The Bailang Scenic Area is located in Bailang Town, Zixing City, Chenzhou City, Hunan Province, adjacent to Swan Mountain National Forest Park and Xingning Ancient Town. It is a typical lake-island scenic area. Bailang Town lies in the core area of the East Dongjiang Lake Scenic Area (National 5A Tourist Attraction) and East Dongjiang Lake National Wetland Park, with a lake area of 120,000 mu (80 square kilometers) under its jurisdiction, accounting for half of the East Dongjiang Lake's area. With a forest coverage rate of 86%, Bailang features excellent ecology, lush mountains, and clear waters. Boasting vast water areas, numerous islands, and coexisting landscapes of mountains, waters, forests, and orchards, it is rich in natural resources and known as the "Little Erhai," a National 4A Tourist Attraction.
History and Culture
Zixing County was established in 136 AD (the first year of the Yonghe period in the Eastern Han Dynasty), originally named Hanning, with its county seat located in front of Phoenix Mountain (now part of the former Jiushi Township).
Bailang is the site where Zhu De and Chen Yi led their troops to commemorate the first anniversary of the Nanchang Uprising, and it is also where the Xiangnan Special Committee of the Communist Party of China was founded (Zhongtang Yangjiaping Revolutionary Memorial Site).
Han Opera, originating from Guanzhong, Shaanxi Province, survives only in Bailang within Hunan Province and has been listed as the first batch of intangible cultural heritage in Chenzhou City.
This is the hometown of Bai Wei, a renowned national writer. Influenced by democratic ideas during her youth, Bai Wei developed anti-feudal consciousness and achieved fruitful results in literary creation, making significant contributions to the development of modern Chinese literature.
Main Attractions
East Dongjiang Lake
With clear waters and a vast lake surface, it forms a picturesque contrast with the surrounding mountains. The lake is dotted with over 20 islands, offering rich exploration and sightseeing experiences.
Lakeside Highway
Starting from Changyingtou Wharf and ending at Bailang Village, the highway spans approximately 15 kilometers. Multiple parking viewing platforms are set along the route, suitable for cycling or self-driving tours to admire the lakeside scenery and enjoy the refreshing breeze.
Bailang Wharf
It serves as the main departure point for boat tours on East Dongjiang Lake, providing various water transportation options such as cruise ships and speedboats. Visitors can travel to attractions like Doushuai Lingyan Karst Cave and Phoenix Island to experience water-based sightseeing.
Phoenix Island
Named for its shape resembling a phoenix spreading its wings, the island is home to a large number of wild macaques, making it an ideal place to get close to nature and observe wildlife. With dense vegetation and fresh air, the island also offers panoramic views of the magnificent East Dongjiang Lake.
Doushuai Lingyan Karst Cave
Formed 27 million years ago, the cave features spectacular stalactite, stalagmite, and stone pillar formations created by nature. With an internal area of 65,000 square meters and a depth of over 10 li (5 kilometers), it is hailed as the "No. 1 Cave Under Heaven."
Local Cuisine
East Dongjiang Lake Fish
The clear waters of East Dongjiang Lake produce high-quality fish such as bighead carp and mandarin fish. The fish is tender and nutritious, suitable for steaming, braising, or making fish soup. The most famous dish is East Dongjiang Lake Fish Head Noodles, where fresh fish soup is served with smooth rice noodles for an excellent taste.
Linwu Duck
One of the eight famous duck breeds in China, Linwu Duck is known for its fast growth, large size, and high egg production. With tender meat and delicious flavor, it is often made into cured ducks or roasted ducks, a signature local delicacy.
Qifengdu Fish Noodles
A traditional specialty of Chenzhou, this dish uses fresh fish and homemade rice noodles. The rich and savory soup is believed to aid digestion and nourish the skin, available at restaurants around the Bailang Scenic Area.
Zixing Rice Noodles with Goose
Local farm geese and high-quality rice noodles are used, with the goose meat stewed until tender and then braised with noodles. The noodles absorb the rich goose broth, offering a chewy texture and flavorful taste, a characteristic rural dish of the region.
Admission Fees
The Bailang Scenic Area is free to enter, but separate tickets are required for some attractions: Phoenix Island (80 RMB/person), Doushuai Lingyan Karst Cave (70 RMB/person), and cruise tickets range from 50 to 150 RMB depending on the route.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open 24 hours, with varying hours for individual attractions: Phoenix Island and Doushuai Lingyan Karst Cave are open from 8:00 to 17:30; cruise departures from Bailang Wharf are from 8:30 to 16:00, subject to daily announcements.
Tour Routes
One-day tour route: Arrive at Bailang Wharf in the morning and take a cruise to Doushuai Lingyan Karst Cave for a 2-hour tour of its wonders; have lunch near the wharf to taste local dishes like East Dongjiang Lake fish; spend the afternoon cycling or driving along the Lakeside Highway to enjoy the scenery, stopping at viewing platforms for photos; finally, visit Phoenix Island to observe wild macaques (about 3 hours), and return in the evening.
Transportation
- Public Transport: Take Bus No. 201 from Chenzhou Urban Area to Luowei Station in Zixing City, transfer to Zixing Bus No. 3 to Bailang Town Government Station, and walk to the scenic area.
- Self-Driving: From Chenzhou Urban Area, drive east along Chenzhou Avenue, turn onto Ziwugong Road, and then take Bailang Road to the scenic area (about 50 km, 1.5 hours). From Changsha, take Jinggang'ao Expressway and Xiarong Expressway, exit at Zixing, and follow Zixing Avenue and Bailang Road (about 350 km, 4.5 hours).
Must-See Attractions
- East Dongjiang Lake: A vast lake with numerous islands and stunning landscapes, the core attraction where visitors can boat or stroll along the shore.
- Lakeside Highway: A 15-km scenic route perfect for cycling or driving, offering panoramic views of East Dongjiang Lake.
- Doushuai Lingyan Karst Cave: A 27-million-year-old geological marvel with diverse stalactite formations, ideal for visitors interested in natural wonders.
- Phoenix Island: Shaped like a phoenix, the island is home to macaques and offers breathtaking lake views, suitable for family trips and nature lovers.
Tour Tips
- Wear comfortable sports or casual shoes for cycling and hiking.
- Apply sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses in summer; dress warmly in winter due to temperature variations.
- Follow staff instructions and wear life jackets when boating.
- Check attraction opening hours and cruise schedules in advance to plan your itinerary.
- Choose licensed restaurants for local cuisine to ensure food safety.
Notes
- Protect the environment by not littering or damaging vegetation and facilities.
- Avoid feeding macaques on Phoenix Island to prevent scratches.
- Obey traffic rules when driving, pay attention to speed limits, and drive cautiously on winding roads.
- Seek shelter in safe areas during thunderstorms; avoid staying near lakes or under trees.
- Keep personal belongings secure, especially in crowded areas and on cruises.