To enjoy lotus flowers in Liuhuawan
The best time to enjoy lotus flowers is in July or August, and now the lotus flowers in Liuhuawan are in full bloom.
The lotus leaves together with pink lotus flowers are dancing with the wind, creating outspread green waves and bringing a delicate smell of lotus flowers.
In the morning, the sunlight streams down through trees over the pink petals, adding fantastic color to the lotus pond.
The lotus begins to bloom one after another in June, floating on the water just like bright lanterns. It enjoys a long flowering period that even in September, you can appreciate the blooming flowers. All visitors are welcomed to enjoy the lotus flowers for free.
To wander in the sea of canna flowers
In addition to the vast area of lotus flowers, there are many other views in Liuhuawan.
The canna flowers are in full bloom in Liuhuawan with red or dark yellow corollas, which makes the summer more charming. On a sunny day, the textures of the canna leaves are clearly seen in the sunshine.
Although canna flowers are common, which may grow on the roadside or by the side of a river, it is rare to see such a vast stretch of canna flowers like in Liuhuawan.
Besides, it is also a good place to take photos.
Strolling along the country road in the sunset, you can enjoy the brilliant canna flowers and walking in the sea of flowers, you may find something amazing. You can come here and appreciate the canna flowers during the period between March and December for free.
To visit the ancient village
Liuhuawan ancient village is located at the foot of Luoxian Mountain, where over 400 ancient houses built in Ming and Qing Dynasties are well kept.
Besides, there are old trees, small bridges over the flowing streams, ancestral halls, small academies and stilted buildings, all of which show a strong antique flavor.
These villages are arranged in rows with black tiles and light grey wharf walls.
After wind and rain, although this old village may be not so splendid as before, the exquisite construction technologies, magnificent structures and delicate layouts have been remained.
Walking through the stone bridge, around the lotus pond, you will see the ancient houses. There are narrow lanes, mossy walls, carved windows, thick wooden doors, and even 300-year-old wooden chairs. Visitors are welcomed to experience the antique flavor in Liuhuawan ancient village, Zixing City for free.
To appreciate the mist-enveloped Dongjiang Lake
When traveling in Zixing City, Chenzhou City, you can’t miss the beautiful scene of the mist-enveloped Dongjiang Lake.
In the morning, when the mountains are shrouded in the mist, partly hidden and partly visible, fishermen are rowing on the sparkling lake to cast the nets, a fantastic view which can never be missed.
The air is fresh here, which helps you eliminate fatigue.
The best time to enjoy the beautiful scene of mist-enveloped Dongjiang Lake is from April to October. You may get up early to see the morning mist and if you want to watch the fishermen cast nets, you may go to No.2, No.3 and No.4 viewing platforms. It is worth noting that only the boats with red lanterns will bring you net casting performance. The ticket price is 178 yuan/person.
To taste fish rice noodles
A bowl of fish rice noodles looks red and tastes spicy.
People use local peppers as an ingredient which are ground into powder and then made into chilli oil. Fresh catfish is another essential ingredient. In addition, the stinky soybean oil is also indispensable, which creates a unique taste, defying description.
To taste the braised cock
Chenzhou people’s love for the braised cock is equal to that of Changsha people for the pock cooked with green peppers.
Unlike the people in most places who prefer to eat hens and chicks, people in Chenzhou like cocks. The braised cock is made with the local cocks, which are stir-fried first and then braised with tea oil, dried chilli, ginger and garlic. It tastes crisp and tender with fresh and spicy tastes.
Usually, after eating the chicken meat, noodles will be added into the soup and cooked, which is another food much favored by Hunan natives.