Impressions of Changsha | Three Cups of Sexy Tea a Day, Eating Spicy Crayfish, Grilled Skewers, Slurping Rice Noodles – This Internet-Famous City Is Wild

📍 Changsha · 👁 2 reads · ❤️ 103 likes

My impression of Changsha as a child was probably watching 'Happy Camp' while thinking, I want to go to Changsha to chase stars;

Later it became wanting to go drink Sexy Tea – why are there so many people lining up? It must be really tasty, right?

Then later, with the National Treasure program, I must go to the museum! To see Lady Xin Zhui!

There are very few cities that give you the urge to go a second or several times – Changsha is definitely one.

Even when taking a taxi, the driver said: 'Isn't Changsha just a place for eating, drinking, and having fun!' Four words highly summarized my impression of Changsha.

Flying round-trip is actually more cost-effective, while the high-speed rail saves some time – each has its pros and cons. Itinerary:

1.22 Friday

Arrive by high-speed rail at noon, check into hotel – Liu Longzi Rice Noodles – Orange Isle (need reservation) – Wenheyou – Sexy Tea – Pozi Street – Huogongdian

1.23 Saturday

Hunan Provincial Museum (need reservation) – Stir-fried Yellow Beef – Changsha Museum (reservation 9:00-17:00) – Zhijian Bookstore (10:00-22:00)

1.24 Sunday

Xiaji Rice Noodle Shop – Li Zijian Art Museum (reservation 9:30-13:00) – Xie Zilong Photography Art Museum – Meixihu Chinese Knot Bridge – Mamacha – Peirong Bookstore (14:00-20:00) – Taiping Old Street – Wenheyou Fried Skewers – Stinky Tofu Museum

1.25 Monday

Momo Pastry Shop – Marinated Rice Noodles – Local specialties – Return trip. From downtown hotel to the airport takes about 1 hour, very convenient!

The Hunan Provincial Museum was a must-visit even before the trip! Recently watching National Treasure, I was really drawn to it, and I really wanted to see if Lady Xin Zhui was truly that beautiful.

Following the traces of national treasures: the Changsha Kiln Green Glaze with Brown Decoration Poem Pot, the Min Fang Lei, and the T-shaped Silk Painting from Xin Zhui’s Tomb, to explore them thoroughly.

The exhibition halls from the entrance are designed with blue elements, making the artifacts look clean and bright, perfect for photos. Fern fossils, dinosaur egg fossils – these ancient fossils are awe-inspiring.

A complete set of Miao ethnic costumes and headdresses, highly ornamental – I spent the most time here. The exquisite patterns and detailed carvings filled me with emotion. I really wanted to wear Miao costumes and go to Fenghuang Ancient Town, but unfortunately, I didn’t have time this trip.

The Min Fang Lei, known as the 'King of Fang Lei,' is the largest, most exquisite, and best-preserved square wine vessel unearthed, and also the most fateful. The body and lid were separated into two spaces; the lid was in the Hunan Provincial Museum at different times, while the body traveled through France, Japan, and the United States, never able to reunite.

The miniature 'Terracotta Warriors' are still very delicate.

The red walls of the jade exhibition hall are grand and simple, making the displayed pieces exceptionally refined.

I really like this glass cup with appliqué decoration – it gives a sense of the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

These are probably ancient foreigners, with cute shapes – they have that vibe.

Look closely – she’s smiling!

At first glance, I spotted a female figurine in men’s clothing in the middle, valiant and spirited, with a Mulan vibe.

The Mawangdui Han Tomb mummy (Lady Xin Zhui), known as the 'Oriental Sleeping Beauty,' is 1.54 meters tall and weighs 34.3 kilograms. After more than 2,000 years, her body remains uncorrupted, a legend in the fields of archaeology and medicine. Listening to the story of Lady Xin Zhui here was also very moving.

Since Lady Xin Zhui’s body cannot be photographed, I didn’t take many pictures of the Mawangdui Han Tomb exhibits, but they are absolutely breathtaking!

Some people regard Mawangdui as the underground cultural treasure house of the Chinese nation, known as the 'Pompeii of the East' – truly a national treasure.

