The Pose for Eating Stinky Tofu Must Be Cool! A Three-Day-Two-Night Spicy Self-Drive Trip to Changsha

📍 Changsha · 👁 1 reads · ❤️ 69 likes

After April, the situation in China improved. But I didn't dare to be too reckless, so I planned all trips near Shanghai. The scenery in Jiangnan is unique, but after seeing too much of the artificially crafted 'delicate beauty', I felt something was missing. It was time to add some passion to life. Inspired by a street-side stinky tofu stall, a sudden idea struck me: I had never gotten to know Changsha, this 'spicy girl'! Before my brain could react, my hand had already booked the tickets to Changsha.

WiWi complained a bit about my act-first-ask-later approach, but after seeing the destination, she gave a silent nod. After all, since we couldn't go to Burning Man, she was even more disappointed than I was and was craving some spicy passion. The flight from Shanghai to Changsha took about two hours, just enough for a nap before landing.

Arriving in such a hot and spicy place, I naturally needed a 'spicy car' to match. So I rented a 2020 BJ40 City Hunter Edition that matched my personality—equally passionate. Following the staff's finger, I took a look and knew I had chosen the right car.

Classic tough styling with dazzling red piano paint. The hot exterior, cool red-and-black interior and premium seats combined fashion and luxury. It was absolutely eye-catching and perfect for my straightforward, cool, and unrestrained personality. And the unforgettable sharp body lines and round-sky-square-earth center console design were minimalist and distinctive. It instantly clicked with the 'hot and spicy' city of Changsha. Though I had just met this city and this car, our shared core made us feel like old friends. I had a feeling this trip would be absolutely perfect (grinning mischievously).

The original ecological guesthouse nestled in the mountains, surrounded by birdsong and flowers. Breathing fresh air, lazily lying in a rocking chair to bask in the sun and daydream. You'd fall in love with this place at first sight.

Each room had a poetic and elegant name. The Japanese tatami room complemented the beautiful scenery outside the window, peaceful and comfortable to the point of not wanting to leave. If you have friends planning to go to Changsha, they might want to experience it!

DAY 1: Shanghai - Changsha - IFS

DAY 2: Yuelu Mountain - Orange Isle - Meixihu International Culture & Arts Centre

DAY 3: Pozi Street - Fire God Temple - Changsha Suburbs - Wenheyou

This trip to Changsha was very streamlined. In three days and two nights, I checked off Super Wenheyou, Fire God Temple, Pozi Street, Meixihu International Culture & Arts Centre Theatre, Yuelu Mountain, and more. I had Changsha locals' favorite tea, Sexy Tea, watched a show and ate at a food stall at Fire God Temple, ate stinky tofu; saw Hunanese girls who were completely different from the Shanghai-style girls. Whether it was the atmosphere or mood, it all boiled down to one word: 'Spicy'.

DAY 1: Shanghai - Changsha - IFS

With such a cool car, how could I not go for an adventure? Before coming, I even watched a few episodes of Bear Grylls' videos, longing for an adventure. But since I brought along a wife who is usually carefree but actually timid as a mouse inside, I had to minimize the thrill factor of the itinerary. For this Changsha trip, we went from the city to the countryside, experiencing different styles of spiciness in this city.

After a night's rest to recharge, we officially started our spicy journey the next day. Our first stop was Yuelu Mountain, highly respected by Hunanese people. I really loved this 2020 BJ40 City Hunter Edition. Driving on roads like those to Yuelu Mountain, if I were driving a large sedan or SUV with heavy load, the electric power steering wouldn't meet my needs. As a rugged driver, I prefer mechanical hydraulic power steering.

We sped all the way to our destination. Yuelu Mountain is a famous 5A scenic spot in Changsha, and Yuelu Academy is one of the four most prestigious academies in Chinese history. Figures like Zeng Guofan and Zuo Zongtang emerged from here. Impressive, right? Not only that—Yuelu Academy now serves as a training and research base for literature, history, and philosophy at Hunan University, with programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels. This thousand-year-old academy shines again, evoking a deep sense of emotion.

