Changsha Travel Tips: Exploring the Charm of the Star City

Stroll along the Xiangjiang River and see the fireworks of Orange Island lighting up the night of Star City; climb Yuelu Mountain to find the thousand-year-old academy and the picturesque maple leaves in autumn. The Mawangdui Zen garment in the provincial museum is as light as clouds and mist, and Mrs. Xin Zhui travels through time and space to tell the legend. Taste the crunchy and spicy black classic stinky tofu, the fresh aroma of Wenheyou lobster, and the soft sweetness of Jinji sugar oil poop. Changsha, with its beautiful scenery and flavors, invites you to enjoy a full-fledged fireworks.

Changsha, a city full of fireworks and vitality, with both deep historical and cultural heritage and modernized fashion, is well worth a visit. The following is a well-prepared guide for you to visit Changsha.

Orange Island Scenic Spot

Orange Island is an impact sandbar in the Xiangjiang River, surrounded by water on all sides, like a giant ship moored in the center of the river. It is an iconic attraction in Changsha, where the Mao Zedong Youth Art Sculpture stands, attracting countless tourists to visit. You can take a sightseeing bus tour around the whole island and enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Xiangjiang River; you can also stroll along the riverside and feel the river breeze. There is also a fireworks show every Saturday night, where sparkling fireworks blossom in the night sky, beautifully mirroring the river view.

Yuelu Mountain

Yuelu Mountain is the last peak of the 72 peaks of Nanyue Hengshan Mountain, combining “mountain, water, continent and city” in one. There are not only beautiful natural scenery, but also many historical and cultural relics. Ai Wan Pavilion is one of the landmarks of Mount Yuelu, and in the fall, the maple leaves are like fire, just like a gorgeous painting. Yuelu Academy is one of the four major ancient Chinese academies with a long history and deep cultural heritage. Climbing up Yuelu Mountain and overlooking downtown Changsha, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Hunan Provincial Museum

As one of the top museums in China, the Hunan Provincial Museum has a rich collection of artifacts, and the treasure of the museum, the unearthed artifacts from the Mawangdui Han Tomb, is amazing. Here, you can get a close-up view of the ancient civilization’s splendor with precious relics such as the cicada-thin garment without a lining and the 1,000-year old body of Madame Xinchu. The museum is free of charge, but advance reservation is required. It is recommended to reserve half a day to take your time to visit.

Tour Route

Day 1: In the morning, head to Orange Island Scenic Spot, hit the Mao Zedong Youth Art Sculpture, and take a sightseeing bus tour of the whole island; in the afternoon, head to Yuelu Mountain, visit the Ai Evening Pavilion, Yuelu Academy, and climb to the top overlooking downtown Changsha; and in the evening, enjoy a gourmet meal in the vicinity of Yuelu Mountain.

Day 2: In the morning, go to Hunan Provincial Museum to visit the unearthed artifacts of Mawangdui Han Tomb; in the afternoon, go to Taiping Old Street to taste Changsha’s special snacks and feel the flavor of old Changsha; in the evening, go shopping in Wuyi Square to enjoy the night view.

Changsha, a city full of charm, is waiting for you to explore its beauty. Come to Changsha and start an unforgettable trip!