaks year-round. The park was personally named by Academician Yuan Longping, the "Father of Hybrid Rice". The park is rich in water resources, with layered peaks and lush forests, and babbling mountain streams that flow all year round. The scenic area features attractions such as the Xuefeng Mountain Resort, War Memorial Park, Xuefeng Mountain Hunting Park, Xuefeng Mountain Botanical Garden, Xuefeng Mountain Mountaineering Base, and Li Zicheng Memorial Park. The terrain is characterized by high mountains, steep slopes, complex topography, varied undulations, layered peaks, winding mountain ranges, and crisscrossing valleys. Alpine wetlands such as Tianchi and Yaochi are scattered throughout the area, with as many as 16 streams that are crystal clear and sound like tinkling jade. Xuefeng Mountain is world-renowned for its "natural defenses". It was the main battlefield of the Battle of Xuefeng Mountain, where Chinese forces successfully repelled the Japanese offensive by leveraging the mountain's natural defenses, achieving a victory in the frontal counterattack. Today, military defense bunkers, trenches, and hidden caves remain within the scenic area. The park has distinct seasons and pleasant scenery, where you can enjoy flowers in spring, escape the heat in summer, taste fruits in fall, and view snow in winter. Climb to Maozi Ridge, where the 6902 TV relay station is located at the top of the park, to take in the sea of clouds, auspicious snow, rime, sunrise, and sunset glow.

HongJiang · 34.6 km from downtown

Anjiang Agricultural School Memorial Park

3.1

5.0/5

6 reviews

Hunan Anjiang Agricultural School Memorial Park is located beside Anjiangxi Village and covers 310 mu. The memorial park preserves various teaching and research facilities built between 1939–1986, such as Yuan Longping's former residence, an office building, a teaching building, the old laboratory building, a library, a swimming pool, and more. The park features outstanding natural and cultural scenery, with ancient camphor trees, ginkgo trees, and other species found throughout, earning it the reputation of a rare botanical garden.

No. 2 of Night Attractions in Huaihua

Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge

5.3

Zhijiang · 29.4 km from HongJiang

275 reviews

Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge spans the Wu River in Zhijiang, Huaihua. First built in the 19th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, it was damaged and rebuilt several times over the past 400-plus years, remaining a vital crossing point for travelers and merchants between Hunan and Guizhou. The current bridge structure dates back to a large-scale reconstruction in the late 1990s, which still utilizes traditional Dong wooden construction techniques. The entire bridge is over 200 m long and more than 10 m wide, resting on 16 boat-shaped stone piers with pointed ends facing the current, bonded with a mortar of sticky rice and tung oil. The wooden structure on the bridge is entirely joined by mortise and tenon, without the use of a single nail or rivet. The name "Longjin" is said to be derived from the sight of the boat-shaped piers "spitting water" as they cut through the waves. A long corridor with triple-eaved roofs connects the two banks, interspersed with seven five-story pavilions. With their deep blue glazed tiles and upturned eaves, they look like a long dragon lying on the river from a distance. Nearly 100 stall-style shops line both sides of the bridge, filled with local snacks like pickled radish and Zhijiang duck, as well as Dong silver jewelry and daily goods. The scent of tea drifts from teahouses where locals often sit and relax, making a walk across the bridge feel more like strolling through an old street built over the river. Climbing up to the pavilions in the middle of the bridge offers a bird's-eye view of the stilt houses along both banks of the Wu River, with the nearby Zhijiang Tianhou Temple complementing the bridge. The bronze rhinoceros statue at the bridgehead, covered in Dong patterns, embodies prayers for flood control and peace.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park

