Changsha Classics
Explore both banks of the Xiang River by district, covering old city lanes, Yuelu Mountain and Orange Isle, and the Hunan Museum, all in one trip.
The itinerary is organized by the east and west banks of the Xiang River. On day one, explore the old city on the east bank, enjoying food and river views. On day two, visit Orange Isle, Yuelu Academy and Yuelu Mountain on the west bank. On day three, see the Mawangdui artifacts at the Hunan Museum, then wrap up in the afternoon on Chaozong Street before heading back. Use the metro and walk throughout, staying around May First Square. This suits first-time visitors with only a weekend plus one extra day.
July and August are hot and humid, so schedule outdoor activities for early morning or evening. Yuelu Mountain's autumn maples are at their best.
Day by day
Day 1 · Old City Eating and Riverfront Views on the East Bank
Central Changsha（Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street & Wuyi Square、Taiping Old Street、Pozi Street, Huogongdian & Wenheyou、Du Fu River Pavilion）
Take Metro Line 2 from Changsha South Railway Station, about 20 minutes, to May First Square. After dropping off luggage, walk around the sights, which are less than 1 km apart.
Watch the Xiang River at night from Dufu River Pavilion once it is lit up. Zuozi Street is crowded in the evening.
Stay: Wuyi Square
Day 2 · Orange Isle and Yuelu Mountain
Central Changsha（Orange Isle、Yuelu Academy、Yuelu Mountain、Hunan University）
Take Metro Line 2 to Orange Isle Station. Ride the sightseeing train on the island. In the afternoon, take the metro to Liwan Town, then walk or take a bus to Yuelu Mountain. In the evening, return to May First Square by metro.
Orange Isle requires booking three days in advance. On weekends, the Yuelu Mountain cable car has long lines, so consider taking a sightseeing shuttle from the south gate.
Stay: Wuyi Square
Day 3 · Hunan Museum and Chaozong Street
Central Changsha（Hunan Museum、Kaifu Temple、Chaozong Street）
Take the metro or a bus, about 20 minutes, to the Hunan Museum. Allow about 3 hours for the visit. In the afternoon, take a taxi to Kaifu Temple and Chaozong Street, then take Metro Line 2 back to Changsha South Railway Station in the evening.
The Hunan Museum is closed on Mondays and requires booking about 7 days in advance through its official WeChat account.