Huanglong Cave, Western Hunan: Experience the Wonders of Nature

Hey ladies! Huanglong Cave in Western Hunan is absolutely stunning!😍 As a neighbor to the filming location of *Avatar*, this "World's All-Around Champion Cave" is definitely worth checking out! I stayed at the Grand Mercure Hotel (Longshan Branch) and put together a super detailed guide, so follow along and avoid any missteps!👇 🏨[Accommodation Recommendation] 📍 Grand Mercure Hotel (Longshan Branch) Location advantage: About a 1-hour drive from Huanglong Cave Scenic Area, super convenient for self-driving or chartering a car! There's a street with Western Hunan snacks near the hotel, perfect for late-night rice noodles and barbecue!🍢 Hotel features: Spacious and bright rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering mountain views, super comfy bedding, perfect for recharging after a long day of exploring!💤 Must-try Hunan rice noodles for breakfast, paired with pickled green beans and cured bacon, simply divine!🍜 🗓[Itinerary] Day 1: Exploring Huanglong Cave + Night Stroll in the Ancient Town Morning: 8:00 am: Depart after breakfast at the hotel, self-drive/charter a car to Huanglong Cave (1-hour drive, navigate to "Huanglong Cave Scenic Area").🚗 9:30 am: Arrive at the scenic area, tickets are 150 CNY/person (including sightseeing bus), half price with a student ID!🎫 Noon: 12:00 pm: Enjoy Tujia cuisine at the cave restaurant. Recommended dishes: sour soup fish, stir-fried bacon with bracken, around 50 CNY per person!🌶 Afternoon: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: In-depth cave exploration! Must-see spots: 1⃣ Dragon Palace Hall: Thousands of stalagmites resemble coiled dragons, incredibly dreamy under the lights! 2⃣ The Needle of the Sea God: A 19.2-meter-high stone pillar, the "treasure" of the cave! 3⃣ Underground River: Take a boat through the cave, the stalactites on both sides look like an alien world!🚤 Photo tips: Wear light-colored clothing, use a wide-angle lens, and shoot upwards while avoiding crowds for better photos!📸 Evening: 6:00 pm: Return to the hotel, take a short break, and then explore the Longshan Ancient City night market. Enjoy rice tofu, baked sweet potato skins, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Western Hunan!🌙 Day 2: Leisurely Trip Around + Return Morning: 9:00 am: After breakfast at the hotel, drive 30 minutes to Furong Town (75 CNY entrance fee), and check out the "Millennium Ancient Town Hanging on a Waterfall," the filming location of the movie *Furong Town*!💦 11:00 am: Take ethnic-style photos at the Tusi Palace in the ancient town. Miao clothing rentals are 20 CNY/hour!👗 Noon: 12:30 pm: Recommended restaurant: Furong Town Restaurant. Must-try dishes: bacon rice crust, mashed chili peppers with preserved eggs, spicy and satisfying!🔥 Afternoon: 2:00 pm: Buy souvenirs before returning! Recommended: Longshan bacon, ginger candy, Miao embroidered handkerchiefs, perfect for gifts or personal use!🛍 🌟[Must-See Highlights] 1⃣ Huanglong Cave Light Show: Explore the cave at night (separate ticket required), the colorful lights make it feel like traveling through another world!🎇 2⃣ Cave Science: Learn about the 240-million-year-old stalactites in the cave with fascinating explanations from the tour guide!🔍 3⃣ Miao Clothing Experience: Rent Miao clothing and headwear in Furong Town and take amazing photos for your social media!📷 🍽[Food Recommendations] 1⃣ Tujia Restaurant in the Cave: The sour and spicy fish is incredibly appetizing, especially when paired with the 18°C cool air inside the cave! 2⃣ Longshan Night Market Barbecue: Grilled beef tallow and grilled tofu are must-tries, eat your fill for around 30 CNY per person! 3⃣ Furong Town Rice Tofu: The same dish enjoyed by Liu Xiaoqing, soft, glutinous, and chewy, topped with chili oil, it's amazing! 💡[Tips to Avoid Pitfalls] 1⃣ Clothing suggestions: The temperature inside the cave is consistently 16-18°C, wear a light jacket and non-slip shoes!👟 2⃣ Self-driving precautions: The mountain roads have many curves, novice drivers are advised to charter a car (the hotel can help arrange this). 3⃣ Save money on tickets: Buy tickets online in advance for 10-20 CNY off the on-site price!💰 4⃣ Avoid unofficial tour guides: The route inside the cave is clear, just follow the signs, don't trust the touts on the roadside! Experience the magic of Huanglong Cave and the vibrant atmosphere of Western Hunan in just 2 days and 1 night! Tag your besties and let's go!💃