Langshan

Part of the China Danxia World Heritage Site, with the "Whales Frolicking in the Sea" view from Bajiaozhai, Chili Pepper Peak, the narrow Tianyi Lane slot canyon and bamboo rafting on the Fuyi River.

Langshan is in the south of Xinning County, Shaoyang, Hunan, bordering Ziyuan County in Guangxi. It is one of the six components of the China Danxia World Natural Heritage Site, as well as a national 5A-rated scenic area (China's top tier) and a national geopark. The area is known for its Danxia peak forests, gorges and slot canyons and is divided into six zones: Bajiaozhai at the southern end is Langshan's highest peak, where you can see the sea of clouds called "Whales Frolicking in the Sea"; the Chili Pepper Peak–Camel Peak zone has the most classic solitary Danxia pillars, reached by steep trails; Tianyi Lane is a slot canyon about 240 m long and less than 1 m wide at its narrowest; the Fuyi River runs through the area, and bamboo rafts drift downstream past peaks on both banks and General Rock; Tianshengqiao in the west is a natural Danxia arch spanning about 64 m; and Zixiadong features Danxia caves, cliff inscriptions and temples. North of Xinning town is Shunhuangshan National Forest Park, good for escaping the summer heat. The best times to visit are Apr–May and Sep–Nov; summer is hot but ideal for bamboo rafting, and winter is often rainy and misty. Getting there: Xinning is connected by expressway, about 1.5–2 hours' drive from Shaoyang or Guilin and about 4 hours from Changsha; sightseeing buses link the zones within the scenic area, and staying in Langshan town is recommended. Allow 2 days: one for Chili Pepper Peak, Tianyi Lane and Zixiadong, and one for Bajiaozhai plus bamboo rafting on the Fuyi River. The Danxia trails have steep steps that get slippery after rain, so wear shoes with good grip.

Top sights

• Bajiaozhai – The highest peak in Langshan at 818 metres. From the summit you can see the 'Whale Playing in the Sea' pinnacles, which are known as the so…
• Chili Peak & Camel Peak – The earliest developed area of Langshan. Chili Peak rises like a red chili pepper, and nearby Camel Peak resembles a lying camel. The paths…
• Tianyi Alley – Known as ‘the first alley under heaven,’ a red-sandstone gorge about 240 m long, with walls over 100 m high and a passage barely wide enoug…
• Fuyi River Bamboo Rafting – A bamboo raft ride down the Fuyi River, with red-sandstone peaks reflected in the water and riverside rocks such as the General Rock and Ca…
• Langshan Natural Bridge – A natural stone arch of red sandstone about 64 m wide, known as ‘the first bridge under heaven,’ surrounded by quiet forest with fewer visi…
• Zixiadong – A grotto complex combining red-sandstone caves and temples, with the Zixia Temple, historic cliff inscriptions and a ‘one-line sky’ gorge…
• Shunhuang Mountain National Forest Park – A mountain area of primary and secondary forest in the southeast of Xinning County, with streams, waterfalls, ancient trees and alpine mead…
• Wugang Ancient City – A thousand-year-old ancient city in southwestern Hunan, with Ming-era stone city walls and gates such as Jichuan Gate. Its old-street snack…

Itineraries

• Southwest Hunan Road Trip: Xuefeng Mountain to Langshan – A long-distance self-drive loop through terraced fields, Yao villages, ancient commercial towns, Dong villages, Nanshan…