Good places to cool off in Changsha during summer
by ADDYSON BANKS
Jul 22, 2024
Summer Off-Peak Travel Photography Guide: The Luxury Collection Meixi Lake Hotel × Huayi Brothers Movie Town
— Unlock the Secrets of European Fairy Tales and the Summer Light and Shadows of Lakes and Mountains
1. Itinerary Planning: Off-Peak Timing and Transportation Coordination
1. Recommended Off-Peak Time Slots
◦ 7:30-9:00 AM: Morning mist over Meixi Lake lingers, avoid peak family visitor hours, enjoy the tranquil lake view and art center light and shadows.
◦ 2:00-4:00 PM: Fewer visitors at Huayi Brothers Movie Town, ideal for shooting reflections of the Venetian Water City and architectural details.
◦ 7:30-9:00 PM: Huayi Brothers Movie Town fireworks show (every Saturday) and Meixi Lake music fountain (8:30 PM) coordinate to create a dreamy night scene.
2. Transportation Coordination Plan
◦ Self-driving/taxi: About 30 minutes from Meixi Lake Hotel to Huayi Brothers Movie Town, with opportunities to capture Xiangjiang River scenery along the way.
◦ Metro connection: Walk from the hotel to Metro Line 2 (Culture and Arts Center Station), transfer to Line 3 to Shantang Station, total about 40 minutes.
2. Core Shooting Locations and Tips
📍 Location 1: The Luxury Collection Meixi Lake Hotel — A Fusion of Art and Nature
1. Infinity Pool (4th Floor)
◦ Highlights: Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows reflecting Zaha Hadid architecture and Meixi Lake, a 28°C heated pool perfect for family interaction shots.
◦ Recommended Angles: Low-angle shots capturing pool ripples and architectural lines, or silhouette shots with the art center as background.
◦ Outfit Suggestions: Solid color swimsuits + straw bags, or flowing dresses paired with transparent umbrellas.
2. Petting Zoo (3A Floor)
◦ Highlights: Interactions with alpacas, Call ducks, and other animals, great for family travel photography.
◦ Shooting Tips: Use natural light to capture animal close-ups, add props like straw hats and balloons for extra fun.
3. Meixi Lake Lakeside Trail
◦ Coordinated Activity: Walk to “City Island” to shoot lotus flowers and streamlined boardwalks; early morning 6-8 AM has fewer people and soft light, perfect for traditional Hanfu style.
📍 Location 2: Huayi Brothers Movie Town — Experience Exotic European Charm
1. Venetian Water City
◦ Highlights: 1:1 replica of St. Mark’s Square and colorful buildings, gondola rides (including green screen special effects shooting).
◦ Shooting Suggestions: Shoot water city reflections against backlight after 4 PM, or rent European-style costumes (88 RMB/hour) for vintage-style photos.
2. "Marco Polo’s Travels" Theater
◦ Highlights: Immersive stage play with green screen effects, experience “wire flying” shots like celestial beings.
◦ Recommended Angles: Capture actor interactions from the side of the stage, or use mirror props for symmetrical compositions.
3. Summer Water Splash Carnival
◦ Off-peak Activity: Participate in the thousand-person bubble battle from 3-5 PM, capture dynamic moments with water guns, enhanced by bubble machines for standout shots.
3. Accommodation and Dining Coordination Plan
1. Accommodation Recommendations
◦ The Luxury Collection Meixi Lake Hotel: Choose a lake view room on the 46th floor, with panoramic views of the art center, night light shows, and pool reflections.
◦ Huayi Brothers Movie Town Castle Hotel (optional): European-style rooms within walking distance to the gondola dock, ideal for an immersive Italian experience.
2. Food Highlights
◦ Hotel Recommendations: Wild buffet restaurant (unlimited salmon), lobby bar’s “Ink Scroll” signature cocktails.
◦ Must-Try in the Town: Naples Breakfast Restaurant pasta, 2046 Chinese Restaurant’s Hunan-style chopped chili fish head, about 80 RMB per person.
4. Summer Off-Peak Travel Photography Tips
1. Equipment Checklist
◦ Essentials: Sunscreen (SPF50+), reflector, portable tripod (for night scenes/fountains).
◦ Props: Vintage glasses, bubble machine, transparent umbrella (for mosquito protection at Meixi Lake).
2. Photo Styles
◦ Fresh Forest Style: White dress + straw hat, capture light spots and water mist by the lake or fountain.
◦ Vintage Film Feel: Black and white filter + low-angle shots of architectural domes, mimicking “Cinema Paradiso” compositions.
◦ Family Interaction: Feeding cute pets, pool play shots highlighting natural expressions.
3. Safety and Etiquette
◦ Avoid midday heat, carry enough drinking water; wear non-slip shoes in the water splash area at Huayi Brothers Movie Town.
◦ Electronic devices are prohibited in the hotel pool; waterproof phone cases are recommended.
5. Sample Itinerary (3 Days 2 Nights)
• Day 1: Morning shoot at Meixi Lake → Pool interaction at hotel → Afternoon tea overlooking art center → Night tour of Meixi Lake fountain.
• Day 2: Metro to Huayi Brothers Movie Town → Venetian gondola + green screen shooting → Water splash battle → “Marco Polo” theater.
• Day 3: Morning mist at town castle → Hotel check-out → Food stop at Yanghu Tianjie before departure.
Summary: By combining “lake view art + European fairy tale” scenes with off-peak timing and light and shadow techniques, you can avoid summer crowds and capture summer photos that blend fairy tale fantasy with natural beauty. Book your hotel package now and start your artistic journey in Changsha!
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