Jishou Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Apr)

City Escape in Jishou

Getting There - High speed train to Jishou Attractions - All around Xiangxi there are small towns, hills and places to escape from the crowds of the cities. Here in particular is a small mountain range - very similar to Zhangjiajie, albeit far smaller - that you can do in just a few hours. While the size is smaller, that also means less people, which is only ever a good thing when travelling around and visiting new places. Food & Restaurants - Not much to speak of to be honest. Especially up in the mountains but most hotels will be able to cook up a nice home meal in a warm area if you fancy it. Shopping - Not much to speak of to be honest. #thisischina

Near QianZhou Old Town

Just out of town of the QianZhou old town is the winding roads that lead up to these misty mountains. Tickets are around 80rmb or so for the day and - when visiting in the off season - you can be fairly sure that you’ll have the place basically all to yourself as i did. Oh, if you’re coming through wet season I would recommend bringing a spare set of shoes or extra socks as the path can become flooded and basically turn into just one big waterfall. But hey, it’s all part of the experience. get to the top and you’ll be rewarded with a sweet platform to look over the canyon and a awesome place to sit down and relax. #thisischina

Very well preserved old city. It was almost empty on Monday. People can be seen washing clothes in the river. Don't go into the temple. They offer you free incense, then give you a blessing. Suddenly a WeChat QR code is produced. They suggested I pay 400 Yuan but I gave 100 just to get out of there and no hassle.

Holiday fun without queuing - two-day food, accommodation and tour in Jishou, Xiangxi

Gave up on the ancient city of Fenghuang, glad to have chosen Jishou, where there was no queuing, the locals we met were all very friendly, the whole tour experience was really good👍👍👍 ▶️Day1: Qianzhou Ancient City 🎫Ticket: Free 🚗Transport: Taxi from Jishou East Station to Qianzhou Ancient City about 20min 🏠Accommodation: Jiangpan Meisu (two nights, in the ancient city, located by the river, the room is spacious and very clean, recommended) 🥣Food: Wulong Mountain Teppanyaki (tastes good, a bit salty later), Qianzhou Chicken Shop (chicken is fresh, very flavorful, go before 21:00) 📷Ethnic costume photo: full set 398💰, rent clothes (with makeup and hair) 50-60💰 Experience: Although Qianzhou Ancient City is not large, it is conveniently located (in the city, surrounded by shopping malls, convenient for taxis), not heavily commercialized, has a living atmosphere, the Wanrong River running through the ancient city often sees local residents washing clothes, swimming, fishing, under the bridge hole there are old men playing cards and cooling off, free-range chickens wandering around, quiet during the day and lively at night. ▶️Day2: Aizhai Bridge + Dehang Canyon Scenic Area 🎫Ticket: Cliff plank road + Aizhai Bridge (separately 115💰) + shuttle bus (10💰) = 190💰 (no reservation required) Aizhai Bridge Scenic Area to Dehang Canyon Scenic Area shuttle bus 25💰 Dehang Canyon Scenic Area 80💰 🚗Transport: Jishou Railway Station - Aizhai Bridge Scenic Area (bus line 1 or 3, first bus at 8:30 in the morning, Didi is more convenient for 40min) Dehang Canyon Scenic Area - Jishou Railway Station (bus line 11) 🥣Food: Mountain Inn (chosen on the way, transparent kitchen is very clean, taste is also good) 📷Ethnic costume photo: only for rent (with accessories and simple hair styling) 50-60💰, no makeup and photography. Personally prefer the costumes here, more ethnic and more life, there are Tujia costumes, rare internet celebrity improved version. Tour experience: Aizhai Bridge can be experienced, the cliff plank road is average, can be skipped to save time. Dehang scenery is very beautiful, it is recommended to leave time here to play slowly.

I thought Zhangjiajie was beautiful until I went to Xiangxi

🌟 Zhangjiajie is already stunning, but Xiangxi hides even more surprises! 🌈 Set off from Changsha on a magical journey to explore Xiangxi! Transportation: 📍 Take a train or plane from Changsha, then transfer to a train to Jishou, and choose to drive or charter a car to delve deeper into the hinterlands of Xiangxi. Exploration Itinerary: .DAY1【Rhythm of the Ancient City and Riverside Nightscapes】 → Qianzhou Ancient City: Stroll through the historic stone-paved roads and feel the unique charm of the millennium-old city; ⇨ Sanmen Kai City Tower & Wanrong River Wharf: Savor the charm of ancient architecture and enjoy a boat ride; ⇨ Xiangxi Never Sleeps City: Take a boat to enjoy the dazzling night scene, immersed in the audio-visual feast of interlacing light and shadow. .DAY2【Canyon Style and Cloud-Top Spectacles】 → Aizhai Cliff Plank Road: Challenge your heartbeat and appreciate the wonder of the bridge with every thrilling step; ⇨ Aizhai Bridge: Experience one of the four great wonders of the world, overlooking the breathtaking Dehang Canyon from high above; ⇨ Wentiantai: Stand at the summit surrounded by emptiness on three sides, the legendary inspiration site for Qu Yuan's 'Heavenly Questions'; after the rain, the misty clouds add a mysterious and solemn atmosphere, also a place for the Miao people to pray and make pilgrimages. Accommodation Recommendations: 🏠 Stay at the conveniently located Jishou Xiangxi Sunshine International Hotel in Jishou city area for easy travel. A Xiangxi adventure that connects history and nature, blending culture and landscape, is waiting for your departure! Pack your bags and join us in exploring the mysterious and beautiful secret realm of Xiangxi!

