Welcome to Xiangtan, Hunan!

Best 5-Day Itinerary & Budget Guide for Xiangtan (2025 Latest Edition)

Classic 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cultural Discovery in Downtown

• Morning: Arrive in Xiangtan and check into a downtown hotel (Recommended: Huayin International Hotel with river-view rooms at ¥150/person/night).

• Afternoon: Visit Xiangtan Museum (Free, learn about Hunan culture), then explore Yaowan Historical Block (Free, climb Wangheng Pavilion for U-shaped Xiang River views, try betel nut carving at Xuanmiao Workshop for ¥30).

• Evening: Taste tangyou baba (caramel-glazed glutinous rice balls, ¥5 each) at Yaowan Old Street and enjoy nightlife.

Day 2: Shaoshan Red Tourism Experience

• Full-day: Chartered car to Shaoshan (1-hour drive, ¥300/day).

• Morning: Visit Mao Zedong's Former Residence (Free with reservation, try straw sandal weaving).

• Afternoon: Explore Dishui Cave (¥50 ticket, hike through canyon to see millennium-old tiger stone carving).

• Evening: Watch "Remembering Shaoshan" light show (VIP seat ¥298, directed by Zhang Yimou), stay at Shaoshan Guesthouse (Red Wall theme room, ¥400/night).

Day 3: Nature & Art Fusion

• Morning: Visit Dongshan Academy (Free, touch Chairman Mao's study desk, take graduation photos in scholar robes).

• Afternoon: Qi Baishi Memorial Hall (¥20 ticket, see authentic shrimp paintings, learn seal carving of "Xiangtan").

• Evening: Return downtown for Mao-style braised pork (¥68/serving at Shaoshan Guesthouse, with perilla leaves).

Day 4: Scenic Wonders & Trendy Spots

• Morning: Shaoshan Scenic Area (¥30 ticket, pray at Zhaoshan Temple, listen to ancient ginkgo leaves, free viewpoint for Xiang River photos).

• Afternoon: Wanlou Youth Wharf (¥80 ticket for manta ray aquarium, Hanfu photos in underwater tunnel; shop at container market for crafts, try "Lotus City" fruit tea ¥15/cup).

• Evening: Ride Wanlou Ferris Wheel (¥60 ticket for night views of Xiang River).

Day 5: Departure & Souvenirs

• Morning: Buy Xinhua Zhai lampwick cakes (spicy flavor, ¥20/box) and Zhang Xinfa betel nuts (with cassia oil, ¥30/box).

• Afternoon: Return trip (19-min high-speed rail from Xiangtan North to Changsha South ¥30, or shared car ¥120/person).

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

[Table]
Item Cost Range (¥) Notes
Transportation 300-600 Round-trip high-speed rail (Changsha-Xiangtan) or shared car. Early booking discounts available.
Local Transport 300-500 Chartered 9-seater/bus included. Independent travelers recommended chartered cars (¥300-500/day).
Accommodation 800-1200 Budget hotels ¥200-300/night, 4-star hotels ¥400-600/night, Shaoshan Guesthouse ¥400/night.
Dining 400-600 ¥40-80/meal including Mao-style pork, tangyou baba, lampwick cakes.
Attractions 500-700 Includes Dishui Cave, Wanlou, Zhaoshan Temple. Some free sites like Mao's Residence require booking.
Miscellaneous 300-500 Souvenirs (¥200-300), activities (craft workshops, aerial tours at ¥398/10min).
Total 2500-4000 Budget trips start at ¥2500/person (economy standard), including special experiences.

Highlights & Tips

1. Red Culture: Shaoshan is a must-visit. Book Mao's Residence in advance and try interactive activities like straw weaving.

2. Food Recs: Besides Mao-style pork, try Xinhua Zhai lampwick cakes, Zhang Xinfa betel nuts, and Yaowan's tangyou baba.

3. Photography: Rice fields near Mao's Residence, Wanlou Ferris Wheel, and Zhaoshan viewpoint are photogenic. Bring wide-angle lens.

4. Seasonal Notes: Best April-October. November offers autumn foliage but bring mosquito repellent.

Summary: This 5-day trip showcases red culture, natural landscapes, and local life with transparent pricing, ideal for families, couples, or culture enthusiasts.