Things to do & places to visit in Changsha, Hunan, China

Changsha city in Hunan, China. Timezone: Asia/Shanghai, current date and time: Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 17:15.

Changsha Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

81°F - 65°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze

Feels like

54%

Chance of rain

485.0 millimeters

Amount

11.2 mph

Wind speed

77%

Humidity

13.5

Daylight length

5:38 AM

Sunrise

7:10 PM

Sunset

43%

Cloud cover

T-shirt, rain coat and rain boots

What to wear

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 SKY27(InterContinental Changsha) (37 reviews)
- sky27
Bars & Clubs

过来长沙出差，下午入住了洲际酒店，每次来长沙都在这边住，觉得环境不错，住房体验也是蛮好的。傍晚上来27楼酒吧看了一下，装修过后环境更加舒适了，傍晚的风景真的是非常的nice！270度的观景阳台可以完美的看到湘江风景，而且晚上还有沿江灯光秀，是一个不容错过的打卡点！ See more..
5.0 Wangfujing department Store (Changsha road) (5 reviews)
- Good shopping center
Shopping Malls

I've done a lot of window shopping in China, but this is my favorite mall to date. I bought a very nice men's suit and a shirt here and should have bought a bag as well. One of the things that I liked was that the salespeople left me alone a little bit more than others have. See more..
4.5 Mount Yuelu (502 reviews)
- Perfect choice for leisure outdoor hiking
Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Mountains • Historic Walking Areas

If you are a local there or have been living there for quite a long time, you definitely would know several trods from whether Central South University, Lushanna Road, Hunan University or Hunan Normal University. And, all those trods could provide an unique experiences regardless the weather or time. We chose to hike from the trod beginning from National Supercomputing Center in Changsha, along side the Denglu Alley, to Chuanshipo Lake on the Mount Yuelu. Wlaking on the trod through the forest uphill after rainny days could be slippery and muddy, but the fresh air and the smell of the damp mud is so engaging. After reaching the top of the hill near the television tower, panoramic view of Xijiang River and the other side of the city would definitely be the bonus of the trip. See more..
4.5 Yuelu Academy (232 reviews)
- Nice Academy at the Base of the Mountain
Historic Sites

This academy is at the base of Yuelu Mountain and is 40 RMB to enter. There are a few signs to explain the buildings significance in English but most parts are only Chinese. I spent about an hour here after doing the Yuelu Mountain hike. There's an exit to Yuelu Mountain from here too if you want to go to the mountain. The Yuelu Academy is near Hunan University and a snacking street. I was also pleasantly surprised with warm water in the faucets by the toilets! Closest metro is Hunan University Station and the area is pleasant to walk around in. It was a bit overcast and rainy when I went but I still enjoyed it. The temple was closed when I went for the CNY break but you could still walk around the courtyards and hallways. See more..
4.5 Hunan Provincial Museum (127 reviews)
- Very interesting museum
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

This museum is really worth a visit. Prior to entering inside I was a bit skeptical. Actually the only reason why I was into visiting, was because it was too hot outside. I was searching for a cool place. Rather than going to a shopping mall I have preferred visiting this museum. My visit went beyond my expectations. I thought the most beautiful museums in China are in Beijing and Xi'an only but I was wrong. This is really very nice. The main attraction is Xin Zhui's cadaver that has been exceptionally preserved. Bear in mind two things though. The museum is closed on Monday. Secondly you need to book your ticket well in advance as this museum attracts thousands of visitors every day. When I arrived at the entrance I was refrained from entering. I tried to persuade the customer service to let me in. I justified myself by saying I didn't know anything about the number of visitors allowed to enter. In the end they kindly turned a blind eye and let me in. See more..
4.5 Changsha Museum (42 reviews)
- A rich history on display
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Speciality Museums

If you are interested in Chinese and Hunan province history then this is must visit. Situated in a modern and spacious building that includes the 2000 year old mummified body of a Chinese lady and so many beautiful artefacts. Don't forget you passport. See more..
4.5 Hyatt party ID Mall (27 reviews)
- Uptown mall
Shopping Malls

This is probably one of the more up market mall around. It carries more known brands, eg. H&M, and does a much better job in upkeeping the mall. See more..
4.5 Hunan First Normal University (22 reviews)
- Don't forget to see the new West Campus
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

The west campus is built with majestic gray stone in a grand style befitting Mao's memory. The entry gate is magnificent. The library is very nice. A lovely cool walk in an old grove may still be there although there were plans to use it for other things. Go across the road to the Changsha Finance school for a food street. See more..
4.5 Long He Stadium (20 reviews)
- Cool stadium for football and other matches, 9 Aug 2016
Arenas & Stadiums