9.3

54.9k reviews

Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park is named after the natural wonder "Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park - Tianmen Cave." When visiting the attraction, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the winding Heaven-Linking Avenue and the stunning mountain scenery from the cable car. The brave can also walk along the cliff-hugging glass skywalk for an exhilarating aerial experience. Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park is located close to Zhangjiajie city. The Tianmen Cave in the park is a natural karst cave, and locals believe it leads directly to heaven. For ordinary travelers, Tianmen Cave is not open year-round. During winter each year, due to snow and icy roads, both Tianmen Cave and the Avenue toward Heaven (a winding mountain road with 99 turns) leading to it are closed. The lower station of the attraction's cableway is located in Guanliping, Yongding District, and the upper station isTianmen MountainTop. In 2020, the attraction opened the express cableway. The lower station of the express cableway is near the entrance to Tianmen Mountain, and the upper station is atTianmen CaveNear the parking lot. Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park is filled with ancient towering trees and intertwined vines. The attraction is divided into several main areas, including Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park - Tianmen Cave, central route, eastern route and western route. Travelers can choose different routes and areas to explore based on their preferences and physical condition. The core attraction along the central route is Tianmen Mountain Temple. Nearby lies the "Child-seeking cave," where folk legends claim Guanyin, the child-giving bodhisattva, manifested her divine power—devout prayers here are believed to grant offspring. The western route's highlight is a 60 m-long glass walkway clinging to sheer cliffs, with fully transparent flooring that induces both vertigo and exhilaration as visitors tread above abysses. Currently, the eastern route and Panlong Cliff each feature their own approx. 60 m glass walkways. No stay is allowed in the attraction, so it can only be visited within one day. There is a "Cherry Bay Restaurant" near Tianmen Mountain Temple, which offers snacks and fast food. Near the lower station of Tianmen Mountain cableway, there is transportation to the "Grand Canyon Theater", where you can watch the live show and magical musical "Tianmen Fox Fairy". Adapted from the mythological tale "Liu Hai cuts firewood", it tells a touching love story between a human and a fox. With live music, lighting effects, and captivating scenes like a giant moon, fox spirit transformations, snowflakes filling the sky, and high-altitude flying bridges, this legendary romance is vividly brought to life.

