The tour guide will arrange the check-in time at the hotel, and we will gather and depart as scheduled. With reverence and admiration in your heart, embark on the journey of "Traveling Through History • Paying Tribute to the Great Man". We will head to visit Yuelu Academy, known as the top of the Four Great Academies and inscribed with the famous line "Chu State is the cradle of talents while the most of them cluster here" (visit duration: about 2 hours).

Founded by Zhu Dong, the Prefect of Tanzhou, in the 9th year of Kaibao in the Northern Song Dynasty (976 AD), Yuelu Academy has maintained its academic legacy for thousands of years, hence earning the reputation of the "Millennium Academy". The plaque with the words "Yuelu Academy" was inscribed by Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty. It is the largest and best-preserved academy complex existing in China. Yuelu Academy has nurtured numerous talented people who dedicated themselves to governing the country and benefiting the people, including Wei Yuan, Zeng Guofan, Zuo Zongtang, Guo Songtao, Tan Sitong, Xiong Xiling, Huang Xing, Cai E, Yang Changji and others.

Subsequently, we will visit Aiwan Pavilion. Sit and listen to the eternal charm of the maple forest, and immerse yourself in tranquility amidst the woods. Experience the breathtaking scenery depicted by Du Mu in his poem: "I stop my carriage to admire the maple woods in the evening; the frosted leaves are redder than the flowers of February". With maple leaves half red and half green, Aiwan Pavilion is nestled among the maple trees, appearing and disappearing faintly—this is the classic simplicity and romance unique to the Chinese.

Later, we will take a bus to Shaoshan (transfer to the scenic eco-friendly bus), and then visit Mao Zedong Bronze Statue Square (visit duration: about 40 minutes). A solemn tribute ceremony will be held in front of Chairman Mao's bronze statue to express deep memory and respect for the great man. You may also present flower baskets to the bronze statue of Chairman Mao to pay homage to the founder of the great People's Republic of China (optional and at your own expense).

Next, we will visit the Former Site of Nan'an Private School to explore the red culture, with a special explanation on the theme "Lofty Ideals, Sacrificing Family for the Country". Nan'an Private School is an archway-style blue-brick building where Mao Zedong received his enlightenment education in 1902. It was the first place where the great man studied and lived, the source of his life, ideology, and practical path. Let us trace the roots together and forge ahead with determination.

After that, we will visit the Former Residence of Comrade Mao Zedong (free visit for about 40 minutes; the tour guide is not allowed to enter for explanations. Warm reminder: There are a large number of tourists visiting the former residence, so please queue up in an orderly manner and wait patiently). The former residence is located in Shangwuchang, Tudi Chong, Shaoshan Village, Shaoshan Township, Shaoshan City. Facing north with its back to the south, it is a concave-shaped civil structure building. The east side was Mao Zedong's home, the west side was the neighbor's house, and the central hall was shared by both families. Comrade Mao Zedong was born here on December 26, 1893, and lived here for 17 years.

After the one-day tour of Shaoshan, we will check into the hotel for accommodation.

Morning/Afternoon:

The tour guide will arrange the check-in time at the hotel, and we will gather and depart as scheduled. With beautiful expectations in your heart, embark on the journey of "Wandering Through the Tunnel of Time • Experiencing the Quiet Joy of Poetic Years". We will head to Yueyang City, known as the "Northern Gateway of Hunan".Board a Dongting Lake Cruise to feel the vastness of the 800-li Dongting Lake up close. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery described as "a green snail in a silver plate" (from Bai Juyi’s poem), recite masterpieces like Viewing Dongting Lake and Memorial to Yueyang Tower, and experience a poetic feast in the peaceful era.Subsequently, visit Yueyang Tower (visit duration: about 90 minutes). First built around 220 AD, its predecessor is said to be the "Military Review Tower" of Lu Su, a famous general of the Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms Period. Overlooking Dongting Lake to the south and Junshan Island to the east, it has long been praised as "Dongting Lake is the best water under heaven, and Yueyang Tower is the best tower under heaven". Together with Yellow Crane Tower in Wuchang (Hubei) and Pavilion of Prince Teng in Nanchang (Jiangxi), it is hailed as one of the "Three Great Towers South of the Yangtze River". Yueyang Tower is the only ancient building among the three that has retained its original appearance. It became world-famous thanks to the renowned Northern Song Dynasty essay Memorial to Yueyang Tower by Fan Zhongyan.Within the tower scenic area, you can also visit:Tomb of Xiao Qiao: The clothes tomb of Xiao Qiao, wife of Zhou Yu (a general of the Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms Period).Three Drunken Pavilions: Associated with Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals, and the legend "Three times drunk in Yueyang, yet no one recognizes him".

