First time in Changsha? Is stinky tofu the only famous local delicacy? We’ve planned a 3-day, 2-night itinerary to help you explore Changsha and fall in love with the city! From the cultural charm of Orange Isle, mentioned in Mao Zedong’s Ode to Snow, to Pozi Street, one of China’s top four snack streets, Changsha is full of history and flavor. Let’s dive into the real Changsha life!
Day 1: Hunan University – Yuelu Academy – Yuelu Mountain – Taiping Street
Stop 1: Hunan University (🕐 1.5 hours)
Hunan University, a prestigious institution with a history spanning over a thousand years, is nestled at the foot of Yuelu Mountain. The campus is filled with lush greenery, fresh air, and historic red-brick buildings, exuding a strong academic and cultural atmosphere. The university is open to visitors, making it a great place to experience student life. Be sure to check out the food street within the campus for some authentic local snacks!
Stop 2: Yuelu Academy (🕐 2-3 hours)
A short walk from Hunan University.
Yuelu Academy, one of China’s four great ancient academies, is a must-visit for history and culture lovers. The academy boasts an elegant environment and rich scholarly heritage. At its center stands the Lecture Hall, the heart of academic activities and major events. During graduation season, students often dress in traditional Republic-era attire for photos, creating a scene full of old-world charm.
Stop 3: Yuelu Mountain (🕐 Half-day)
Walk to the Yuelu Mountain South Gate.
Located on the west bank of the Xiang River, Yuelu Mountain is a landmark attraction of Changsha. The mountain is blanketed with dense forests and centuries-old trees. Most historical sites are near the South Gate, including Yuelu Academy and Aiwan Pavilion in Qingfeng Gorge. Autumn is the best time to visit, as the mountains are covered in red maple leaves, creating a breathtakingly romantic view. Visitors are recommended to hike up and take the cable car down. There are also sightseeing buses available at both the South and East Gates, with the final stop at the “Scenic Corridor.”
Stop 4: Taiping Street (🕐 1-2 hours)
Take a bus and get off at Mawangdui Hospital South (马王堆医院南), then walk for about 3 minutes.
Taiping Street is a bustling old street, perfect for food and shopping. The north end connects to Wuyi Avenue, while the south end meets Jiefang Road. Most tourists only walk along the main north-south street, but the small alleyways in the east-west direction hold the real essence of old Changsha, with classic architecture featuring gray tiles, sloped roofs, white ridges, firewalls, and wooden doors and windows.
Near the southern entrance, you’ll find the Jia Yi Former Residence, a restored historical site. The street is also home to many shops selling specialty products from western Hunan, making it a great place to explore and pick up souvenirs!
Day 2: Hunan Museum – Tianxin Pavilion – Orange Isle – Pozi Street
Stop 1: Hunan Museum (🕐 3 hours)
Take a bus to Hunan Museum Stop (省博物馆站), then walk for about 2 minutes.
Among China’s many museums, Hunan Museum is definitely a must-visit. It is the largest history and art museum in Hunan Province, dedicated to cultural heritage preservation and housing a rich collection of artifacts. The Mawangdui Han Tomb relics are the museum’s most distinctive treasures.
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM).
If you’re interested in learning more about the Mawangdui Han Tomb, you can visit the Mawangdui Tomb Site, which is about a 45-minute drive from the museum.
Stop 2: Tianxin Pavilion (🕐 1 hour)
Hunan Museum → Tianxin Pavilion: About 30 minutes by bus.
Located within Tianxin Park, Tianxin Pavilion is an ancient city tower and one of the few remaining parts of Changsha’s historic city wall. Since the Ming Dynasty, it has been considered a symbol of old Changsha. Right across from it is the Bamboo and Wooden Slips Museum, which you can visit as well.
Tianxin Park is free to enter, but the Tianxin Pavilion and city wall area require a ticket (¥32 per person).
Stop 3: Orange Isle (🕐 3 hours)
Take Metro Line 2 to Juzizhou Station (橘子洲站), then walk about 15 minutes to the scenic area.
Orange Isle, made famous by Mao Zedong’s poetry, is a long, river island in the middle of Xiang River, located opposite downtown Changsha. To the west, it faces Yuelu Mountain, and to the east, it overlooks Changsha’s cityscape. The island offers scenic beauty throughout all seasons, along with historical exhibitions that you won’t want to miss.
If you happen to visit on a holiday or special event, you might catch a fireworks show – the best viewing spot is at Dufu Jiangge Pavilion.
Stop 4: Pozi Street (🕐 1 hour)
Orange Isle → Pozi Street: About 20 minutes by metro.
Pozi Street is one of China’s four most famous snack streets, serving as a hub for Changsha’s local delicacies. From traditional to modern flavors, the street truly represents the authentic taste of Changsha. Locals and tourists alike visit to savor the best street food. Popular food stalls often have long queues, but as they say, good things are worth waiting for!
Day 3: Window of the World – Changsha Broadcasting & TV Station – Xiangjiang Scenic Belt – Dufu Jiangge Pavilion
Stop 1: Changsha Window of the World (🕐 6 hours)
Changsha Window of the World is a large amusement park featuring miniature landmarks from around the world. The International Street showcases exotic performances, while thrill-seekers can enjoy rides like the Flying Wheel, Crazy Motorcycles, and the Triple-Loop Roller Coaster on the mountain. It’s an exciting spot for family fun and adventure.
Stop 2: Changsha Broadcasting & TV Station (🕐 0.5 hour)
Window of the World → Changsha Broadcasting & TV Station: About 1 hour by bus.
A quick stop at Changsha Broadcasting & TV Station, home to Hunan TV and famous shows like Happy Camp. Many celebrities frequent this location, so if you’re lucky, you might even spot a star!
Stop 3: Xiangjiang Scenic Belt & Dufu Jiangge Pavilion (🕐 2 hours)
From TV Station: 20 minutes by bus.
From Window of the World: 1 hour by bus.
Spend the evening along the Xiangjiang Scenic Belt, a beautiful riverside promenade lined with small squares, green spaces, and cultural landmarks. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing walk, enjoying the cool breeze, and taking in the night views.
Along the way, you’ll pass by Dufu Jiangge Pavilion, an elegant riverside pavilion built to honor the great poet Dufu. This location offers one of the best views of the Orange Isle fireworks, making it a favorite spot for visitors during firework shows.
