2026 Qidong Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Long accustomed to tackling tasks solo, our individual execution is constantly honed, yet we easily fall into the rigid mindset of a lone wolf, leaving team communication somewhat stiff and lacking a natural, fluid synergy. For this team-building retreat, we ventured into Hongtang Ancient Village in Qidong, wandering through a traditional clan settlement in central Hunan featuring an imperial stone archway bestowed by Emperor Qianlong. Here, we polished our team spirit through mutual support and companionship. Founded in the early Qing Dynasty, Hongtang Ancient Village has been inhabited by the Zou clan for generations. The village boasts the majestic "Qing Biao Tong Guan" stone archway, crisscrossing bluestone alleys, and traditional dwellings arranged around a Fengshui pond. For centuries, the villagers have upheld the heritage of farming and studying while fostering harmonious, well-mannered neighborhoods. Tucked away in a hilly valley far from the tourist crowds, its streets and alleys are shaded by ancient trees, exuding an authentic, rustic charm unique to central Hunan. We explored the ancient village in small groups, naturally dividing tasks and collaborating with agility. Some navigated the complex maze of alleys, some captured the architectural details and our joyful moments, while others monitored the group's pace. The alleys were full of forks, and though we occasionally lost our way, no one grew anxious or complained. Instead, we huddled together to share clues, make collective decisions, and quickly reroute. When encountering high thresholds and narrow passages along the way, we lent each other a helping hand and courteously made way. Chatting throughout the journey, we dropped our formal office personas, making our interactions feel increasingly organic and effortless. This trip was an epiphany: flying solo has its limits, and a team can only unlock its true potential through inclusivity, mutual support, and timely communication. After this bonding experience, our team synergy has reached new heights. No matter what challenges lie ahead, we are ready to lift each other up, break through obstacles as one, and conquer the mountains and seas together.