Orange Isle is also a core scenic area of Yuelu Mountain, with numerous rare animals and plants. Although my wife and I had seen most of the gardens and zoos in Jiangnan recently, this uniquely 'Hunan-flavored' Orange Isle did not disappoint.

The Meixihu International Culture & Arts Centre building is truly cool. It is said to be a design by the famous architect Zaha Hadid. Both the environment and the performances are exceptionally high-end. Using it as a backdrop to take a photo with the 2020 BJ40 City Hunter Edition surprisingly created a harmonious look. Since we had other plans, we didn't go inside to watch a musical or opera, but those interested can go to cultivate their tastes.

Du Fu River Pavilion, built in Tang dynasty style. From the name, you can tell it was created for Li Bai (I think I'm going to get hit). Inside, it's full of poetry and imagery, bringing back memories of failing to recite ancient poems as a child and getting beaten by my mom. In short, I didn't dare to linger too long.

At dusk, our last stop was naturally watching the sunset by the Xiangjiang River. Under the sunset glow, the city was 'full of spiciness'. Against the silhouette of the sunset, I took another group photo with the 2020 BJ40 City Hunter Edition.

DAY 3: Pozi Street - Fire God Temple - Changsha Suburbs - Wenheyou

Finally, let's talk about my favorite part: eating my way through Changsha! On the first night in Changsha, we couldn't wait to visit the most famous Pozi Street. Pozi Street is one of China's four famous snack streets. There are tons of delicious foods, such as sour plum soup, sugar-oil glutinous rice balls, glutinous rice zongzi, Hunan-style spring rolls, shredded radish cakes, and more.

But you must go to Fire God Temple, watch a show, eat at the night food stalls, and also get some stinky tofu. I recommend trying both Xuedi Stinky Tofu (cold drink shaped like stinky tofu in flavor) and Fire God Temple stinky tofu. Can't skip the chili peppers, and pairing Changsha's Xiangjiang water with authentic stinky tofu makes the trip enjoyable!

Oh, and eating stinky tofu must be accompanied by Changsha locals' favorite local milk tea, Sexy Tea. There's a shop on Pozi Street. My wife and I bought two different flavors and swapped. The signature Youlan Latte was great—16 yuan per cup, with a generous layer of cream that was more authentic than Shanghai's milk tea shops and much more affordable.

The next day, a friend took us to the Changsha suburbs to a farmhouse restaurant called Xiang Dang Nian. Then we hit the road again. Over this drive, we experienced various road conditions: highways, city roads, mountain roads, and dirt roads. The solid chassis and climbing ability of the 2020 BJ40 City Hunter Edition were fully tested. Plus, the 2.0T + 8AT golden powertrain combination was efficient and fuel-saving—I haven't had to refuel yet. I fell even more in love with this 'city hunter'.

At Xiang Dang Nian, we stuffed ourselves with Zhijiang duck, salt and pepper shrimp, and clay pot catfish, washed down with two large glasses of beer. Even someone like me, who can't handle too much spice, got infected by Changsha's 'spiciness' and became 'spicy' myself.

Don't drink and drive, so on the way back, my wife was the 'designated driver', making the drive quieter and steadier. With a 'road killer' at the wheel, sitting in the passenger seat, I wasn't so scared anymore.

The last stop before leaving Changsha was naturally a visit (and eating spree) to the most popular internet-famous restaurant among Changsha people: Super Wenheyou. Wenheyou perfectly recreates the life scenes of Changsha in the 1980s, similar to Old Shanghai's 1930s-style street, but larger and more retro.

After checking off Wenheyou, I got into the 2020 BJ40 City Hunter Edition, and with a sharp flick of the stylish LED taillights, I instantly became the coolest guy on the street!

Reluctantly, I returned my beloved car and headed home. This three-day-two-night spicy self-drive trip to Changsha with the 2020 BJ40 City Hunter Edition has become a red rose in my heart.

Travelogue Directory:

1. Preface

2. Vehicle Choice

3. Accommodation Recommendation

4. Itinerary

5. Spicy Self-Drive Tour: Showing You Changsha

6. IFS

7. Yuelu Mountain

8. Orange Isle

9. Meixihu International Culture & Arts Centre

10. Spicy Free Travel: Taking You to Eat in Changsha

11. Pozi Street