China · Zhangjiajie

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

9.1

40k reviews

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is where Zhangjiajie tourism starts. "The world knows Zhangjiajie, but who knows Wulingyuan?" Many travelers cannot distinguish the relationship between Zhangjiajie and Wulingyuan. Generally, Zhangjiajie has two concepts: Zhangjiajie City and Zhangjiajie Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie Scenic Area refers to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which together with Tianzi Mountain, Suoxiyu, and Yangjiajie forms the Wulingyuan attraction. Because Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was developed early and is well-known, even Zhangjiajie City was renamed after it, and people are accustomed to using Zhangjiajie National Forest Park or Zhangjiajie Scenic Area to refer to the Wulingyuan attraction. "Three thousand exotic peaks and eight hundred beautiful waters." The three thousand exotic peaks, in particular, are renowned worldwide. The mountains of Wulingyuan are entirely different from famous mountains around the world. Within its 398-square-kilometer area, more than 3,000 dense and intact sandstone peak pillars are scattered throughout, including 243 peak pillars over 1,000 meters tall. When the sea of clouds surges, these peak pillars appear to have no base, rising abruptly from the ground and piercing straight into the sky. Together with the redwood forests of North America and the glacial landscapes of Greenland, they constitute one of the world's four major natural geological wonders. Wulingyuan has a low elevation and is located in the subtropical zone. The area features lush forests and abundant water sources, and is home to a large number of endangered animal and plant species. Every peak pillar is full of vitality. Peak pillars, natural bridges, gorges, waterfalls, streams, pools, caves, and dense broad-leaved forests are often shrouded in mist and clouds on site, enhancing the beauty of the view. Together with the unique landforms, they form a distinctive view characterized by "steep mountains, elegant waters, wondrous peaks, secluded gorges, and beautiful caves," and are hailed as "an enlarged bonsai and a miniature fairyland." On December 14, 1992, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee unanimously approved the inclusion of Wulingyuan in the World Heritage List, filling the gap of China having no World Natural Heritage sites. The recognized outstanding universal value is: the quartz sandstone peak forest landform is rare in the world and has extremely high aesthetic value. UNESCO points out: "In terms of scenery, Wulingyuan can be compared with several national parks and monuments in the United States, such as the Grand Canyon, and can also be compared with the prominent sandstone peak areas of the Kimberley in Western Australia. However, because Wulingyuan has a lower elevation and is located in the subtropics, it has lush forests and abundant water sources. It also possesses a large number of peaks, displaying a more vertical profile than the heritage sites of the United States and Australia." At the end of 2009, the mesmerizing planet Pandora in the globally popular movie "Avatar" attracted countless viewers, and the prototype of its floating mountains originated from Wulingyuan. Meanwhile, Wulingyuan is also a live-action filming location for the Chinese classics "Dream of the Red Chamber" and "Journey to the West," as well as for films and TV dramas such as "Zhong Kui: Snow Girl and the Dark Crystal" and "Monster Hunt." In 2010, the unique landform of Wulingyuan was named "Zhangjiajie landform," becoming a globally recognized term and a rare landform type in the world named after a region. Attraction highlights Yuanjiajie: Landing on Pandora, the planet of Avatar Yuanjiajie is the filming location for the "Hallelujah Mountain" in the movie "Avatar," where you can explore the magical world of floating and scattered mountains from the film. If you happen to encounter a light rain in the mountains, or wait until the sky clears after the rain, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of misty fog and layered peaks even more. The Mihun Platform is an ideal viewing spot; standing on it, you are surrounded by hundreds of towering stone peaks with magnificent momentum. Tianzi Mountain: once you've seen Tianzi, no other mountain will do When visiting Tianzi Mountain, you will see various uniquely shaped geological views and oddly formed peaks, such as Yubi Peak, Fairy Presenting Flowers, Dianjiang Terrace, Hanging Garden, and Immortal Bridge. There is no need to worry too much about whether these natural formations resemble what they are named after, because "the primitive scenery and natural beauty" are what make Tianzi Mountain so captivating. Especially in the hazy fog after a fresh rain, it feels as if you are in a fairyland. By winter, when the mountain is covered in silvery white, the scenery becomes even more enchanting. Huangshizhai: see all the other mountains as small from the summit "If you don't climb Huangshizhai, your trip to Zhangjiajie is in vain." Huangshizhai is a viewing platform in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, surrounded by sheer cliffs and lush trees, and the top of the village is often shrouded in mist and clouds. Standing atop Huangshizhai and looking around, you can experience the lofty sentiment of "seeing all the other mountains as small." Yangjiajie: Thrills found in danger Yangjiajie is primarily known for its pristine natural beauty. With high mountains and narrow paths, it is famous for being "perilous" and is deeply favored by backpackers and adventurers. Wulong Village within the attraction is a very magical place in Zhangjiajie. It was once inhabited by bandits from western Hunan, and was later renamed after the TV series "Tales of Suppressing Bandits in Wulong Mountain." The village is built along the mountain, and there is a path up and down the mountain that requires using both hands and feet to climb to the summit. Suoxiyu: A natural ink wash landscape painting Suoxiyu is also called Suoxi, named because the stream within the attraction is shaped like a rope. Unlike other parts of the forest park, which are so steep and rugged, this place is shrouded in mist and clouds year-round, with clear streams flowing continuously through all four seasons and graceful peaks visible everywhere. Ten-Mile Gallery is the highlight attraction of Suoxiyu; within the 5 km-long gorge, wildflowers fragrance the air and fantastic peaks and unusual rocks abound. Walking through it is like stepping into a natural landscape painting. Golden Whip Stream: filming location of Journey to the West Jinbian Stream Gorge is the earliest developed area in the attraction. A clear stream runs through the valley, with towering peaks on both sides and lush greenery as far as the eye can see. This is also one of the filming locations for the classic version of Journey to the West, where fans can come and see iconic scenes such as the Water Curtain Cave and Cleaving the Mountain to Save the Mother.