If you go from July to September, don’t wander around aimlessly. Don’t come without a plan‼️ From July to September, Hengyang’s midday sun heats the ground to the point your feet feel burning. During holidays, Nanyue Grand Temple is so crowded you can’t move. Without planning your route in advance, you’ll end up exhausted and stuck in trouble spots—but if you follow the routes I’ve tested three times, you can enjoy cooling off, playing in the water, eating rice noodles, and hiking the mountains without detours. 🗺️ 3-day no-detour itinerary 🟢 Day 1: Leisure and food in the city Hengyang high-speed rail station → Bus 105 direct to Maya Beach Water Park (opens at 11 AM, go right at opening to avoid afternoon crowds) → Play until 5 PM → Taxi to Shigu Academy for the Xiang River sunset → Walk to Jinbu Alley food street for dinner → Stay near the Zhengxiang district shopping area 🟢 Day 2: Nanyue blessing and cooling trip From the city, take the 7 AM tourist shuttle directly to Nanyue Visitor Center → Nanyue Grand Temple (enter before 8 AM for the fewest people) → Take the park shuttle up the mountain → Rest at the mid-mountain pavilion → Walk to Zhulong Peak for mountain views → Stay at a guesthouse in Nanyue district 🟢 Day 3: Off-the-beaten-path cooling trip nearby At 8 AM, drive or carpool to Cailun Bamboo Sea → Stroll through the vast bamboo forest to cool off → On the way back, stop in Leiyang for local home-style dishes → Return to the city in the evening to walk along the Xiang River scenic area 🔥🔥 Must-visit spots with firsthand reviews 1️⃣ Hengyang Maya Beach Water Park: a must-go from July to September! Now open for night sessions until 10 PM. One ticket covers all attractions. When the lights come on at night, the 10,000-square-meter wave pool atmosphere is amazing. The shallow water area has soft lighting, so it’s safe for kids. The bubble battle and NPC parade only happen at night, so don’t leave after dark if you’ve been there all day. 2️⃣ Nanyue Grand Temple + Zhulong Peak: Don’t believe the saying “no incense, no visit.” From July to September, the mountain is 5–6 degrees cooler than the city. The mountain breeze feels better than air conditioning. After rain, you’re likely to see a sea of clouds at Zhulong Peak, making it worth more than just a blessing trip. 3️⃣ Cailun Bamboo Sea: In summer, hiding in the vast bamboo forest keeps you completely shaded. Take the sightseeing bus along Bamboo Sea Road and find a stream to dip your feet. It’s much more comfortable than crowded popular spots. Some facilities are being upgraded, so fewer people means a better experience. 4️⃣ Shigu Academy: Free to visit. The sunset where the Xiang River meets the Zheng River is a unique romantic spot in the city. Strolling in the evening breeze is much more pleasant than squeezing into crowded tourist spots. 🏨🚅 Practical tips for accommodation + transportation 🏨 Accommodation: Don’t choose randomly. Stay in Zhengxiang district on day 1. All city attractions are within 10 minutes by taxi, and it’s convenient for eating rice noodles and visiting night markets. Stay in Nanyue district on day 2, but avoid the mountaintop—it's damp and twice as expensive. There are many guesthouses at the mountain base where you can borrow hiking poles. 🚅 Transportation tips: Most city attractions are reachable by bus. For Nanyue, don’t take unlicensed taxis on the street. Go directly to the bus center and take the official tourist shuttle for 20 yuan straight to the visitor center. For Cailun Bamboo Sea, driving is best since the park is large and walking without a car is exhausting. 🥰 July to September exclusive reminders: Qidong Siming Mountain Scenic Area is temporarily closed due to typhoon damage, so don’t go there in vain. The “City of Time · 1944” reopens on July 25. Before then, you can only visit the hotel and tea house inside, so don’t make a wasted trip. 👉🏻 Local-only food list ✅ Early morning, just pop into any old rice noodle shop and order a bowl of fish noodles. The fresh, spicy flavor beats popular shops by far. Fried skewers and snail noodles in Jinbu Alley, paired with a bowl of Qingbuliang at night, are refreshing and satisfying. ✅ At the foot of Nanyue Mountain, order Hengshan crispy tripe and steamed pork with rice noodles. Portions are generous and prices reasonable. Don’t eat overpriced fast food at the park entrance. ✅ Before leaving, bring a pack of Phoenix specialty blood duck. It’s spicy and flavorful, unique to western Hunan and Hengyang. At 38.8 yuan, it’s perfect as a gift. ‼️‼️ Tested tips to avoid trouble ✅ The ladies at the foot of Nanyue Mountain who try to sell incense or claim they can take you on shortcuts up the mountain are scams. Ignore them. Buy official tickets and incense directly at the visitor center. ✅ From 12 PM to 3 PM in July to September, avoid wandering outdoors. The sun can burn your skin. Rest in a noodle shop or milk tea shop until afternoon before heading out. ✅ Don’t wear very light-colored clothes to Maya Beach night sessions. The bubble battle can make them see-through. Bring slippers and a waterproof phone pouch in advance. Prices inside are triple. ✅ Don’t blindly explore undeveloped bamboo forest areas in Cailun Bamboo Sea. Summer snakes and insects are common. Stick to the maintained trails. ✅ The Nanyue central scenic area ticket is now a flat 110 yuan with no peak or off-peak price difference. Don’t be tricked by scalpers claiming “peak season price increases.”

If you're in Hengyang and want to enjoy some water fun nearby this summer, you must visit Pengjiawan in Baidishi, Qidong. This entire wild stream area is completely free with no entrance fee, making it perfect for a family weekend getaway by car. The stream flows right under the bridge and is divided into two fun zones. Under the bridge, there is a soft, shallow sandy beach where kids can safely play by stepping on the sand, catching small fish, and building sandcastles. Upstream, you'll find flat stone shallow areas with clear, gentle water—perfect for standing in the stream and taking atmospheric photos. Next to the stream are vast rice fields, lush and green with the breeze, and along the way, you can see many butterflies fluttering about. Nearby is a large bald cypress forest with dense shade, ideal for a relaxing walk or a cool rest after playing. You can even spread out a picnic mat for a comfortable break or camping. Compared to popular tourist spots, this place is quiet and less crowded, with only the soothing sound of flowing water, allowing you to peacefully enjoy nature’s freshness without the crowds. When you come, be sure to prepare in advance: the stones underwater are slippery due to algae, so wear anti-slip water shoes instead of regular sandals. The water is quite cool, so bring an extra set of dry clothes and a towel to change into after playing to avoid catching a chill. The area around the stream is lush with plants and mosquitoes, so remember to bring mosquito repellent, a sun hat, and sunscreen. To keep the kids entertained, you can bring small water toys like fish nets and buckets. There are no convenience stores nearby, so it’s best to bring drinking water, snacks, and fruit in the car. Also, please take your trash with you to help protect this pristine natural environment. Just navigate to the Bald Cypress Forest in Pengjiawan, Baidishi, Qidong. There is free parking by the village entrance, and it’s just a short walk to the stream, making the trip easy and not tiring. This is a natural wild stream with no staff on site, so always keep a close eye on your children and avoid deep or fast-flowing areas. It’s not recommended to visit after heavy rain to prevent safety risks from rising water levels. Also, please avoid catching the small fish in the stream to preserve this beautiful mountain scenery. This short trip offers a full summer healing experience: stepping in the stream, wandering through rice fields and bald cypress forests, chasing butterflies—perfect for a family weekend outing to relax and escape the heat.

