This self-driving guide is amazing! Truly special forces level!

Chengdu～Xiangxi～Changsha～Wuhan～Yichang～Chongqing～Chengdu Used 6 days during National Day to drive through 3 provinces, checked in at must-visit spots, and ate lots of long-awaited delicious food. I think this itinerary is pretty great Haaa～ 10/1 Chengdu to Jishou (Xiangxi), over 800 kilometers. Normally a 9+ hour drive, but took over 2 extra hours due to heavy traffic. After leaving Sichuan, there were many tunnels, so couldn’t speed up. We took turns driving and headed straight to Qianzhou Ancient City. This ancient city is actually a newly built attraction, spread on both sides of the Wanrong River. We took a quick look at the night view and then went to find a place to eat. There were some bars along the river, but not suitable for elderly or kids. Outside the ancient city, we accidentally found a place called Duck Claws, which was really delicious and unforgettable. From this point on, it left the kid with a series of holiday food cravings. The Crowne Plaza Xiangxi hotel was very reasonably priced during the holiday, slept well, and continued driving the next day. 10/2 Jishou to Changsha, over 400 kilometers, drove for 5 and a half hours. We adults have all been to Changsha before, for me it’s a place to eat and drink heartily, and for the kid it’s something from poetry. The first stop in Changsha was Yuelu Mountain Park to see Aiwan Pavilion. Took the subway to Hunan University, passed Dongfanghong Square, and went straight up along the snack street. Early October’s maple leaves were only a few red ones, pretending to be Du Mu, reciting “Far up the cold mountain” in front of Aiwan Pavilion. Then went to the Youth Square facing Orange Isle, recited “Ode to the Plum Blossom” and felt the heroism of the great man. 10/3 Took photos at Changsha’s Wenheyou, arrived at 10 am and could already enter to explore. Visited Hunan Provincial Museum. For milk tea lovers in Changsha, you absolutely can’t miss the Tea Yan Family series of milk teas, drinking one after another. On the day we left Changsha, we really couldn’t drink any more. 10/4 Drove north along the Xiang River to Yueyang, 160 kilometers, 2 and a half hours. Navigated to Yueyanglou Subdistrict Office to get a photo of Yueyang Tower and the characters “Yueyang.” Passed through Bianhe Street, saw Dongting Lake, China’s second largest freshwater lake, at Baling Square, and recited Liu Yuxi’s “Looking at Dongting.” Then headed to Wuhan’s Yellow Crane Tower (220 kilometers, 3 and a half hours). Climbed Yellow Crane Tower to overlook the Yangtze River, recalled the train crossing the Yangtze River Bridge from childhood textbooks, and thought of the poems about Yellow Crane Tower by Cui Hao and Li Bai. The light show at Yellow Crane Tower is worth seeing. 10/5 Didn’t make it to Hubei Provincial Museum, leaving an excuse to come back to Wuhan. Since we’re special forces, we went to Yichang, 320 kilometers (4 hours). Drove past the spectacular Three Gorges Dam. Needed to apply for a pass at the checkpoint, explained to the kid the benefits of this national key project along the way. Navigated to Zhongbao Village Committee, where there’s a large parking lot. Followed signs to climb up and overlook this monument forged with concrete and willpower. 10/6 Passed through Chongqing, ate hotpot, sang songs, went home to admire the moon and celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival 🥮. Still left with some regrets, will continue to fulfill dreams next time. A treasure travel destination worth visiting many times.