Category: Comprehensive historical art museum, national first-class museum

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:00)

Ticket price: Free

Location: No. 50 Dongfeng Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan Province

Collection highlights: Plain Gauze Gown, T-shaped Silk Painting, Xin Zhui, Pig-shaped Wine Vessel

Thinking that since I came to Changsha, besides the national museum, I should also see the city’s highlights! The architecture alone is stunning – elegant white simplicity without being unremarkable. I happened to catch the Ming and Qing porcelain exhibition, which matched the museum’s overall style very well.

As the grand exhibition for the fifth anniversary of the new Changsha Museum, the 'Dragon Soaring Nine Heavens' special exhibition selected 128 pieces (sets) of imperial porcelain from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

Showcasing the style of imperial dragon-patterned porcelain from the three dynasties.

Rare treasures include the extremely precious Yuan blue-and-white five-clawed dragon pattern Go game jar, the rare Yongle blue-and-white white-ground carved ascending dragon plum vase, the delicate Kangxi floral cups, the elegant Yongzheng famille rose over-branch roses and plum large plate, and many other treasures on display together.

Changsha has kept its name and location unchanged for three thousand years, earning it the titles 'Land of Qu Yuan and Jia Yi,' 'Famous City of Chu and Han,' and 'Star City of Changsha.'

Among the 28 lunar mansions gradually formed since the Shang and Zhou dynasties for astronomical observation, one is called Zhenxiu. According to ancient astronomy, Zhenxiu is located above Jingzhou. Next to Zhenxiu is a small star called the Star of Changsha.

Hence, historically there is a saying that Changsha got its name from the Star of Changsha.

For example, Tang dynasty writer Zhang Wei wrote in 'Stele of Changsha's Local Customs': 'The star Changsha in the heavens is beside the four stars of Zhen. Above it is celestial phenomena, below it is a county.' The 'below it is a county' refers to the city of Changsha.

The King of Changsha seal – a very exquisite collection piece.

I have to say, the bronze mirrors are so exquisite that I immediately wanted to replace the mirrors at home.

The colors are so beautiful I couldn’t look away.

The building across from the museum is really unique – I couldn’t resist taking a photo.

The platform without people is great for selfies – just shoot casually, no need to wait for a spot!

Level: National first-class museum

Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, last entry at 4:00 PM, last admission at 4:30 PM

(Closed on Mondays and from Lunar New Year’s Eve to the second day of the new year)

Ticket price: Free

Location: Binjiang Cultural Park, Xinhe Delta, Kaifu District, Changsha

Collection highlights: Shang Dynasty bronze large bell, bronze chime bells, gold and silver inlaid bronze box with dragon and phoenix patterns

Orange Isle is named for its abundant production of oranges.

The Xiang River flows gently with a wide riverbed, and due to the backwater effect from Dongting Lake downstream, many green islets have formed, earning it the reputation of 'Number One Isle Under Heaven.'

In spring, the light shimmers and gulls dot the scene; in autumn, pomeloes turn yellow and oranges red, releasing a fragrant scent; in deep winter, the cold cuts through ice, and the river breeze plays with snow – it’s the location of the 'River Sky and Evening Snow,' one of the Eight Scenic Views of Xiaoxiang.

In the 14th year of the Republic (1925), Comrade Mao Zedong returned from Guangzhou to Hunan to lead the peasant movement. In late autumn, he revisited Orange Isle and wrote 'Changsha' to the tune of Qin Yuan Chun, making Orange Isle famous.

There’s a sense of framed scenery from Jiangnan gardens.

I walked 30,000 steps and only covered half – I’ll leave the other half of Orange Isle for next time.

Opening hours: 8:00-21:00

Scenic spot level: National AAAAA tourist attraction

Ticket price: Free

Famous attractions: Wentian Terrace, Mao Zedong Statue, Isle Head Beach Plaza, etc.

If you don’t want to walk, you can take the scenic sightseeing train.

Xie Zilong Photography Art Museum is a popular photo spot recently! Also one of the internet-famous check-in places.

The museum aims to 'collect the history of Chinese photography,' 'promote the culture of photography art,' and provide photography art services.

It systematically collects early historical Chinese images, classic photo albums, early photographic equipment, and contemporary photography works.

When forgetting hasn’t yet submerged the ship’s side, a sense of affected melancholy hits you, but coincidentally, this unique exhibition became the motivation for this pretentious literary youth to come here.

We must keep the door open and the lights on so customers can see hope. What a beautiful mission.

