Day 1: The Classic “Mountain and Water” Route
Yuelu Mountain – University City – Orange Island – May Day Square
Yuelu Mountain
Start your Changsha journey by climbing Yuelu Mountain.
With an altitude of 300.8 meters, Yuelu Mountain is a cultural mountain that integrates the essence of Chinese culture, including Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a key national scenic spot, combining “mountain, water, island, and city” in one. Aiwan Pavilion, Lushan Temple, Yunlu Palace, and even Yuelu Academy at the foot of the mountain are all worth visiting.
Address: No. 58, Denggao Road, Yuelu District
Transportation: Take Metro Line 4 to Hunan University Station (Exit 2), then walk to the South Gate
Tickets: Free, but reservation is required in advance on the WeChat official account “Yuelu Mountain & Orange Island Tourist Area” (Yuelu Academy ticket: 40 yuan/person)
Opening Hours: 6:00-22:00 (Last entry at 21:30)
University City
Exiting from the South Gate of Yuelu Mountain, you will find yourself on Lushan South Road, the main road of the University City in Hexi. Without walls, some buildings of Hunan University, Central South University, and Hunan Normal University are clearly visible. At the intersection, the towering “Red Building” stands in the shade of green trees, looking ancient and grand. It is the site of the surrender ceremony of the Changheng Yue area during the War of Resistance against Japan, a national key cultural relic protection unit, and a landmark building of Hunan University.
Surrounded by camphor trees, Lushan South Road is the most popular food gathering place in the University City. After climbing the mountain, why not come here for a hearty meal? Tianma beef pie, fairy bean cake, Xianfeng bread, Huadao sushi, Ayuan snail rice noodles, old man’s sugar oil cake, the notorious stinky tofu, Shifenman sugar water shop, and more await your exploration along this 5.4-kilometer road.
Orange Island
Located in the center of the Xiangjiang River, Orange Island stretches for more than ten miles from south to north. It is the largest alluvial sand island among the many downstream of the Xiangjiang River and is known as “China’s First Island.”
Orange Island has carefully crafted five themed gardens: Osmanthus Garden, Peach Garden, Plum Garden, Bamboo Garden, and Orange Garden. There are also Wangjiang Pavilion, Zhenjiang Pavilion, Lanyue Pavilion, Poetry Stele, Orange Island Inn, Zhu Zhang Ancient Ferry, and Tang Shengzhi’s Residence nestled among them.
The Mao Zedong Youth Artistic Sculpture at the head of the island is a must-see attraction for visitors to Changsha. Last summer, the popular red immersive cultural tourism performance “The Awakening Years” recreated the “awakening era” of a hundred years ago, allowing the audience to become “characters in the play” and engage in a cross-time “dialogue” with the young people.
Address: Orange Island Scenic Area, Yuelu District
Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to Orange Island·Qinglian Station
Tickets: Free, but reservation is required in advance on the WeChat official account “Yuelu Mountain & Orange Island Tourist Area” (Tickets for “The Awakening Years” Youth Theater: Book online at “Tianze City Travel The Awakening Years Youth Theater”)
Opening Hours: 7:00-22:00 (Last entry at 21:00)
May Day Square
May Day Square is located in the very center of Changsha’s commercial district and is also the area with the longest history in Changsha. With towering buildings and numerous shops, it is even more prosperous and lively at night, jokingly referred to by netizens as “Little New York.”
Visit IFS International Finance Square to see the crowds, night views, and the giant Kaws sculpture. Stroll through brand-name malls on Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street, and don’t miss the Huogongdian, ancient theater stage, and old alleys on Pozi Street and Taiping Street. There is also a wide variety of delicious snacks and dishes, a must-have for Changsha’s nightlife.
