Chenzhou is located in the southeast of Hunan Province, at the northern foot of the Nanling Mountains, at the junction of Hunan, Guangdong, and Jiangxi provinces. It has a subtropical monsoon humid climate with distinct seasons and abundant rainfall, with an average annual temperature of about 18°C. The forest coverage rate reaches 67%, earning it the reputation of "City in the Forest."
Chenzhou has a long history, established as a county in the Qin Dynasty, with over 2,200 years of history. Its name "Chen" means "city in the forest." Zhou Dunyi, a Neo-Confucian scholar of the Song Dynasty, wrote the famous essay "On the Love of the Lotus" here. In modern times, it was an important cradle of the Southern Hunan Uprising.
Chenzhou's culture blends the characteristics of southern Hunan and Lingnan. It has diverse dialects and rich folk customs. The cuisine is based on Hunan cuisine, highlighting fresh, spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors. Representative dishes include Qifengdu Fish Noodles and Linwu Duck. Folk arts include Jiahe Bridal Song and Rucheng Fire Dragon.
Chenzhou is the southern gateway of Hunan connecting to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with convenient transportation. The Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway and Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway run through it from north to south. The economy is supported by nonferrous metals, tourism, and agriculture. Attractions like Dongjiang Lake and Mangshan are famous nationwide.
The best time to visit 郴州 is Suitable all year, best in spring and autumn.
Spring (March-May): The temperature rises, flowers bloom, suitable for flower viewing and outings, especially the peach and rapeseed flowers by Dongjiang Lake.
Summer (June-August): Hot and rainy, but Dongjiang Lake and Mangshan are summer resorts, where you can experience the misty Xiaodongjiang and rafting.
Autumn (September-November): Clear and crisp, with colorful forests, the best season for mountain climbing and sightseeing.
After Qin Shihuang unified the six states, he established Chen County in Chenzhou, under Changsha Commandery, marking the beginning of Chenzhou's administrative history.
When serving as an official in Chenzhou, the Northern Song neo-Confucian philosopher Zhou Dunyi wrote the timeless masterpiece 'On the Love of the Lotus', expressing noble character.
Zhu De and Chen Yi led the Southern Hunan Uprising in Chenzhou, establishing a Soviet regime, which laid the foundation for the Jinggangshan Reunion.
Recommended places to visit
National 5A scenic area, famous for misty Xiaodongjiang, Dongjiang Dam, and Doushui Island. The lake is clear and the morning mist is like a fairyland.
National 4A scenic area, known for primeval forests, strange peaks, hot springs and waterfalls, reputed as the 'Second Xishuangbanna'.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Danxia landform in Chenzhou is part of the China Danxia World Natural Heritage, characterized by red cliffs and colorful rocks, magnificent and unique.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Traditional music of Jiahe County, national intangible cultural heritage. Before the bride's wedding, sisters and friends sing accompanied by songs, with beautiful melodies and sincere emotions.
Traditional dance of Rucheng County, national intangible cultural heritage. The dragon body is made of straw, inserted with incense, danced at night, spectacular and enthusiastic.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Chenzhou West Station is an important stop on the Beijing-Guangzhou high-speed railway, about 1 hour from Changsha South, 1.5 hours from Guangzhou South, and 6 hours from Beijing West.
Changsha-Chenzhou about 150 CNY
Chenzhou's city bus network is well-developed, covering major attractions and urban areas, with fares of 1-2 CNY, and some lines support mobile payment.
1-2 CNY
Opened in 2021, with routes to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Haikou, etc. The airport is about 20 km from the city center, accessible by airport bus or taxi.
Airport bus about 20 CNY
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
The most representative snack of Chenzhou, made with fresh silver carp soup, special chili oil and rice noodles, fresh and spicy with endless aftertaste.
Specialty of Linwu County, China's geographical indication product. The duck meat is firm, pickled with unique techniques, spicy and delicious, a great side dish.
National 4A scenic area, named after the legend of Su Xian, with attractions like Peach Blossom Residence and White Deer Cave, serving as the city's green lung.
National 4A scenic area, a large karst cave group with various stalactites and an exciting underground river rafting.
National 4A scenic area, famous for natural hot springs with water temperature up to 98°C, rich in minerals, a health resort.
Traditional famous dish of Guiyang County, where pork belly is pickled and sealed in a jar for fermentation, the meat is red and bright, fatty but not greasy, mellow and delicious.
Specialty of Jiahe County, stir-fried duck blood with duck meat, purple-red color, tender meat, rich flavor, a must-have at local banquets.
Traditional dish of Anren County, roasted chili peppers mashed and mixed with century egg, garlic paste, etc., spicy and appetizing, simple and delicious.