Travel in Changsha
Changsha, a dynamic historical and cultural metropolis, is the capital city of Hunan Province, situated along
the Xiang River in central south China. Rooted in profound Huxiang cultural heritage, it enjoys convenient
high speed rail and air transportation connections with major domestic and overseas cities. It serves as an
important hub for culture, education, commerce and advanced manufacturing in central China.
As a famous historical city with more than two thousand year history, Changsha has evolved into a vibrant
modern metropolis. A large number of innovative enterprises gather here, bringing abundant job opportunities
and attracting talents nationwide. Its pillar industries cover advanced manufacturing, cultural creativity,
tourism, catering and digital economy.
For visitors, Changsha boasts numerous well known scenic spots including Yuelu Mountain, Orange Isle, Hunan
Museum and Taiping Ancient Street. The perfect combination of magnificent mountain river landscape, time
honored historical relics and vigorous urban night life shapes its distinctive charm as a "city of mountains,
rivers and isles".
Must go Attractions in Changsha
Orange Isle (Juzizhou)
A long and narrow alluvial sandbar lying in the middle of the Xiang River. The landmark giant granite
sculpture of young Mao Zedong stands at its southern tip. Tourists can take sightseeing trains across the
island to appreciate river views, orange groves and urban skyline. Occasional river fireworks performances are
held on weekends during warm seasons.
Useful Information
Address: Yuelu District, Changsha More Info: Accessible via Metro Line 2; sightseeing shuttle train tickets
are available on site; park admission is free.
Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area
Famous for well preserved ancient academies, pavilions and forest landscape. Yuelu Academy, one of China’s
four great ancient academies, is located on its foothill. Aiwan Pavilion, one of China’s four renowned
pavilions, attracts crowds especially when maple leaves turn red in autumn. Visitors may take cable cars or
sightseeing vehicles up to the mountain top for panoramic overlooking over Changsha city and Xiang
River.
Useful Information
Address: No.58 Denggao Road, Yuelu District, Changsha
Hunan Museum
One of China’s top ranked museums, globally celebrated for Mawangdui Han Tomb relics.
World famous collections include the gauze garment weighing merely 49 grams, the T shaped silk painting and
well preserved Han dynasty cultural artifacts. Advance real name reservation is compulsory; no walk in tickets
are provided.
Useful Information
Address: No.50 Dongfeng Road, Kaifu District, Changsha
Taiping Ancient Street
Well preserved old town block dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Traditional wooden buildings, local
handicraft stores, time honored snack stalls and creative boutiques line both sides of the lane. It is an
ideal spot to experience authentic Changsha street culture and taste classic local snacks.
Useful Information
Address: Taiping Street, Tianxin District, Changsha
IFS Changsha & Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street
Downtown commercial core of Changsha. IFS rooftop giant KAWS sculpture has become a city wide internet famous
landmark. Huangxing Pedestrian Street gathers countless restaurants, retail shops and night market stalls,
presenting the bustling night vitality of Changsha.
Useful Information
Address: Wuyi Square, Tianxin District, Changsha
Travel Tips for Changsha
Public Transport
Changsha Metro covers most core tourist sites, you can activate transit QR codes via WeChat or Alipay for
subway and bus rides. Shared electric scooters are convenient for short distance travel within old urban
blocks. Ride hailing services are widely available across the city. Major high speed rail hubs are Changsha
Station and Changsha South Railway Station; Changsha Huanghua International Airport connects domestic and
international destinations.
Local Cuisine
Spicy Hunan cuisine defines Changsha’s food culture. You should not miss Changsha stinky tofu, chopped chili
fish head, Hunan rice noodles, sweet glutinous rice fritters (Tangyoubaba) and spicy crayfish. Head to Taiping
Street, Pozi Street and Sifangping Night Market for authentic street side snacks. Numerous well known Hunan
style restaurants are concentrated around Wuyi Square.
Shopping Guide
Wuyi Square / IFS Changsha: High end department stores, international brands and chain retail shops Taiping
Ancient Street: Handicraft souvenirs, local flavor specialty stores Sifangping Night Market: Snacks, casual
goods and lively street market atmosphere Chaoyang Business Block: Local agricultural specialties and Hunan
style souvenirs
Seasonal Advice
March May: Mild spring with frequent showers; carry umbrellas for outdoor sightseeing June August: Hot humid
summer; prioritize air conditioned museums and indoor venues, take heat stroke precautions September November:
Pleasant cool autumn, best travel season for viewing red maple leaves on Yuelu Mountain December February:
Damp cold winter; fewer tourist crowds, please prepare warm layered clothing
Money Matters
Shopping malls, large hotels and chain restaurants accept mainstream bank cards and mobile payment. Keep small
cash for street food stalls and small vendors. Self service ATMs can be found throughout downtown areas. Fixed
prices apply in formal stores, while bargaining is acceptable at local street markets.
Language Tips
Mandarin is widely spoken. Major hotels and scenic spots offer limited English language service. Install
translation applications for communication at small restaurants and local stalls. Core tourist zones are
equipped with English marked road signs.
Accommodation
Book hotels around Wuyi Square for convenient access to shopping, catering and metro transport. Choose
accommodation near Yuelu Mountain if you prefer quiet cultural surroundings. High end conference hotels are
concentrated in Yuelu District, where the conference venue WorldHotel Grand Jiaxing Hunan is located. Hostels
and boutique inns are easy to find across downtown districts.
