Summer Swap Plan: A 3-Day 1-Night Road Trip from Changsha to Xiangtan - Red Legacy & Local Flavor

Summer Swap Plan: A 3-Day 1-Night Road Trip from Changsha to Xiangtan - Red Legacy & Local Flavor

This July, pack away Changsha's summer heat and escape to Xiangtan—just an hour's drive away. Our "Summer Swap Plan" begins with a road trip, spending 3 days and 1 night exploring this city rich in revolutionary history and vibrant local culture.

📍Address: Xiangtan City, Hunan Province (about 1-hour drive from Changsha)

🚗 Transportation Guide

- By car: Take the G4 Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway from Yuelu or Yuhua District in Changsha, then transfer to the G60 Shanghai-Kunming Expressway. Exit at Shaoshan or Xiangtan North. The 60km trip costs about ¥30 in tolls.
- Local transport: Attractions in downtown Xiangtan are concentrated with convenient parking (¥10-20/day). In Shaoshan Scenic Area, take the shuttle bus (¥20/person, all-access pass).

🌟 3-Day 1-Night Itinerary Highlights

【Day 1: Tracing Revolutionary Roots】

- Shaoshan Core Scenic Area
🕙Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
🍽Rating: ★★★★★
🖼Atmosphere: A solemn revolutionary site nestled in green hills, offering cool summer walks.
💰Cost: Free (book via "Shaoshan Tourism" WeChat), shuttle ¥20, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall guide ¥50.
Must-dos: Mao Zedong's Former Residence (30-min queue), Mao Zedong Square (wreath-laying ceremony), Shaoshan Exhibition Hall (immersive history).
- Dinner: Mao's Family Restaurant (Shaoshan branch)
🕙Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
🍽Rating: ★★★★☆
🖼Atmosphere: Retro Chinese decor with vintage photos.
💰Cost: ¥80/person
Try: Mao-style braised pork (tender, not greasy) and Shaoshan fire-dried fish.

【Day 2: Old Town Charm & Lakeside Leisure】

- Yaowan Ancient Town
🕙Hours: Open 24/7 (shops 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM)
🍽Rating: ★★★★☆
🖼Atmosphere: Ming-Qing style riverside street with stone paths and red lanterns, perfect for evening photos.
💰Cost: Free (some attractions like Wangheng Pavilion charge ¥5).
Activities: Visit Xiangtan Museum (free), tea by the river, snack on sticky rice cakes.
- Yuhu Park
🕙Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
🍽Rating: ★★★☆☆
🖼Atmosphere: Classic lakeside park with shaded paths and summer lotus blooms.
💰Cost: Free
Tip: Rent a pedal boat (¥30/hour) to enjoy the lake breeze.

【Day 3: Countryside Serenity & Return】

- Panlong Grand View Garden
🕙Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
🍽Rating: ★★★★☆
🖼Atmosphere: Expansive floral gardens featuring lotus ponds in summer.
💰Cost: ¥80 entry, ¥30 for shuttle.
Activities: Morning flower viewing, farming culture exhibit, countryside lunch (¥60/person), return to Changsha by 2 PM.

💡 Travel Notes

Xiangtan's summer pace feels more relaxed than Changsha's. Touch history in Shaoshan, snack by the river in Yaowan, watch chess games in Yuhu Park—all within easy reach. The flexible road trip makes for a perfect weekend reset.