Evening:

After the Yueyang itinerary, take a bus to Zhangjiajie (driving time: about 4 hours) and check into the hotel.

Morning:

The tour guide will meet you at the hotel at the scheduled time for departure. Prepare to be amazed and thrilled as you embark on the journey of "Shaking Hands with the World • Meeting 380 Million Years Ago"! We will head to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park—China’s first national forest park (main entrance ticket included).Enter the park through the Biaozhimen Ticket Station, take the eco-friendly bus to the Bailong Elevator (ticket included), and ride the elevator directly to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Yuanjiajie:Visit Back Garden and the "World’s No.1 Bridge".Explore the "Hallelujah Mountains"—the filming location of the movie Avatar—and discover the mysterious fantasy world of floating mountains scattered like stars as depicted in the film.Admire the Misty Platform, shrouded in clouds and mist with towering, majestic peaks.Subsequently, proceed to Sky Pasture, a pristine gem of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Located 2,000 meters to the left of Tianzi Mountain Reservoir, beside a Tujia village, it sits at an altitude of over 1,000 meters. Below it lies an abyss-like valley, and on the valley slope stands 3 hectares of terraced farmland. Climb to Sky Pasture, where gentle breezes brush your sleeves and clouds wrap around you, as if you’ve entered a fairyland. You will feel as if you’re in a poem: "Green peaks sing with emerald hues, mountain streams gurgle from high places; in the pasture, I seem to float among colorful clouds."

Next, witness the "Divine Soldiers Gathering" and immerse yourself in the majestic momentum of the heavenly troops led by King Xiang. Transfer to an eco-friendly bus to Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area and visit its highlights: He Long Park, He Long Bronze Statue, West Sea Stone Forest, Imperial Brush Peak, and Fairy Presenting Flowers.After the tour, take the Tianzi Mountain Cableway (ticket included) downhill to Ten-Mile Gallery Scenic Area (visit duration: about 40 minutes). Ride the sightseeing train (round-trip ticket included) and admire scenic spots along the way, such as Three Sisters Peak, King Xiang Reading a Book, Dusk Romance, God of Longevity Welcoming Guests, Old Man Collecting Herbs, Golden Mouse Watching the Sky, and Tiger Roaring at the Sky.Evening:Watch the grand folk song and dance gala "Charming Xiangxi" (complimentary regular VVIP ticket included). As a partner of CCTV's Avenue of Stars and the provider of the program Pursuing Love for CCTV Spring Festival Gala, this 70-minute show unfolds the mysterious veil of Western Hunan.Witness the extraordinary talents and bold spirits of Xiangxi's people—experience thrilling performances like "climbing the knife ladder" and "walking through fire" up close. Immerse yourself in the charm of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and discover Western Hunan through surprise and excitement—no longer a land of mystery!(The gala is a complimentary attraction with no discounts, exemptions, or refunds for missed shows.No refunds will be provided if the show is canceled due to traffic jams, special circumstances, or other unforeseen reasons. Thank you for your understanding.)

Morning:

The tour guide will meet you at the hotel at the scheduled time for departure. With longing for romance in your heart, embark on the journey of "Witnessing a New Legend • Indulging in Romance" to Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park—Zhangjiajie’s new legend (ticket included).Ride the world’s longest cable car (total length 7.5 kilometers) for a thrilling 30-minute one-way trip to the mountain top, experiencing the sensation of flying through clouds. After arriving at Lingxiao Platform, overlook the stunning scenery of downtown Zhangjiajie and admire the magnificent momentum of the landscape scrollWalk along the Guigu Plank Road to challenge your courage and experience the profound wisdom of vertical and horizontal strategies. Proceed to the Davidia Involucrata Garden and take the world’s longest cave-crossing escalator (cave-crossing escalator and shoe covers included) directly to Tianmen Cave Scenic Area. Climb the 999-step Heavenly Staircase to reach "Tianmen Cave"—the world’s highest natural cave piercing a mountain— and marvel at the magic and shocking impact of nature’s creation.Tianmen Mountain boasts a unique karst landform, forming a beautiful primitive sky garden with numerous natural wonders and man-made miracles, hailed as the new legend of beautiful Zhangjiajie.

