Chenzhou: Dongjiang Lake, Danxia & Mount Mang
A southern Hunan landscape route featuring the morning mist of Dongjiang, Gaoyiling Danxia, Yangtian Lake Grassland, and Mount Mang Wuzhifeng.
Chenzhou is a popular weekend getaway accessible by high-speed rail from Changsha and Guangzhou. Visit Gaoyiling on the first afternoon, watch the misty Dongjiang River early the next morning, head up to Yangtian Lake Grassland, and spend a night at Mount Mang to climb Wuzhifeng. Attractions are scattered, so self-driving or chartering a car is highly recommended. The driving distance on the final day is long; if time is tight, you can skip Mount Mang and focus on the first three days.
The morning mist on Dongjiang River is caused by temperature differences and is most common from April to September, though not guaranteed every day.
Day by day
Day 1 · Gaoyiling Danxia & Lakeside Evening
Chenzhou & Dongjiang Lake（Gaoyiling Danxia、Dongjiang Dam）
Pick up your car at Chenzhou West Station and drive to Gaoyiling (approx. 40 minutes), then head to Dongjiang Subdistrict in the evening (approx. 40 minutes).
Gaoyiling has many unsheltered sections; bring water and sun protection. It stops entry early.
Stay: Dongjiang Subdistrict, Xiao Dongjiang
Day 2 · Early Morning Mist & Dongjiang Lake Canyon
Chenzhou & Dongjiang Lake（Misty Little Dongjiang、Longjing Gorge、Dongjiang Lake、Yuhou Street）
Walk from your accommodation to the wooden boardwalk in the early morning. Take short drives along the lake in the forenoon, and drive to Chenzhou city center in the evening (approx. 1 hour).
It is best to arrive at the boardwalk before 6:00 AM to see the mist. Tickets and time slots are subject to daily announcements.
Stay: Chenzhou Downtown
Day 3 · Yangtian Lake Grassland to Mount Mang
Chenzhou & Dongjiang Lake（Yangtianhu Grassland） → Mangshan
Drive from the city to Yangtian Lake along a winding mountain road (approx. 1.5 hours), then continue to Mount Mang (approx. 2 hours). Avoid driving in the dark.
The alpine grassland is windy with large temperature drops; bring a jacket.
Stay: Mangshan Visitor Center Area
Day 4 · Wuzhifeng Boardwalk & Return to Chenzhou
Take the cable car up the mountain for a half-day visit, then drive back to Chenzhou West Station in the afternoon (approx. 2 hours) to return your car.
Wuzhifeng stops entry early in the afternoon; it is best to enter the park in the morning.