Langshan Scenic Area is located in Xinning County, Shaoyang City, Hunan Province, lying in the eastern section of the Yuecheng Ridge Mountains at the junction of Hunan and Guangxi. Covering a total area of 108 square kilometers with a core area of 40.38 square kilometers, it is a World Natural Heritage site, a National 5A - level Tourist Attraction, a National Scenic Area, and a National Geopark. Famous for its typical Danxia landforms, Langshan stands out as a representative of China's Danxia landforms integrating grandeur, wonder, peril, elegance and seclusion. It boasts more than 60 major geological and geomorphological scenic spots, including core landscapes such as Bajiaozhai, La Jiao Feng (Chili Peak), Tianyi Lane and the Fuyi River. With diverse and high - grade Danxia landform types, it is praised by geological experts as "the Soul of Danxia and a Treasure of the Country".
Historical Culture
The development history of Langshan dates back to the Song Dynasty. According to the Records of Xinning County, monks had built a nunnery on Bajiaozhai for practice as early as the Northern Song Dynasty. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Langshan gradually became a popular destination for literati and scholars to visit and inscribe poems. Jiang Shilin, a poet of the Qing Dynasty, once wrote the poem "Langshan abounds in exotic rocks that tower into the clouds". In 2001, Langshan was approved as a National Geopark by the Ministry of Land and Resources. In 2002, it was designated as a National Scenic Area by the State Council. In 2010, Langshan successfully applied for World Natural Heritage status as part of a joint application with Danxia Mountain in Guangdong, Taining in Fujian and other sites. In August 2016, Langshan Scenic Area was officially accredited as a National 5A - level Tourist Attraction.
Xinning County, where Langshan is situated, boasts a profound historical and cultural heritage. As a confluence of Chu Culture and Baiyue Culture, it has nurtured rich folk cultures such as the Yao folk songs and Flower - Drum Opera. The scenic area also preserves cultural relics from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, including ancient villages and temples. Among them, the cluster of ancient residences in Yaoshi Village from the Ming and Qing Dynasties is well - preserved and of great historical value.
Major Scenic Spots
Bajiaozhai
Bajiaozhai is the main peak of Langshan, with an altitude of 818 meters. It gets its name from the eight protruding corners of the main peak. On the top of the mountain lies the site of Yuntai Temple, which was first built in the Northern Song Dynasty and its existing buildings were reconstructed in recent years. The most renowned landscape here is "Whales Frolicking in the Sea of Clouds". On cloudy and foggy days, the Danxia peak forest resembles thousands of whales playing in the sea of clouds, presenting a magnificent spectacle. In addition, the "Dragon Head Incense" at Bajiaozhai is hailed as a unique wonder in the world. A Danxia stone beam about 5 meters long juts out from the cliff at an altitude of 818 meters, with a small temple built at its top. Only one person can pass through it at a time, earning it the reputation of "the Most Perilous Spot in Langshan".
La Jiao Feng (Chili Peak)
La Jiao Feng stands at an altitude of 180 meters, with a vertical height of 128 meters. The entire red stone peak looks just like an enormous red chili, making it a typical representative of Langshan's Danxia landforms. In 2002, Alain Robert, the French "Spider - Man", climbed La Jiao Feng with his bare hands, setting a new rock - climbing record. At the foot of the peak lies the ancient Linjia Village, which preserves more than 30 Yao residences from the Ming and Qing Dynasties and is an ideal place to experience Yao culture.
Tianyi Lane
Tianyi Lane is 238.8 meters long, with cliff walls on both sides ranging from 80 to 120 meters in height. It is 0.8 meters at its widest point and only 0.33 meters at its narrowest, allowing only one person to pass sideways. Mr. Chen Guoda, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, praised it as "the No.1 Lane in the World". The lane maintains a constant temperature of 18 - 22℃ all year round. Rare animals and plants such as bats and stone ears grow on the cliff walls on both sides. There are three "skylights" on the top of the lane. When sunlight pours through these skylights, a unique landscape of "a narrow strip of sky" is formed.
The Fuyi River
The Fuyi River is known as the mother river of Langshan. It stretches for 238 kilometers in total, with about 22 kilometers flowing through the Langshan Scenic Area. The river water is crystal clear, and the Danxia peaks and forests on both banks are reflected in the water, forming iconic scenic spots like General Stone, Woodpecker Stone and Warship Stone. Drifting on a bamboo raft along the river, visitors can appreciate the artistic conception depicted in the poem "The apes' cries echo endlessly on both banks; the light boat has sailed past thousands of mountains", which is the most poetic way to tour Langshan.
