WITH the high-speed train network growing in size, more and more cities are within easier reach. For those who are eager to hop on a train to Hunan but are still unsure about where exactly to check out, here we list out the must-see “flower seas” in the south-central China province. The arrival of spring carries with it the blossoming of the canola flower. The famous Wuyuan in Jiangxi Province is not the only place for the spectacular golden view; in Hunan there are also many superb options. Shiniuzhai Nicknamed “Village of Longevity and Hometown of Famous Generals,” Changshou (meaning “l(fā)ongevity”) Ancient Town, an ancient town of Shiniuzhai in Yueyang City, Hunan Province, is full of canola flowers that sweep across the hills starting in January. Beholding the beautiful golden fields this time of the year is one of the better choices for spring outings. The beautiful scenery shows the harmony between man and nature, culture and ecology. In March, the first flower-filled concert was held with the magnificent canola flower sea as its stage, offering tourists a different experience combining music and nature. Besides the golden sea, you can also check out Shiniuzhai National Geological Park, which is one of the protected areas of China. One of the most thrilling attractions of the park is the Haohan Qiao (Brave Men’s Bridge), which is a glass walkway suspended a stomach-flipping 180 meters above a steep drop. It is China’s first all-glass suspension bridge. High-speed train: Shenzhen — Yueyang Gaoping A well-known river, flowing water, age-old karst caves, and the perfect combination of art and nature ... Liuyang has it all. But the most eye-catching color in the mountainous city is the expanse of gold shining between the earth and the sky. That’s the color of the bright canola flowers, which sprawl across farmlands and form a seemingly never-ending sea of yellow blossoms. It’s also the color associated with childhood memories for many people. Walking along the paths criss-crossing canola fields, you will see canola flowers bursting into full bloom everywhere, the hues of which might trigger feelings of nostalgia. Additionally, you can check out Gufeng Karst Cave, which is 30 kilometers from downtown Liuyang. It’s a typical karst cave with a length of thousands of meters. Covering a total area of over 30,000 square meters, it is reputed as the biggest karst cave in eastern Hunan. High-speed train: Shenzhen — Changsha Recommended route: Changsha City — Changsha-Liuyang Highway — Liuyang City — Gaoping Town Shatian Golden terraces of canola flowers in Shatian County in Ningxiang City, Hunan, which stretch tens of kilometers, are a good choice if you want to indulge yourself in the flower sea. Shatian County, rich in tourist resources, is the hometown of famous historical figures as He Shuheng and Xie Juezai. Weishan Mountain is a place that one cannot miss in Ningxiang. Nestled in Ningxiang County of Changsha, Weishan Mountain Scenic Spot was included in the eighth batch of national scenic spots list announced by the State Council in 2012. The scenic spot has become a powerful image for spreading Changsha scenery abroad. Boasting profound culture and splendid scenery, Weishan Mountain reflects the harmony of human and nature of Zen. With the hot springs nearby, it becomes one of the area’s best places for relaxation. High-speed train: Shenzhen — Changsha. Recommended route: Changsha City — Changsha-Changde Highway or Jinzhou Road — Ning Road — roads of Weishan Mountain — Huangcai — Shatian Town. Dadong Village Centered around Dadong Village, there is a pear orchard covering an area of 5,000 mu (333 hectares), which stretches around 10,000 mu to its surrounding area. The annual pear flower culture festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors to appreciate flowers in spring. Tourists can also watch special art performance and taste local Lanshan delicacies. High-speed train: Shenzhen — North Yongzhou Recommended route: Yonglan Highway — exit the highway at Lanshan County — S324 Provincial Highway — Dadong Village (Chen Xiaochun)
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