From Stinky Tofu to Mao’s Statue: Everything You Need to Know About Changsha
Changsha (长沙), as the capital of Hunan Province, is a city with a long history and vibrant energy. With its rich natural landscapes, numerous historical and cultural sites, and modern entertainment venues, it’s an ideal destination for tourism and shopping.
🌟 Introduction
Changsha (长沙), as the capital of Hunan Province, is a city with a long history and vibrant energy. With its rich natural landscapes, numerous historical and cultural sites, and modern entertainment venues, it’s an ideal destination for tourism and shopping.
🛩️ How to Get There
• By Air: Changsha Huanghua International Airport (长沙黄花国际机场), about 15 kilometers from downtown, accessible by airport shuttle bus or taxi. • By High-Speed Rail: Changsha South Station (长沙南站), with multiple high-speed rail routes connecting to cities nationwide. • By Train: Changsha Railway Station (长沙火车站), located in the city center with convenient transportation.
🚍️ Getting Around
• Metro: Changsha Metro currently has 6 lines covering most urban areas, the main mode of transportation. • Bus: Extensive bus routes with wide coverage, but avoid rush hours. • Taxi: Starting fare ¥10, charged by kilometer, 20% night surcharge. • Shared E-bikes: Available within the city, convenient and quick, but mind traffic safety.
🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions
• Yuelu Mountain (岳麓山): One of China’s four ancient academies and one of the world’s oldest institutions, famous for Aiwan Pavilion. Free admission, same-day tickets available.
• Orange Isle (橘子洲): Famous for Mao Zedong’s “Qinyuan Spring·Changsha,” explore by mini train. Free admission, one-day advance reservation required.
• Hunan Museum (湖南博物院): Great place to learn about Hunan culture, rich collections. Free admission, 7-day advance reservation required.
• Du Fu Riverside Pavilion (杜甫江阁): Built in memory of poet Du Fu, overlooking Xiangjiang River. It is located at Xihu Bridge, Hedong District, Changsha City, Hunan Province. The garden area of Dufu Jiangge covers an area of more than 6,000 square meters, and the building area is more than 3,800 square meters.
In the late autumn of 768 AD (the third year of Dali in the Tang Dynasty), Du Fu went to Changsha to seek refuge with his friends and then lived in a simple building by the Xiangjiang River, which was the “Jiangge”. In 2002, the People’s Government of Changsha City decided to build Dufu Jiangge. It was completed and opened for trial operation on September 19, 2005, and then officially opened to the public on January 1, 2006. The main pavilion of Dufu Jiangge has four floors and is 18 meters high. It faces Juzizhou and Yuelu Mountain across the river, and is less than one kilometer away from Tianxin Pavilion, forming a cultural context belt. It has become a scenic spot on the Xiangjiang River Scenic Belt. Many tourists come to Dufu Jiangge to feel the history, recall the story of Du Fu, read the masterpieces of the “Poetic Saint”, and feel the Huxiang cultural context.
Admission ¥11, student ticket ¥5.5, same-day tickets available.
• Ancient Kaifu Temple (古开福寺): A thousand-year-old temple in downtown, popular for worship. Admission ¥10.
🍜 Must-Try Restaurants
• Ben Luobo Liuyang Restaurant (笨萝卜浏阳菜馆): Good value, diverse menu, suitable for family gatherings.
• Pangzi (胖伢子): Popular budget eatery near university area.
• Wen He You (文和友): Recreates old Changsha atmosphere.
• Gongjiao New Village Noodle Shop (公交新村粉店): Classic rice noodle shop, authentic taste, affordable prices. Around ¥20 per person.
🎉 Cultural Experiences
• Hunan Red Star Xiangsheng Society (湖南红星相声社): Recommended by locals for evening entertainment.
• Hunan Provincial Museum (湖南省博物院): Rich in historical and artistic exhibits, 7-day advance WeChat reservation required, closed Mondays.
• Yuelu Academy (岳麓书院): One of China’s four great academies, advance WeChat reservation required.
🛍️ Shopping Guide
• Taiping Street (太平街): Free, popular food street, many community eateries
• Wanjiali Plaza (万家丽广场): Free, rooftop sky view and helipad
• Yangfan Night Market (扬帆夜市): Free, Changsha’s premier night market, very lively
• Chaozong Street (潮宗街): Free, vintage commercial street, less commercialized, great for photos
🏘️ Recommended Areas to Stay
• Wuyi Square (五一广场): City center, many attractions nearby, close to metro, convenient transportation, experience Changsha nightlife.
• Yuelu Mountain (岳麓山): Near Hunan University, lots of food options, suitable for young people.
• Orange Isle (橘子洲): Beautiful Orange Isle views, but far from downtown, less convenient transportation.
✨ Important Notes
• Yuelu Mountain, Yuelu Academy, Orange Isle, and Hunan Museum require advance WeChat reservations.
• Some attractions are closed on Mondays, plan your itinerary accordingly.
• Changsha cuisine is typically spicy, inform servers if you prefer less spicy food.
• Traffic can be congested, avoid peak hours.