China's Full Moon - Aizhai Bridge

Arrived at Aizhai Bridge on a rainy day, it was drizzling all day, but unexpectedly saw the 'Aizhai Bridge above the clouds'. Aizhai Extra-large Suspension Bridge, located in Aizhai Town, Jishou City, Xiangxi Prefecture, Hunan Province, has now become a new landmark that must be seen when visiting Hunan. This is a double-layer road and sightseeing channel dual-purpose bridge, a four-lane expressway extra-large bridge, with a total length of 1073.65m, the main span of the suspension bridge is 1176m, creating four world firsts, known as 'China's Full Moon'. No matter from which angle you view the bridge, you will be shocked by its majestic and spectacular! The bridge in the clouds is even more fascinating, like a rainbow hanging above the clouds, vague and mysterious. Up close, you can take the elevator to the bridge, walking on the bottom red sightseeing bridge, like walking in the air, thrill-seekers can bungee jump here, challenge themselves. Walking around the bridge, overlooking the distant scenery, the distant mountains in the clouds are like a ink painting, the villages under the mountain are surrounded by rivers, vaguely visible, the mountain road is also a spectacle... Walking in it, I can't help but sigh at the strength and wisdom of China, and I'm fortunate to have a tour here!

Sharing a day trip to Aizhai Bridge Scenic Area

Aizhai Bridge and the glass plank road have separate tickets You can choose to go to one side only It is recommended to go to both sides for different sceneries Enter from the entrance of the glass plank road, all the roads are on the cliff There are beautiful sceneries along the way for you to take pictures At the end of the road is the Aizhai Bridge There are many high-altitude projects on the bridge such as bungee jumping, high-altitude swings, etc., all of which require separate tickets But it's really too high, my friends and I decisively gave up, those who are brave can go for it There is a cliff coffee shop at the other end of the bridge Well, it's a good place to rest, the coffee is so-so You can choose to take the sightseeing car back for 10 yuan per person It only takes a few minutes to get to the parking lot There is also a homestay with an infinity pool If you have time, you can experience and check in The whole trip takes about 10,000 steps Walking and taking pictures, the wind is strong and it's not hot

Aizhai Bridge is like the cloud end

On the way, check in at Aizhai Bridge Scenic Area. I won't mention how awesome the various aspects of Aizhai Bridge are, anyway, I don't understand. There are many attractions in the scenic area. In fact, it's enough to just walk on the Aizhai Bridge. The others are either too stimulating and not suitable for all players, or they are just looking at the mountains, trees, and valleys from a different angle, spending a lot of time but without a special experience (slip past when you have enough free time). It was raining when I arrived at the scenic area. When I got to the bridge, the rain stopped. The clouds and mist slowly dispersed, and the scattered moving clouds on the top of the mountain, the villages under the bridge, the roads... The worldly fireworks were slowly outlined from blurry to clear. Lazily strolling under the bridge, stopping and overlooking under the bridge, with a wide view and a relaxed mood, it's like looking at the world from the sky, having a great time as a fairy. Standing on the bridge and looking straight ahead, the pale clouds are lingering around the peaks, and the green mountains after the rain are especially green and bright. God is actually a very partial painter, raining and clouding, making this part of Aizhai so beautiful. Special reminder, the entrance ticket to Aizhai Bridge Scenic Area is 115 yuan, half off for over sixty, and free for over sixty-five.

Mysterious Xiangxi, Mysterious Miao Village.

The moment you step into Dehang Miao Village, it feels like entering a world cut off from the rest of society. This place is known as the 'Drum Township of the World', brimming with a strong ethnic charm. The ancient village architecture is exceptionally well-preserved, with the morning mist creating an ethereal atmosphere, turning the whole Miao Village into a mysterious painting. The old wooden houses and cobblestone paths all exude the weathered breath of time. In the afternoon, the sun envelops everything, casting warm rays of light. Walking along the path, with small, deliberate steps, you slowly make your way towards the waterfall in the great canyon. Along the way, the green mountains and clear waters create a picturesque scene. It's as if you're in a paradise on earth, where the soul is greatly relaxed and satisfied.

