The most detailed Changsha travel guide ever! You’ll regret not reading it

Babes, Changsha is truly a super charming city! Delicious food, beautiful scenery, rich culture—everything is absolutely amazing! I just got back from an awesome trip to Changsha and put together this super detailed guide to make sure your Changsha journey is unforgettable!

Itinerary

Day 1: First Impressions of Star City

📍Morning: After arriving in Changsha, head straight to your hotel to drop off your luggage. I recommend staying near Wuyi Square for super convenient transportation! Then rush to Hunan Rice Noodle Street to enjoy a bowl of authentic rice noodles, kicking off your Changsha food adventure. Don’t forget to take a photo at the “Changsha” wall for your check-in.
📍Noon: Try the sugar oil baba near Rice Noodle Street—soft, glutinous, and sweet, it’s pure happiness.
📍Afternoon: Stroll to Tianxin Pavilion to soak in the ancient city vibes; every photo you take here looks amazing.
📍Evening: Dive into Wuyi Square to eat stinky tofu—crispy on the outside, tender inside—and check out various trendy restaurants for a feast of flavors.

Day 2: Mountains, Water, and Culture

📍Morning: Head to Yuelu Mountain for a hiking adventure with stunning scenery along the way. Visit the ancient Lushan Temple and Aiwan Pavilion; in autumn, the red maple leaves are breathtaking.
📍Noon: Enjoy chopped chili fish head at a restaurant near Yuelu Mountain. The fish is tender, the chili spicy and fresh, and the broth perfect for mixing with rice.
📍Afternoon: After descending Yuelu Mountain, go to Orange Isle. Take a sightseeing bus tour and snap a photo in front of the young Chairman Mao sculpture to feel the spirit of this great leader.
📍Evening: Grab a cup of Tea Yan Yue Se’s Sheng Sheng Oolong tea, sit by the river, enjoy the breeze and tea aroma—pure bliss.

Day 3: Fun and Leisure

📍Morning: Visit Window of the World to enjoy amusement rides and miniature landscapes, experiencing cultures from around the globe.
📍Noon: Eat Sister Group Dumplings at the park’s food court—sweet and savory, each bite is satisfying.
📍Afternoon: Continue exploring and watch exciting performances. Don’t miss the romantic fireworks show at night.

Day 4: History Exploration Day

📍Morning: Visit the Hunan Provincial Museum to see artifacts from the Mawangdui Han Tombs and feel the awe of ancient civilization.
📍Noon: Try sauce-marinated duck near the museum—firm and chewy with rich sauce and marinade flavors.
📍Afternoon: Pack up and prepare to head home, ending your wonderful Changsha trip.

Transportation Guide

✈️ Huanghua International Airport: Take Metro Line 6 directly to downtown.
🚄 Changsha South Station (High-speed Rail): Metro Lines 2/4 reach Wuyi Square.
🚞 Changsha Station (Train): Accessible via Metro Lines 2/3.
🚌 City Transport: Download the “Changsha Metro” app or the “Xiangxing Yikatong” mini program for easy metro and bus rides; for short distances, shared electric bikes are available—remember to wear a helmet; for taxis, Didi is more cost-effective, usually under 15 RMB within the city.

Accommodation Recommendations

🏨 Wuyi Square / Huangxing Square: City center with abundant food and nightlife options. Recommended hotels: Grand Hyatt, Atour (IFC Center branch).
🏨 Yuelu Mountain / University Town: Artistic and fresh vibe with great value. Good choices include Luxi Hotel and Swan Journey Hostel.
🏨 Both sides of Xiangjiang River: River view rooms with stunning night views. Consider Niccolo Hotel or Wanda Vista.
⚠️ Prices surge during holidays, so book at least one month in advance!

Food List

🍜 Main Meals:
Tianbao Brothers’ crayfish—plump and springy with rich roe; Benluobo Liuyang Restaurant—great value, must-try sauerkraut fried rice noodles; Luge Restaurant’s salted egg yolk eggplant—love at first bite.
🍢 Snacks:
Tea Yan Yue Se’s Orchid Latte—perfect blend of tea and milk; Black Classic stinky tofu—crispy outside, tender inside; Jinji Sugar Oil Tuo Tuo—soft and sweet; Winter Melon Mountain Sausage—fragrant and smoky; Perilla Peach Ginger—sweet and sour, refreshing and cleansing.

Other Recommendations

🎭 Super Wenheyou: Vintage market vibe, perfect for photos. Be sure to get a number and queue in advance for dining.
🏢 IFS IFC Center: Don’t miss the KAWS sculpture on the 7th floor, a Changsha landmark with city views.

Travel Tips

🌤️ March to May is warm and rainy—bring an umbrella; June to August is hot but the best season for crayfish, and nightlife is lively; September to November is cool and perfect for outdoor activities, but avoid the National Day crowds; December to February is cold and damp with fewer tourists, ideal for budget travelers.
🌶️ Hunan cuisine is very spicy. If you can’t handle spice, be sure to ask for “mild spice” when ordering!

Babes, quickly save this guide and start your fiery hot trip to Changsha now💖