Zixia Dong
Zixia Dong is a typical Danxia landform and gets its name from the Zixia Taoist Temple located inside the mountain. It houses cultural landscapes such as the Zixia Taoist Temple and the Tomb of Liu Guangcai. Liu Guangcai was a famous general who resisted the French invasion in the late Qing Dynasty. The exquisitely carved stone figures and stone horses in front of his tomb are of high artistic value. Zixia Dong is also a sacred place for both Buddhism and Taoism, and was historically known as "Zixia Immortal Mountain". A large number of believers come to pay homage here every year.
Recommended Travel Route
A recommended 3 - day itinerary is as follows: On the first morning, visit Bajiaozhai to admire the landscapes of "Whales Frolicking in the Sea of Clouds" and the "Dragon Head Incense". In the afternoon, head to La Jiao Feng, climb the peak and visit the ancient Linjia Village. On the second morning, explore Tianyi Lane to experience the magic of "the No.1 Lane in the World". In the afternoon, tour Zixia Dong and visit the Zixia Nunnery and the Tomb of Liu Guangcai. On the third morning, take a bamboo raft drift on the Fuyi River to enjoy the Danxia scenery on both banks, and depart for home in the afternoon. The total walking distance is about 15 kilometers, so it is advisable to wear comfortable sports shoes.
Travel Tips
- The best time to visit Langshan is spring (April - May) and autumn (October - November). In spring, azaleas are in full bloom, and in autumn, the colors of the Danxia landforms are more vivid.
- It is recommended to visit Bajiaozhai in the morning, as it is easier to see the sea of clouds. Remember to bring a jacket since the wind is strong on the mountain top.
- The ground inside Tianyi Lane is quite slippery, so non - slip shoes are recommended. Due to the narrow space of the lane, you may need to queue up to pass through. It is suggested to visit during off - peak hours.
- You can take a camera to shoot the scenery on both banks while drifting on the Fuyi River, but be sure to protect the camera from water damage.
- Catering prices inside the scenic area are relatively high. It is more cost - effective to dine in the county seat or at farm - stay restaurants around the scenic area.
Notes
- Most of the roads in the scenic area are mountain roads with steep steps. It is recommended to travel in groups and pay close attention to safety, especially at dangerous spots like the "Dragon Head Incense" at Bajiaozhai.
- Please protect the environment of the scenic area. Do not litter randomly or damage the vegetation and geological landscapes.
- When taking a bamboo raft drift, please put on a life jacket, follow the instructions of the raft operator, and do not stand up or play in the water randomly.
- The scenic area is crowded during holidays. It is advisable to book tickets and accommodation in advance to avoid delaying your trip.
- Climbing is required at some scenic spots such as Bajiaozhai and Tianyi Lane. It is recommended to carry drinking water and snacks to replenish energy.
Transportation
- By Air: You can first arrive at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport or Changsha Huanghua International Airport. The distance from Guilin to Langshan is about 140 kilometers, and the driving time is 2.5 hours. The distance from Changsha to Langshan is about 380 kilometers, and the driving time is 4.5 hours. You can rent a car at the airport or take an intercity bus to reach the scenic area.
- By Train: Take a train to Xinning Station (High - speed Railway) or Shaoyang Station. There are shuttle buses directly from Xinning Station to the scenic area, with a travel time of about 40 minutes. The distance from Shaoyang Station to the scenic area is about 150 kilometers, and the driving time is 2.5 hours. You can take an intercity bus or a chartered car to get there.
- By Coach: Intercity coaches to Langshan are available from cities such as Changsha, Guilin and Shaoyang. Changsha West Bus Station operates two departures daily (8:30 and 14:00), and the journey takes about 4.5 hours. Guilin Qintan Bus Station has three daily departures (9:00, 13:30 and 16:30), with a travel time of about 2.5 hours.
- By Self - driving: Starting from Changsha, take the Changsha - Shaoyang - Loudi Expressway and the Erguang Expressway, and exit at Xinning. The total distance is about 380 kilometers, and the driving time is 4.5 hours. Starting from Guilin, take the Quannan Expressway and the Zixing Expressway, and exit at Langshan. The total distance is about 140 kilometers, and the driving time is 2.5 hours. The scenic area has a large parking lot, with a parking fee of 10 yuan per day.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open all year round. The opening hours are from 7:30 to 17:30 in summer and from 8:00 to 17:00 in winter. The bamboo raft drift on the Fuyi River is available from 8:30 to 16:30, and the specific hours may be adjusted according to the weather conditions.
Ticket Information
The ticket price is 136 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat official account "崀山景区" to get the latest updates or buy tickets online.
Online Booking
Click here to jump to the Trip.com ticketing platform for ticket purchase.