Hunan's Dehang Grand Canyon

Compared to Fenghuang Ancient Town, I love the joyful Dehang Canyon in the valley even more. What comes to mind when you think of the Dehang Miao Village? If it were me, I would imagine it as a village nestled within a canyon, probably still maintaining a traditional way of life, with well-preserved houses—that kind of feeling. So, let's see if it's like that, shall we? Dehang Miao Village, in the Miao language, is said to be: the most beautiful canyon. Dehang Miao Village is located deep in the canyon, surrounded by many giant canyons, with numerous smaller ones scattered throughout. Actually, getting to Dehang is not easy; there is no railway. We drove all the way down the Aizhai Highway, which is also known as the most dangerous road in the world. It's quite thrilling; this short hill slope of only 440 meters has an incline of over 70 degrees. You need to be careful when driving here, and then when you reach the flat road, you can see the beautiful scenery shown in the first picture, taken with a mobile phone's original camera. I was captivated by the scenery before me, wow, the landscape hidden in this small canyon is so beautiful. I keep saying, if possible, I would like to stay here forever, just daydreaming, walking barefoot to the stream to play in the water. In fact, living in the city, it's increasingly hard to find scenery that can relax the mind. If at this moment you could have a cup of hot tea, a cup of coffee, and chat about everyday life with someone, that would be a very pleasant and satisfying experience.

The 'four world firsts' Aizhai Bridge is spectacular

The 'four world firsts' Aizhai Bridge is spectacular The Aizhai Bridge (Ai'zhai Bridge) is located above the Dehang Grand Canyon. The Aizhai Bridge line is 1779 meters long and the main bridge is 1414 meters long. The bridge has created 'four world firsts'. It is the world's largest steel truss suspension bridge spanning canyons; second, it is the first time in the world to adopt a completely separate design scheme for towers and beams; third, it is the first time in the world to adopt a rock anchor cable structure and use carbon fiber to replace steel strands for the first time; fourth, it has pioneered the 'rail cable sliding method' for beam erection, this new process has increased the speed of beam erection by nearly ten times. Then there are programs in the scenic area to enjoy. 📍Location: Aizhai Bridge 📷Equipment: Canon 6D Mark II, Canon 24-105mm F4, sigma 50mm F1.4 💿Software: Capture One Aizhai Bridge

The Ganzhou Confucian Temple was built in the 7th year of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty. The main buildings include Minglun Hall, Wenchang Palace, Dacheng Hall, Dacheng Gate, Zhuangyuan Bridge, Qixingmen, Chongsheng Ci, etc., covering an area of 4,887 square meters. There is a shadow wall about 18 meters long in the front of the Temple of Literature. The middle of the shadow wall is made of stone-shaped four-petaled window, which can be seen from the street. There is a door on each side of the window. The title of "German World" on the left door means the hall of the school school, and the title of the road on the right door is "the ancient crown and the present", indicating that it is a place dedicated to Confucius. Admission is from the left, and the worshipper enters from the right. Crossing the Shifangmen, there is a half round pool, about 1 foot 2 feet deep, clear water clear, named Yuechi. There is a stone arch bridge on the moon pond, commonly known as the Yuegong Bridge, also known as the Zhuangyuan Bridge. Anyone who has academic success will come to the bridge and worship the hole, expressing gratitude and praying for a great future. Or the students will step into the bridge before the exam, and they will be able to make a name for themselves. There are two tall osmanthus trees on both sides of the bridge. After the bridge, there is a row of blue-and-mortar brick-and-wood structure, leaving the middle gate. It was originally a place dedicated to the chief executives of the dry state of Ganzhou. The name is named and the right side is dedicated to the local celebritys tablet. Xiangxian Yin, such as Yang Yuebin, Luo Rongguang, Yang Weishu and other people's tablets. Passing through the middle door, the left and right sides are Dongpu and Xiqiao. It used to be a place dedicated to the 72nd disciple of Confucius. Later, it was used as a classroom for the National Eighth Middle School. In front of it is the Dacheng Hall. In front of the temple, there is a "Yu Dao" for the emperor to pay homage. On the carving of the dragon pattern, this road can only go to the emperor. Other ministers or meritors can only be left and right.

About 30km or so outside of Jishou in Xiangxi, Hunan province sits a small park that’s filled with multiple waterfalls lining the sides of the canyon area. Getting There - Jishou town is connected via a high-speed train and sits on the line to Zhangjiajie so, if you can get the train to Zhangjiajie then you’ll be able to get a high speed to Jishou. Attractions - old town/ canyon area. Food & Restaurants - food places are quite few and far between when it comes to notable places so I would highly recommend having some coffee drip cup things so you don’t rely on a café for your caffeine. #thisischina #nationalpark #naturalwonders