‘World Theme Travel – Hot Places in Southern China’ Part 2, ‘To Wuling Island, Zhangjiajie’ will be broadcast on EBS1 TV at 8:40 pm today (12th).
Mysterious landscapes unfolding before your eyes, the absolute unexplored scenery of Hunan! 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!
Autumn in Hunan is mysterious. At Dongjiang Lake in Chenzhou, the largest artificial lake in Hunan Province, a foggy, different world unfolds from spring to fall. It is a landscape that is a replica of a real Chinese landscape painting. Before the water fog disappears, I take a cruise and look around the lake, and two fairies appear in front of me. What is their identity?
A classic from Hunan travel! A landscape that shocked the world when Wu Guanzhong, China’s representative ink painting artist, revealed it to the world! Go to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It is a famous tourist destination known to Koreans as ‘Zhangjiajie’ and is China’s first national forest park with an area of 130㎢. What will Zhangjiajie look like after COVID-19? Although it is a vast park, if you purchase an admission ticket, you can take a free bus to tour the park. Among the many routes, we introduce popular courses that can be explored in one day. If you ride the Baekryong Elevator (百龙天梯), which goes up 326m high in about 2 minutes, you can see the strangely shaped rocks right next to you. Take a bus and see the best rice of Zhangjiajie. From the breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Mondae (迷魂臺) to the mysterious stone bridge that connects the sky, Cheonhajeilgyo (天下第一桥)! Could this be Mureung Island? The rainy, bad weather actually makes Zhangjiajie more mysterious. As we head towards the highlight, Tianzi Mountain, the fog becomes thicker. Will the emperor allow an audience with the traveler?
Stay for a while at Zhenyuan Old Town, located on the way to the remote area of Guizhou. It is a gateway city between Hunan and Guizhou, and an ancient city with buildings from the Ming and Qing periods. The reason Jeonwi Eye Exhibition is famous is because the night is more beautiful than the day! Take a cruise and spend a bright night admiring the lanterns lit up in the buildings along the river.
Back to the north! I head to Xasixiang (Haji Dongjo Village) in search of a young man in his 20s living in his own Wuling Island. The process of getting to the house at the top of the mountain is full of hardships and adversity. Mr. Ryu Woo-won lives in the house where I appeared just as I was about to run out of breath. There is nothing missing in the house built against the cliff. They bring materials directly from the bottom of the mountain, install water and electricity facilities, and grow a vegetable garden to make a living. Ryu Woo-won, who had worked in the city since his teens, returned to his hometown in the mountains because he wanted to live a simple life. Let’s experience the charm of Mureungdowon, built just for one person at the top of the mountain.
Economy Queen Reporter Park Yu-mi Photo provided by EBS World Theme Travel
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Travel Expert Park Yu-mi
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good evening, and welcome to our special segment on travel. Joining us today is Park Yu-mi, the renowned travel expert and economy reporter from EBS, who has just unveiled the latest episode of “World Theme Travel” focusing on the breathtaking landscapes of Southern China. Thanks for being here, Yu-mi!
Park Yu-mi (PY): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share insights from our incredible journey to Hunan and Guizhou.
TNE: Your recent program highlights Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, known for its stunning scenery. Can you tell us what makes this destination so exceptional?
PY: Absolutely! Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first national forest park in China. Its towering sandstone pillars, which inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in “Avatar,” create a fantastical world that feels completely otherworldly. The park spans over 130 square kilometers, offering visitors an immersive experience in nature.
TNE: It sounds truly magical! What can travelers expect in terms of activities while at Zhangjiajie?
PY: Visitors can explore numerous scenic spots using a convenient park bus system. The Baekryong Elevator, for instance, is a must-try. It takes you up 326 meters in just two minutes, treating you to breathtaking views of the unique rock formations. There are also many hiking trails suitable for all levels of experience.
TNE: That sounds thrilling! You also mentioned the “mysterious stone bridge” in your episode. What’s the story behind it?
PY: The stone bridge is fascinating and adds to the mystical feel of Zhangjiajie. It’s part of a natural rock formation that connects two peaks, and it provides a spectacular view of the dense forest below. The legends surrounding these formations make the experience even more enchanting, as many locals believe they are the spirits of ancestors watching over the land.
TNE: Speaking of legends, I understand that autumn in Hunan creates a particularly mesmerizing atmosphere, especially around Dongjiang Lake. Can you describe this experience for our viewers?
PY: Certainly! Dongjiang Lake is the largest artificial lake in Hunan and transforms into a scene straight out of a traditional Chinese landscape painting in the autumn. The mist rolling over the water creates an almost ethereal quality. Taking a cruise before the fog lifts reveals hidden fairy-like figures emerging from the lake, retelling the region’s mythical past. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
TNE: That sounds absolutely enchanting! Alongside natural wonders, you also explored traditional villages in Guizhou and Hunan. What makes these villages unique?
PY: The traditional villages are truly gems. In Guizhou, you can find terraced rice fields that are not just agricultural marvels but also stunning works of art carved into the mountains. One particularly unique village is famous for its “stone eggs” that supposedly lay every 30 years—an intriguing phenomenon! These villages are also vibrant cultural hubs, offering insights into local customs, festivals, and gastronomy.
TNE: Lastly, after the impact of COVID-19, how do you think tourism in these areas is adapting?
PY: The pandemic has certainly reshaped travel, but I believe it has also given rise to more conscious tourism. Many travelers are now seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, which is perfect for areas like Hunan and Guizhou that boast rich history and breathtaking scenery away from the usual tourist crowds. Safety measures have been implemented, and now there’s a renewed appreciation for nature and cultural exchange.
TNE: Thank you, Yu-mi, for this enlightening discussion. It sounds like Southern China is a treasure trove waiting to be explored!
PY: Thank you for having me! I encourage everyone to discover the hidden charms of Hunan and Guizhou. There’s so much beauty to experience!
TNE: And to our viewers, be sure to catch Park Yu-mi’s latest episode of “World Theme Travel” for a deeper dive into these enchanting places. Until next time, happy travels!