OMG you guys. I just got back from the most EPIC solo trip through Hunan’s secret corners?? Like seriously, why does everyone only talk about Zhangjiajie when there’s THIS?? Spent 6 days chasing waterfalls, sleeping in treehouses, and eating the weirdest (but yummiest) insect tea?? Let me spill all the tea – both literal and metaphorical lol.
My Secret Hunan Adventure Begins!
Flew into Changsha on April 25th 2025 – totally empty flights?? Pro tip: Visit right after Qingming Festival but before May Day crowds hit. Genius move if I say so myself! Grabbed my China Railway ticket to Jishou ($12!!) and off we goooo.
Day 1: Furong Town – Waterfall Wonderland
Okay I’ll admit – I thought Furong Town would be tourist hell. BUT arriving at 7am before buses?? MAGIC. Ancient stilt houses clinging to cliffs?? Check. Waterfalls thundering THROUGH the town?? Double check. That scene where they filmed Crouching Tiger?? I legit teared up ngl.
| Cost | Tips |
| Entry: ¥108 ($15) | Stay at Moon River Inn (¥280/$40) |
| Bamboo raft: ¥60 ($8) | Night view >>> day view |
| Tujia dinner: ¥88 ($12) | Find the hidden tea house behind waterfall! |
Day 2: Dehang Miao Village – Mountain Spirits
Woke up at 5am for the craziest bus ride ever – switchbacks that’d make an alpaca dizzy?? But OH MY DAYS. Dehang Valley’s waterfalls made me question all life choices?? Why do I sit in cubicle when THIS exists?? Pro tip: The Beyond Crowds Anhui guide saved me from tourist traps!
When Hunan Throws Curveballs??
Okay full disclosure: My “Secret Hunan Adventure” almost ended Day 3?? Tried finding that insta-famous viewpoint near Aizhai Bridge. Spoiler: NOT where Amap said it was?? Wandered into some grandma’s chili field instead?? She chased me with broom yelling in dialect?? Most authentic cultural experience? 10/10 would get lost again.
“Travel mishaps become your best stories – like when I accidentally joined a funeral procession thinking it was a festival??”
Day 3-4: Biancheng Tea Ridge – Literary Pilgrimage
Confession: I only came because of Border Town?? But holy tranquility Batman! Pulled across the river on that ancient cable ferry?? Ate grilled fish with locals for ¥15 ($2)?? Found Shen Congwen’s writing spot?? Ugly cried?? No shame. BTW their sticky rice wine?? Dangerous stuff??
- Must-do: Sunrise boat ride (¥20)
- Skip: “Ancient Town” commercial street
- Secret spot: Old tree with love locks behind temple
Day 5: Eight Faces Mountain – Sky Camping
Altitude: 1,200m. Temperature: 10°C in MAY?? My Florida blood froze solid?? But camping above clouds?? Worth hypothermia?? Woke to sunrise painting peaks gold?? Ate noodles with Tibetan herders?? Pro tip: Book yurts via Meituan – half price!
Truth Bombs About My Secret Hunan Adventure
Let’s get real – not all magical?? That 8-hour “scenic bus” with chickens?? The “boutique homestay” that was just someone’s storage room?? But OH the wins! Finding that Hidden Guangdong Journey blog saved my itinerary??
| Win | Fail |
| Insect tea actually delicious?? | Thought “la jiao” was vegetable?? |
| Made Miao grandma friends | Fell in rice paddy. Twice. |
| Total cost: $380 for 6 days! | Phone drowned in waterfall selfie attempt |
Day 6: The Long Goodbye
Last morning eating YOU PO YOU (oil tea??) at 5am market?? Bought embroidered jacket for ¥60 ($8)?? Realized I’d seen ZERO Westerners all week?? Felt like legit explorer?? Then got scammed by taxi driver at station?? Perfect balance yin yang etc??
Final thought? This Secret Hunan Adventure changed my basic white girl soul?? Went for waterfalls, came back with… idk wisdom?? Corny but true?? Already planning return trip – maybe try winter?? If I survive the spicy food that is??
OMG this sounds AMAZING! 😍 I’m planning a solo trip to China next year. How much did the whole 6-day adventure cost? And any tips for avoiding those tourist traps?
@WanderlustGal So glad you’re inspired! Total cost was around $380 for everything – flights, stays, food. Biggest tip: Book homestays via Meituan for discounts, and avoid “ancient town” streets. Stick to local markets for authentic eats!
LOL at the grandma chasing you with a broom! 😂 I had a similar mishap in Sichuan. How many days would you recommend for Dehang Valley? And is the hiking super intense? My fitness level is… meh.
@AdventureQueen Haha, those moments make the best stories! Dehang is perfect for 1-2 days – hikes are moderate, not too steep. Stick to the main trails; no need for intense fitness. Just watch out for mossy steps!
Your photos are STUNNING! 🌄 I’m obsessed with that camping view. Was it cold up there? And how did you handle the language barrier? My Mandarin is… nonexistent.
@TravelDiva88 Thanks! 🥰 Yes, it got chilly at night – pack layers! For language, use translation apps like Google Translate. Locals were super patient, and pointing at menus worked wonders. Don’t worry, you’ll manage!