This Scenic Spot in Changsha: Beautiful, Less Crowded, and Full of Variety! Many Travel Trendsetters Haven’t Been There Yet
When I mention Changsha, what comes to your mind first?
Is it Mango TV’s popular variety shows? The milk tea shops lining the streets? Or Orange Isle at the foot of Yuelu Mountain?
Although Changsha doesn’t have Chengdu’s “leisure,” Shanghai’s “fashion,” Xi’an’s “ancient charm,” or Chongqing’s “fantasy,” it has its own unique charm and style. It has been turned into an internet-famous city by netizens from all over the country who travel thousands of miles to check in.
Over the years, I have visited Changsha many times, each time for a different purpose. Sometimes it was for the scenery, sometimes for the food. This time, it was to fulfill a long-cherished encounter—I came to Changsha specifically for the “Changsha Huayi Brothers Movie Town.”
Changsha Huayi Brothers Movie Town
Changsha Huayi Brothers Movie Town is located in the Dawang Mountain Tourism Resort, a new district south of the city center and west of the Xiangjiang River. It is a new type of movie town planned and built by Huayi Brothers Media, and it is the only large-scale film studio in China with a full industry chain that combines Chinese and Western film scenes. Integrating architecture, film, technology, tourism, and culture, it is a popular scenic spot in Changsha and a new internet-favorite highly sought after by trendsetters across the country.
The architecture of Changsha Huayi Brothers Movie Town is full of charm, blending the traditions of old Changsha with the romance of Venice (the water city) and Assisi (the hill town). Strolling along the streets, you see the Assisi Municipal Art Gallery, San Francesco Castle, Smeraldo Opera House, etc., and at times you can’t help but feel as if you’re in a foreign country.
The town has a total of 35 buildings, 16 roads arranged in 9 vertical and 7 horizontal lines, 5 squares, 1 embankment, and 22 bridges. The area is large and offers many activities; one day is not enough to fully enjoy it. If time permits, you can stay in the town and take it slow.
We booked the Changsha Huayi Brothers Meiji Hotel in advance. It is located inside the movie town, with well-rounded facilities and various themed rooms. The service is also good, with attentive butler service. The most convenient thing is that there is a dedicated shuttle to take you in and out of the park – quite nice.
A movie leaves you with not only its plot but also its enchanting scenery, which fills us with anticipation and longing.
Do you know La Spezia, Italy?
At the La Spezia station in Huayi Brothers Movie Town, a magical story adapted from the plot of the Harry Potter movies is performed every day.
The stage play at La Spezia Station is mysterious and sci-fi, while the “Ciao Amici” welcome dance party on the Star Stage is passionate and dynamic. A group of costumed actors take you on a wild party with upbeat music, instantly igniting your enthusiasm.
From the “Women Who Know How to Flirt Are the Luckiest” theater at the Assisi City Gate Square to the “Destiny” theater at San Francesco Castle, time shifts and scenes change. You move from one story to another, from one movie to another, letting your imagination fly with the films.
Venice Carnival
Dinner was at the Sicilian Riverside Inn. The table setting was romantic and tasteful, and the dishes were stunning. The perfectly cooked steak, paired with the unique aroma of porcini mushrooms, was tender and flavorful. Every chew brought happiness to my lips.
The nights at Changsha Huayi Brothers Movie Town get more exciting as they go on.
Dance, bands, hip-hop, interactive shows, magic, light shows, large-scale immersive performances parading through the streets, castle fireworks, M78 Electronic Music Festival parties, and more.
From the Star Avenue to the castle, it ranges from passionate to romantic, from cool to stylish – different moods, different experiences.
After the excitement, go to Chill bar for a drink, then head back to your room for a good night’s sleep.
The next day started with Italian charm.
Classic Italian townscape, pure Italian style, combined with Italian local specialties like dining, handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional workshops. Walking through the streets felt like being transported to Italy, feeling the cultural characteristics of the Renaissance everywhere.
Gondolas handcrafted by Italian intangible cultural heritage artisans, with professional boatmen rowing, let you imagine yourself wandering through Venice.
The town also offers various other entertainment options. For example, visit the Film Workshop to explore the secrets behind movies, the thrilling escape rooms in the Horror Mansion, the cool Ice and Snow World, and finally try DIY pottery with your own hands.
Thrilling escape rooms in the Horror Mansion
Exploring movie secrets at the Film Workshop
Nino Parent-Child Paradise & Restaurant
At the very end, we had a wonderful meal at the Assisi Mountain Private Kitchen, then said goodbye to Changsha Huayi Brothers Movie Town, planning to come back next time with the kids.
Our itinerary at the Movie Town:
DAY 1: Arrive at Changsha Huayi Brothers Movie Town – Check in at Meiji Hotel and enter the park – La Spezia Railway Station: Harry Potter Magic Town performance – Star Stage: “Ciao Amici” welcome dance – Watch “Women Who Know How to Flirt Are the Luckiest” theater – San Francesco Castle: Watch “Destiny” theater – Dinner at Sicilian Riverside Inn
Star Avenue light show – Parade + Castle fireworks show – M78 Electronic Music Party – Starry Sky Beer Night Market – Chill bar
DAY 2: Horror Mansion (Escape Room) – Gondola ride – Film Workshop – Romance House – Wandering in Italy – Ice and Snow World – Pottery Studio – Lunch at Assisi Mountain Private Kitchen – Return
Transportation to Changsha Huayi Brothers Movie Town:
1. Take Changsha bus routes 418, 207, or 378 and get off at Changsha Huayi Brothers Movie Town stop; or take bus routes 380 or 938 and get off at Pingtang Avenue Tongxi Road intersection stop.
2. Take Changsha Metro Line 3 to “Shantang Station,” then transfer to the above buses.
