Nanny-level guide to Changsha’s stunning attractions

🗺️3-day Changsha tour | Classic combo of Orange Isle and Yuelu Mountain・Suitable for all groups

1. Introduction
Explore Star City in 3 days! Take your parents to see the great statue on Orange Isle, accompany friends to check out the popular Wenheyou wall, bring kids to the Underwater World, no need to rush your itinerary, enjoy delicious Hunan cuisine to your heart’s content, the whole family will have a great time~

2. 🗓️Itinerary Overview
D1: Arrive in Changsha → Orange Isle → Taiping Street
D2: Yuelu Mountain → Hunan University → Pozi Street
D3: Hunan Provincial Museum → Window of the World/Underwater World → Return trip

3. Daily Detailed Plan
🏞️Day 1: Tracing the Isle · Tasting the Old City
📍Orange Isle (5A)
Highlights: Changsha landmark, imposing hundred-meter statue of a great figure, refreshing river breeze, scenic area shuttle train (40 RMB/person) for easy travel, convenient for elderly and kids
🕙7:00-22:00 (recommended to arrive before 9 to avoid crowds) 💰Free (shuttle train extra, half price for seniors over 65)
📸Photo spot: Front platform of the great statue (capture the full statue + blue sky, stand sideways to avoid backlight)
🍖Lunch: Old Changsha stinky tofu on Taiping Street (10 RMB/serving), sugar oil rice cakes (5 RMB/3 pieces), recommended “Wenheyou” Hunan restaurant (60 RMB per person, must-try chopped chili fish head + steamed egg custard, kid-friendly)
💡Tips: Shuttle train stops at every station, the last stop is closest to the statue; drinking water available, bring a water bottle for convenience

📚Day 2: Yuelu’s Scholarly Charm · Foodie Feast
📍Yuelu Mountain (5A)
Highlights: “Yuelu Academy” holds a millennium of culture, cable car (30 RMB up) offers panoramic city views, seniors can take gentle trails, kids love the slide (35 RMB/person) to descend
🕙6:00-23:00 💰Yuelu Academy 50 RMB (half price for seniors/students), mountain free
📸Photo spot: Aiwan Pavilion (stunning in red leaf season, green leaves with red pavilion also photogenic in spring and summer)
📍Hunan University (free)
Highlights: Century-old prestigious university, blend of ancient architecture and modern campus, perfect for a stroll to soak in the scholarly atmosphere
🍜Dinner: Pozi Street Huogongdian (50 RMB per person, Mao-style braised pork + scallion oil rice cake, moderate flavor)
💡Tips: Yuelu Mountain cable car stops at 17:30, go early if you want to ride; no loud noises on campus

🏛️Day 3: Historical Exploration · Fun Time
📍Hunan Provincial Museum (4A)
Highlights: Stunning artifacts from Mawangdui Han tomb, must-see Lady Xin Zhui’s restored figure, children’s interactive area, free wheelchair rental for seniors
🕙9:00-17:00 (closed Mondays, recommend booking in advance) 💰Free
📸Photo spot: Museum lobby (glass dome + spiral staircase, great for atmospheric shots)
📍Window of the World/Underwater World (choose one)
Highlights: Window of the World is great for friends/couples to ride roller coasters, Underwater World (150 RMB/person, half price for children) is perfect for kids to watch dolphin shows
🍖Lunch: Small stir-fry beef restaurant near the museum (45 RMB per person, can make non-spicy version)
💡Tips: No food allowed inside the museum; Underwater World shows at 11:00/15:00, don’t miss them

4. ✨Changsha Survival Guide
1️⃣Transport: Metro starts at 2 RMB, covers all attractions; taxi base fare 10 RMB, convenient for short trips; rent shared cars for elderly and kids (100 RMB/day)
2️⃣Clothing: Spring wear sweatshirt + light jacket, summer short sleeves + sun protection (many trees but sunny afternoons), autumn knitwear + trench coat
3️⃣Taboos: Eat spicy food according to your tolerance, don’t force it; no picking flowers or plants on Orange Isle, no flash photography inside museums
4️⃣Accommodation: Choose near Wuyi Square (e.g., 7 Days Premium, 300-400 RMB/night, close to metro + family rooms, good soundproofing)

5. 🛍️Must-buy Souvenirs
①Vacuum-packed Changsha stinky tofu (25 RMB/bag, 7-day shelf life, great for gifts)
②Xiang embroidery small ornaments (80 RMB each, exquisite craftsmanship, loved by elders)
③Chayan Yuese merchandise mugs (35 RMB each, very popular with young people)
④Sauced duck (40 RMB each, mildly spicy, suitable for elders and kids)

6. Closing Interaction
Happiness in Changsha is simple: a bite of spicy Hunan cuisine that makes you sweat, a breeze from Orange Isle, a time travel in the museum. If you come, would you most want to take your parents to see the Mawangdui artifacts or rush to Chayan Yuese with friends?