Introduction to Changsha
Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, is a vibrant city blending rich history, stunning natural scenery, and mouthwatering cuisine. Known as the “City of Stars” and “Hometown of Delicious Food”, it offers unique experiences for international travelers.
Top Things to Do in Changsha
1. Orange Island (Juzi Zhou)
- Opening Hours: 7:00-22:00 (entry before 21:00)
- Admission: Free, reservation required 3 days in advance via “Yuelu Mountain & Orange Island Tourist Area” WeChat official account
- Transportation: Metro Line 2 to “Orange Island Station”, sightseeing train 40 yuan/person (round trip, student discount available)
- Highlights:
- Mao Zedong Youth Art Sculpture (iconic landmark)
- 100-meter high fountain (weekends at 10:00/15:00/20:00)
- Orange Island Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum (Hunan embroidery experience)
2. Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area
- Opening Hours: 6:00-22:00
- Admission: Free, reservation required 3 days in advance
- Transportation: Metro Line 4 to “Hunan University Station”
- Highlights:
- Autumn-Admiring Pavilion (one of China’s four famous pavilions)
- Yuelu Academy (40 yuan ticket, one of China’s four ancient academies)
- Yunlu Palace (Taoist culture experience)
3. Wenheyou Retro Mall
- Features: 1980s retro scene perfect for photography
- Recommended: Crayfish, stinky tofu, and other local specialties
Best Food in Changsha
Must-Try Local Snacks
- Stinky Tofu: Recommended brands “Hei Se Jing Dian” and “Wenheyou”, 10-15 yuan/serving
- Sugar Oil Cake: Traditional street food, 5-10 yuan/serving, crispy outside and soft inside
- Changsha Rice Noodles: Visit “Gongjiao Xincun Fen Dian” for authentic taste, Spare Rib Noodles 15 yuan/bowl
Top Restaurants in Changsha
- Fei Da Chu La Jiao Chao Rou: Famous for Hunan-style chili fried pork, average 60 yuan/person
- Ben Luo Bo Liu Yang Cai Guan: Known for sour radish fried pork tripe, average 40 yuan/person
- Tea Yan Yue Se: Local milk tea chain with unique Hunan flavors
Practical Travel Tips for Changsha
Transportation Guide
- Metro: Most convenient way to travel; use Alipay/WeChat transit code
- Taxi: Starting fare 6 yuan, supports Alipay/WeChat payment
- Sightseeing Bus: Available at major attractions for convenience
Payment Methods
- Most merchants accept Alipay and WeChat Pay
- Carry small cash for some traditional food stalls
- International credit cards accepted in major hotels and restaurants
Best Time to Visit Changsha
- Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather
- Avoid summer heat (June-August) or prepare for high temperatures
- Winter (December-February) can be chilly but less crowded
Cultural Experiences in Changsha
- Hunan Embroidery Workshop: Free basic stitch experience at Orange Island
- Orange Picking: Available October-November at Orange Island, 20 yuan/jin
- Night Cruise on Xiangjiang River: Depart from Du Fu Jiangge Wharf, 100 yuan/person
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Massage: Popular local wellness experience
Changsha Travel Itinerary Suggestions
1-Day Essential Tour
- Morning: Orange Island
- Afternoon: Yuelu Mountain and Yuelu Academy
- Evening: Food tour at Taiping Street or Pozi Street
2-Day Comprehensive Tour
- Day 1: Orange Island + Hunan Museum
- Day 2: Yuelu Mountain + Wenheyou + Night cruise
3-Day In-depth Tour
- Add Shaoshan (Mao Zedong’s hometown) day trip
- Include Li Zijian Art Museum and Xie Zilong Photography Museum
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