Your typical type of stadium, NOT like the bird's nest in Beijing though, it's something to be reckoned for of course! Very good place to have a feast) See more..
4.5 Shaping Hunan Embroidery Museum (8 reviews)
- This is well worth the visit - and shopping
Speciality Museums

I had no idea that it was possible to make embroidery that is a multi-dimensional work of art. Words fail when describing the detail and workmanship in the display pieces. And the more affordable items are equally lovely See more..
4.5 Hunan Provincial Museum of Geology (6 reviews)
- 很多的动物标本
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Speciality Museums

地质博物馆建筑造型挺奇怪的，不知道设计者要表达什么样的意思。大概有一万多件的珍藏品吧，有很多的动物标本、植物标本、矿物标本，第一次参观地质博物馆，算是大开眼界了，大自然的能力真是无限的，看着恐龙化石，为之震惊。 See more..
4.5 Tian Han Grand Theater (6 reviews)
- Great value for money
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 11:45 PM Operas • Theaters

Bought cheap seat tickets online for 35 RMB. Just before the show started the ushers offered everyone in the cheap seats the opportunity to move downstairs due to poor ticket sales. I really enjoyed the first hour which can best be described as a Vegas show. If like myself you can’t understand Mandarin I recommend you leave after the first hour, as the show mainly consists of showcasing runners up from the Voice China. See more..
4.5 Léi Feng Memorial (5 reviews)
- Famous altruistic hero of China, everywhere! Aug 2016
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM History Museums

Lei Feng is an altruistic yet heroic person who ALWAYS cared about others and barely even cared about his own riches...his memorial and statue is something that's very commendable and excellent to have!! We love Lei Feng as if he's our father! Amazing man See more..
4.0 Orange Island Park (426 reviews)
- Great outdoors activity for a lazy afternoon
Parks • Game & Entertainment Centers

Having just enjoyed an amazing lunch, we wanted to walk it off and this was the perfect place. Despite it being really cold, we loved to see all the activity in the park - perfect to see so many people having fun and enjoying a winter’s afternoon. The island contains a myriad of places to explore, from bamboo gardens, to sculpture gardens to little grottos and scenic lakes. We caught the subway over for 2RMB and then leisurely strolled to the end of the island to check out the young Chairman Mao statue. We decided to catch the miniature train back (40RMB) - something really popular to do, but bye long queue moved quickly. See more..
4.0 Changsha Window of the World (203 reviews)
- Aging amusement park being renovated
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

This fun park carries a hefty 180 yuan entrance fee, but has a few exciting rides such as roller coasters, giant swing and others. Good for a day out, but don't expect Disney or Universal style quality. Weekends and holidays best avoided for the large crowds. See more..
4.0 Martyr's Park (85 reviews)
- A tranquil place to reflect & of remembrance
Wednesday: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Parks

This is a multi-use, free public park with historical significance, walking paths, a man-made lake for boating and scenic beauty, some zoological exhibits and an amusement park with attractions. A wonderful place for families to go. See more..
4.0 Changsha Ferris wheel (82 reviews)
- Best Cityscape view
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 10:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers

The ferris wheel is located on the fifth floor. It was a little hard to locate with no street signage. You pay just before you get on. The ride lasts for approximately 20 minutes and will set you back 50 RMB per person. The glasses view from the cab isn’t exactly crystal clear, so forget the camera and just enjoy the view. The view itself it’s as spectacular as say the Canton or Pearl Tower. But for a fraction of the cost it’s a bargain. I recommend you go on a Saturday when the fireworks are on. See more..
4.0 Aiwan Pavilion (75 reviews)
- Scenic (and popular) photo spot
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Part of Mount Yuelu park, this is at the base of the mountain and therefore the most popular scenic spot. Even on a freezing cold day in the middle of winter it was packed. Easy to reach, you can either take the bus up or it’s a 20 minute walk. We stopped by on the way back down from the Yuelu temple. See more..
4.0 Tianxin Tower (60 reviews)
- Nice people, nice place.
Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

The Tianxin Tower is a symbol of Changsha. It is a building complex sitting in the Tianxin Park. The old city wall was originally built in the West Han Dynasty (around 200 B.C.). The current wall was built in the late 1300’s of Ming Dynasty. The tower/ pavilion might be built in some year near 1700. Then the whole park was renovated in 1984. Tianxin Tower is an important historical spot in Changsha. It is related to many historic events, including cultural, administrative and military ones. I visited the park in the morning. Many citizens were playing Tijiquan or performing sword dance there. Nice people, nice place. See more..
4.0 Changsha Bamboo Slips Museum (48 reviews)
- Historical and Cultural Chinese Writings
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

