A 3-Day Changsha Adventure: Exploring the Star City and Savoring its Delights

If you yearn for a city brimming with energy and vibrant culture, Changsha promises an unforgettable travel experience. Let's embark on this exciting 3-day Changsha tour.

Day 1: Encounter History and Nature

- Morning (9:00am - 12:00pm): Hunan Museum. Start your day at the Hunan Museum, a first-class national museum housing a rich collection of artifacts, including renowned relics from the Mawangdui Han Tombs, such as the remarkably preserved body of Lady Xin Zhui and the exquisite silk gauze garment. Immerse yourself in the profound history and culture of the Hunan region.

- Lunch (12:00pm - 1:00pm): Lunch near the museum. We recommend Fei Da Chu La Jiao Chao Rou, where you must try their signature chili fried pork with rice. The average cost is CNY 60-80. Experience the authentic charm of Hunan cuisine.

- Afternoon (1:00pm - 5:00pm): Lieshi Park. After lunch, head to Lieshi Park, the largest comprehensive park in Changsha. Stroll through the park, admire the natural scenery, and visit the Hunan Martyrs' Memorial Tower to commemorate the revolutionary martyrs and experience the "red" culture.

- Evening (5:00pm - 8:00pm): Yangfan Night Market. As night falls, explore the bustling Yangfan Night Market, a haven for food lovers. Sample various Changsha specialties, such as stinky tofu, sugar-oil baba, and grilled beef tallow, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Day 2: Embrace Youth and Trends

- Morning (8:00am - 12:00pm): Yuelu Mountain. Start your day early with a visit to Yuelu Mountain. Enter through the east gate and choose to take the sightseeing bus or hike up the mountain. Visit the Aiwan Pavilion and admire the maple leaves (best in autumn), explore the Yuelu Academy to experience the cultural heritage of this thousand-year-old institution, and ascend to the mountaintop for breathtaking views of Changsha.

- Lunch (12:00pm - 1:00pm): Lunch near Yuelu Mountain. We recommend grabbing a delicious shaobing (sesame flatbread) from Shuaige Shaobing and pairing it with a refreshing milk tea from Cha Yan Yue Se. The average cost is CNY 30-50, offering a tasty and convenient lunch.

- Afternoon (1:00pm - 5:00pm): Orange Isle. After lunch, visit Orange Isle. Take the sightseeing train to the Young Mao Zedong Statue. This magnificent sculpture captures the charisma of the young leader. Take photos and feel his inspiring spirit.

- Evening (5:00pm - 7:00pm): Wuyi Square. After exploring Orange Isle, head to Wuyi Square, Changsha's commercial center, where shops and malls abound. Visit the IFS Tower and check out the KAWS sculpture on the 7th floor. Enjoy diverse culinary delights from around the world in the vicinity.

Day 3: Discover Old Streets and Creative Culture

- Morning (9:00am - 12:00pm): Duzheng Street. Stroll along Duzheng Street, which retains many well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings, exuding an old-world charm. Browse the various specialty shops, such as handicraft stores and vintage clothing boutiques, and experience the essence of old Changsha.

- Lunch (12:00pm - 1:00pm): Lunch near Duzheng Street. We recommend Mengzhong BBQ, where you can try their signature beef tallow skewers and Xiangxi skewers. The average cost is CNY 80-100. Savor the unique flavors of Changsha barbecue.

- Afternoon (1:00pm - 4:00pm): Free time before departure. Optional attraction: Xie Zilong Photography Museum. This unique museum focuses on photographic art, featuring distinctive architecture and diverse exhibitions. It's a perfect spot for photos and immersing yourself in the artistic atmosphere.

- Souvenirs: Changsha stinky tofu gift boxes, Cha Yan Yue Se cultural and creative products (such as tea bags and accessories), and Xiang embroidery products are excellent souvenir choices. You can find them in shopping areas like Wuyi Square and Pozi Street.

Transportation Guide

Subway: The Changsha subway network covers major attractions, offering convenient transportation. Fares are based on distance, ranging from CNY 2-7.
Bus: Numerous bus routes are available, with a fare of CNY 2.

Food Map

- Changsha specialties: Stinky tofu, sugar-oil baba, spicy crayfish, chopped chili fish head, grilled beef tallow.

- Hunan restaurants: Fei Da Chu La Jiao Chao Rou, Chui Yan Xiao Chao Huang Niu Rou.

- Desserts and snacks: Cha Yan Yue Se milk tea, Hei Se Jing Dian stinky tofu, Wen He You Lao Changsha Da Xiang Chang.

Important Notes

1. Reservations: Advance reservations are required for the Hunan Museum and Xie Zilong Photography Museum through their official WeChat accounts.

2. Weather: Changsha experiences hot summers, so take precautions against sun exposure and heatstroke. Winters are cold and damp, so dress warmly.

3. Crowds: Expect large crowds during holidays in commercial areas like Wuyi Square and Pozi Street. Be mindful of your personal belongings and safety.