Speaking of Changsha, the first thing that comes to mind is Mao Zedong’s hometown. It holds special significance to him. In recent years, Hunan TV has gradually surpassed other TV stations to become the big brother among them, often appearing in the public eye. Therefore, most people are actually not unfamiliar with Hunan Changsha. Today, I will take you on a journey to explore every beautiful spot here.
【Itinerary】
D1 Nanchang → Changsha
Hunan University → Orange Isle → Taiping Old Street
D2 Changsha → Ningxiang Huangcai → Nanchang
Ningxiang Tanhe Ancient City Day Trip
【Pre-Trip Preparation】
1. Changsha is a big city, so you don’t need to prepare anything special for your trip. Everything is basically very convenient.
2. You must make a travel plan, so that you can better arrange your time to travel.
3. Because this is a solo trip and I don’t have Pang Ge to help me carry things, a good backpack is essential.
4. It’s the hot summer, so there are a few things I recommend, like sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen.
DAY1 Revisiting the Past, Seeking Memories
Hunan University: A Thousand Years of Transformation from Academy to University
Hunan University originated from Yuelu Academy, founded in the 9th year of Emperor Taizu of Song Dynasty (976 AD), and the new-style higher education institution Shiwu Academy, established in the late Qing Dynasty (1897 AD). For over a thousand years, the academic lineage has been passed down continuously, and the school has been renowned worldwide for its title of “Millennial Academy.”
Ticket: Free
Opening Hours: All Day
Address: Hunan University currently has two campuses: the South Campus is located at No. 2 Lushan South Road, Yuelu District, and the North Campus is located at No. 109 Shijiachong Road, Yuelu District. I visited the South Campus.
Upon reaching the intersection of Xiaoxiang Middle Road and Paifang Road, you can see the Hunan University stele. The two stone pillars beside it are the remnants of the National Hunan University Library, filled with historical traces.
Walking along the tree-lined Paifang Road, you will reach the Dongfang Hong Square, passing by the School of Architecture, School of Law, and School of Art along the way.
Dongfang Hong Square was built during the Cultural Revolution. At that time, people were devoted to Chairman Mao, so they built this square. At the same time, the Department of Fine Arts of Hunan University designed the statue of Chairman Mao, making it the only red square among all the universities in Hunan province.
This is the Hunan University administration building. The red brick walls have a sense of history.
There are many green lawns and vibrant flowers in the open spaces between the different schools, creating a campus with a good environment and air.
Behind the statue of Chairman Mao is Denggao Road. This road leads upwards to Yuelu Mountain, so the name Denggao is very fitting. I had climbed Yuelu Mountain on a previous trip, so I didn’t climb it again this time. If you come to Hunan University, you can climb Yuelu Mountain to enjoy the scenery of Changsha and visit Yuelu Mountain Academy to experience the academy culture.
The stores selling stinky tofu, a representative Hunan cuisine, always have long queues, indicating their popularity.
Apart from food, there are many specialty stores selling cultural and creative products related to Changsha and Hunan University.
Orange Isle: A Gentle Flow in a World of Neon Lights
Orange Isle is the same Orange Isle mentioned in Chairman Mao’s poem: “Standing alone in the cold autumn, the Xiangjiang River flows north, at the head of Orange Isle, watching ten thousand mountains turn red, and the forests are all dyed.” It faces Yuelu Mountain to the west and Changsha City to the east, surrounded by water on all sides. It stretches for dozens of miles, shaped like a long island, an alluvial sandbar in the Xiangjiang River. Orange Isle combines the elegance of villages with smoke and boats, the prosperity of lights from the Central Plains; it has countless orange groves, offering stunning scenery; its historical and cultural heritage is profound and long-lasting; it floats gracefully on the water, being hailed as the “Number One Isle in China.”
Ticket: Free
Opening Hours: All Day
Address: In the center of the Xiangjiang River in Changsha City
After visiting Hunan University, I walked along Paifang Road towards the Xiangjiang River. When I reached the riverbank, I saw a pavilion. At that moment, I understood the meaning of the name “Paifang Road.” I think this should be the original location of the Yuelu Academy pavilion.
Passing through the embankment by the river and descending the stairs to the greenway, you can stroll along the riverbank. There are many people walking and cycling here.
Working people gradually return home to rest; the traffic flow on Orange Isle Bridge gradually increases; the tall buildings lining the shore gradually put on a dazzling light show…
The summer heat made me a little regretful. Originally, I wanted to walk across Orange Isle Bridge. Pozi Street was just a short distance from the other side of the bridge. In the end, I gave up on this idea and took the bus to Pozi Street.
