Yongzhou is located in the south of Hunan Province, in the upper reaches of the Xiangjiang River and at the northern foot of the Nanling Mountains. It has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons and abundant rainfall.
Yongzhou, historically known as Lingling, is one of the four ancient prefectures in Hunan with a history of over 2,200 years since its establishment in the Western Han Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty writer Liu Zongyuan was exiled here for ten years and wrote famous works such as 'Eight Records of Yongzhou'.
Yongzhou is a settlement area for the Yao ethnic group, whose culture is rich and colorful. Local specialties include Dong'an Chicken, Yongzhou Blood Duck, and Yao Oil Tea. Yongzhou is also a renowned city of Chinese calligraphy, with masters like Huai Su and He Shaoji hailing from here.
Modern Yongzhou is an important transportation hub and eco-tourism city in southern Hunan. In recent years, it has vigorously developed cultural tourism, with attractions like Lingling Ancient City and Yangming Mountain becoming popular destinations.
The best time to visit 永州 is Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November).
Spring (March-May) offers pleasant temperatures and blooming flowers, ideal for visiting the azalea sea on Yangming Mountain.
Summer (June-August) is hot and rainy, but you can escape the heat at Jiuyi Mountain and enjoy rafting.
Autumn (September-November) has clear skies and crisp air, perfect for hiking and exploring the ancient city.
After Qin Shi Huang unified China, Lingling County was established in Yongzhou, marking the beginning of its administrative history.
Tang Dynasty literary master Liu Zongyuan was demoted to Sima of Yongzhou and lived there for ten years, producing many literary works including 'Eight Records of Yongzhou'.
Yongzhou was awarded the title of 'National Forest City', marking significant achievements in ecological construction.
Recommended places to visit
National 4A-level scenic spot, a well-preserved Ming and Qing ancient city with historical sites like Liuzi Temple and Confucian Temple.
National 4A-level scenic spot and national forest park, famous for rhododendron sea and Buddhist culture.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
A traditional Yao festival commemorating ancestor King Pan, featuring rituals, songs, dances, and sports, inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
A local folk art form in Yongzhou, accompanied by fisherman's drum, combining storytelling and singing, popular in Lingling area.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Yongzhou Railway Station is a high-speed rail station with services to Changsha, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc., convenient transportation.
High-speed rail to Changsha about 1.5 hours, fare about 100 RMB
Yongzhou Lingling Airport offers flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, etc., but with limited frequency.
Flight to Beijing about 2.5 hours, fare about 800 RMB
City bus routes cover main urban areas and attractions, fare 1-2 RMB, some scenic spots have tourist shuttles.
1-2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
A classic Hunan dish, sour and spicy, named after Dong'an County, made with tender chicken, vinegar, and chili.
A signature Yongzhou dish, stir-frying duck blood with duck meat, unique flavor, a must-have at local banquets.
National 4A-level scenic spot, legendary burial site of Emperor Shun, with attractions like Shun Emperor Mausoleum and Zixia Cave.
A temple commemorating Tang Dynasty literary master Liu Zongyuan, located by the Xiao River, a key national cultural relic protection unit.
One of the 'Eight Views of Xiaoxiang' known as 'Night Rain on Xiaoxiang', located at the confluence of Xiao and Xiang rivers.
Traditional Yao drink, made by pounding tea leaves, ginger, garlic, etc., then boiling, served with fried rice and peanuts, rich and delicious.
Street snack in Yongzhou, stir-fried river snails with perilla and chili, sucked with mouth, spicy and addictive.
The breakfast choice of Yongzhou locals, smooth rice noodles with rich broth, topped with beef, chili, etc.