Been working too hard? Time for a vacation!

📍 Must-see attractions

Orange Isle

An oasis in the Xiang River where you can admire the statue of young Mao Zedong. The musical fountain at night is super romantic.

🚇 Transportation: Direct access via subway line 2. We recommend taking a walk in the evening to see the beautiful sunset!

Yuelu Mountain & Yuelu Academy

The Yuelu Academy, a millennium-old institution of higher learning (ticket: CNY 40). At the foot of the mountain, the maple leaves at the Aiwan Pavilion are stunning in autumn.

Take the cable car up the mountain for a panoramic view of Changsha (CNY 30 for a one-way ticket). Walking down the mountain is easier.

Hunan Museum

The "Lady Xin Zhui of Han Dynasty Tomb at Mawangdui", a national treasure. Admission is free, but reservations are required!

🕒 Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed on Mondays).

Super Wen He You

A retro-style, photogenic spot! The crayfish is so-so, but the retro scenes are great for photos.

📍 Address: Hisense Plaza. It is recommended to avoid peak hours.

🍜 Local food guide

Breakfast: Bus Station New Village Rice Noodles, Sijie Rice Noodles (enjoy the noodles!)

Main meals: Yizhan Deng (spicy!), Chef Fei's Stir-fried Pork with Chili, Cuiyan Stir-fried Yellow Beef

Snacks: Black Classic Stinky Tofu, Jinji Tangyou Tuotuo, Liu Baiwei Rice Noodle Restaurant (the pickled radish is super crispy)

Late-night snacks: Zisu Taozi Jiang at Dongguashan Night Market, Mengzhong Barbecue (beef tallow skewers are a must)

⚠️ Spicy food alert: Changsha cuisine is generally heavy on flavor, so remember to ask for "slightly spicy" when ordering!

🏨 Accommodation recommendations

Top choice in the city center: Around May 1st Square/Huangxing Pedestrian Street, where you can eat, drink, and have fun.

Value-for-money choice: Near the subway station in the May 1st business district. You can enjoy your stay for just over CNY 100 per person.

High-end experience: InterContinental Changsha (river view rooms with views of the Orange Isle fireworks).
📍 Must-see attractions

Zhanqiao Pier

A Qingdao landmark, this wooden trestle extends into the sea. At the end, the Huilan Pavilion offers a panoramic view of the sea.

🕒 Best time to visit: Early morning or evening to avoid the crowds and watch the seagulls fly (winter is seagull season).

Badaguan

A collection of international buildings + seaside boardwalk. The Princess House, Huashi House, and Shaoguan Road are beautiful in all seasons.

🌸 Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and golden ginkgo trees in autumn. This is where the movie First Time was filmed.

Laoshan Scenic Area

"The First Mountain on the Sea" is divided into three routes: Jufeng (mountain climbing), Liuqing River (sea view), and Yangkou (cable car).

🚌 Transportation: Take the subway in the city and transfer to the Laoshan special line bus. Tickets + sightseeing bus cost about CNY 150.

May Fourth Square & Olympic Sailing Center

Qingdao's new landmark. The light show at night is stunning (19:30-21:00).

🚢 You can take a sailboat out to sea at the Olympic Sailing Center (about CNY 100 per person) and experience the charm of the sailing capital.

Signal Hill Park

Climb to the top for a 360° panoramic view of the red-tiled roofs and green trees. The rotating viewing platform is super fun (ticket: CNY 5).

Tsingtao Beer Museum

Learn about the history of beer, enjoy a free glass of unfiltered beer, and check out the co-branded cultural and creative products!

🍺 Ticket: CNY 60 (including beer). It is recommended to have dinner on Beer Street.

Daxue Road-Yushan Road Internet-famous Wall

Take photos at the corner of the red walls and yellow tiles. The surrounding cafes are full of artistic flair.

Xiaoyushan Park

Fewer people and beautiful scenery. Climb to the top to see the red roofs and coastline of the old city. It is less crowded than Signal Hill.