Xie Zilong himself is also the chairman of Laobaixing Pharmacy, so it’s not hard to see advertisements.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00 (closed on Mondays, except during holidays)

Location: No. 387 Yanghu Street, Xiaoxiang South Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Province

Ticket info: Permanent exhibition is free; paid exhibitions are often available – tickets can be purchased via Xie Zilong’s official account or Damai.

On July 16, 2017, Li Zijian Art Museum was certified by the World Records Certification Agency (WRCA) as the 'world’s largest individual artist museum.'

The museum’s treasure is this painting of the Nanjing Massacre, commissioned by Master Hsing Yun. There are three versions, and this is the last one on the theme of the Nanjing Massacre.

It permanently displays Li Zijian’s realist oil paintings from his international art career, themed 'Humanity and Love,' covering 17 series and over 300 original works.

Mao Zedong and Yang Kaihui as young classmates.

The Grandmother series left a deep impression.

The decorative painting on the wall was done by Li Zijian’s wife.

Location: No. 385, Section 1, Xiaoxiang South Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Province

Opening hours: 9:30 - 17:30 (closed on Mondays; last ticket and clearing at 17:00)

Ticket price: Free

I was really moved by a picture and listed this place in my plan to visit.

The Chinese Knot Pedestrian Bridge was designed by John van de Water and Jiang Xiaofei of NEXT Architects.

Completed on September 18, 2016, it was selected by CNN as one of the top ten 'World’s Sexiest Buildings.'

Perfect for photos! Though a bit far, the output is very good.

The interwoven and winding design inspiration comes from the Western classic Möbius strip and the ancient Chinese folk art of the Chinese knot.

Every angle gives a different effect – it’s no exaggeration to call it the sexiest building.

We have vivid memories of the bluish-gray childhood; we miss the longings of youth.

We hope the surroundings are kind and friendly; we care for our loved ones and strangers alike.

We carry ideals on the road; we all want to dwell poetically on earth.

The words of Zhijian’s founder are sincere. The bookstore’s name is derived from 'Keep the heart in one place, stop at Zhijian.'

At the entrance are fresh green plants, lively and interesting, bringing some vibrancy to the bookstore.

No matter where you live, you still have the right to look up at the stars.

There are seats next to the bookshelves for readers to study and read – thoughtful everywhere.

The bookstore is named after Wang Han’s father, 'Peirong.'

Naming it after his father expresses respect and is a gift for his father’s zodiac year.

I came specifically to check it out. I’m not sure if the uncle I met was Wang Han’s father, but he warmly chatted with me and told me to take more photos, motioning that I could also go inside. With permission, I politely disturbed a couple of readers and took a few pictures.

The view is great, right next to Taiping Old Street – the bookstore offers a sense of tranquility amid the bustle, like a hidden paradise.

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 14:00~21:00 (closed under special circumstances);

1. Capacity: up to 30 people;

2. Please do not bring snacks or sugary drinks;

3. No smoking;

4. No loud noise;

5. Please take care of books and return them to their original places after reading;

6. Please keep the bookstore clean and take your trash with you;

7. All books are free to read; do not touch other collections casually;

8. Photos can be taken in front of the 'Peirong Bookstore' plaque; please turn off sound and flash when taking photos.

Taiping Street is a microcosm of 'Old Changsha.' Since the Warring States period when Changsha had a city, it has been the core area, unchanged for over 2,000 years.

Walking along the ancient street, besides feeling the classical visual impact of stone archways, cobblestone roads, fire walls, and ancient stages, you also experience the literary and cultural aura emanating from historical accumulation.

Small green tiles, sloping roofs, white tile ridges, fire walls, wooden doors and windows are common features of the dwellings and shops here, now a must-visit food street.

Jia Yi’s former residence on Taiping Old Street is considered the source of Huxiang culture. Jia Yi was only 27 when he served as Grand Tutor to the King of Changsha.

I marvel that Wenheyou has such a wide business scope – they even made a museum for stinky tofu. Of course, it’s a small simulated scene, mainly selling souvenirs, but still interesting.

Great for photos – a pity I didn’t come during the day, but there were still many people here at night. To go to the rooftop, just take the outside elevator directly – no need to enter the mall.

Pozi Street has a history of over 1,200 years, a true millennium-old street and a representative of Huxiang culture.

Arriving here at night feels like entering a food kingdom – each storefront is unique, and the spicy flavor in the air is intense.