Address: No. 88, Middle Huangxing Road, Furong District
Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to May Day Square Station
Day 2: Exploring the Alleys and Streets
Xiyuan North Lane – Chaozong Street – Baiguoyuan Alley – Duzheng Street
Xiyuan North Lane
Xiyuan North Lane is located near Xiangchun Gate, one of the old nine gates of Changsha. The name “Xiyuan” originated from the “Western Building” built by the famous Tang Dynasty prime minister, Pei Xiu. During the Qing Dynasty, the prominent Long family followed the elegant meaning of “Western Building” and built Xiyuan, hence the name “Xiyuan North Lane.”
This quiet alley is only 600 meters long, shaded by green bamboo, seemingly a pure land in the bustling city. It connects 7 immovable cultural relics, including the Zuo Zongtang Memorial Hall and Li Jue’s former residence, as well as 15 cultural attractions such as the Xiyuan History Exhibition Hall, the former residence of calligrapher and painter Li Li, and the former residence of revolutionary forerunner Shuai Mengqi.
Address: No. 305, Xiangchun Road, Kaifu District
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Peiyuan Bridge Station (Exit 2), then walk about 400 meters
Chaozong Street
“Without entering Chaozong Gate, one does not enter Changsha City.” Chaozong Street, named after its proximity to the city gate Chaozong, is one of the three remaining ancient stone streets in Changsha. Here, the old and the new blend together, successfully making it a national-level tourism and leisure street.
Chaozong Street has preserved the street and alley pattern formed since the Ming and Qing Dynasties, as well as the ruins of the ancient city wall from the Song Dynasty. There are 2 provincial-level cultural relic protection units, including Chaozong Street Church and the former site of Jin Jiu’s activities, 10 municipal-level cultural relic protection units such as the Republican-era theater and hostel, Shiwu School, and multiple historical buildings.
In the district, old brands like Yulou Dong, Ma Fusheng, and Shuangyan Lou awaken the past, while graffiti walls, cafes, creative bookstores, and innovative malls weave a new vitality.
Address: Chaozong Street Historical and Cultural District, Kaifu District
Transportation: Take bus No. 128, 907, or 368 to Xundao Street Station and walk; about 900 meters from Xiyuan North Lane, walking is an option
Baiguoyuan
Baiguoyuan runs from Renmin West Road in the south to Sujia Alley in the north. Just a hundred meters away from the bustling Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street, it is as tranquil as a “paradise on earth.”
It is named after the many ginkgo trees planted here. The alley is only 120 meters long and 3 meters wide, a winding path leading to seclusion. The “Eight Public Ditches Ruins” in the alley, first built during the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty, are the only remaining ancient underground drainage facility ruins in Changsha, witnessing the changes of the city. The former site of the historically significant Xiangjiang Review printing house, Cheng Qian’s former residence, hand-painted walls, and the cafes and vintage shops scattered along the street have attracted wave after wave of tourists to check in.
Address: No. 271, Renmin West Road, Furong District
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Huangxing Square Station (Exit 2)
Duzheng Street
Duzheng Street runs from Gaozheng Street in the south to Mawang Street in the north, with a total length of 314 meters. It is named after the location of the Dusi Yamen in the early Qing Dynasty. It has ancient buildings such as the City God Temple, known as the “Dingxiang King Temple,” the Zhan Wang Palace commemorating the ancestor of Hunan cuisine, and the Taohuajing inheriting the elegance of the pear garden.
With stone-paved roads, red lanterns, green bricks and black tiles, flying eaves and upturned corners, one feels the charm as soon as entering Duzheng Street. Take a set of ancient-style photos at the corner of the alley, listen to a local crosstalk performance at Dele Society, and then have a cup of Chenyuan rice wine and a barbecue meal from Kechuan. The joy of traveling is just that simple.
