3 Days & 2 Nights Changsha Highlights Tour | With Ultimate Itinerary & Photo Guide

Changsha's attractions are highly concentrated, making it perfect for a short holiday getaway. This carefully planned 3-day, 2-night itinerary will take you through Changsha's must-see spots and authentic local cuisine!

🗺️ Optimal Route Plan
Day 1: City Landmarks Night Walk
🔸 Check into your hotel upon arrival
🔸 IFS International Finance Center (photo with KAWS sculpture)
🔸 Changsha Super Wenheyou (retro street-style photos)
🔸 Orange Isle Head (best visited after 17:00 for sunset + night views)
🔸 Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street (experience Changsha's night market)
🔸 Jiefang West Road (vibrant nightlife, recommend Hibhub Club)
🔸 Wuyi Square Night Market (must-try crayfish, recommend Juwei Quji)

Day 2: Culture & Nature Journey
🔹 Arrive at Yuelu Mountain East Gate before 7:30 (take cable car up)
🔹 Aiwan Pavilion + Yuelu Academy (one of China's Four Great Academies)
🔹 Hunan University (red-brick architecture perfect for photos)
🔹 Xie Zilong Photography Museum (closed Mondays, wear black/white outfits)
🔹 Hotel recommendation: Meixi Lake Mehood Lite Hotel (highly recommended!)
🏨 Why choose this hotel:
✔️ Direct access via Metro Line 2 Culture & Art Center Station, 4 stops to Wuyi Square
✔️ Just across the street from beautiful Meixi Lake with scenic lakeside paths
✔️ Surrounded by great dining options
✔️ Excellent value, much quieter than downtown

Day 3: Art & Architecture Tour
🔸 Meixi Lake Culture & Art Museum (dopamine-inducing interiors)
🔸 China Knot Bridge (instagrammable spot)
🔸 Return trip in the afternoon

📸 Must-Capture Photo Spots
IFS International Finance Center
📍 Best angle: Opposite Exit 6 of Guojin Street
⏰ Best time: Before 10am or after 8pm for fewer crowds
Changsha Super Wenheyou
📍 Must-shoot: "Changsha" neon sign (5th floor of Haixin Plaza branch)
💡 Tip: Enter through Haixin Plaza if only taking photos
Orange Isle Head
🌆 Golden hour: 17:30-19:00 (summer)
🚂 Take the sightseeing train - walking roundtrip takes 3 hours
Meixi Lake Culture & Art Center
🏛️ Architectural highlight: Zaha Hadid design with futuristic style
📷 Best angle: Reflection shots at the theater's front pool

💡 Practical Tips
1. Transportation: Metro is super convenient
2. Yuelu Mountain: Cable cars often have long queues - arrive before 7:30
3. Food recommendations:
- Breakfast: Hotel breakfast is plentiful
- Late-night: Ranshe BBQ (across from hotel)
4. Essentials: Sunscreen, comfortable shoes (20,000 steps/day average)
5. Reservations: Book Yuelu Academy and Orange Isle in advance

This itinerary covers all the insta-famous spots while letting you experience Changsha's authentic local vibe! Remember to wear comfortable shoes - Changsha is incredibly walkable.