Dong'an County

Dong'an County, under the jurisdiction of Yongzhou City, Hunan Province, is located in the southwestern part of Hunan, upstream of the Xiang River. It borders Lengshuitan District to the east, Lingling District to the south, Quanzhou County of Guangxi to the west, and Xinning County of Shaoyang City to the north. The county covers an area of 2,219 square kilometers, governing 13 towns and 2 townships, with a total population of about 630,000 (2023). Dong'an has a long history, established as a county in the sixth year of the Yuanding era of the Western Han Dynasty (111 BC). Its name means 'peace in the east,' as it lies east of Lingling Commandery. Dong'an is renowned as the 'Hometown of Martial Arts' in southern Hunan, with traditional martial arts like Dong'an Boxing and Dong'an Stick having a long history and being listed as Hunan provincial intangible cultural heritage. It is also the 'Hometown of Virtue Culture in China,' centered on Shun's virtue culture, boasting rich natural and cultural landscapes. The county features the national 4A-level tourist attraction Shunhuang Mountain National Forest Park, as well as provincial-level cultural relic protection units such as Guangli Bridge and Wugong Pagoda. Dong'an is abundant in products, with specialties like Dong'an Chicken and Dong'an Ziyun Ginger renowned both at home and abroad. As an important node of the Hunan-Guangxi Corridor, Dong'an combines the beauty of mountains and waters with cultural charm, making it a shining pearl of tourism in southern Hunan.

I. Core Attractions

1. Shunhuang Mountain National Forest Park (4A) Address: Damiaokou Town, Dong'an County, about 30 km from the county seat. Opening Hours: 8:00-17:30. Ticket: Adult ticket 70 yuan (including internal transport). Features: Set against the backdrop of Emperor Shun's southern tour culture, the main peak is 1,882.4 meters above sea level, one of the highest peaks in southern Hunan. The park has numerous waterfalls, including the Shunhuang Waterfall, known as the 'First Waterfall in Southern Hunan,' with a drop of over 100 meters. Activities include hiking, cloud sea viewing, and rhododendron appreciation (best in April-May). Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 days.

2. Guangli Bridge (Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Unit) Address: Zixi Town, Dong'an County, 15 km from the county seat. Opening Hours: Open all day, free. Features: Built in the 38th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1773), it is a three-arch stone bridge, 58 meters long and 6 meters wide, with exquisite stone lions and dragon carvings. It is one of the best-preserved ancient stone arch bridges in southern Hunan, surrounded by pleasant rural scenery.

3. Wugong Pagoda (Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Unit) Address: Baiyashi Town, Dong'an County, within the county seat. Opening Hours: Open all day, free. Features: Built in the 49th year of the Qianlong reign (1784), it is a seven-story brick pagoda, 28 meters high. Climbing it offers a panoramic view of the county seat. The pagoda has inscriptions recording Dong'an's history, making it an important material for studying Qing architecture and local history.

4. Dong'an Zishui National Wetland Park Address: Along the Zishui River from Zixi Town to Baiyashi Town, Dong'an County. Opening Hours: Open all day, free. Features: Covering about 1,200 hectares, it centers on the Zishui River ecological corridor, with rich wetland flora and fauna. Activities include cycling along the river and bird watching. The scenery is especially magnificent when rapeseed flowers bloom in spring.

5. Dong'an Martial Arts Cultural Experience Center Address: Inside Dong'an County Sports Center (Jianshe Avenue, county seat). Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (reservation required). Features: Displays the history and heritage of Dong'an martial arts. Visitors can watch martial arts performances (weekends and holidays) and experience traditional martial arts teaching like Dong'an Boxing and Dong'an Stick.

II. Specialties and Shopping

1. Dong'an Chicken Dong'an Chicken is a classic Hunan dish, known for its rich vinegar aroma and sour-spicy taste. Authentic Dong'an Chicken uses local free-range chicken, cooked with rice vinegar, chili, and shredded ginger. Recommended place: 'Dong'an Chicken Food Street' (near Jianshe Road) in the county seat, average cost about 50 yuan per person.

2. Dong'an Ziyun Ginger Produced in Ziyun Mountain, Dong'an, it has tender, crisp flesh and moderate spiciness, suitable for raw consumption or pickling. Available at local specialty stores, priced around 15 yuan per jin (0.5 kg).

3. Dong'an Cured Meat Made using traditional smoking techniques, the meat is firm and fragrant. Can be purchased at farmers' markets or near scenic spots; choose products with QS certification.

4. Dong'an Rice Noodles A breakfast favorite, with broth made from pork bones, served with pickled beans, peanuts, and chili oil. Recommended shop: 'Old Brand Rice Noodle Shop' (Jiefang Road) in the county seat.

III. Transportation Guide

1. External Transportation - High-speed rail: Dong'an East Station (Hengyang-Liuzhou High-speed Railway), with over 20 trains daily, direct to Changsha (about 2.5 hours), Guilin (about 1 hour), Guangzhou (about 4 hours). From Dong'an East Station to the county center, taxi takes about 10 minutes (10 yuan). - Highway: Quannan Expressway (G72) passes through, with a Dong'an exit. Yongzhou Lingling Airport is about 60 km from Dong'an county seat; taxi or airport bus to Dong'an (about 1 hour).

2. Internal Transportation - Bus: 5 bus routes within the county seat, fare 2 yuan, covering major attractions. To reach Shunhuang Mountain, take the 'Dong'an-Damiaokou' shuttle from the county bus station (fare 15 yuan, every 30 minutes). - Taxi: Starting fare 5 yuan, most destinations within the county seat cost under 10 yuan. - Self-driving: Recommended; roads in Dong'an county seat are good, and scenic spots have parking lots.

IV. Recommended Itineraries

One-day tour: Morning visit Shunhuang Mountain Forest Park (waterfall viewing, summit), afternoon visit Guangli Bridge and Wugong Pagoda, dinner taste Dong'an Chicken. Two-day tour: Day 1: In-depth Shunhuang Mountain tour (including overnight stay at a farm stay at the foot); Day 2: Cycling at Zishui Wetland Park + Dong'an martial arts experience, buy specialties before departure.

V. Notes - For Shunhuang Mountain hiking, wear non-slip shoes and bring rain gear (mountain weather is changeable). - The spiciness of Dong'an Chicken can be adjusted; inform the restaurant in advance. - Local residents have a strong martial arts tradition; if you encounter a martial arts performance, you may politely participate in interactions.