Address: South side of Renmin West Road, Furong District
Transportation: Take bus No. 145 or 167 to Tianxin Pavilion Station; about 600 meters from Baiguoyuan Historical and Cultural Tourism Block, walking is an option
Day 3: Urban Leisure Route
Binjiang Cultural Park – Kaifu Temple – Super Wenhouyou – Du Fu’s River Pavilion
Binjiang Cultural Park
As the sub-venue of this year’s Spring Festival Gala in Changsha, Binjiang Cultural Park was extremely popular during the period when the stage was open to the public. It is also a paradise for Changsha citizens’ cultural and artistic life, and a representative window for tourists to quickly get to know and understand Changsha. It includes Changsha Museum, Changsha Library, Changsha Planning Exhibition Hall, Changsha Concert Hall, Observation Tower, and surrounding supporting facilities.
The precious cultural relics in the museum tell the past of Changsha. The “low-key” Planning Exhibition Hall is another treasure trove that cannot be missed. It uses a large number of sound, light, and electricity high-tech means and multimedia projects to show people the development and changes of Changsha city and enjoy a better future.
Address: North side of Beichen Times Square, Xiangjiang North Road, Kaifu District
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Beichen Delta Station (Exit 1), then walk about 600 meters
Tickets: Admission to Changsha Museum and Changsha Planning Exhibition Hall is free, reservations can be made on the official WeChat account of the venues; tickets for Changsha Concert Hall can be purchased on the official WeChat account
Tips: You can go to Joy City for a meal and experience reading in a spaceship at “The Most Beautiful Bookstore” Mee Bookstore
Kaifu Temple
The profound cultural charm, exquisite and solemn architecture, and tranquil atmosphere that soothes the soul have made temples increasingly popular among young people. Kaifu Temple in the north of Changsha is one such popular destination.
Kaifu Temple was first built during the Five Dynasties period and has a history of more than a thousand years. The existing buildings were mainly rebuilt during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. Inside the temple, there are clear waters, lush trees, and magnificent halls. Whether praying for blessings or sitting leisurely in the corridor, you can feel the elegance and Zen in the bustling city.
Address: No. 136, Kaifu Temple Road, Xinhe Street, Kaifu District
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Kaifu Temple Station (Exit 1); take bus No. 520 to Kaifu Temple East Station
Tickets: 10 yuan/person, can be purchased on the “Changsha Kaifu Temple” official WeChat account under “Buy Tickets” (half-price tickets need to be purchased at the ticket window)
Opening Hours: 6:30-17:30
Super Wenhouyou
Stepping from the modern shopping mall Hisense Plaza into Super Wenhouyou, it feels like traveling back in time to old Changsha in just a second. The old buildings from the 1980s, the traditional craftsmanship from the 1980s, and the ambiance of the 1980s make it common for visitors to spend one hour eating and three hours taking photos here.
It boasts a business space of 20,000 square meters across 7 floors, gathering all kinds of distinctive products from Changsha. Not only can you find old-style items, but you can also taste various snacks, evoking memories of a generation of Changsha people.
Address: No. 36, Xiangjiang Middle Road, Tianxin District
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Huangxing Square Station (Exit 1) or Metro Line 2 to Xiangjiang Middle Road Station (Exit 2A), then walk about 700 meters
Tickets: Free (reservations need to be made in advance on the official WeChat account to eat crayfish at Wenhouyou; no reservation needed for taking photos or snack shops; cable car tickets need to be purchased on-site)
Opening Hours: 11:00-3:00
Du Fu’s River Pavilion
When visiting Changsha, one must go to the Xiangjiang River to enjoy the evening breeze and witness the splendid lights on both banks. Standing on the riverbank, Du Fu’s River Pavilion is a pleasant surprise along this route.
Built to commemorate the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu, it overlooks Orange Island up close and Yuelu Mountain in the distance. It is the largest Tang-style wooden structure in Hunan and one of the classic cultural landmarks of Changsha’s “one river, two banks.” Every night, when the lights are lit, it shines with a flowing radiance.