Jiong Dad’s Milk Tea is indeed opened by He Jiong’s father!

I have to say, Changsha is just too delicious!

Youlan Latte, Sheng Sheng Wu Long, Guihua Nong (Osmanthus Nong) – all are great to drink! Even in winter, I drink them cold! Having three cups a day is no exaggeration.

Really, listening to 'Happy Camp' every day made me feel like celebrities go eat spicy crayfish right after recording!

Next to or near every Sexy Tea shop on the street, there’s a stinky tofu stand – the freshly fried ones are incredibly fragrant!

Slurp noodles in the morning, slurp noodles at noon, slurp noodles at night – follow Dianping rankings or just walk into any shop, and it’s delicious.

Besides Sexy Tea, this Mamacha is also very unique – the building itself is attractive enough; it’s the internet-famous itself.

A whole glass building is the ordering area; inside is a retro TV backdrop wall. Going upstairs feels like passing through a time tunnel. Stepping onto the stairs leads to another building – that’s the seating area, with glass windows overlooking the bustling main street.

Black Classic Stinky Tofu – freshly fried, crispy outside and tender inside, with pickled vegetables and chopped chili – amazing! One bite each!

Can’t miss Sexy Tea. Youlan Latte must be the best of the best – the milk and tea flavors are just right, not greasy or bitter, and the first sip is stunning!

All kinds of rice noodles! The first meal was Liu Longzi’s hot pot noodles – beef tripe well-seasoned, noodles smooth and fine, super tasty, and the soy milk in the set meal was also good.

Soft and sticky rice noodles, melt-in-your-mouth, with spicy beef – full of fragrance. This was a noodle shop downstairs from the hotel. I didn’t look up any guides, but it was still delicious.

A store brainwashed by ads, haha – Wang Yibo’s ad on 'Day Day Up' is played in every shop, deeply rooted. But to be fair, the stir-fried yellow beef is indeed good – very spicy, but it makes you want to eat more rice! An addictive flavor! The spicier it gets, the more you want to eat.

Xiaji Noodle Shop – another morning slurping noodles. Business is great. I thought at around 10 a.m., when few people are walking the streets in Changsha, it would be quiet, but from the time I arrived to when I left, there was a steady stream of people coming to eat! And it was incredibly delicious – 30,000 collections on Dianping are no joke.

Crying-with-happiness marinated noodles – with chicken feet, dried tofu, beef in a full bowl, sprinkled with a little diced radish – simply heavenly! Reviewers were right: not eating it is a loss.

Small lobsters that haven’t been eaten enough – the spicier they get, the more addictive. Come back in summer! Late-night snacks!

Purple perilla peaches – an unexpected texture, crunchy, sour, and sweet. A bite after spicy food is very refreshing.

Besides the spiciness, I don’t have much impression, but the decor is consistently retro and nostalgic. During my visit, someone borrowed a marker to write on the wall – also a good marketing tactic, haha.

A friend recommended that I must try it – each person limited to two bags. So I bought one bag each of coffee-flavored and raisin-flavored mochi. I shared with everyone I met – how can it be this delicious? I must take two bags next time!

China’s world food capitals: Macau, Chengdu, Shunde, Yangzhou. I think Changsha is close too, haha. Delicious Changsha – I still want to come in summer to drink Sexy Tea and eat small lobsters, go to bars and night tours. I really love this city – everyone is very enthusiastic (the guys and girls are also very handsome). The happy four days are over, and I’m already looking forward to the next trip. Goodbye! Changsha!

Travel directory

1. Hunan Provincial Museum: Millennial Legends of National Treasures

2. Changsha Museum: Delight for the Eyes in the Porcelain Kingdom

3. Orange Isle: Must-Visit River Isle for Walking

4. Xie Zilong Photography Art Museum: Internet Celebrity Hub, Easy Great Photos

5. Li Zijian Art Museum: World’s Largest Personal Museum

6. Meixihu Chinese Knot Bridge: The Sexiest Building

7. Zhijian Bookstore: Most Beautiful Bookstore, Full of Atmosphere

8. Peirong Bookstore: A Hidden Paradise in the High-rise

9. Taiping Old Street: Crowded Food Street from End to End

10. Stinky Tofu Museum: Unheard-of Fun

11. IFS: Dazzling Lights at Night – A City That Never Sleeps