Chenzhou Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 郴州 (chēn zhōu)
Population: 4,745,000
Area: 19,400 square kilometers (7,490 square miles)
Location: in the southeast of Hunan Province, south-central China
Administrative Division: 2 districts (Beihu and Suxian); 8 counties (Guiyang, Yongxing, Yizhang, Jiahe, Linwu, Rucheng, Guidong, Anren); 1 county-level city (Zixing)
Area Code: 0735
Zip Code: 423000
GDP (2018): CNY 239.19 billion (USD 36.15 billion)

Chenzhou is located in the southwest region of Hunan Province, neighboring Yongzhou to the west, Zhuzhou and Hengyang to the north. It is also bounded on the east by Jiangxi Province and on the south by Guangdong Province. The capital city of Hunan, Changsha, is about 350 kilometers (217 miles) away. The special location gives Hengyang the name of the south gate of Hunan. Chenzhou is also known as a blessed city. The legend that Su Xi'an, Wang Xi'an became immortals was widely spread among the people, resulting in Taoist and Buddhist cultures’ rapid development in this city. Suxian Hill is exactly one of the places immortals were said to come and left their footprints and mystic legends, where you can take an aerial ropeway to look down the whole city. Visitors can also see wonderful Kunju Opera performances and experience thrilling rafting in Dongjiang Lake.

 Suxian Hill: The hill, 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) northeast of city proper, is an attraction mixed with historic legends, beautiful natural sceneries and Taoist relics. The Suxian Temple on the top of the hill is the key scenic spot.
 
 Dongjiang Lake Tourist Area: Dongjiang Lake is in the upper reaches of Dongjiang River in Zixing City. Visitors can not only see a dam, various waterfalls, long canyons, and odd caves, but also experience drifting there which will require two hours. Doushuai Island is the largest island in the lake, with an amazing limestone cave.

When to visit: late April to late October 
 
 Other Scenic Spots: Yangtian Lake, Bianjiang Scenic Area, Mangshan Mountain, Wanhua Cavern

1. Chenzhou Beihu Airport will serve the public in late 2020 and has planned to operate flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Xi'an and other major cities in China.

2. Chenzhou Railway Station is in the Jiefang Road, Beihu District, and the new railway station is located at Zenghuling with service beginning in 2008. Now, the Wuhan - Guangzhou highs speed trains pass through Chenzhou West Railway Station.
 
3. Chenzhou Central Bus Station is located at North Guoqing Road.
 
4. Getting around: Hengyang is about a two-hour drive from Chenzhou. That is to say, visitors can add Mt. Hengshan to their trip around Chenzhou. It will take five hours from downtown Chenzhou to Changsha, and three hours to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

Chenzhou is situated in the subtropical monsoon climate zone, and the weather is humid. Spring usually comes early and the weather is unstable. Summer is long and hot, while it is clear and dry in autumn. A chilly period in winter is relatively shorter. The annual temperature averages 17.4 C (63.3 F).   
 
 When to Go: Actually, Chenzhou is an all-year-round tourist destination, especially pleasant in spring and autumn.  History: An ancient form of the character 'Chen' consisted of two characters, meaning town in forest. Chen, as a county was first built in the Qin Dynasty under the administration of Changsha Shire. Through a thousand years of changes, the Chenzhou has always been the center of administrative organizations here.      
 
 Physical Features: Mountainous and hilly areas make up about three fourths of the city. The terrain generally declines from the southeast to the northwest. Mountains occupy the main part of its southeast region, while the northwest is mixed with hills, hillocks and plains.                
 
 Special Local Products: Linwu Duck, tea (Linglong Tea of Guidong County, Bitter Tea of Rucheng County, Gounao Tribute Tea of Zixing), Guidong dried fungus, pinto beans