Taiping Old Street: Changsha Flavors Await You
Taiping Old Street takes Taiping Street as its main axis, extending north to Wuyi Avenue, south to Jiefang Road, west to Weiguo Street, and east to Sanxing Street and Santai Street; the key area includes the historical district along Taiping Street, Xipailou, Majiaxiang, Fu Jiaxiang, Jinxian Street, and Tai Fuli on both sides. After renovation, the district not only preserved the ancient relics and modern historical sites such as Jiayi’s Former Residence, Chang Huai Well, the old site of Ming Dynasty Ji Fan Wangfu’s West Pavilion, the old site of the Tongmenghui during the Xinhai Revolution, and the old site of Sizhengshe, but also revitalized the long-standing old brands such as Qianyisheng Grain Shop, Lisheng Salt Shop, Dongting Chun Tea House, and Yichunyuan Tea House.
Walking through the ancient street, the iconic ancient architectural symbols such as stone archways, cobblestone roads, closed firewalls, and ancient stages directly convey a sense of history.
Ticket: Free
Opening Hours: All Day
Address: 50 meters southwest of the intersection of Wuyi Avenue and Taiping Street in Tianxin District, Changsha City
Taiping Street is the street in Changsha’s ancient city with the most complete preservation of the original street and alley layout, making it a worthwhile place to check out.
This short and narrow old street is responsible for showcasing the charm of Hunan culture and embodying traditional commercial folk customs.
Since the establishment of Changsha City during the Warring States period, this area has been the core of the ancient city, remaining unchanged for over 2,000 years. In the district, small blue tiles, sloping roofs, white tile ridges, closed firewalls, and wooden doors and windows are common features of the local residences and shops.
The ancient stage filled with history. I hope that this place, like the plaque on the stage, will always be peaceful and prosperous.
Besides the ancient buildings, Taiping Old Street now also has many trendy literary and artistic shops.
The various toys in front of creative shops always attract tourists to stop and admire them.
Each shop is using its imagination to create different characteristics to attract customers.
Jiayi’s Former Residence
Jiayi’s Former Residence was built during the reign of Emperor Wen of Western Han Dynasty. It was the mansion of Jiayi, Duke of Changsha. From 177 BC to 174 BC, Jiayi, a renowned political commentator, thinker, and writer of the Western Han Dynasty, lived here as Duke of Changsha.
Ticket Price: Free
Opening Hours: 08:30 to 16:30 (12:00 to 13:00 lunch break, closed on Mondays)
Address: No. 28 Taiping Street, Tianxin District, Changsha City
DAY2 Day Trip to Tanhe Ancient City
Ningxiang Tanhe Ancient City: Stepping into the Western Zhou Dynasty to Explore the Secrets of the Four-Ram Square Zun
Ningxiang Tanhe Ancient City is named after the Tanhe Li Site. It is China’s first Zhou culture-themed park. The Zhou Dynasty was the source and the peak of the Chinese civilization. It created a brilliant and splendid cultural spectacle. Ningxiang, where it was located, is known as the “Hometown of Bronzeware in South China.” It has unearthed national treasures such as the Four-Ram Square Zun and the Human-Face Square Ding. It was also the center of Chinese ritual music culture. Its Zhou cultural genes have been passed down through generations and continue to influence people today.
Ticket Price: Tanhe Ancient City ticket is 40 yuan, Tanhe Millennia of Love performance + ticket is 160 yuan.
Opening Hours: 10:00 to 18:00
Address: Huangcai Avenue, Huangcai Town, Ningxiang City, Changsha
I took a bus from Changsha West Bus Station to Huangcai in the morning. I had bought a ticket online for the 08:28 bus. However, due to the bus being full, it departed early and left around 08:10. The journey took about 2 hours, and I arrived in Huangcai Town around 10 o’clock. I got off the bus on the main street in town, as the buses were mostly passing-through and didn’t go to the station. After getting off the bus, I hailed a motorcycle taxi for 6 yuan to the entrance of Tanhe Ancient City. The scenic area is not far from the main street, about 2 kilometers, a 5-minute drive. It’s very suitable for tourists from the outskirts of Changsha to drive there themselves.
The design of the entrance to the Tanhe Ancient City makes you immediately think of bronzeware, perfectly fitting the historical background of Ningxiang being the “Hometown of Bronzeware in South China.”
That prominent sculpture combines the cultural connotations of the Zhou Dynasty’s national treasures, the Four-Ram Square Zun and the Human-Face Square Ding, making it unique and unforgettable.
The ticket to Tanhe Ancient City is 40 yuan, while the Tanhe Millennia of Love performance plus ticket is 160 yuan. Therefore, I recommend buying the package ticket. You’ve come all this way, so how can you miss Tanhe Millennia of Love? The scenic area is open from 10:00 to 18:00. This time is just right for a complete tour of Tanhe Ancient City.
Western Zhou Dynasty Charm
Stepping into Tanhe Ancient City is like stepping into the world of the Western Zhou Dynasty. The scenic area features both simple and solemn palaces and temples, and bustling and lively old streets. Everywhere you go, you hear ancient bells and music, the elegance of the Zhou Dynasty, as if the time three thousand years ago has been revived. Everything exudes the cultural aura of that distant era.
As soon as you enter the scenic area, you will see King Wu Square, where King Wu stands proudly, leading his troops and commanding the world.
