Winter Routes in Hunan: Explore Rime Ice, Hot Springs & Yao Villages

The Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism has launched four premium winter routes, each spanning five days and four nights. These journeys take you from the bustling old streets of Changsha to the winter wonders of Chenzhou, Huaihua, Yiyang, and Zhangjiajie. Each route promises a unique winter romance.

Route 1: From Changsha to Chenzhou
A Tour to Enjoy Hot Springs and Rime Scenery

Highlights: enjoy the scenery of rime ice and icicle formations on Mangshan Mountain, warm up in a hot spring bath, and explore the stunning Danxia landscape of Feitian Mountain and the Gaoyiling Tourist Area. The winter in southern Hunan offers a vibrant life of ancient streets and natural charm.

Must-see Sites: the Orange Isle Tourist Area, Yuelu Academy, Aiwan Pavilion, the "Changsha Eye" Sightseeing Platform, the Taiping Historical and Cultural Block, Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street, and Wenheyou Restaurant → Feitian Mountain National Geopark (Jiulong Water Village), the Gaoyiling Tourist Area, Longnv Hot Springs Tourist Resort, and Mangshan National Forest Park (with Tiantai Mountain and Monkey King Village)

Best time for visiting: through February 

Route 2: From Changsha to Huaihua
A Tour to Explore the Charm of Yao Villages

Highlights: climb Xuefeng Mountain to admire the winter sea of clouds, then visit Yao villages to experience folk customs. Explore the ancient Tea-Horse Road, observe the winter charm of terraced fields, savor Yao-style cured meats, and feel the warmth of local people in southwest Hunan amidst bonfires and songs.

Must-see Sites: the Orange Isle Tourist Area, Yuelu Academy, Aiwan Pavilion, the "Changsha Eye" Sightseeing Platform, the Taiping Historical and Cultural Block, Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street, and Wenheyou Restaurant → Chuanyan Mountain National Forest Park, the Ancient Tea-Horse Road Scenic Area, Fengxiang Yao Village, Chongmudang Ancient Village, Yao Palace Folk Culture Park, and Shanbei Huayao Terraced Fields Scenic Area

Best time for visiting: through February 

Route 3: From Changsha to Yiyang
A Tour to Savor Stove-boiled Dark Tea 

Highlights: savor Anhua dark tea leisurely around the stove while soothing your body and mind in hot springs, explore the ancient charm of Dongshi Old Street, stroll through a bamboo forest in Taojiang County, track migratory birds wintering over in the South Dongting Lake Wetland Nature Reserve, and immerse yourself in Yiyang's slow winter life.

Must-see Sites: the Orange Isle Tourist Area, Yuelu Academy, Aiwan Pavilion, the "Changsha Eye" Sightseeing Platform, the Taiping Historical and Cultural Block, Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street, and Wenheyou Restaurant → Yongxi Bridge, Dongshi Old Street, the Ancient Tea-Horse Road Guanshan Canyon Scenic Area, Anhua Hot Springs Tourist Resort, the Taojiang Bamboo Sea Scenic Area, the South Dongting Lake Wetland Nature Reserve (Yiyang Section), and Yuyi Muguo Cultural Tourism Resort

Best time for visiting: through February 

Route 4: From Changsha to Zhangjiajie
A Tour to Enjoy Stunning Snow Scenery in Zhangjiajie 

Highlights: marvel at the snow-capped peaks of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, stroll along the Golden Whip Stream to capture serene winter charm, take in picturesque views of mist-shrouded peaks, enjoy the snow scenery and a sea of clouds, explore the valleys, and immerse yourself in the serene and majestic beauty of Zhangjiajie as an ink-wash wonderland.

Must-see Sites: the Orange Isle Tourist Area, Yuelu Academy, Aiwan Pavilion, the "Changsha Eye" Sightseeing Platform, the Taiping Historical and Cultural Block, Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street, and Wenheyou Restaurant → Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Golden Whip Stream, Huangshizhai, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and Ten-Mile Gallery)

Best time for visiting: through February

Travel Tips: Hunan experiences lower temperatures in winter, and some scenic areas may adjust their opening hours due to weather conditions. It is recommended to check official information before your trip. When enjoying snow and rime scenery, dress warmly and wear slip-resistant footwear. After soaking in hot springs, ensure you stay warm promptly to avoid catching a chill.

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: official WeChat account of Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism