Located on the Xiang River, this south-central Chinese city is known for its spicy Hunan cuisine, historic Yuelu Academy, and Orange Island. Home to 7.5 million people and close to Wuyi Mountains.
Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, is home to 10 million people and known for its spicy Hunan cuisine. The Xiang River runs through the city center, where you'll find Orange Island's cherry trees and gardens. On the western shore, students still attend classes at the 1,000-year-old Yuelu Academy. You can try local specialties like stinky tofu at street markets or shop at modern developments like the 94-story Changsha IFS Tower.
Getting Around Changsha
Two metro lines connect the city's major areas, with trains running from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM. Air-conditioned buses cost ¥2, while regular buses cost ¥1. The tourist bus line 旅3 stops at main sights every 30 minutes. A taxi ride across the city center typically costs ¥20-30.
Main Attractions Along the Xiang River
Orange Island stretches 2.5 kilometers through the Xiang River. You'll see cherry blossoms in March and orange trees with fruit in autumn. Walking paths cross the entire island, leading to gardens and river viewpoints. Yuelu Mountain rises 300 meters above the western bank, with stone paths connecting several pavilions. The Yuelu Academy, built in 976 AD, has five main halls where you can see Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and calligraphy.
Hunan Provincial Museum and Cultural Sites
At the Hunan Provincial Museum (entrance fee ¥20), you'll find over 180,000 artifacts, including well-preserved silk garments and lacquerware from the Mawangdui Tomb. The Changsha Meixihu International Culture and Arts Centre has three white curved buildings containing a theater, museum, and multipurpose hall.
Local Food Scene
Food vendors set up along Pozi Street after 5 PM. You can try stinky tofu for ¥10-15, or get Juewei's duck neck starting at ¥25. Local restaurants serve Hunan specialties like spicy fish head (¥60-80) and smoked pork with dried string beans (¥30-40). Night markets on Huangxing Road stay open until midnight.
Shopping Districts
Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street extends for two kilometers with shops selling clothing, electronics, and local products. On South Huangxing Road, you'll find traditional medicine shops and tea houses in 1920s buildings. Middle Jiefang Road has over 50 fashion boutiques and several shopping centers.
Day Trips from Changsha
Catch a bus to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (¥100) hourly from 7 AM to 2 PM, with a 4-hour journey time. High-speed trains reach Shaoshan in 30 minutes (¥30). To visit Fenghuang's riverside wooden houses and stone bridges, take a 6-hour bus ride, with departures at 8 AM and 2 PM daily.
Weather and Visiting Times
April temperatures range from 15-22°C, while October stays between 17-25°C. Summer days often exceed 33°C with high humidity. Winter temperatures drop to 2-11°C, so bring warm clothing. Expect rain from April to June, with about 15 rainy days per month.
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