China · Zhangjiajie

2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Fanjing Mountain

9

23k reviews

Fanjing Mountain is located in Tongren City in the northeastern part of Guizhou Province. It is the main peak of the Wuling Mountains, spanning the junction of three counties: Jiangkou, Yinjiang, and Songtao. Its highest peak, Fenghuang Mountain, rises over 2,500 meters above sea level; the Old Golden Summit is over 2,400 meters, and the New Golden Summit, also known as the Red Cloud Golden Summit, is over 2,300 meters. The three peaks stand side by side in majestic grandeur. Fanjing Mountain was originally named "Three Valleys Mountain," derived from "Fanjing Pure Land." Buddhism was introduced to this area during the Song Dynasty and flourished in the Ming Dynasty, when temples and monasteries dotted the mountain. Because its towering height rivaled the Five Great Mountains, the ancients honored it as "the patriarch of famous mountains." The Red Cloud Golden Summit is the iconic view of the entire mountain—a solitary peak rising straight from the ground and piercing the sky. The Golden Knife Gorge splits the summit from top to bottom into two halves, with only a narrow canyon where one can climb up along iron chains, and the gorge tops are connected by a flying bridge, making it extremely precipitous. At the summit, the Shakyamuni Hall and the Maitreya Hall face each other, serving as the core symbol of the Maitreya sacred site. The three main peaks connect to form a reclining Maitreya statue stretching over 10,000 m, which locals call "Fanjing Mountain." The Mushroom Stone is another representative view—a sandy slate pillar that is large at the top and small at the bottom, shaped like a mushroom, approx. 10 m tall, appearing on the verge of toppling yet having stood for many years. The surrounding stone forest peak clusters, such as the Ten Thousand Scrolls of Scriptures and Eagle Rock, are geological relics formed over a billion years ago and sculpted by wind and rain erosion. The mountain also preserves a well-intact subtropical primary ecosystem, where the Guizhou golden snout monkey is distributed, and ancient rare plants such as the dove tree also thrive and reproduce here. In fall, the layered forests are dyed in brilliant colors, and the red leaves in the mountains set off the ancient temple; you can take a cable car to overlook the autumn colors across the mountain, or follow the mountain trails to experience them up close.

