Yongzhou Attractions

Yongzhou (永州), known as “Xiaoxiang” (潇湘), is one of the most culturally rich destinations in southern Hunan Province. The city gets its name from the meeting of the Xiao River and Xiang River and has long been celebrated for its beautiful landscapes, ancient villages and profound literary heritage. It is the place where the famous Tang Dynasty writer Liu Zongyuan (柳宗元) created the renowned “Eight Records of Yongzhou” (《永州八记》), leaving behind a unique connection between Chinese literature and local scenery.

With a history of more than 2,000 years, Yongzhou combines mountains, rivers, ancient towns, stone inscriptions, Yao ethnic villages and historical sites. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Yongzhou has developed 20 national 4A-level tourist attractions, becoming an important cultural and ecological tourism destination in Hunan.

Yongzhou Tourist Attractions Ranking

Yongzhou Main Tourist Attractions List (Chinese-English Reference)

Top Yongzhou Attractions Recommended for Different Travelers

Jiuyi Mountain & Shun Emperor Mausoleum (九嶷山舜帝陵景区): Best for Chinese History and Cultural Heritage

Jiuyi Mountain (九嶷山) is one of the most important ancestral cultural sites in China. According to traditional Chinese history, Emperor Shun (舜帝), one of the legendary ancient emperors, is buried here. The area combines natural mountain scenery with Chinese civilization heritage and is an important destination for travelers interested in Chinese mythology, history and traditional culture.

Wuxi Stele Forest (浯溪碑林): Best for Calligraphy and Art Lovers

Wuxi Stele Forest (浯溪碑林) is one of the most famous cliff inscription sites in China. The highlight is Yan Zhenqing’s (颜真卿) inscription of “Ode to the Revival of the Tang Dynasty” (《大唐中兴颂》), regarded as one of the greatest examples of Chinese calligraphy carved into stone. The combination of literature, calligraphy and natural scenery makes it unique among Hunan cultural attractions.

Liu Zongyuan Cultural Tourist Zone (柳宗元文化旅游区): Best for Literature Travelers

Liu Zongyuan Cultural Tourist Zone is the symbolic cultural heart of Yongzhou. During his exile here in the Tang Dynasty, Liu Zongyuan created the famous “Eight Records of Yongzhou,” including the well-known “The Little Stone Pool” (《小石潭记》). Visitors can explore Liuzi Temple (柳子庙), ancient streets and landscapes that inspired his writings.

Yangming Mountain National Forest Park (阳明山国家森林公园): Best for Nature and Summer Travel

Yangming Mountain is known as one of China's top summer mountain resorts. The area features dense forests, clear streams and spectacular rhododendron blossoms. In spring, thousands of acres of flowers transform the mountain into a colorful landscape, while summer offers cool temperatures and fresh mountain air.

Yunbing Mountain (云冰山): Best for Winter Scenery

Yunbing Mountain is one of the rare places in southern China where visitors can experience winter landscapes. During cold periods, the mountain is covered with rime ice and frost flowers, creating a northern-style snow scene in southern Hunan. The combination of clouds, wind turbines and frozen landscapes makes it popular among photographers.

Goulan Yao Village (勾蓝瑶寨) and Shanggantang Ancient Village (上甘棠古村): Best for Ancient Village Exploration

Yongzhou is famous for its well-preserved traditional villages. Goulan Yao Village represents the unique culture of the Yao ethnic group, with ancient houses, traditional customs and folk activities. Shanggantang Ancient Village preserves its original settlement pattern and is regarded as one of the best examples of ancient villages in Hunan.