Back from Xiaogan, the place that exploded on my Moments.

🌄 When the summer sun shines on the earth, the scorching heat seems to melt everything. In this vibrant August, there is a city like a forgotten treasure, radiating unique charm—Xiaogan. Here, you’ll find not only a rich historical and cultural heritage but also enchanting natural scenery and mouthwatering cuisine. Today, follow my footsteps to start this unforgettable journey in Xiaogan!

🤩 First Impressions of Xiaogan:

Xiaogan, a city named after "filial piety," has a strong cultural atmosphere. Stepping here, you can almost feel the romantic love story of Dong Yong and the Seventh Fairy from ancient legends; every inch of land tells a thousand years of history. At the same time, it doesn’t lack the vitality of a modern city—the bustling streets and lively shopping malls showcase the city’s unique charm.

📅 3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1:
Morning: After arriving in Xiaogan, head to Dong Yong Park, themed around the love story of Dong Yong and the Seventh Fairy. Stroll through the park where pavilions, lakes, and green trees blend beautifully, as if traveling back to that romantic era. Take photos under the locust trees and feel the legendary love.
Noon: Taste Sha Zi Mo at a nearby restaurant—crispy outside, tender inside, with a rich wheat aroma, absolutely delicious.
Afternoon: Visit Jin Hui Manor, where summer flowers are in full bloom. The 300-acre lotus pond is at its peak, and you can ride a black-awning boat through the pink sea of flowers, experiencing the wonder of "accidentally entering the depths of lotus blossoms."
Evening: Enjoy dinner in the city, trying Xiaogan rice wine, which is sweet and fragrant with a slight buzz—one of Xiaogan’s specialty foods. After dinner, stroll through Xiaogan’s night market to feel the local lively atmosphere.

Day 2:
Morning: Go to Guanyin Lake, where the lake and mountains create breathtaking scenery. You can take a boat ride to enjoy the lake view or walk along the shore to breathe fresh air and enjoy nature’s tranquility.
Noon: Have local farmhouse dishes near Guanyin Lake; the Guanyin Lake fish head is recommended—tender fish meat with rich soup.
Afternoon: Head to Shuangfeng Mountain for hiking and panoramic views, breathing fresh mountain air and soaking in the greenery, leaving behind the city’s noise. There are many viewing platforms on the mountain to overlook the entire Xiaogan cityscape.
Evening: Return to the city for accommodation and try Yunmeng fish noodles at the local snack street. The noodles are as fine as hair, smooth in texture, and delicious in flavor.

Day 3:
Morning: Visit Tangchi Hot Springs and soak in the warm spring water to relax your tired body and enjoy a leisurely holiday. The hot spring area offers pools with various effects, so you can choose according to your needs.
Noon: Dine at the hot spring area’s restaurant and rest for a while.
Afternoon: Pack up and prepare to return, ending a pleasant Xiaogan trip.

🏞️ Nearby Attractions:

• Tianyu Lake Resort: The top water quality lake around Wuhan! White sandy beaches and palm trees make you feel like you’re in a mini Sanya. In August, the cold spring pools are as low as 22°C, and you might even encounter a flock of egrets while kayaking.

• Dawu County Red Leaf Scenic Area: Located 500 meters east of Tianhe Primary School in Dawu County, Xiaogan City, Hubei Province. In autumn, the mountains are covered with red leaves, a paradise for photography enthusiasts.

🍱 Must-Try Foods:

• Xiaogan Rice Wine: An intangible cultural heritage craft, fragrant and refreshing, sweet and smooth. There are various ways to enjoy it, including chilled rice wine and thick soup rice wine. The slightly intoxicating taste leaves a lasting impression.

• Yunmeng Fish Noodles: Made mainly from flour and black fish meat, white and fine noodles with a strong fish aroma, known as "longevity noodles," incredibly delicious.

• Hanchuan Heyue Pastry: Crispy pastry filled with lotus seed paste, crispy on the outside and sweet inside, perfect with tea.

• Anlu White Flower Vegetable: Sour and spicy, appetizing whether stir-fried or as a side dish, very good with rice porridge—you can eat three big bowls.

🏠 Accommodation Tips:

• Lakeside Homestay: Boat houses by Tianyu Lake, wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy the beauty of nature.

• City Hotels: Recommended Yujie Hotel, convenient transportation and easy travel, some even offer rice wine vouchers.

🌈 This trip to Xiaogan not only let me appreciate its natural scenery and historical culture but also greatly satisfied my taste buds. Every moment is worth remembering, and every experience is unforgettable. If you also crave a different kind of trip, why not come to Xiaogan? I believe you will fall in love with this city too.