Changsha Old City Culture in Depth
A slow tour of the old city's lanes and museums, plus a day trip to Jinggang Ancient Town and Tongguan Kiln Ancient Town to explore the roots of Hunan culture.
The pace is relaxed. Beyond the must-see sights, this itinerary adds Tianxin Pavilion, Baisha Ancient Well, Jia Yi's Former Residence, the Bamboo and Wood Slips Museum, Kaifu Temple and Houhu Art District. On day four, visit Jinggang Ancient Town and Tongguan Kiln Ancient Town in Wangcheng, where you can see the Steel Flower Water Show at night. Staying around Taiping Street and Zuozi Street suits lovers of history and culture who want to avoid the queues at popular spots.
Summer afternoons are very hot, so schedule outdoor sightseeing for early morning or evening.
Day by day
Day 1 · Tianxin Pavilion and the Old City's Historic Sites
Central Changsha（Baisha Well、Tianxin Pavilion、Changsha Bamboo Slips Museum、Former Residence of Jia Yi、Taiping Old Street）
Take the metro about 20 minutes from Changsha South Railway Station into the city. Walk west from Baisha Ancient Well past Tianxin Pavilion and the Bamboo and Wood Slips Museum to Taiping Old Street, about 3 km in total.
Admission to the Bamboo and Wood Slips Museum is free and can be booked on the same day.
Stay: Taiping Street · Pozi Street
Day 2 · Mawangdui and Kaifu Temple
Central Changsha（Hunan Museum、Hunan Martyrs' Park、Kaifu Temple、Chaozong Street）
In the morning, take the metro or a bus to the Hunan Museum, then walk to Martyrs Park after your visit. In the afternoon, take a taxi to Kaifu Temple, then walk to Chaozong Street in the evening.
The Hunan Museum is closed on Mondays and requires booking about 7 days in advance.
Stay: Taiping Street · Pozi Street
Day 3 · Yuelu Academy and the University Town
Central Changsha（Yuelu Academy、Yuelu Mountain、Hunan University、Houhu International Art Park）
Take Metro Line 2 across the river to Liwan Town, then transfer to a bus or walk to the east gate of Yuelu Mountain. After visiting, walk down from the south gate to Hunan University and Houhu Art District.
Tickets are required for Yuelu Academy. Arriving early helps you avoid tour groups.
Stay: Taiping Street · Pozi Street
Day 4 · Jinggang Ancient Town and Tongguan Kiln
Central Changsha（Jinggang Ancient Town、Tongguan Kiln Ancient Town）
Take a sightseeing bus or taxi, about 1 hour, to Jinggang Ancient Town. In the afternoon, travel about 20 minutes to Tongguan Kiln Ancient Town. After the night performance of steel flowers and water show, return to the city, about 1 hour.
The Tongguan Kiln Ruins Park is closed on Mondays. Night admission begins at 4 p.m.
Stay: Taiping Street · Pozi Street
Day 5 · Orange Isle and the First Normal School Site
Central Changsha（Orange Isle、Former Site of Hunan First Normal School）
In the morning, take the metro to Orange Isle. In the afternoon, take a taxi to the former site of the First Normal School of Hunan, then take the metro back to Changsha South Railway Station to depart.
Orange Isle requires booking three days in advance.