‘World Theme Travel – Hot Places in Southern China’ Part 3, ‘How MZ Lives, Hunan’ will be broadcast on EBS1 TV at 8:40 pm today (13th).
Let’s go to Hunan and Guizhou, southern China, where the scenery where immortals walked and villages full of character!
The mysterious landscape of Hunan unfolds before your eyes! Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
A different world we meet for the first time, a landscape where clouds linger, Chenzhou’s Mt. Mangshan and foggy Dongjiang Lake.
There’s even an astronomical observatory where anyone can talk to the sky! This is the secret world of the continent!
The story of the ‘villages’ of Guizhou and Hunan, which have many traditional villages!
A work of art carved into a mountainside, the terraced rice fields of Dangan-dongchae
A suspicious cliff village that lays ‘stone’ eggs every 30 years
A village that is hot all year round, Gohwayochae and Mureungdowon for youth in their 20s!
A familiar landscape! A secret place you didn’t know about! A curious life! Let’s go to Hunan and Guizhou, the hottest places in southern China these days.
Southern China is a hot travel destination even among locals! This is because you can eat delicious food in a beautiful scenery, and above all, it is cost-effective. In particular, Changsha, the capital of Hunan, is considered a hot place for MZs as it embraces both tradition and modernity. Head to Westonbeiri (西园北里), where you can see the old Hunan Province of the 1970s. As one of Changsha’s historical trails, there are many workshops and galleries using old houses. It is a must-visit course when traveling to Changsha because you can take pictures of your life. The nights of Changsha, the ‘sleepless city’, are even more colorful. Both locals and tourists come out to the streets and enjoy the night. Stinky tofu is a food that originated in Hunan, and Changsha’s stinky tofu is black in color and has less of a bad smell because it is fried once. That’s why they say it’s popular among young people! Let’s enjoy Changsha like local Chinese MZs!
Head west to see the magnificent nature of Hunan Province. A place where anyone can talk to the sky. Therefore, the name is Astronomical Observatory. It is known as the place where Qu Yuan, a politician and poet of the Chu Dynasty, was so moved by the scenery that he wrote a long poem about the sky, nature, and human life, A Book of Heaven. Introducing the absolute unexplored scenery that inspired the artist.
A hot place only locals know about, 3 hours north! There is an eight-faced mountain called ‘Sky Plain’. It was given this nickname because the terrain at the summit is wide and flat. Newly built lodging facilities have been built at the foot of the mountain, and a variety of activities are available in the meadow at the summit. Ride a white horse through the sky meadows, eat Hunan’s signature food at the best observatory of Eight Myeon Mountains, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. A beautiful sunset on the way down from the mountain! Palmyeonsan Mountain is also famous as a ‘sunset restaurant.’ However, the steep slope made the road dizzying, and to make matters worse, we even ran out of oil. Can I get down safely?
Young people in Chinese cities also have a strong desire for rural life. That’s why ‘country living’ is becoming popular. Stay in Sangamdangchon (上甘棠村) for 2 days and 1 night and enjoy the quiet countryside. Zhou Linyong returned to his hometown after living in the city and runs a bed and breakfast with his parents. My daily routine is to take the water buffalo for a walk when it’s hot, and jump into the pond in front of my house when I need fish for dinner. Let’s make unforgettable memories in a peaceful and leisurely countryside.
Economy Queen Reporter Park Yu-mi Photo provided by EBS World Theme Travel
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Travel Expert on Southern China
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this special segment of Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the vibrant landscapes and rich cultures of Southern China, specifically Hunan and Guizhou. Joining me is renowned travel expert, Dr. Liu Feng, who has extensively explored these regions. Dr. Feng, thank you for being here!
Dr. Liu: It’s a pleasure to be here, thank you for having me!
Editor: Let’s start with the stunning landscapes of Hunan. You’ve visited Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which has been described as a ‘different world’ with its enchanting scenery. What makes this park stand out?
Dr. Liu: Zhangjiajie is truly mesmerizing! The towering sandstone pillars inspire the fantastical floating mountains in “Avatar.” The atmospheric conditions create a mystical ‘sea of clouds’ effect. It’s a place where nature feels surreal, offering breathtaking views and a very unique hiking experience. The connection to the sky is palpable; it’s like walking through a dream.
Editor: Speaking of connecting with the sky, I heard there’s an astronomical observatory in this region. Can you tell us more about its significance?
Dr. Liu: Absolutely! The Astronomical Observatory in Hunan is not just a place to stargaze; it carries great cultural significance. It’s a spot where visitors can learn about celestial bodies and their historical relevance in Chinese culture. Legend has it that the famous poet Qu Yuan was so inspired by the night sky there that he penned some of his most profound works. It provides an extraordinary blend of education and inspiration.
Editor: Now, moving to Guizhou, I understand it’s home to some traditional villages. What special experiences do these villages offer to travelers?
Dr. Liu: Guizhou’s traditional villages are like portals into a different time. For example, the terraced rice fields of Dangan-dongchae are not only an agricultural marvel but also a stunning visual experience. Visitors can engage with local farmers, learn about their customs, and even participate in rice planting during the season. Plus, there are fascinating stories surrounding the ‘cliff village’ that lays ‘stone’ eggs every 30 years – it’s both a cultural and mystical phenomenon!
Editor: That’s fascinating! We’re hearing a lot about Hunan and Guizhou being the hottest travel destinations, especially for the MZ generation. What do these regions offer that appeals to younger travelers?
Dr. Liu: The appeal lies in the perfect blend of modernity and tradition. Changsha, for instance, is a vibrant city where nightlife thrives. The local cuisine, notably the stinky tofu, has been reinvented to cater to the tastes of the youth. The historic areas like Westonbeiri allow for creative exploration, with charming galleries and workshops. Young travelers love the photo opportunities and authentic experiences that blend local culture with modern vibrancy.
Editor: It sounds like Changsha truly has an electric atmosphere! With the nightlife being described as ‘Sleepless City,’ what should travelers not miss when experiencing a night out in Changsha?
Dr. Liu: Travelers should definitely partake in a food tour after sunset! Sampling local street food, especially stinky tofu, is a must. Visiting the vibrant night markets is also an experience in itself, with captivating performances and local crafts. Plus, there’s always a sense of community as locals and tourists mingle, adding to the lively atmosphere. Don’t forget to capture the essence of the city with some night photography!
Editor: Lastly, Dr. Feng, if someone wants to experience the essence of Hunan and Guizhou, what would your top recommendation be?
Dr. Liu: I would recommend a balanced itinerary that combines both nature and culture. Start your journey with the breathtaking landscapes of Zhangjiajie, then immerse yourself in the local culture in Changsha. Explore traditional villages in Guizhou to understand the historical depth of the region. And most importantly, engage with the locals; their stories and hospitality will enrich your travel experience immensely.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Liu, for sharing your insights on Southern China. Your passion for these regions is truly captivating!
Dr. Liu: Thank you! I hope everyone considers Southern China as their next travel destination!
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in! Until next time, happy travels!