Love in Changsha: A Long, Sweet Journey~

Date: April 1, 2020, Wednesday, sunny weather

A three-day, two-night trip to Changsha

Route: Huaihua → Changsha Destination: Changsha

Travelers: Two besties

Background: Normally, we would be taking the college entrance exams this June. If it weren't for the sudden outbreak, we'd probably be in school, attending classes and reviewing the exam materials over and over. Studying online at home has made our heads spin—we felt like we couldn't breathe. Plus, I really want to apply to Hunan University, so my bestie and I talked it over, discussed it with our parents, and decided to treat this trip as a kind of background check. Anyway, transportation is convenient—there's a high-speed train. We packed our bags and set off, hehe.

"You are the April of this world" — Accommodation (Changsha Meisu Yuezhi Hotel)

Location: No. 280 Shuyuan Road, Tianxin District, Changsha (opposite Uncle Wang Han's Liangliang Steamed Shrimp)

Room type booked: Business King Room; the front desk lady upgraded us to a higher-level Dream Bathtub Room (big thumbs up to the front desk lady!).

Experience: The Tiffany blue color scheme, floor-to-ceiling windows with a wide view, a stylish round bathtub, and a trendy decor—this room was basically tailor-made for little princesses like us! Loved it!!! Everything in the room was free. Besides the usual shampoo and body wash, they also provided facial cleanser and makeup remover, which felt really gentle and worked great—I almost wanted to buy a bottle to take home. I saw "Meihao" on the bottle and thought it was a brand name, but when I searched later, I found out it's a world-renowned hotel brand. What a country bumpkin I am! Good thing I didn't make a fool of myself. The room also had electric curtains, so we could close them completely without getting up—a blessing for lazy people. On the desk, there was a sleep spray with a nice scent that helps promote sleep. The front desk lady mentioned we could try their 100-item butler service. My picky bestie actually asked for a whole bunch of stuff: cotton pads, eyebrow pencil, bubble bath, foot bath bucket... all free! We felt so well taken care of, like socialites, haha. Pictures! Pictures! Warning: lots of pictures ahead! Absolutely stunning~~~

"You are like the gentle wind of April brushing my face, like the delicate rose blooming in spring, like the crystal dew on the morning grass—you make me never regret coming into this world."

"The road ahead is long and winding, I will search high and low" — Sightseeing (Yuelu Mountain, Hunan University, Central South University, Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street, Taiping Street)

I. Yuelu Mountain

This is the only mountain within the city limits of Changsha, not very high. Don't underestimate its height—since ancient times, it has inspired many scholars and poets to leave behind immortal verses. The mountain carries a rich historical heritage and unique cultural accumulation. Its beauty lies in its delicate, gentle charm, full of deep affection. We entered from the East Gate and exited at the South Gate, then headed to the next spot. Along the way, we passed Yuelu Academy, Huang Xing's Tomb, and Aiwan Pavilion...

"I stop my carriage to enjoy the evening maple grove; its frost-touched leaves are redder than spring flowers" — Aiwan Pavilion

II. Hunan University, Central South University, Hunan Normal University

These universities are very close to each other and are all well-known institutions. Hunan University is my dream school! I've studied for over a decade just to get close to it and let it witness my growth. Every step I take is meant to bring me closer to it—cultivating myself with books and ink, inspiring myself with sturdy pines and cypresses, and being awed by the spirit of great men. Strolling through these campuses, I felt my soul being cleansed by the academic atmosphere. I truly touched and saw the school I aspire to, which strengthened my determination to apply. Go, go! !!!!!

We only passed by Hunan Normal University without stopping long, but the feeling of walking on a prestigious campus is vastly different from our middle school experience. I think every student should try to experience the atmosphere of the university they dream of applying to, to confirm if their longing matches reality, and decide if they need to work harder and persist toward that goal.

"Joyful eating in the mortal world" — Food (Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street, Taiping Street)

The taste of Hunan is perhaps fully showcased in these two places. "Black Classic Stinky Tofu," "Chuyan Era," "Fei Dachef," "Sexy Tea," "Shao Fuji Meicai Kou Rou Bing," "MAMA CHA," "Xiaolongkan Hotpot," "Tangyou Baba" ... All the food you can think of is available here, opening your eyes and satisfying your appetite. Let's go shopping and eat together!

Every girl loves shopping, right? Haha, this place is still a paradise for girls. The entire Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street runs from South Gate to Si Men Kou, with a central square in the middle. If you go a bit right from the central square, you'll reach Hualongchi (during the pandemic, the bars there seemed closed). It's a very interesting street with all kinds of styles. The pedestrian street has many shops selling clothes, accessories, snacks, and entertainment—covering the four elements of "eating, drinking, having fun, and playing"—a street that fulfills all girls' wishes!

Taiping Street is also a food street with lots of snacks, perfect for girls to check in!

We were very satisfied with this trip to Changsha and even more confident about our future. After the pandemic is over, we will meet again in Changsha!!!!!!