Orange Isle
橘子洲
A river island about 5 km long in the middle of the Xiang River, home to a youth sculpture of Mao Zedong, fireworks and sunsets over the river. This is where Mao wrote 'Alone in the cold autumn, the Xiang River flows north past Orange Isle'.
Orange Isle sits in the middle of the Xiang River in central Changsha. It stretches about 5 km from north to south and is one of the largest urban river islands in the world. It takes its name from the orange groves that once flourished here. In 1925, Mao Zedong wrote the poem 'Spring in Changsha' here, including the line 'Alone in the cold autumn, the Xiang River flows north past Orange Isle'. Today it is the city's most iconic attraction, a national 5A-rated scenic area with free admission.
Highlights include: the Youthful Mao Zedong art sculpture at the island's northern tip, completed in 2009 and standing 32 metres tall. It is modelled on Mao's youthful appearance in 1925 and is the largest statue of Mao in China. The plaza at the tip looks across to Yuelu Mountain and the eastern city skyline, and it's the best place for sunset. Along the island you'll find orange, plum and peach orchards, Sandbar Park and riverside landscapes. There are also historic-style buildings such as the River God Temple and Gongji Tower. On Saturdays, public holidays and some evenings, fireworks go off over the island (usually at 8:30pm, lasting 20 minutes; check official notices). Access is limited on fireworks days, so book ahead. The best viewing spots are Dufu Pavilion on the east bank and the riverside along Xiangjiang Middle Road.
The island is long, and a round trip on foot takes about two hours. You can also take the sightseeing tourist train (about 20 yuan per trip, with several stops).
Getting there: take Metro Line 2 to Orange Isle station, which is in the middle of the island. From there, it's about 2 km south on foot to the tip of the island. On fireworks nights, the metro station may impose temporary crowd controls, so enter the island early.
Suggested plan: enter the island at 4pm, walk or take the little train to the tip to see the statue and the sunset, then cross the river for a late snack in Taiping Old Street or Pozi Street.
Tips: there is little shade on the island, so protect yourself from the sun in summer. Crowds are huge on fireworks nights, so take care with safety and expect traffic on the way home.
Opening hours
07:00–22:00 (fireworks days per announcements)
Nearby sights
- Former Site of Hunan First Normal School
- Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street & Wuyi Square
- Pozi Street, Huogongdian & Wenheyou
- Taiping Old Street
- Former Residence of Jia Yi
- Du Fu River Pavilion
- Changsha IFS
- Changsha Bamboo Slips Museum