Yancheng Hengyang Two-Day Tour Complete Guide

Hengyang, also known as "Yancheng," is the second-largest city in Hunan Province, with the Xiang River flowing through it and a history of over 2,300 years. Here, you can enjoy the scenic remnants of Mount Heng in the south, experience rich academy culture, and explore a famous city of the War of Resistance. Below is a carefully planned two-day Hengyang itinerary covering culture, nature, and cuisine! 📅 Day 1: Cultural Exploration · City Highlights Tour 🌄 Morning: Shigu Academy + Xiang River Scenic Belt 📍Shigu Academy (8:30-11:00) 🎫 Admission: Free (one of China’s four great academies) 🌟 Highlights: A millennium-old academy where Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi once lectured Climb Hejiang Pavilion to overlook the confluence of the Xiang, Zheng, and Lei Rivers 📸 Photo spots: Academy archway, stele corridor, Zhuling Cave 🚶Xiang River Scenic Belt (11:00-12:00) Walk along the river to Jiefang Road and enjoy the city skyline 🍜 Lunch: Authentic Hengyang Flavors Recommended restaurant: Didaozhan Lu Fen (Jiefang Road branch) Must-try list: ✅ Hengyang Lu Fen (served with pickled long beans + fried peanuts) ✅ Fish noodles (soup made from pork bone broth) ✅ Suoluo (the king of late-night snacks, also available at noon) 🏛 Afternoon: War of Resistance Memorial + Dongzhou Island 📍Hengyang War of Resistance Memorial (14:00-15:30) 🎫 Free, ID required 🌟 Learn about the 47-day Battle of Hengyang defense 📍Dongzhou Island (16:00-18:00) 🚢 Ferry 5 RMB/person (the "Little Orange Isle" in the Xiang River) 🌟 Must-see: Chuanshan Academy (where Wang Fuzhi lectured) Ancient camphor tree group at Luohan Temple 🌃 Evening: Shifu Road Food Street 🍢 Recommended snacks: Stinky tofu (crispier than Changsha’s) Sugar oil baba (sweet fried cake) Grilled beef tallow (Hengyang specialty) 📅 Day 2: Mountain and Water Leisure · Southern Hengyang Scenic Tour 🌿 Morning: Yumu Mountain Scenic Area 📍 Location: 15 km from downtown 🎫 Admission: 30 RMB 🌟 Activities: Climb Yanyu Temple (famous for matchmaking blessings) Stroll through the Artists’ Village (red brick buildings) Stream trekking in summer 🍲 Lunch: Farmhouse Local Dishes Recommended: "Bamboo Grove Courtyard" at the foot of Yumu Mountain 🥢 Must-order: Braised free-range chicken (freshly killed and cooked) Braised soft-shelled turtle with green peppers 🌊 Afternoon: Huiyan Peak + West Lake Park 📍Huiyan Peak (14:30-16:00) 🎫 Free (Hengyang city landmark) 🌟 Legend: "Geese arrive in Hengyang and do not fly south" Climb the peak for panoramic city views 📍West Lake Park (16:30-18:00) Jiangnan garden style, perfect for Hanfu photos Lotus flowers bloom in summer 🛍 Souvenirs for the Return Trip Tea oil fermented bean curd (Southern Hengyang specialty) Thin crispy mooncakes (traditional Hengyang pastry) Cloud mist tea (produced in Yumu Mountain) 💡 Practical Tips 🚗 Transportation: High-speed rail to "Hengyang East Station," taxi rides within the city are under 15 RMB Yumu Mountain is best reached by self-driving or chartered car 🏨 Accommodation: Luxury: Linyin Holiday Hotel (near Dongzhou Island) Cost-effective: City Convenience (Jiefang Road branch) 📆 Best Season: Spring and autumn are ideal; beware of mosquitoes in summer 🎯 Trip Highlights ✔ One day of city culture + one day of nearby mountain and water scenery ✔ Covers academy culture, war history, and natural landscapes ✔ Authentic Hunan cuisine experience