Next is the Western Zhou Dynasty Charm Street. Everything here showcases the charm of the Western Zhou Dynasty.
Standing on the Love Bridge, you can see the striking red “Tanhe Millennia of Love” theater and the Water Pavilion Bar.
I don’t know why the Water Pavilion Bar gives me a subtle Southeast Asian vibe. It’s pretty unique. Speaking of which, let’s talk about the food.
Stroll through the historical figure gallery and immerse yourself in the mists of Chinese history.
Playing with Technology
The harem refers to the living quarters of the emperor’s wives and concubines, usually filled with power tactics and intrigue. Entering the Western Zhou Dynasty harem, you encounter many incredible phenomena. You can see a “peep” wall where you can spy on beautiful women bathing, a room with a self-playing zither, a bookshelf that won’t fall down, strange magic mirrors, and more. It’s an eye-opening experience to explore the bizarre life in the harem.
Through a small round hole, you can “peep” at beautiful women bathing. The images shown are even dynamic.
The screen in the Gratitude Hall feels like it could move at any moment.
There are also large jars where you can play cricket fights. Every time someone passes by, they have to try a round.
As you pass this bookshelf, the books will move around, but they never fall down.
Colorful Performances
Songcheng is known for its performances. Naturally, Songcheng Group’s Ningxiang Tanhe Ancient City also has a lot of performances. The scenic area features a variety of performances, and you’ll feel sorry for missing any of them.
The Sacrificial Square is very lively, with performances taking place regularly.
Parent-Child Time
There are also many activities suitable for children to experience in Tanhe Ancient City. During the summer vacation, the place is packed with people, and the bond between parents and children is strengthened here.
The second floor is the magic area, with magical elements incorporated into the facilities. Magic masks, magic makeup, magic dressing, and so on are all very interesting.
I can’t finish many of the activities, or the process is very difficult for me. But here, children have endless energy, and they all want to complete the challenge.
Tanhe Millennia of Love: Three Thousand Years of Love and Hatred
Songcheng Performances has a good reputation. No one leaves without giving a thumbs-up. I was deeply moved by the “Songcheng Millennia of Love” performance I watched in Hangzhou Songcheng. Now, I’m at Songcheng’s Ningxiang Tanhe Ancient City, how can I miss watching “Tanhe Millennia of Love”? It’s the soul of Ningxiang’s culture!
Ticket Price: Tanhe Millennia of Love performance + ticket is 160 yuan
Performance Times: First performance: 13:00-14:00; Second performance: 14:30-15:30; Third performance: 16:20-17:20.
Address: Tanhe Millennia of Love Theater inside Tanhe Ancient City, Huangcai Avenue, Huangcai Town, Ningxiang City, Changsha
Epilogue: Tanhe Li National Archaeological Site Park
After the performance, I strolled around the scenic area a little more, bidding farewell properly. When I left Tanhe Ancient City, I saw the Tanhe Li National Archaeological Site Park across the street. But it was too late, as the park closed at 4 pm.
The Tanhe Li Site is a significant site from the Western Zhou Dynasty in the Xiangjiang River Basin. It consists of palace ruins, city wall ruins, city moat ruins, civilian area ruins, and Western Zhou aristocratic tombs. The site has unearthed a large number of pottery, jade, and bronzeware, confirming that the Tanhe Li Site was the capital of a certain state during the Western Zhou Dynasty. It also provides a breakthrough for deciphering the mystery of the “Ningxiang Bronzeware Group” represented by the Four-Ram Square Zun.
Ticket Price: Free
Opening Hours: Closes at 4 pm
Address: Opposite Tanhe Ancient City, Huangcai Avenue, Huangcai Town, Ningxiang City, Changsha
If you’re going there in the future, and you’re interested in Western Zhou culture, you can plan to visit.
Changsha, see you next time!
Travel Guide
About Transportation
1. Arriving in Changsha
Transportation to and from Changsha is very convenient. Nanchang and Changsha are not far apart, and there are many high-speed trains traveling between them every day. It only takes 1.5 hours to reach Changsha.
2. Within Changsha
Transportation within Changsha is also convenient. Buses, subways, light rail, and taxis are all easily accessible. Basically, attractions and stations are all covered by buses and subways.
3. Ningxiang Tanhe Ancient City
Take a direct bus to Changsha West. If you don’t find one, take bus 118 to Ningxiang and then transfer back to Changsha.
About Accommodation
Room Price: Single King Size Bed Room 125 yuan per night
Address: No. 86 Shaoshan North Road, Furong District, near Exit 1 of Yunjialing Station on Metro Line 2.
About Food
1. You must try Hunan cuisine when you come to Changsha. Changsha is the center of Hunan cuisine and a famous food city nationwide.
2. Changsha has countless snacks, and you can find them everywhere on the streets and alleys. Changsha is truly a foodie’s paradise. When you come to Changsha, you must try Huogongdian and stinky tofu, of course.
3. However, authentic Hunan cuisine is also a must-try. Hunan cuisine is known for its spicy and flavorful dishes.
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