Park of China
Overview
| Designation | National Park of China (sixth batch) |
| Province | Hunan |
| Location | Outskirts of Jishou, western Hunan |
| Mountains | Wuling Mountains |
| Latitude, longitude | 28.3, 109.8 Google Maps |
| Area | 108 km² |
| Nearby cities | Jishou (Hunan), Fenghuang, Zhangjiajie |
| Nearby sites | Mengdong River 73km, Fanjingshan 119km, Wulingyuan (Zhangjiajie) 134km, Meishan Dragon Palace 150km, Peach Blossom Land (Taohuayuan) 169km Search nearby |
| Themes | Hill, Stream, Small Waterfall, Forest, Canyon, Ethnic cultures, Old villages & vernacular houses |
About
The Dehang scenic area lies on the outskirts of Jishou in western Hunan, 24 km from the city, in the foothills of the Wuling range, 108 km² in three parts: Dehang, the Dong River and Xiaolong Cave.
Dehang is Miao for “beautiful valley”; the area has streams, ravines, waterfalls, peaks and forest.
It is in the sixth batch of national parks of China (national scenic areas) named by the State Council in 2005.
Travel tips
Getting there: Jishou has a high-speed railway station. From Jishou city to Dehang is about 24 km, around 40 minutes by bus or taxi. The airports serving the region are at Zhangjiajie and Tongren (Fenghuang).
Layout: three areas, Dehang, Donghe River and Xiaolongdong. Dehang is the main one, with a Miao village and gorge scenery.
Dehang: Miao houses are built up the slope, with streams, waterfalls and a gorge. Paths lead round the village, which has Miao song, dance and drum performances.
Time: half a day to a day; a night there lets you see the evening performances.
Season: spring and autumn are pleasant, summer has the strongest waterfalls, and winter is cold in the hills.
Where to stay: Miao guesthouses in the village, and more choice in Jishou city.
Nearby: the ancient town of Fenghuang is about an hour from Jishou, and the Aizhai bridge and its cliff road are very close to Dehang.
Caution: the hills are rainy and the roads winding; stone lanes are slippery. Respect local customs in the village.
Photo credits: Misty peaks at Dehang, western Hunan: Raki_Man (CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons)
Nearby
| World Heritage | Laosicheng Site 81km, Fanjingshan 119km, Wulingyuan (Zhangjiajie) 134km, Tangya Tusi Chengzhi 173km |
| National parks | Fenghuang Ancient Town 44km, Mengdong River 73km, Liye and Wulong Mountain 77km, Nine Dragon Cave 86km |
| Detailed guides | Ziquejie Terraces 130km, Meishan Dragon Palace 150km |
| AAAAA attractions | Wulingshan Grand Rift Valley Scenic Area 113km, Youyang Peach Blossom Spring Scenic Area 118km, Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area 133km, Zhuoshui Scenic Area 150km |
| AAAA attractions | Pushi Ancient Town 38km, Red Stone Forest 51km, Furong Town 51km |
| UNESCO Global Geoparks | Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark 46km, Zhangjiajie UNESCO Global Geopark 133km |
| Historic cities | Fenghuang County 44km, Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County 96km |
| Cities | Fenghuang 49km |
| Historical sites | Qianzhou Confucian Temple 11km |
| National geoparks | Fenghuang National Geopark 42km, Hongshilin National Geopark 51km, Youyang National Geopark 118km |
| Nature reserves | Gaowangjie National Nature Reserve 48km, Huangsang National Nature Reserve 49km, Jiemuxi National Nature Reserve 72km, Xiaoxi National Nature Reserve 72km |
| Historic towns | Pushi Town 38km |