Dongting Lake Travel Guide!

Dongting Lake is the second largest freshwater lake in China, located in the northern part of Hunan Province. It attracts many tourists with its magnificent lake and mountain scenery and rich cultural heritage. Below is a detailed travel guide covering attractions, transportation, food, and accommodation. --- **1. Main Attractions Recommended** **Yueyang Tower and Dongting Lake Scenic Area** - **Yueyang Tower**: One of the three famous towers in Jiangnan. Climb the tower to overlook the entire Dongting Lake and feel the heroic spirit in Fan Zhongyan’s words, "Be the first to worry about the world’s troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures." Reciting the "Record of Yueyang Tower" grants free admission. - **Junshan Island**: A small island in Dongting Lake, associated with the legendary two consorts of Emperor Shun, Ehuang and Nuying. Attractions on the island include Xiangfei Temple and Liuyi Well. Accessible by boat or car, ticket price is 60 RMB per person. - **Baling Square**: Located near Yueyang Tower, featuring the "Houyi Slays the Serpent" sculpture, ideal for an evening stroll and sunset viewing. **Nanhu Tourism Resort Area** - **Three Loops Around Nanhu Lake**: You can walk, cycle, or take a sightseeing bus (30 RMB for unlimited rides all day) to tour the 28.2 km lakeside route, passing the "Ten Scenic Spots of Nanhu" such as St. Anta Shadow and Taibai Moonlight. - **China Giant Panda Garden**: Home to 10 giant pandas, perfect for family trips, also featuring an amphibian and reptile pavilion and a snow and ice world. - **Dongting Lake Town**: Includes the Intangible Cultural Heritage Crafts City, Le Su Go-Kart, and a handmade experience center, suitable for family fun. **Other Recommendations** - **Sheng’an Temple**: An ancient Zen Buddhist temple; climb the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda for a panoramic view of Nanhu Lake. - **Piaowei Sunset**: A stunning sunset viewing spot by Dongting Lake, great for photography. - **Old Site of the Missionary School**: A blend of Chinese and Western architecture, perfect for vintage-style photos. --- **2. Transportation** - **Airplane**: Fly to Changsha Huanghua Airport, then transfer by high-speed train or bus to Yueyang (about 1.5 hours). - **High-speed Train**: Yueyang East Station has multiple high-speed trains connecting to Changsha, Wuhan, and other cities. - **Self-driving**: Rich self-driving routes around the lake, such as Changsha—Qiaokou Ancient Town—Yiyang—Yueyang, ideal for in-depth travel. - **Local Transport**: Bus No. 15 goes directly to Junshan Island; round-trip boat tickets cost 60 RMB per person. --- **3. Food Recommendations** - **Yueyang Barbecue**: Local favorites include Paotaishan Night Market and Dingsanmao Barbecue. - **Special Snacks**: Doupi (tofu skin), Lei tea, and Junshan Silver Needle tea from Bianhe Street. - **Lake Freshwater Restaurants**: Wangwang Youyu and Chen Daguo Fish Restaurant. --- **4. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Near Yueyang Tower**: Convenient for visiting core attractions, such as the Pullman Hotel. - **Around Nanhu Lake**: Beautiful environment, recommended Nanhu Hotel. - **Pedestrian Street Area**: Convenient transportation, suitable for budget travelers. --- **5. Best Travel Time** - **Spring (March-May)**: Pleasant climate, ideal for outings. - **Summer (June-August)**: Participate in Dongting Lake water sports or the Ice Cream Festival (held in July). - **Winter (November-February)**: Best season for bird watching. --- **6. Practical Tips** - **Ticket Discounts**: Half price for students and military personnel with ID; free admission for seniors over 70. - **Weather**: Hot in summer, remember sun protection; keep warm for bird watching in winter. - **Itinerary Suggestion**: Three days are enough to visit main attractions like Yueyang Tower, Junshan Island, and Nanhu Lake. Hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Dongting Lake!