A One-Day Trip to Gaoyiling with a 500 RMB Budget to Hike and Enjoy Danxia Landforms

As a travel blogger, here is a tailor-made one-day Gaoyiling travel guide for you! Within a 500 RMB budget, you can have a great time and take stunning photos. Here are my professional recommendations: --- Gaoyiling One-Day Trip · Ultimate Cost-Effective Guide for 500 RMB Core idea: Control transportation and ticket costs, spend money on experiences and food! --- 1. Trip Overview · Location: Gaoyiling Scenic Area, Chenzhou, Hunan · Theme: Danxia landform hiking + photography + local cuisine · Suitable for: Students, young backpackers, photography enthusiasts --- 2. Detailed Budget Breakdown (per person) 1. Transportation (about 200 RMB) · Round-trip train: Changsha-Chenzhou, high-speed train round trip about 300 RMB (over budget), recommended to choose regular train hard seat, round trip about 100 RMB (4-hour journey). · Chenzhou to Gaoyiling: carpool/charter from train station, about 30 RMB one way per person, 60 RMB round trip. · Transportation within the scenic area: no sightseeing bus needed, hiking is more flexible. 2. Ticket Fees (80 RMB) · Gaoyiling ticket: adult ticket 80 RMB (purchase online in advance or on-site). 3. Food and Beverage (100 RMB) · Breakfast: rice noodles near Chenzhou train station, about 15 RMB. · Lunch: bring your own dry food (bread, fruit, water), about 30 RMB. · Dinner: return to Chenzhou city to enjoy local dishes (braised chicken, fish noodles), about 55 RMB per person. 4. Other Miscellaneous (20 RMB) · Water, snacks, emergency medicine, etc. --- 3. Itinerary Schedule · 06:00 Depart Changsha by regular train to Chenzhou. · 10:30 Arrive in Chenzhou, carpool to Gaoyiling (40-minute drive). · 11:30 Arrive at Gaoyiling, explore Danxia landforms, Dragon Ridge, glass plank road, etc. (4 hours of sightseeing). · 16:00 Carpool back to Chenzhou city. · 17:00 Dinner tasting local cuisine. · 19:00 Take the train back to Changsha. --- 4. Money-Saving Tips 1. Transportation: choose non-high-speed trains, share carpool costs. 2. Tickets: follow the official WeChat account for occasional discounts. 3. Food: bring your own lunch to reduce spending inside the scenic area (food there is expensive). --- 5. Blogger’s Thoughtful Tips · Outfit advice: comfortable sports shoes + sun protection clothing + hat (many hiking sections). · Photo spots: Dragon Ridge, megaliths, high-altitude plank road (best lighting in the afternoon). · Notes: avoid rainy days as Danxia landforms can be slippery; bring your own trash bags to protect the environment. --- 6. Backup Plans (if budget is flexible) · If you have an extra 50 RMB, try the via ferrata climbing in the scenic area (about 50 RMB). · If you have an extra 100 RMB, upgrade dinner to a Chenzhou specialty salmon feast. --- Following this guide, 500 RMB is enough to cover the core experience of a one-day trip to Gaoyiling while ensuring safety and comfort. As a blogger, I highly recommend taking a “cliff masterpiece” photo set at Dragon Ridge — it’s definitely a hit for your travel notes! Final reminder: check train schedules in advance, and on weekends, leave early to avoid crowds. Wishing you beautiful scenery and a great mood at Gaoyiling!