Welcome to Siming Mountain National Forest Park in Hunan, a natural forest oxygen bar and summer resort. Whether you're seeking a bit of coolness in the scorching summer heat or taking a stroll through the misty mountains in the early morning, this is your best choice to escape the city's hustle and bustle. Must-Visit Attractions: 1. Siming Lake Scenic Area: This is the core attraction of the forest park and one of the most popular check-in spots. The lake water is crystal clear, surrounded by green mountains, with the water and mountains complementing each other beautifully, creating a breathtaking view. 2. Siming Mountain Waterfall Group: There are multiple waterfalls here, some cascading down from high cliffs with roaring water sounds, others quietly flowing through the woods with crystal-clear water. Summer is the best season to view the waterfalls when the water volume is at its peak and the scenery is most spectacular. 3. Primitive Forest Area: This is the core area of the forest park and the most original forest zone. The trees are tall and dense, the air fresh and pleasant, making it the best choice for hiking and adventure. Accommodation Recommendations: There are several hotels and guesthouses within the forest park. It is recommended to choose hotels or guesthouses close to the scenic spots for convenience. Booking in advance is advised to avoid difficulties in last-minute reservations. Food Recommendations: The forest park has many farmhouses and small restaurants where you can taste local wild vegetables and game delicacies. It is recommended to try local specialty dishes such as stir-fried bamboo shoots with meat and wild mushroom soup. Transportation Guide: Self-driving: Depart from Hengyang City, drive along National Highway G107 to Qidong County, then take Provincial Road S217 to the entrance of the forest park. The whole trip takes about 2 hours. Public Transport: Take a bus from downtown Hengyang to Qidong County Bus Station, then transfer to a shuttle bus heading to the forest park. Notes: 1. Park entrance fee: 60 RMB per person (for reference only); 2. Smoking, littering, and other uncivilized behaviors are prohibited within the park; 3. Visitors should wear comfortable sports shoes and bring essential items such as rain gear; 4. Take precautions against sunburn and insect bites; 5. Pets are not allowed in the park; 6. Visitors must comply with park rules and management; 7. Please protect the environment and preserve nature.

Romance hidden in Guanjiazui, Qidong, where ridge windmills turn gently over the mountains and wild fields, and gesang flowers bloom across the hillside in spring.

