Discover Mangshan Five Finger Peak: A Hidden Gem in Hunan

Hidden in Chenzhou is such a beautiful summer retreat? It's practically a southern paradise for drifting. Hey everyone! I’ve discovered a hidden gem in Hunan — Mangshan Five Finger Peak!! Its beauty rivals Zhangjiajie, but with fewer crowds! If it were in Guangdong, it would definitely be a hit and require visitor limits 🔥!! The underrated 'Little Fairyland of Southern Hunan' As the highest peak in southern Hunan, Mangshan Five Finger Peak stands at an altitude of 1,918 meters and is home to a pristine forest 🌳! From the summit, you can enjoy the rugged peaks reminiscent of Zhangjiajie and the misty charm of Huangshan, all without the hassle of crowded tourist spots. The name 'Five Finger Peak' is incredibly fitting 🖐️. The five peaks at the summit resemble fingers reaching into the clouds, and from above, the entire mountain looks like a vibrant green fan — full of life and incredibly soothing. Cable cars, cliffside walkways, and the Sky Ridge Elevator Even those who don’t exercise much can easily reach the top. The mountain is refreshingly cool in summer, even penguins 🐧 come here to escape the heat. There are tons of activities like music concerts, via ferrata climbing, cliffside beds, and more. I was genuinely surprised by how much there is to do, so here’s a detailed one-day itinerary to share with you all. Address: Mangshan Five Finger Peak Scenic Area (East Gate), Chenzhou, Hunan 🚄 Transportation: Take a high-speed train from Guangzhou to Chenzhou West Station (1.5 hours), then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus, or drive directly by navigating to 'Mangshan Five Finger Peak Scenic Area East Gate' for convenience. 🌅 Sunrise and night hike itinerary: 3:00 AM: Arrive at the scenic area → Take the cable car up the mountain → 5:00 AM: Reach Little Sky Terrace → 5:50 AM: Watch the sunrise → Beauty Pass → Golden Whip Pillar → Via Ferrata → Cliffside Bed → Sky Ridge Elevator → Five Finger Peak Observation Deck → Reflection Pool → Golden Toad Worshiping Buddha → Yao Terrace Welcoming Guests → Cable car descent and return. 📸 Photo spots: Little Sky Terrace: Perfect for capturing the sunrise 🌅, sea of clouds, and sunset — a classic photography spot. Beauty Pass: A narrow gap to pass through, offering views of rugged terrain and stunning ⛰️ mountain peaks. Via Ferrata: For the brave adventurers — a must-try activity at Mangshan 🧗. With Golden Whip Pillar as the backdrop, photos here are incredibly cool. Cliffside Bed: At an altitude of 1,600 meters, sit on the cliffside bed, sip coffee ☕️, and admire the sea of clouds — every shot is Instagram-worthy. Sky Ridge Elevator: A transparent glass elevator reminiscent of the space elevator in 'The Wandering Earth' 🌍 — visually stunning. Recommended playtime: 4-6 hours. Plan your itinerary based on your stamina and available time. Note that the automatic escalator goes up before 2 PM and down after 2 PM, saving you from climbing a steep section of stairs. If you choose not to use the escalator, the stairs are very steep and can be quite intimidating 😰. Accommodation ⛺️: There’s a camping base on the mountain, but the wind at night can be very strong and noisy, so choose your lodging accordingly. Debunking myths ❌: It’s not as exaggerated as some online claims that 'you don’t get a chance to hike.' While there are elevators to assist with vertical climbing, you’ll still need to walk along horizontal mountain trails. Make sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes and avoid carrying heavy loads. I hope everyone gets to experience a joyful and fulfilling trip to Mangshan! Cloud Hidden Mountain Resident Inn (Mangshan Grand Canyon Drifting Scenic Area Branch)