Yiyang

Life in Yiyang moves at a relaxed pace, and everyday costs are low. Walking along the Zijiang River and exploring the old town's lanes are two ways to get to know the city. You can also include forested hills and countryside in your itinerary.

• Ming and Qing Ancient Alleys: These former dockside lanes in the city center date back 300 years and retain arched wall supports found nowhere else in China. Narrow passages between gray-brick buildings with dark tiled roofs frame slivers of sky overhead. After the lights come on at dusk, you can admire the lanterns and watch flower-drum opera, traditional cultural performances and light shows. Entry is free, and parking is convenient.

• Taohuajiang Bamboo Sea: This scenic area has vast, continuous bamboo groves covering tens of thousands of mu, with air rich in negative ions. It has long offered free admission to women. Take the Magic Carpet conveyor ride uphill for sweeping views of the bamboo forest, enjoy a swing among the bamboo around sunset, and stay for the Bamboo Sea Fantasy light show after dark.

• Anhua Tea Horse Road: This ancient route has carried tea and horse traffic for a thousand years. A horse caravan departure ceremony takes place at 10:40 a.m. Ride the cliffside cable car for views over Guanshan Gorge, follow the walkways past waterfalls and streams, or ride a horse along the old trail to learn about life on the caravan routes.

• Huilongshan Park: This city park is free to enter and offers hill walks with panoramic views of the Zijiang River. Four historic Buddhist temples, including Bailu Temple and Qixia Temple, sit among the wooded slopes, where you can enjoy the river breeze as you climb. Halfway up, you can also try jintanzi, jar-pickled snacks popular with locals.

• First Village of Great Changes in a Mountain Village: This village inspired the novel *Great Changes in a Mountain Village* and is now a free educational site focused on revolutionary history. Visit its reading rooms, watch a musical dramatization, use VR to explore scenes of life in the past, or enjoy coffee by the stream and take in the village's largely preserved natural surroundings.

• Visas for Peace Exhibition Hall: Housed in a distinctive building, this exhibition tells the story of Ho Feng-Shan's efforts to save Jewish people during World War II. Historical letters, old photographs and reproductions of original documents provide a detailed account of the rescue efforts. The architecture and displays also offer subjects for photography.

Yiyang Local Food Suggestions

Suggested Itineraries

• Relaxed 2-day, 1-night trip:
  • Day 1: Arrive in Yiyang around noon and head to Qiaobei for malatang, a spicy soup with your choice of ingredients. Spend the afternoon strolling through the Ming and Qing Ancient Alleys and taking photos against the historic streetscapes. Stay into the evening for the illuminated lanterns and traditional cultural performances. Later, visit Huilongshan Park to enjoy the evening breeze from the Zijiang River, or unwind with a foot massage.
  • Day 2: Visit Huilongshan Park in the morning, pray for blessings at Bailu Temple or Qixia Temple, and explore the wooded temple grounds. Try cuttlefish and pork soup for lunch, then visit the Visas for Peace Exhibition Hall before heading home.
• More in-depth 3-day, 2-night trip:
  • Day 1: Check into a city-center hotel after arriving, then explore the Ming and Qing Ancient Alleys in the afternoon. For dinner, try malatang and Duck King braised dishes.
  • Day 2: Leave early for Taohuajiang Bamboo Sea to explore the extensive bamboo groves, take the Magic Carpet ride to the top and photograph the forest. Return to the city in the afternoon, then visit the First Village of Great Changes in a Mountain Village to explore its reading rooms and rural scenery.
  • Day 3: Visit the Anhua Tea Horse Road to learn about horse caravan culture and ride the cliffside cable car. Alternatively, head to Xiunü Lake in Taojiang to watch the lakeside sunset at this spot known as “Little Erhai,” then begin your return journey.

Suggested Areas to Stay

• Around Wanda Plaza / Heshan District: Shops and supermarkets are plentiful, taxis are easy to find, and there are many late-night food options. This area suits visitors who enjoy lively surroundings and convenient dining. Echarm Hotel and Vienna International Hotel are options offering a reasonable balance of price and comfort.
• Ming and Qing Ancient Alleys / Qiaobei Pedestrian Street: Local snacks and malatang are within walking distance, making this a good base for experiencing everyday life in the old town. Yunji Hotel is one option to consider, with good soundproofing and service.
• Taohuajiang Bamboo Sea / Scenic-area Guesthouses: If you plan to spend more time in the bamboo forest, consider a guesthouse within the scenic area, such as Yunshang Zhushe. Open views and surrounding bamboo groves make this area suitable for families with children and travelers who enjoy nature and an artistic atmosphere. At night, you can rest to the sound of rustling bamboo.

Transport and Travel Tips

• Getting around: Driving from Changsha to Yiyang takes about 1.5 hours, while a high-speed train to Yiyang South Station takes around 30–50 minutes. City attractions are clustered close together, and shared electric scooters or taxis make it easy to get between them without much long-distance walking.
• Parking: The Ming and Qing Ancient Alleys have two large free parking lots. Parking is also convenient at most city attractions, making driving a practical option.
• Visiting tips:
  • The chili in the malatang dipping sauce can be very hot. Add only a little if you have a low tolerance for spice.
  • Some performances at the Ming and Qing Ancient Alleys may finish after 8 p.m. Arrive around 4 p.m. to see the gray-brick buildings and dark tiled roofs in daylight, then stay for the lanterns after dark.
  • Some activities along the Tea Horse Road, including the Spider Walkway, may close in rainy weather. Check the forecast before setting out.
  • Most city attractions are free, so you generally do not need a large admission budget and can explore at an easy pace.