Address: No. 108, Xiangjiang Middle Road, Tianxin District
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Nanmenkou Station (Exit 1), then walk about 800 meters; about 600 meters from Super Wenhouyou
Tickets: Adult ticket 11 yuan, can be purchased and reserved on the official WeChat account “Du Fu’s River Pavilion Yuelu Culture and Tourism”
Opening Hours: 9:00-22:00, lighting time is 18:10-22:00
Day 4: Cultural Wandering Route
Hunan Museum – Martyrs’ Park – Li Zijian Art Museum – Yanghu Water Street
Hunan Museum
Hunan Museum is one of China’s first batch of national first-class museums, one of the eight national key museums jointly built by the central and local governments, and the largest comprehensive history and art museum in Hunan Province. It currently houses more than 180,000 cultural relics, especially known for the artifacts unearthed from the Mawangdui Han Tombs, Shang and Zhou bronzes, Chu relics, ceramics from various dynasties, calligraphy and paintings, and modern and contemporary artifacts.
Address: No. 50, Dongfeng Road, Kaifu District
Transportation: Take Metro Line 6 to Xiangya Hospital Station (Exit 3), then walk about 700 meters; take bus No. 112, 901, or 358 to Hunan Museum Station
Tickets: Free, reservations can be made on the official WeChat account of “Hunan Museum”
Opening Hours: May 1 to May 5, 9:00-20:00 (last entry at 19:00)
Martyrs’ Park
Upon exiting Hunan Museum, Martyrs’ Park West Gate is not far away. Go for a leisurely stroll, enjoy the flowers and lakes, and experience the charm and life of Changsha city.
Martyrs’ Park is the largest park in Changsha, integrating commemoration, sightseeing, and entertainment. It consists of three parts: the memorial area, the sightseeing area, and the entertainment area, divided into six special parks: the Martyrs’ Memorial Park, the People’s Leisure Park, the Water Scenery Park, the Folk Custom Park, the Children’s Amusement Park, and the Mountain and Water Leisure Park.
Address: No. 1, Dongfeng Road, Kaifu District
Transportation: Take Metro Line 6 to Martyrs’ Park South Station (Exit 2A); take Metro Line 3 to Martyrs’ Park East Station (Exit 2)
Tickets: Free
Opening Hours: Hunan Martyrs’ Memorial Tower is open from 8:30 to 16:30
Li Zijian Art Museum
The Li Zijian Art Museum is a modern non-profit art museum founded solely by Chinese-American artist couple Li Zijian. It is an art complex integrating permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibition halls, multi-function halls, a music hall, and various service facilities into a modern building. It has been certified by the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) as the “world’s largest personal art museum of an artist.”
Viewing exhibitions and taking artistic photos here will make your visit worthwhile.
Address: No. 385, Xiaoxiang South Road, Yuelu District
Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Yanghu Wetland Station (Exit 2), then walk about 1.2 kilometers or take bus No. 380 to Yanghu Wetland Park Station; take bus No. 4 or 222 to Xiangfu Road Bridge West Station or bus No. 26 or 380 to Yanghu Wetland Park Station, then walk about 400 meters
Tickets: Free, make reservations for visiting on the official WeChat account of “Li Zijian Art Museum” under “Ticket Center”
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30-17:30 (last entry at 17:00)
Across the lake from it is the renowned cultural landmark, the Xie Zilong Photography Art Museum. Designed by Wei Chunyu, dean of the School of Architecture at Hunan University, it was cast in one piece using white fair-faced concrete, presenting a minimalist and grand appearance.
Address: No. 387, Xiaoxiang South Road, Yuelu District
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00-18:00 (last entry at 17:30)
Yanghu Water Street
After visiting the art exhibitions, you can take a stroll in Yanghu Wetland Park, where the woods, lakes, lawns, and flower fields complement each other harmoniously. There are also attractions like the Egret Tower, Wetland Science Museum, and highly cost-effective entertainment facilities such as bumper cars, roller coasters, and carousels.