Key Attractions:

• Glass Plank Road: Suspended on the west line of Tianmen Mountain’s top, the 60-meter-long plank road sits at an altitude of 1,430 meters at its highest point. Following the cliff-hanging Guigu Plank Road and the overhanging glass viewing platform, this bold creation extends 4-5 meters beyond the main plank road, offering a clear view of the scenery below. It is specially designed for tourists to take photos.
• Tianmen Cave Scenic Area: As the world’s highest natural cave piercing a mountain, Tianmen Cave was formed in the 6th year of Yong’an in the Eastern Wu of the Three Kingdoms Period (263 AD), when the cliff of Songliang Mountain suddenly collapsed to form a gate-like opening. The King of Wu regarded it as an auspicious omen and renamed the mountain "Tianmen Mountain" (Heavenly Gate Mountain), with Tianmen Commandery established at its foot.Running north-south through the mountain, the cave stands 131.5 meters high, 57 meters wide, and 60 meters deep, rising straight into the sky like a gateway connecting heaven and earth. This spectacular scene has attracted emperors, officials, hermits, eminent monks, and literati throughout history. Over generations, it has shaped the unique and profound "Heaven Culture" of Tianmen Mountain. "Tianmen Spitting Mist" and "Tianmen Glowing Clouds" are hailed as rare natural wonders worldwide.
• Afternoon/Evening:After the tour, take a bus to Fenghuang Ancient City (driving time: about 3 hours)—hailed as "a lost homeland and a dreamy hometown". Encounter the dim lights of this border town and savor the unique charm of the "Miao frontier in dreams". Experience the nine core highlights of Fenghuang Ancient City:A green mountain embracing the ancient city A winding Tuo River flowing around it A red stone slab street A wind-and-rain ancient city wall A majestic ancient city gate tower A beautiful rainbow bridge A row of small bridges and stilted buildings A group of world-famous figures A national intangible cultural heritage (ICH)
• Evening Activity (Choose One):"Meeting in Xiangxi · Tuo River" Night Cruise: Every evening, the banks of the Tuo River are adorned with colorful lights. Board a small boat and drift downstream to immerse yourself in the charming scenery of the Tuo River and admire the breathtaking view of "a green mountain embracing the ancient city, a winding Tuo River flowing around it". Amidst the dazzling light interactions, feel the sincere and touching love story between Cuicui and Nuosong from Shen Congwen’s famous novel Border Town. Enjoy the newly created splendid light effects and vivid Chinese-style audio-visual experience along both banks of the Tuo River.Alternative: ICH Batik Experience

Morning:

The tour guide will meet you at the hotel at the scheduled time for departure. With anticipation in your heart, keep the appointment of "A Thousand Years of Waiting • Just for You" and explore Fenghuang Ancient City. Stroll along the Tuo River to savor the ancient city’s long history and cherished memories, admire its panoramic view, experience its rich customs, seek the simple and stunning beauty of Western Hunan, and discover the time-honored silver craftsmanship passed down through generations of the Miao people!Wander through the ancient red stone slab streets of Fenghuang to feel the profound historical and cultural heritage accumulated over a thousand years. Immerse yourself in the "border town dream" depicted by Shen Congwen and encounter the "Cuicui" of the border town.

Key Attractions:

