Things to do in Shuangpai

The environment of Yangmingshan Scenic Area is good, but the service is not up to par. The supporting facilities, especially the public toilets, are dirty and smelly, as if they have not been cleaned for a long time. As a paid 4A scenic area, the public toilets are also the facade. The scenic area should not only make money, but also provide inadequate service and management.

The autumn wind, like a magician, turns the ginkgo leaves into dazzling golden color. Some of them hang on the branches, some fall to the ground. The whole mountains and fields are covered with golden armor, just like a fairyland where immortals live.

Learning about our historical predecessors is a great loss, especially the talented Liu Zongyuan, who died at the young age of 47. We should cherish the present. This place should be open to tourists; I truly believe it shouldn't charge an entrance fee.

I passed through Yongzhou in early February and stayed for two days, visiting several attractions. The Liu Zongyuan Cultural Tourism Area is actually Lingling Ancient City, which is quite small. To get there, you can cross the Xiaoshui River via the Xiake Ferry from the Dongshan Scenic Area across the river. The Xiaoshui River is emerald green, and the ferry is shimmering. While the ancient city is small, it has a strong commercial atmosphere with many new buildings. Expansion is ongoing everywhere, including road paving, which detracts from its charm. Although many of the original sites from Liu Zongyuan's "Eight Records of Yongzhou" are no longer there, walking along the historical sites is still worthwhile.

Stepping into Lingling Ancient City is like traveling back a thousand years. The streets and alleys are simple and elegant, the shops are arranged in a neat and orderly manner, and the lights are dazzling at night. It has both the gentleness of the Jiangnan water towns and the profound cultural heritage of Hunan. Strolling around is comfortable and pleasant, and it is well worth a visit.

No need to make a special trip. The environment is nice, but the architecture is only worth looking at from the outside; the inside is messy and uninteresting.

Worth a visit!

Orange Island is a bit of a mixed experience, and I'm honestly not entirely sure whether I'd consider it a must-visit in Changsha.It's a large, green, and pleasant park, with beautiful riverside views and plenty of space for walking. If you enjoy places with historical significance or simply want to experience a different side of the city, it's definitely worth considering.Most visitors seem to take the sightseeing train to the southern end of the island, where the famous Mao Zedong statue is located. That's also where you'll find plenty of people taking photos, so don't expect a particularly quiet experience.The main downside is that visiting the island takes quite a bit of time, especially if you want to explore it properly. And while it's certainly a nice place, I'm not sure the experience justifies spending several hours here if you have a limited amount of time in Changsha and other places you'd like to see.On the other hand, if you're simply looking for a relaxing walk through a green park, with opportunities to stop by the river and enjoy the scenery, it's a lovely option.Overall, I'd say it's worth visiting if you have some extra time or are particularly interested in Chinese history. Otherwise, I wouldn't necessarily put it at the very top of your Changsha itinerary.

When visiting Guilin, a must-see is Elephant Trunk Hill, the city's iconic landmark. It truly lives up to its reputation as the face of Guilin's landscape; only by seeing it in person can one truly appreciate the wonders of nature. The entire mountain sits on the banks of the Li River, resembling a giant elephant bowing to drink from the water. The Water Moon Cave cuts through the mountain, its reflection shimmering in the water, creating the famous Elephant Trunk Hill and Water Moon spectacle—a flowing ink painting. The scenic area is clean and comfortable, with walking paths built along the Li River, shaded by lush trees, making for a delightful stroll. You can climb the mountain for panoramic views of Guilin, or find classic vantage points along the riverbank to capture stunning, atmospheric photos. Boat trips are also available, offering a different and breathtaking perspective of Elephant Trunk Hill from the river. The scenic area is conveniently located in the city center, with excellent transportation and comprehensive facilities. Every step reveals a new vista, allowing you to truly experience the unparalleled beauty of Guilin's landscape. Don't miss it when traveling to Guilin; it's definitely worth a visit.