Come to Orange Isle, Watch the Xiang River Flow North

Transportation and accommodation tips: I traveled from Shanghai to Changsha, took a flight on the evening of April 30, and arrived in Changsha on the morning of May 1. Actually, I only had the last two days for sightseeing; the other three days were occupied by other matters. For accommodation, I suggest not staying near Wuyi Square because there are too many people. I recommend staying near Changsha Avenue, as it is not far from Changsha South Railway Station and Changsha Railway Station. If you fly, you can take the subway from Changsha South directly to the airport for about 20 yuan. The maglev train doesn't get stuck in traffic and is very convenient.

Also, the small electric scooter I photographed below—I suggest you consider activating it; it's very convenient. But remember, it's best to find a parking spot, otherwise you may get fined.

On the evening of the 3rd, I came to Taiping Old Street. I chose to come here first because I thought IFS (Guojin Center) might be crowded, and indeed it was later...

Remember, if you can't eat spicy food, you must say it clearly. The老板娘 (shop owner) told me the chili wasn't spicy, so I bought a serving of stinky tofu. The result? Well, you know. Fortunately, there was a place to buy water nearby, or it would have been a disaster... I didn't eat at this shop, but there were quite a few people queuing next to it.

At such popular places, never stop for Sexy Tea—you'll have to queue for at least an hour, and then wait another hour for the drink. It's not worth it.

The IFS (Guojin Center) was really crowded!

Upstairs, you can find the IFS Kaws statue, but during holidays it's cordoned off. So if you want to take close-up photos, you need to queue for a long time.

I think taking photos from below is better, and the rabbit is actually quite cute.

Take the subway to Yingwan Town to reach Yuelu Mountain. The mountain itself is free to enter; Yuelu Academy charges 40 yuan. Overall, the scenery on the mountain is quite nice.

The cable car has an open-air design. I didn't take it because there were too many people during the May Day holiday—queuing to buy tickets would take at least 45 minutes, and I also have a bit of a fear of heights... If you want to take the cable car, you can buy tickets at the window a bit further inside after entering; the window at the main gate is very crowded. You can also go to the top first and then ride down.

When climbing up, I took this wide road. The advantage of this kind of road is that it's flat, making the climb less strenuous. Of course, it still took me quite some time to reach the top.

I reached the summit around 11:30. At the top, there are some shops, and you can also see the old TV tower and military base. Then I descended along the mountain.

I came down along the sightseeing corridor.

On the way down, I fell twice. The road was slippery due to rain, so be careful when walking on the gravel path downhill!

Below are mostly the tombs of martyrs. Our current life would not have been possible without their sacrifice back then!

The famous Aiwan Pavilion—I won't say much about the crowds. I didn't go in because there were too many people!

If you don't go to Yuelu Academy, you can transfer here to other attractions. The sightseeing bus goes directly to Orange Isle, Hunan Provincial Museum, Xie Zilong Photography Museum, etc.

Yuelu Academy mainly has historical introductions. I think the small museum next to it is quite good—if you go in, don't forget to visit it. But this is a matter of personal taste.

For lunch, I went to the second floor of Hunan University's No. 5 Canteen. It was very good—definitely choose the buffet! Only 30 yuan! The taste was not bad at all! I ate until I was full! Attached photo!

From Hunan University, you can take Line 3 to Yanghe Wetland. It takes about 20 minutes on foot to reach Xie Zilong Museum.

The queue at the museum wasn't very long. It looked like there were many people, but actually they were queuing for photos on both sides. If you are with two or more people, you can queue for a photo; alone, I think it's unnecessary.

Some works by Teacher Chen Man.

Works by Teacher Xie Hailong.

Notes for the entire venue: First, store your bags, then see the exhibition on the second floor. Take the stairs to the third floor. The fourth floor is a separate gallery with an additional charge. I went in, but there wasn't much to see—I don't recommend it. After coming down from the fourth floor to the second floor, you might exit through the second floor exit, and then you can't go back in. I think it's best not to go to the fourth floor.

In comparison, Li Zijian's museum might have a longer queue, probably because it's free. But there are more resting spots than at Xie Zilong Museum. I recommend visiting it after Xie Zilong Museum; it's better, mainly featuring Chinese oil paintings.

At Orange Isle, you must buy a sightseeing car ticket. The small train type is not expensive, about 40 yuan. Remember not to throw away the ticket, because you can use it to ride back later. Take the car directly to the statue and then return.

You can enjoy the breeze at the square.

This year's May Day canceled the fireworks show at Orange Isle. If you care about the fireworks, I suggest checking in advance whether they are scheduled—it's uncertain during the pandemic.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum.

I strongly recommend the theater next to the Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum—it's free and has many performances. When I entered, it just started; it probably starts on the hour. Worth seeing!

Using the subway station as a boundary, the other side is not worth visiting—basically empty, but that also makes it suitable for resting.

I went to Du Fu Jiangge and Wenheyou; their locations are not far apart, so you can visit both together. Wenheyou is quite interesting, mainly with old objects, which contrast sharply with its exterior.

Note: Every staircase is very narrow, and there are people taking photos, so walk slowly and watch your step.

The second regret: the cable car wasn't running—probably due to concerns about crowds.

The menu seems reasonable, not too expensive.

Fragrant pig, haha!

Friendly reminder: Wenheyou may require reservations during peak hours. Also, it is connected to other malls. If you go out, you may need to re-enter from the first floor. It's advisable to ask the security guard if you can re-enter.

Du Fu Jiangge is close to Wenheyou, but inside there are only the second and third floors worth visiting; the top two floors are tea houses. I don't recommend making a special trip.

Changsha has a great cultural atmosphere. You can hear erhu, violin, and other instruments on the streets. All are masters!

Special reminder: If someone at Changsha South tells you that the bus is faster than the maglev, they are definitely lying. Don't get on the bus; the maglev is better. It costs 20 yuan and has only two stops.

If you're flying, I recommend buying a cup of Sexy Tea's Youlan Latte, since you're already here anyway, and the airport has more staff so the queue is shorter—a great user experience!

The regret of returning home: I didn't manage to book a ticket for the Hunan Provincial Museum. I look forward to coming again next time!

Travel diary index: 1. IFS (Guojin Center), crowds surging 2. At the foot of Yuelu Mountain, in Aiwan Pavilion 3. Artistic focus, Xie Zilong Museum 4. Orange Isle, Xiang River flows north 5. Wenheyou, Du Fu Jiangge

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