Itinerary Recommendations & Quick Highlights 🧭 Whether you're a hardcore photography buff or have a special passion for traditional Chinese medicine culture, this route won't let you down! Walking into Qizhou, even the air is infused with the rich aroma of herbs. Exploring mountain landscapes by day and strolling past warmly lit Chinese-style pavilions by night truly feels like time travel. 📍 Attraction Roundup Qilian | Qilian Mountain Scenic Area Located in Qilian County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, this spot is hailed as the "Switzerland of China," offering eye-catching scenery across all four seasons. The rolling mountains are wrapped in mist and clouds—lush green in the summer and an endless sea of gold in the fall. A scenic road trip is highly recommended. Whether you're hiking or just shooting blockbuster-worthy landscape shots, it's open 24/7 all year round, making travel photography a breeze. Qimen | Qimen East Street Ancient City Located at No. 40 Xinxing Road, Qishan Town, Qimen County, Huangshan City, this area boasts antique architecture with centuries of history. It's most enchanting at night when the city towers light up with a warm glow, casting light and shadows that highlight the historical tranquility of every grey brick and wooden pillar. Strolling through the streets, you'll stumble upon local snack stalls and teahouses. Sometimes you'll even spot elders brewing a pot of Keemun black tea, sitting quietly on the old street—slow down and you can almost hear the passage of time. Qidong | Qidong Huanghuayuan Scenic Area Located in Shilong Village, Guanjiazui Town, Qidong County, Hengyang, with budget-friendly tickets and year-round access. The best time to visit is during the spring-to-summer transition. The rich scent of wildflowers and green grass in the mountains wraps you in a carefree pastoral vibe, perfect for a relaxing walk, clearing your mind, or sketching in nature. Qidong Accommodation | Yizhou International Hotel (Qidong County People's Government Branch) Located at No. 1 Shuguang Road, the hotel boasts a prime location with a large supermarket, bus stops, and a leafy park nearby for ultimate convenience. Great for road trippers, the free parking spaces and EV charging stations rival those in top-tier cities. Breakfast featuring Hengyang rice noodles paired with Chinese steamed dim sum hits the spot. If you're a fitness junkie or a sports fan, the on-site gym and World Cup-themed events will definitely score extra points for your stay. However, some rooms show signs of aging and occasional bug issues, so be sure to communicate any special needs with the hotel before booking. Real Travel Tips · Traveling with Fragrance The biggest surprise of this trip was Qizhou's deep-rooted herbal vibe. Walking past the Medicine King Temple and admiring the intricate carvings on its pillars, you'll find the air smells like it's been naturally incensed with medicinal herbs—crush a perilla leaf in your hands, and its spicy aroma hits you, feeling more natural and soothing than any commercial perfume. The herbal flower sea in the Medicine Expo Park isn't just a photography hotspot; it's a place to fully unwind body and soul. Walking down the Old Medicine Market Street is especially memorable—watching local elders use traditional bronze scales to weigh out prescriptions offers a ritualistic slice of life you simply can't find anywhere else. En Route Suggestions & Practical Additions Traffic: A road trip is the most convenient way to hit all three spots, with excellent highway conditions and clear signage at all scenic areas. If you're traveling with kids, the elderly, or lots of luggage, grabbing a taxi in downtown Qimen and Qidong is also very budget-friendly. Food Recommendations: Keemun black tea is an absolute must-try—a hot pot is the perfect remedy for a chilly day. Qidong's rice noodles are a surefire hit; for breakfast at the Yizhou International Hotel, you can't go wrong with their local flavor combo. Precautions: Some areas of the ancient city have low foot traffic at night, so the buddy system is highly recommended. Keep an eye on your belongings while enjoying the night tour. If you run into any room facility or cleanliness issues at the hotel, give the front desk a heads-up immediately to get it sorted out. If you're also a fan of slow-paced small towns packed with historical charm and a hint of herbal fragrance, why not carve out a day to slow down and let your "breath" capture the memories of your journey.

Part of Jinjiang Hotels, Vienna Hotel features elegant European style and is located in the core of Qidong New District (No. 126 Yong'an Road), close to the county government, high-speed rail station, and business district, offering convenient transportation and worry-free travel. 【Rooms · Experience】 102 elegant rooms with deep sleep mattresses, central air conditioning, high-definition audio-visual systems, soundproofing, spacious and comfortable spaces, thoughtful details, suitable for both business and leisure stays. 【Facilities · Services】 Free parking, self-service breakfast, luxury banquet hall, multifunctional conference rooms, 24-hour front desk, warm and attentive service to meet all accommodation, meeting, and banquet needs. 【Reputation · Highlights】 Clean and tidy, comfortable environment, high cost performance, convenient location, ideal for business trips and travel in Qidong.

