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3 Days Changde City Tour to Discover Taohuayuan
Tour Overview
Changde (常德), nestled in the northern part of Hunan Province, is a city known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and exceptional local cuisine. It offers a perfect...
Code of Tour: CDT0000091402
Length of Travel: 3 Day
Destinations of Tour:
Departure City: Changde
Price of Tour: Request
Type of Tour: Private
Features of Tour:
Changde (常德), nestled in the northern part of Hunan Province, is a city known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and exceptional local cuisine. It offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and flavor, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in authentic Chinese culture and enjoy regional specialties.
This 3-day tour provides an in-depth exploration of Changde’s historic landmarks, picturesque lakes, and tranquil natural spots, while also highlighting its culinary delights. From ancient ruins to modern museums, from serene lakes to vibrant street food scenes, this itinerary captures the essence of Changde and its surrounding areas.
Changde’s strategic location along the Yuanjiang River (沅江) adds to its charm, with beautiful riverfront parks, charming ancient streets, and nearby scenic areas like Taohuayuan (桃花源), a famous idyllic retreat inspired by Tao Yuanming’s classical writings. The city is also renowned for its delicious rice noodles, spicy duck dishes, and sweet local wine, all of which offer visitors a taste of its culinary traditions.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie, Changde promises a well-rounded and unforgettable experience. The itinerary is designed to offer a balance between cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and tasting the best local dishes, making it an ideal choice for a 3-day getaway.
Key Highlights of the Tour:
- Visit historical and cultural sites like Changde Poem Wall Park (常德诗墙公园) and Changde Museum (常德博物馆) to dive into the city’s past.
- Discover the tranquility of Liuyue Lake (柳叶湖) and Taohuayuan Scenic Area (桃花源景区), perfect for peaceful walks and boat rides.
- Indulge in local specialties like Changde Rice Noodles (常德米粉) and Duck King (九三鸭霸王), along with regional dishes served in traditional clay pots.
- Explore ancient archaeological sites like Chengtou Mountain Ancient Ruins (城头山古遗址), offering a glimpse into early Chinese civilization.
This tour allows travelers to uncover the charm of Changde in a short amount of time, combining cultural landmarks, serene landscapes, and unique culinary experiences. Whether you’re visiting for the history, the food, or the natural beauty, Changde offers a rich and diverse travel experience.
Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring the Historical and Cultural Heritage of Changde City, along with Local Delicacies
Morning:
Upon arrival in Changde, begin your journey by visiting Changde Poem Wall Park. Situated along the northern banks of the Yuanjiang River, this park is the centerpiece of the “Three Mountains and Three Rivers” scenic belt. The park integrates poetry, calligraphy, painting, and inscriptions into its landscape. Strolling along the Poem Wall allows you to immerse yourself in the cultural atmosphere of the city.
Lunch:
Head to a nearby restaurant to try the Changde Rice Noodles (米粉), a signature dish. The rice noodles are smooth and white, soaked in a rich broth and paired with various toppings such as beef and pork ribs, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Afternoon:
Visit the Changde Museum, which has a wealth of exhibits that provide insights into the city’s history. From ancient civilizations to modern developments, the museum offers a comprehensive view of Changde’s evolution.
Evening:
Explore Changde Hejie, an ancient street with a historic charm. Here, you can sample a variety of local snacks, such as Jiu San Duck King (九三鸭霸王), which serves delicious duck heads and necks, soaked in a spicy and aromatic marinade. Don’t forget to try Changde Sweet Wine (甜酒), a dessert made from sweet syrup and glutinous rice, offering a unique and pleasant taste.
Day 2: Discovering Liuyue Lake and Taohuayuan Scenic Area
Morning:
Head to Liuyue Lake, a vast and tranquil body of water known as China’s first city lake. The lake’s clear waters and surrounding scenic beauty offer a perfect environment for a boat tour. You can admire the surrounding mountains and landscapes, as well as enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Lunch:
Stop by a nearby farmhouse restaurant to enjoy the local delicacies. The fresh fish from Liuyue Lake is a must-try. You can choose to have the fish steamed or braised, preserving its delicate flavors.
Afternoon:
Visit the Taohuayuan Scenic Area (Peach Blossom Spring), based on the famous story “Peach Blossom Spring” by Tao Yuanming. This area offers idyllic rural landscapes where visitors can walk along the Qinshi River, experiencing the serenity and tranquility of a world untouched by modern life.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the scenic area, and savor dishes like Taohuayuan’s local chicken soup. The rich, flavorful broth and tender chicken make for a comforting meal.
Day 3: Exploring the Chengtou Mountain Ancient Ruins and Preparing for Departure
Morning:
Visit the Chengtou Mountain Ancient Ruins, one of the earliest urban archaeological sites in Southern China. The site dates back to the Daxi and Shijiahe cultures, offering remnants of ancient city walls and rice farming practices, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region’s distant past.
Lunch:
For lunch, try the famous Clay Pot Dishes (钵子菜), such as Taoyuan Local Chicken Clay Pot or Shimen Fat Intestine Clay Pot. The ingredients are slowly simmered in a clay pot, creating a fragrant and flavorful dish.
Afternoon:
Before you leave, take some time to buy local specialties, like Soy Sauce Marinated Duck (酱板鸭), and other traditional snacks, as souvenirs. Then, prepare for your departure.
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
- Private English-speaking tour guide;
- Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge & government taxes;
- Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
- Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.