• Tuo River Tiaoyan (Stepping Stones): Located in the Tuo River channel outside the North Gate of Fenghuang Ancient City, it was first built in the 43rd year of the Kangxi reign in the Qing Dynasty (1704 AD). In ancient times, it was one of the main passages in and out of the city. It served as a key route for attacking Fenghuang during the Qianlong-Jiaqing Miao Uprising, the 1911 Revolution, and the Liberation War. Literary and artistic masters such as Shen Congwen and Huang Yongyu also embarked on their journeys to the world from these "stepping stones" of the Tuo River.
• Fenghuang Hongqiao (Rainbow Bridge): Situated near Hongqiao Middle Road in Fenghuang County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, it crisscrosses with Ethnic Street, complementing each other to form a vivid picture of ancient urban folk customs—the Hongqiao Wind-Rain Tower. Spanning the Tuo River, the Wind-Rain Tower stands tall with grandeur and elegance, creating an overlapping scenic view that has traversed over 600 years of history from ancient times to the present.
• Activity (Choose One):Batik Experience: Explore the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of batik. As a traditional Chinese folk textile printing and dyeing craft, batik—historically known as "laxie"—is ranked among China’s four major ancient printing techniques alongside "jiaoxie" (tie-dye), "huixie" (resist printing with ash), and "jiaxie" (clamp-dye). The process involves using a wax knife to apply melted wax and draw patterns on cloth, which is then dyed with indigo. After removing the wax, the cloth reveals various patterns of blue background with white flowers or white background with blue flowers. During dyeing, the wax (used as a resist agent) naturally cracks, creating unique "ice crack" textures that add to its charm. With rich patterns, elegant colors, and a distinctive style, batik is widely used in clothing and daily necessities, exuding simplicity, elegance, and freshness. Here, you can not only learn about the batik craftsmanship and production steps but also participate in the hands-on experience to create exquisite souvenirs with your own hands—connecting life with culture and returning culture to life.Alternative: "Meeting in Xiangxi · Tuo River" Night Cruise

Afternoon/Evening:

After lunch, take a bus to Chenzhou (driving time: about 7 hours) and check into a hotel in downtown Chenzhou for the night.

Morning/Afternoon:

The tour guide will depart with you at the scheduled time. Get ready to embrace a new way of mountain travel—"Enjoying Mountains Without Climbing"—and head to New Mangshan · Five Fingers Peak Scenic Area (visit duration: about 4 hours; tickets and cable car included).Boasting the core and most spectacular landscapes of Greater Mangshan, the scenic area features dozens of attractions, including Five Fingers Peak, Tiantai Mountain, Golden Whip Grand Canyon, Motian Ridge, Guanyin Ancient Temple, and Wanshou Pagoda. It is renowned for its exotic pines, strange rocks, sea of clouds, waterfalls, and hot springs, with the cloud-shrouded plank roads being particularly fascinating.Ride China’s longest single-line sightseeing cable car to soar through the air, stroll along the longest cloud-shrouded plank road in southern China, and challenge the cliff elevator at an altitude of 1,600 meters. Climb to Little Tiantai Mountain to admire the sea of clouds and watch the sunset—each step brings a breathtaking new view.Located at the southernmost tip of Hunan Province, bordering Qingyuan City and Shaoguan City in Guangdong Province, Mangshan Five Fingers Peak Scenic Area is hailed as "one mountain spanning two provinces · Hunan and Guangdong meet at Mangshan". It is not only a mountain of stunning scenery but also an ecological treasure and a sacred mountain of blessings and longevity. The scenic area boasts beautiful views year-round, summarized by its seasonal highlights: "Azaleas in spring, starry skies in summer, sea of clouds in autumn, and rime in winter".

"Rule Over Mangshan, Harmonize with Yizhang!" Mangshan derives its name from its vast primeval forests and historical python sightings. As China's first barrier-free mountain scenic area, Mangshan Five Fingers Peak Scenic Area was awarded the "Best Mountain Tourism Destination" at the inaugural International Mountain Alliance Awards in November 2020. It is also renowned as "a mountain that requires no climbing."

Evening:

After the day’s tour, take a bus back to Chenzhou City (driving time: about 2.5 hours) and check into the hotel.

The tour guide will meet you at the hotel at the scheduled time for departure. With passion in your heart, embark on the journey of "Forgotten by God • Adored by Us"! Drive for about 30 minutes to Gaoyiling Scenic Area—a place "forgotten by God and breathtakingly beautiful" (visit duration: about 2 hours).Located at the junction of Qiaokou Town (Suxian District, Chenzhou City) and Zixing City in Hunan Province, adjacent to Yongxing County and separated from Feitianshan Mountain, the scenic area features a stunning blend of trees, rocks, red sandstone, and green water, with dangerous stockades and exotic valleys forming picturesque landscapes. Dominated by natural forests, Gaoyiling boasts a pristine ecosystem, with clear green water surrounding the mountain feet. From above, the scenery resembles a dark green "sky lake" encircling an "octopus" stretching its tentacles on the water surface.Visit the famous internet-famous check-in spots: Dragon's Spine and Giant Lizard Lake. Climb to the mountain top to marvel at the shocking primitive Danxia wonders and internet-famous boulder formations. Here, red peaks stand tall, red cliffs reflect in green water, and the beauty is simply overwhelming. Combining mountains, water, springs, caves, stockades, cliffs, and plains, it is a rare Danxia landform spectacle.