#winterescape Exploring Qidong’s hidden gem – YongAn BuXingJie – is seriously a must if you love nature and cool walking spots! 🌱✨ Get ready for stone paths winding through rocky canyons and lush greenery, all right in the heart of Qidong County. Top Spot to Visit: YongAn BuXingJie (Yong'an Pedestrian Street, Qidong County, China) – This pedestrian street is built right into the landscape, making it feel like you’re on a nature trail but with urban vibes. The stone path is super photogenic and perfect for those “rock meets green” shots. If you’re traveling in spring or summer, expect the area to be extra vibrant – think clouds, sun, and loads of trees for shade or those dramatic rainy-day feels. Practical Tip: Bring comfy walking shoes! The path has rocky portions, so ditch the flip-flops and go for solid sneakers. If the weather looks unpredictable, grab a light raincoat. The scenery’s great in both sun and light drizzle, so don’t stress about clouds on your trip. Getting Around: YongAn BuXingJie is pedestrian-only, so you can stroll and take your time snapping pics. Public buses in Qidong run frequently to Yong'an Pedestrian Street – just hop off at the main stop and you’re there. Food Recommend: Try the street snacks from local stalls – grilled skewers and traditional buns are a win. There are small cafes nearby for a quick coffee or tea break. Destination Tips: No tickets needed! Just show up and start walking. Bring cash for snacks as most stalls don’t take cards. Weather is mild, but check for showers if you want to avoid mud. #QidongNature #ChinaTravel #HiddenGems #TripDotCom

#winterescape #wintergetaway 🌳 Stroll Through Serenity: YongAn BuXingJie in Qidong County 🏞️ Escape to YongAn BuXingJie, where a winding path leads you through lush greenery, traditional Chinese architecture, and tranquil riverside vistas—it’s the ultimate outdoor cultural stroll for nature lovers! Recommended Route & Must-Do Activities: Start at the entrance of YongAn Pedestrian Street and let the route guide you beside dense vegetation. Pause to admire the authentic Chinese buildings peeking through the trees and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Don’t miss the rivers, lakes, and ponds—perfect spots to soak in a slice of quiet local life. Insta-Worthy Photo Spots: Snap close-ups of blooming flowers under the sun, frame traditional structures among verdant foliage, or capture the winding pathway—especially with golden sunlight streaming through the leaves. The riverside and garden nooks offer serene backdrops for dreamy nature shots. Practical Tips: Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer lighting and fewer crowds. Bring water and sun protection since the area can get quite sunny and open. If you’re looking for unique angles, try shooting from slightly elevated spots along the path or focus on architectural details hidden in greenery. Precautions: Wear comfortable walking shoes—some sections are uneven. Watch out for sudden weather changes; a light jacket is handy if clouds roll in. Respect local customs and avoid touching delicate plant life or historical structures. #Qidong #YongAnBuXingJie #NatureWalk #ChineseCulture #TravelChina

Have you ever seen clouds that can do math problems? Come to Yaohu Mountain and you’ll find out! This "Cloud Geometry Class Representative" of South Central Hunan turns clouds and mist into an art exhibition. Transportation Guide: · Address: Western Qidong County, Hengyang City · Arrival: Take the "Yaohu Cloud Rail" shuttle from Qidong High-Speed Rail Station · Seasonal Highlight: Best cloud mist in autumn (September to November) Cloud Science Laboratory: · 72 cloud vortices look like circles casually drawn by God · The 847-meter main peak hides clouds that check the time and clock in on time (06:17 sharp) · The Ming Dynasty boundary marker performs magic when the geomagnetic index Kp=0 Must-try Mystical Trio: 1️⃣ "Cloud Chronicle Stake" Bronze Prism Takes ID photos of cloud vortices on time every day Beam sharpness = today’s air quality report card 2️⃣ Moss Living Printer Stones from the Wanli era can talk! Prints the 400-year-old courier road story "snap" onto paper 3️⃣ Space-Time Capsule Post Office Write love letters to three counties for 2034 Bury them under the boundary marker and wait for them to sprout into a forest Photo Tips: ▫️ Shoot clouds engulfing the marker from a low angle (the moment the cloud vortex covers the boundary marker) ▫️ Macro shoot moss to reveal characters (Wanli-era text emerges like magic) ▫️ Silhouette shot of scholars reading clouds (quantum entanglement between people and mountain mist) Notes: · Daily limit of 150 visitors · Must bring: windproof jacket + hiking shoes · Mystical time: Lunar New Year’s first day early morning (cloud vortex expansion period) Cheat Sheet: Reply "Cloud’s Notebook" to receive: “Vortex Distribution Map” + White Noise Gift Pack (22.3Hz cloud vibration frequency × moss breathing sound)

