Lengshuijiang City

Lengshuijiang City is a county-level city under the jurisdiction of Loudi City, located in central Hunan Province. It lies along the middle reaches of the Zijiang River and the Xiangqian Railway, covering a total area of about 439 square kilometers with a permanent population of approximately 360,000 (2023). Named after the Lengshuijiang (a section of the Zijiang River), it is a typical industrial and mining city, known as the "World Capital of Antimony." The Xikuangshan antimony mine has the largest reserves in the world, with a mining history of over a century. Lengshuijiang's history can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it belonged to Xinhua County, and in 1969, Lengshuijiang City was established. The city is nestled between mountains and rivers, with the Zijiang River flowing through, forming a "mountain city and water town" layout. As an important energy and raw material base in Hunan Province, Lengshuijiang boasts both industrial heritage and natural scenery. The Boyue Cave karst caves, Dacheng Mountain Buddhist sacred site, and Xikuangshan geological relics form unique tourist attractions. In recent years, it has transformed into an eco-friendly livable city and has been awarded the title of "Hunan Provincial Civilized City."

I. Core Attractions 1. Boyue Cave Scenic Area (National 3A): Located 6 km north of the city center, open 8:00-17:30, ticket 80 yuan. The stalactite wonders inside the cave are hailed as the "No.1 Cave under Heaven," featuring large-scale "goose feather" stalactites, stone curtains, and stone waterfalls. The cave has three levels, with a total length of over 3,000 meters, and the tour takes about 2 hours. 2. Xikuangshan Geopark: 15 km from the city, free admission. It preserves century-old antimony mining relics, including mine tunnels, ore processing plants, and bunkers. You can visit the Xikuangshan Exhibition Hall (free, Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-16:00) to learn about the industrial history of the "World Capital of Antimony." 3. Dacheng Mountain Buddhist Cultural Scenic Area: 8 km south of the city, main peak elevation 724 meters. The temple was first built in the Tang Dynasty, with existing structures like Dacheng Temple and Guanyin Hall. Temple fairs are held on the 19th day of the second, sixth, and ninth lunar months. Mountain climbing and sightseeing are free; incense offerings are at your own expense.

II. Local Cuisine 1. Lengshuijiang Beef Offal: Made from local yellow cattle offal, stewed with chili, Sichuan pepper, and star anise. The soup is rich and spicy. Recommended: "Laozihao Beef Offal Shop" (middle of Jianshe Road), about 30 yuan per person. 2. Zijiang Fish: Wild fish from the Zijiang River (such as mandarin fish and catfish) steamed or braised, tender and fresh. Try at "Zijiang Fishing Port" (Yanjiang Road), about 50 yuan per person. 3. Xikuangshan Smoked Pork: Smoked over firewood, sliced and steamed or stir-fried with garlic sprouts, savory and rich. Available at most restaurants.

III. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation: Lengshuijiang Railway Station is in the city center, with K-series trains to Changsha, Huaihua, Guangzhou, etc. Loudi South High-Speed Rail Station is 50 km away, about 1 hour by bus. The Shanghai-Kunming Expressway and Louxin Expressway pass through the city. Self-driving from Changsha takes about 2.5 hours. 2. Local Transportation: Bus routes 1 and 2 cover major attractions and commercial areas, fare 2 yuan. Taxi starting fare 5 yuan; ride-hailing services are convenient.

IV. Recommended Itinerary One-day tour: Morning: Boyue Cave (2 hours) → Lunch: Beef offal (Jianshe Road) → Afternoon: Xikuangshan Geopark (1.5 hours) → Evening: Stroll along the Zijiang River. Two-day tour: Add Dacheng Mountain hiking and temple experience.