We went to Changsha Bamboo Slips Museum on 13 September 2014 by tour group. It had many various collections of bamboo scripts and historical artifacts from the Han and Three Kingdoms periods. There were photographs showing how the people of olden days gathered the bamboos and made them into slips for writings. See more..
4.0 Changsha Nanjiao Park (39 reviews)
- Nan jiao Gong Yuan and its history
Wednesday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Parks • Civic Centres • Forests

Full of palaces and pagodas, you can find green trees and grass all over the park of course, it's beautiful mostly in Spring, Summer, and autumn. There's a big lake as well, there are boats that go on a cruise during the summer months!) You can also find a bumper car place to race, have fun! See more..
4.0 Jia Yi Former Residence (34 reviews)
- Brilliant place
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Sites

The building is beautiful. We didn't go inside the residence but the area is alive with so many locals dancing, singing and playing cards. It is right on the river overlooking Orange Island. The entrance fee was 11RMB. Across the road is the old streets of Changsha where you will find more locals going about their daily lives. See more..
4.0 Mawangdui Mausoleum (32 reviews)
- Fascinating mummy inside! Must Go
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

An excellent museum that is newly renovated and reopened. The entire area is huge and very clean. This place is an actual archeological site that contained the tombs of three people from the Changsha Kingdom during the western Han dynasty (206 BC – 9 AD). It gives a detailed account from how this tomb was discovered and how the tomb was created given the limited resources people had in the past, from an archeologists point of view. It is so fascinating. What blew my mind was there is an actual mummy inside. Her body was so well preserved and beautiful that scientists could tell what was inside her tummy at her point of death (she led a good life). However, due to the constant exposure to harsh daily elements after it was excavated, it started to show signs of decay. Do visit this place to find out more :) Lastly, this place is FREE ENTRY!! This place is great for both young and old. See more..
4.0 Hunan Forest Botanical Garden (31 reviews)
- Charmingly beautiful
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Forests

Lots of interesting trees, flowers, others plants, traditional Chinese architecture buildings, walkway, bridges, statues, and more. Fragrant oxygen rich air. See more..
4.0 Lieshi Park Monument (29 reviews)
- Pretty
Monuments & Statues

Gorgeous on a sunny day, the photos wouldn't do it any justice. Brilliant for a bit of exercise and a pretty view. See more..
4.0 Kai Fu Temple (25 reviews)
- Inspirational
Monuments & Statues

My husband and I enjoyed walking around this beautiful temple. The grounds were impressive and we loved being able to pay our respects to Lady Quan Yin despite not being Buddhist. She had two angels standing either side of her and we found the atmosphere to be deeply comforting. The nuns we spoke to were very informative and it was clear how dedicated they are about supporting and guiding others. We left feeling peaceful and happy and could have easily spent more time there soaking up the loving energy and meditating. See more..
4.0 Changsha Aquarium (25 reviews)
- LOVED IT
Aquariums

An amazing day spent with children of various ages and adults. Everyone enjoyed themselves. interactive in some parts. Lots of place to sit and relax. You need a few hours to walk through all the different sections and see the different animals. The "walking tunnel" was our favourite with the fish swimming above us. See more..
4.0 Xiaoyuan Park (18 reviews)
- Nice Park
Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM Parks

Happen to walk through with a friend. Very well kept. If you are in the Furong Area, its a good palce to take a walk.. ################################################### See more..
4.0 Tianxin Park (17 reviews)
- Relaxing stroll at a nice park!
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Architectural Buildings • Parks

The Tianxin park surrounds the Tianxin Pavilion. I used the metro to arrive at this place. It is just a short distant walk from the station. There were some art and sculptures in the park which have explanation to it and you could take your time to read it. After visiting the Pavilion, I ended up on the other side of the park where it was much cooler with many trees around it. You can see a lot of old folks playing cards there and some were taking lunch breaks in the park as well. There was a part of it with huge large stones carved with different famous Chinese people on it. Nice place to visit, if you need a break after long walks or after visiting other tourist spots. There is no large crowds here, so it's just nice for a relaxing stroll at a nice park! See more..
4.0 Baisha Well (17 reviews)
- Pretty deep well of the white mountains)
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Hot Springs & Geysers

In our opinion, we think this well is one of the best places to have a drink. It's about 50 meters deeps and 25 meters of water should be down there! Overall, It's a great place to have a look at the deep well. During ancient times, it was there. See more..