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#2024Travel Review Siming Mountain National Forest Park is like a paradise hidden deep in the sea of ​​clouds. It is intoxicating with its rolling mountains, green forests and changing clouds. The scenery here is different in four seasons. In spring, the mountains and fields are red with azaleas. In summer, the green shade is deep and cool, in autumn, the mountains are covered with red leaves and the forests are dyed. In winter, the snow and fog blend together like a fairyland. The trails in the park are winding and suitable for hiking. Along the way, you can see clear mountain springs flowing down, and the chirping of birds and the mountain breeze complement each other. Climbing high and looking into the distance, you will see the vast sea of ​​clouds, the morning light and the twilight intertwined, like a scroll unfolding. This natural oxygen bar is not only a paradise for photography lovers, but also an excellent place to relax and integrate into nature.

📍Address: Navigation: Yunshan Tea Inn, suitable for self-driving 👍Highlights: Fresh air and away from the hustle and bustle ⏳Duration: All day long. 👀 Sunrise and sunset, and self-service barbecue. The minimum package is CNY 288 plus CNY 50 for a barbecue grill. If you don't spend money, you need to pay CNY 20 per person to enter the campsite. There are guest rooms available, all with private bathrooms. 📝Tips: You can bring your own tea set, snacks, and desserts.

Found this great place by chance when visiting the Hongqi Reservoir 📸Took a few stunning photos on the fly!! . 📍Location: Hongqi Reservoir 🚗Drive time: 90 minutes . You can drive directly to the mountain top⛰️ where you can see a beautiful sunset There's a large lawn for camping, barbecuing, and dining🏕️ Grass🌿 and various flowers🌸 are planted around the lawn, which is really beautiful Looking down, there's a reservoir🪺 next to a sea of flowers It's really suitable for those who want to take a short trip around Great for taking photos📸 and checking in with friends😏, and also very suitable for family outings

😍I heard that people who come to Qidong for business trips and tours all stay at this hotel~ ✔Chain brand ✔Clean and comfortable ✔Affordable and good stay 🏨Vienna Hotel (Qidong New District), located at 126 Yongan Road! 💚- About 10 minutes drive from Qidong High-speed Railway Station A few minutes walk to the county government There are also special delicacies around Satisfy your play needs in minutes! 💚- European style design, with various types of luxury rooms The room is about 40 square meters, the bed is very big Very quiet, very comfortable, the room projection is high-definition You can take a bath when you are tired, very clean, very warm 💚- If you don't know how to use the projector in the middle, they will come to teach me immediately The luggage storage service is also very convenient, no need to carry it yourself The perfect combination of luxury and modern simplicity Free parking, swipe to a certain level to grab!

Poya Art Hotel (Qidong Government Plaza Branch) is located in Qidong County, Hengyang City, adjacent to Qidong County Government, People's Park, and BuBuGao Shopping Plaza. The hotel has various types of rooms, with complete facilities in the rooms, comfortable and clean. In addition, the hotel also provides convenient facilities such as a gym and laundry room, making you feel at home on the journey. Poya Art Hotel (Qidong Government Plaza Branch) not only has a superior geographical location, but also has a rich historical and cultural background. Qidong County has a long history and profound cultural heritage. According to archaeological discoveries, as early as the late Neolithic period, there were humans thriving here. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, Qidong was part of Chu, and during the Qin and Han dynasties, it belonged to Guiyang County of Changsha State. During the Tang and Song dynasties, Qidong became one of the political, economic, and cultural centers of southern Hunan. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Qidong was even more prosperous in commerce and rich in humanities. During your stay at Poya Art Hotel (Qidong Government Plaza Branch), please observe the hotel regulations and maintain environmental hygiene. If you need to use facilities such as the gym, please make an appointment in advance. In addition, there are many delicacies and tourist attractions around the hotel worth visiting. You can taste authentic Hunan cuisine, such as chopped pepper fish head, stinky tofu, etc.; you can also visit famous attractions in Qidong County, such as Baihe Temple, Zhuangyuan Building, etc. In short, Poya Art Hotel (Qidong Government Plaza Branch) is your ideal choice for travel and vacation in Qidong. Here, you can enjoy a comfortable living environment, convenient transportation conditions, and a rich historical and cultural atmosphere. Wish you a pleasant journey!