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