western Hunan province
 

Just finishing up a week driving around western Hunan province - thought I'd post to recommend a few places if you happen to be in the area:

- if you're in HanYue and take the cable car/climb up to Wishing Harmony Peak on HengShan, there is a back hike (follow the signs to the hike to the bridge) down the mountain that is about 8 k, beautiful and totally empty of people. It takes you to the other side of the mountain, which is then about a 45 minute taxi ride (300-400RMB) back to HanYue. It helps to speak basic mandarin to negotiate the taxi (which isn't a taxi, but rather a local villager loaning his car).

- FengHuang is one of the most laid-back, relaxed and enjoyable towns we've seen in China - it's totally touristy, but aimed at the Chinese tourist and has a very pleasant atmostphere. I would imagine that it would be a zoo during full-blown tourist season, though.

- DeHang is tiny, and has a wonderful hike/clamber out to a very nice waterfall and a separate series of cascades. Again, if done outside of tourist season, very pleasant (though I imagine that it's totally overwhelmed during the season).

In case of interest ...