On the east side of the park is Yanghu Water Street, a new trendy check-in spot. The 880-meter-long street is lined with buildings in the Ming and Qing Dynasty styles, with small bridges over flowing water, exquisite boats, teahouses, and opera stages, making visitors feel as if they have stepped into a water town in Jiangnan. There are also numerous branded eateries and specialty snacks to satisfy your empty stomach after a tiring stroll.
Address: No. 336, Tanzhou Avenue, Yuelu District
Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Yanghu New City Station, then walk about 1 kilometer; take bus No. 207 or 377 to Xiandao Road Tanzhou Avenue Intersection Station
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00
Day 5: Fun and Entertainment Route
Hunan Radio and Television Center – Changsha Window of the World – Changsha Underwater World – Wanjiali International Mall
Hunan Radio and Television Center
It is also known as the happy home of star-chasing girls and boys, with the iconic “H” building becoming a beloved landmark of Malanshan.
After taking photos, the Hunan International Convention and Exhibition Center next door is hosting the 2024 Hunan Auto Show; the St. Regis Hotel is having a five-star crayfish festival, where you can experience ten different flavors of crayfish and various famous Sichuan and Chongqing snacks all at once.
Address: No. 859, Wanjiali North Road, Kaifu District
Transportation: Take bus No. 158, 358, or 701 to the Radio and Television Center (Convention and Exhibition Center) Station
Changsha Window of the World
Adjacent to the Hunan Radio and Television Center, Changsha Window of the World is a comprehensive large-scale theme park integrating avant-garde fashion activities, large-scale amusement rides, architectural wonders from around the world, song and dance performances from five continents, and a film and television shooting base.
In addition to experiencing a “world tour” in one day and enjoying 50 rides with a single ticket, the Ximaocha Children’s Park is also a favorite among family visitors. During the holidays, there will also be an International Street Art Festival, gathering street artists from China and abroad to bring a series of stunning performance feasts.
Address: No. 485, Sanyi Avenue, Kaifu District
Transportation: Take bus No. 222, 358, 409, or 701 to the Window of the World Station
Tickets: 119 yuan for a single night ticket and 229 yuan for a double night ticket during the May Day holiday, available for purchase on the official WeChat account of “Changsha Window of the World”
Opening Hours: 9:00-22:30
Changsha Underwater World
Located about 260 meters from the Window of the World, Changsha Underwater World covers an area of nearly 100 mu (6.67 hectares) and consists of 7 major functional areas, including a polar ocean pavilion, science education pavilion, water park, and children’s park, integrating sightseeing, leisure, entertainment, and science education.
This is a paradise for fish, with polar animals such as beluga whales, sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and seals making appearances. The most iconic attraction is the mysterious and dreamy underwater tunnel, making visitors feel as if they are neighbors with the swimming marine life. You can also enjoy a mermaid dance performance.
Address: No. 501, Sanyi Avenue, Kaifu District
Tickets: 150 yuan per person
Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00
Wanjiali International Mall
This is the “center of the universe” for internet celebrities.
Upstairs, there is a banquet hall that can accommodate 10,000 people, including a world cultural panorama with a fusion of Chinese and Western elements, a sky garden, a cultural corridor, and a world celebrity wax museum; downstairs, there are nearly 300 specialty restaurants and snacks from all over the country, allowing you to have different meals every day for three months.
At the last stop in Changsha, go to the top floor of Wanjiali to overlook the city and shake off all the fatigue in the sunset glow.
Address: No. 99, Wanjiali Middle Road, Furong District
Opening Hours: B2F Supermarket 8:00-22:30, B2F-8F 9:30-22:30
Tip: To watch the sunset, take the hotel elevators at the four corners (southeast, northwest) directly to the 28th floor
Public Transportation Tips
- Download the “Xiang Xing Yi Ka Tong” app in advance, which can be used for buses and subways, reducing the time spent queuing to purchase tickets
- Obtain bus and subway ride codes through the “Transportation” function on the Alipay app homepage