China · Jiangkou

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Guilin

Elephant Hill Scenic Area

8.9

25.6k reviews

The Elephant Hill Scenic Area is located in the heart of Guilin, at the confluence of the Li River and the Peach Blossom River. It derives its name from its resemblance to a giant elephant stretching its trunk to drink from the sweet waters of the Li River. In his work "Records of Elephant Hill," Shu Shu, a Qing Dynasty official from the Ministry of Works, wrote: "The marvels of Guangxi lie in its mountains; the marvels of Guangxi's mountains lie in their rocks, and the elephant-shaped hill facing the provincial capital is the most marvelous of all." With its lifelike form, the attraction captivates visitors and stands as a quintessential representation of Guilin's landscape. In 1995, it was designated as the city emblem of Guilin. The main attractions in the scenic area include: Elephant Hill and Water Moon, Puxian Pagoda, Elephant Hill Scenic Area and Guilin Sanhua Liquor, Elephant Hill Scenic Area - Love Island, and Elephant Hill Scenic Area - Yunfeng Temple Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Exhibition Hall. Elephant trunk hill and water moon cave "Elephant trunk hill and water moon" is a spectacular wonder here, as described in the poem by Ji Bei Hermit of the Song Dynasty.Harmony of water, moon and caveThe poem reads: "The moon is beneath the water, the moon floats upon the water. The water flows but the moon stays, the moon departs yet the water still flows." On a moonlit night, visiting the Water Moon Cave at the Elephant Trunk Hill attraction presents a magical scene where the moon in the sky, the cave, and the water reflect each other beautifully. Inside the cave, you can find the "Poem and Preface of the Morning Sun Pavilion" by Zhang Xiaoxiang from the Song Dynasty and works by Fan Chengda.Inscription on the water and moon caveAnd over 50 precious cliff carvings including Lu You's poetry manuscripts. Xiangshan scenic area - Puxian pagoda Winding up along the rocky cliffs, you can see the Puxian pagoda standing tall amidst the greenery from afar. Built during the Ming dynasty, this 13.6m-high solid brick lama-style pagoda has a history of over 400 years. On the northern side of the pagoda, there is a line-engraved bluestone statue of a bodhisattva, with the mantra "Namo Puxian Bodhisattva" inscribed above it, hence the name Puxian pagoda in the Xiangshan attraction. Buddhist scriptures record that Puxian bodhisattva's mount is a six-tusked white elephant, making the pagoda's location atop Xiangshan mountain a perfect embodiment of this scripture. Elephant Hill Scenic Area and Guilin Sanhua liquor This is a natural wine cellar, with two-thirds of the mountain being hollow. It stays warm in winter and cool in summer, maintaining a constant temperature of 19°C and humidity above 90% year-round. Since the Song Dynasty, it has served as an official cellar for storing Sanhua wine. Sanhua wine is colorless and transparent, with a fragrant yet spicy taste. It drawsLi RiverWith the essence of the mountains and the soul of the Li River, it has become a representative of China's rice-aroma liquor. The cellar liquor was designated as a tribute to the imperial court as early as the Northern Song Dynasty and is one of the three treasures of Guilin. To date, nearly a thousand tons of liquor are stored in the caves. Love island Love island is located on the north side of the attraction, adjacent toLi RiverIt is another scenic viewpoint for distant viewing. The island boasts a beautiful environment and lush vegetation, making it a popular dating spot for locals in the 1970s, hence the name "love island". Today, it serves as an outdoor photography base for wedding celebrations against the backdrop of Guilin's landscape, where couples make their vows of love under the witness of the elephant trunk hill and the moon reflected in the water.

China · Guilin

View all Culture & history

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Experiences you can't miss in HongJiang

Featured Culture & history in HongJiang

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1-day tour of Fenghuang Ancient Town [Tour guide will take you through the cultural history of seven scenic spots in Fenghuang]

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 6.4 hrs

English

From£54.73

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Fenghuang Ancient Town costume/makeup experience [Miao girl travel photo shoot + clothing rental + multi-style experience]

Duration: 2.1 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From£17.95

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Fenghuang Ancient Town travel photo shoot in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture [Miao girl travel photo shoot + clothing rental]

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 1 hr

English

Free cancellation

From£17.95

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[Zhangjiajie Departure] Furong Town & Fenghuang Ancient Town Day Tour: Private Car+Ticket

Duration: 4 hrs

English

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

From£107.42

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Departing from Tongren: Tongren Grand Canyon Private Day Tour – Visit the Filming Location of "The Wandering Earth"

Duration: 3 hrs

English

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

From£47.67

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Must-Visit Twin Attractions in Tongren: Private Day Tour to Tongren Grand Canyon and Cinnabar Ancient Town

Duration: 5.6 hrs

English

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

From£58.50

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Zhangjiajie Essential Experience: 1-Day English Mini-Group Tour to Fenghuang Ancient Town

Duration: 5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

From£77.35

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[Departing from Tongren] Fenghuang Ancient Town Private Guided Day Tour - A Date with Western Hunan

Duration: 5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

From£56.84

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HongJiang Today's weatherLight rain 11-14℃

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Free things to do in HongJiang

Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town

5.8

HongJiang · 19.6 km from downtown

679 reviews

Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge

5.3

Zhijiang · 29.4 km from HongJiang

275 reviews

Memorial Hall of the Victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Acceptance of Japan’s Surrender

4.8