Subsequently, proceed to the national 5A-level scenic area Dongjiang Lake Scenic Area. Known for its pure and vast waters, the lake is a natural treasure. Upon arrival, transfer to the scenic eco-friendly bus to enter the area and enjoy a drive-by view of the magnificent Dongjiang Dam (exterior)..

Next, explore Longjing Canyon—a high negative oxygen ion area and a natural oxygen bar of Dongjiang Lake! The Longjing Grand Canyon Waterfall Group is a comprehensive tourist destination integrating sightseeing and leisure health. The entire canyon tour covers 2.5 kilometers, with steep mountain slopes, lush green mountains, towering ancient trees, and clusters of clear pools and waterfalls along the way. It is one of the scenic areas with the highest waterfall density in China.

After the day’s tour, take a bus to Hengshan (driving time: about 3 hours) and check into the hotel.

The tour guide will meet you at the hotel at the scheduled time for departure. Perhaps you are still lingering in the beautiful scenery and delicious food of Hunan (the "Land of Three Xiangs and Four Rivers"). With reluctance in your heart, embark on the journey of "Enchanted Beyond Return • Reluctant to Bid Farewell" and visit Nanyue Grand Temple—the largest ancient architectural complex in the south of the Yangtze River (ticket included, visit duration: about 60 minutes).Known as the "Imperial Palace of the South", Nanyue Grand Temple consists of nine courtyards and four layers of compounds, surrounded by red walls with towering corner towers, resembling the Forbidden City in Beijing. Uniquely in China and even the world, it houses Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, allowing the three religions to coexist, develop, and thrive harmoniously. Every year on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, a grand temple fair is held here. Many overseas Chinese from Buddhist countries in Southeast Asia, Japanese Buddhist figures, and devout believers from hometowns travel long distances to pay homage, keeping the temple incense burning year-round.

Proceed to visit Mount Heng (Nanyue)—world-famous for being "the most graceful of the Five Great Mountains", a "religious sanctuary", and "China’s Holy Mountain of Longevity". As a core of China’s religious culture, it is the birthplace of Southern Chan, Northern Chan, Caodong School, and the Nanyue and Qingyuan branches of Chan Buddhism, as well as the most renowned Taoist sanctuary in southern China.

Halfway Pavilion (Xuandu Guan): Pass by this pavilion first built during the Qi and Liang dynasties (480-557 AD). It was converted from a pavilion to a Taoist temple in the Qing Dynasty and renamed Xuandu Guan, housing a plaque inscribed by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty that reads "Famous Mountain Under Heaven".

Martyr's Shrine: A pioneering and largest memorial site for the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in China. It features 13 large martyrs’ tombs, burying soldiers from the 9th and 6th War Zones of the National Revolutionary Army who sacrificed their lives in the war. As the only large-scale martyrs’ cemetery on the Chinese mainland commemorating Kuomintang soldiers who died in the War of Resistance, it is not only a tribute to anti-Japanese heroes but also an important venue for patriotic education. Since its completion, the shrine has been dedicated to inheriting and promoting the spirit of resistance against Japanese aggression, helping more people understand and remember history through various commemorative activities and exhibitions.

Zhurong Peak: Climb to the highest peak of Mount Heng, named after Zhurong, the mythical god of fire. Legend has it that Zhurong was a minister of the Yellow Emperor in ancient times, appointed as the official in charge of fire and later as Situ (Minister of Works) overseeing southern affairs. Every year, millions of tourists come here to watch the sunrise, sea of clouds, and snow scenery. "The height of Zhurong Peak" is hailed as "the first of the Four Wonders of Nanyue".

With this, your 9-day/8-night in-depth Hunan tour—"Splendid Hunan (Hibiscus Kingdom)" Route A, covering all the most outstanding, wonderful, and representative natural landscapes and cultural masterpieces of Hunan—has come to a successful conclusion. Thank you for your love and affection for the land of Hunan, which has nurtured countless virtuous people, heroes, and unparalleled landscapes. May good fortune accompany you always!

After the tour, we will arrange a transfer according to your return plan: either drop-off at Hengyang Station or return to Changsha South Railway Station/Changsha Airport (driving time: about 2.5 hours) to conclude your pleasant journey.