Things to do & places to visit in Hunan, China

Hunan #14 destination in China 2023. The average rating score is 4.36 based on 14.3k traveler reviews, of 1.502 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Shanghai, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 17:00.

Hunan Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in April

74°F - 56°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze

Feels like

54%

Chance of rain

368.0 millimeters

Amount

11.6 mph

Wind speed

76%

Humidity

12.8

Daylight length

6:04 AM

Sunrise

6:52 PM

Sunset

42%

Cloud cover

Sweater, rain coat and rain boots

What to wear

Top things to do (25)

Top destinations in Hunan 94

See more 82 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Zhuzhou Fantawild Adventure (52 reviews)
- 欢乐毕业旅行
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Amusement & Theme Parks

两天和小伙伴们游完了方特，相比梦幻王国来说欢乐世界的室外项目就柔和多了哈哈哈。赶上周一，园内人不多，没排多久就体验了好几个项目。这么热的天，必须坐火流星、维苏威火山兜兜风，室内项目都有空调，感觉很不错。强烈推荐胆小的朋友去玩飞跃极限，不仅可以看世界各地的风景，还有种飞翔的感觉！ See more..
5.0 Ningxiang Tanhe Ancient City (40 reviews)
- Another Chinese Performance
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Tanhe Ancient City, a city that astonished the world.Utilizing the power of imagination and grandiose narration, it vividly represents the productions and life spaces, the scenes of the emperors and citizens of Ningxiang, and brings back the Bronze Age tracing back 3000 years. See 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 Xihai Stone Forest (35 reviews)
- Amazing View
Geologic Formations

If you are looking for an exciting and thrill-seeking experience, this is the right one for you. You will be marveled by the fantastic stone columns! See more..
4.5 Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (2.276 reviews)
- Amazing scenery
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

Zhangjiajie is in the northwestern part of Hunan Province in central China. The main draw is the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain and Suoxiyu Nature Reserve. Here, traveling through countless cloud-kissing mountains, clear streams and leafy trees, you may easily blend with nature around, thus enhancing your love unconsciously. Want to explore the Avatar mountains with camera? Join us now! See more..
4.5 Phoenix Ancient Town (2.045 reviews)
- One of the most beautiful ancient towns in China
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings

We took the flight from Beijing to Tongren airport for a vacation during the last Christmas holiday, we booked a hotel along the river with a fantastic view, since it was low season for the covid, it was very peaceful for the whole city. With a lot of well-preserved wood houses and stone streets, Fenghuang ancient city is very charming, there’s a lot of snacks you can try such as dry kiwi, ginger candy and so on. Don’t miss the night lights scenery when you are in Fenghuang, a lot of music bars & beer bar were closed when we were there. This ancient city is not very big, 2 hours will be enough for a visiting. See more..
4.5 Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park (1.333 reviews)
- Visit Tianmen Mountain in Winter, Fog snow, few people, beatifull
Monday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park is the second national forest park in Zhangjiajie, where the famous Tianmen Mountain is located. See more..
4.5 Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area of Zhangjiajie (859 reviews)
- Breath-Taking view
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests

This place is breath-taking and an amazing sight. To think that it took millions of years for these unique mountains to form is humbling. The trail is well built and relatively easy to walk. Do wear comfortable track shoes as some parts can be abit slippery if it just rained. There are many interesting rocks that the guide pointed out to us, like a tortise shaped rock which symbolises longetivity. It can get quite crowded during peak hour especially at popular photo taking spots. We spent around 2-3 hours there in total. If you are hungry, don't worry there is McDonalds inside! :) See more..
4.5 Mount Yuelu (502 reviews)
- Perfect choice for leisure outdoor hiking
Monday: 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 Tianzi Mountain (299 reviews)
- View from the heaven
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mountains • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Our visit to the mountain area was on the second day and we had some amazing photos because we were lucky not to be so foggy on our day tour. The place is breathtaking and it was a great experience. P.s don't miss the cable car because it's another 30 mins ride which is full of amazing views. See more..
4.5 Phoenix Hong Bridge (293 reviews)
- Awesome architecture
Bridges

Marvelous and spectacular stone, three-arch, covered bridge. Was extra crowded at night when the area is lit up in beautiful colours. See more..
4.5 Golden Whip Brook (280 reviews)
- Very relaxing walk
Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks

I loved this walk. Super easy and walking next to the stream was nice. My boys all had a dip in the spring mountain water but it was cold? ! Easy peasy walk, all flat. You walk next to the stream. We started our walk at the Oxygen Bar place, this walk can also connect you to the actual Avatar walk. You need to take the steps up but it’s all well signposted. We well kept, clean and has places to buy food and drinks. There are lots of monkeys too so be aware ! 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 Tianzi Mountain Clouds (162 reviews)
- A great Great place to visit .
Monday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

What a place , you can walk and walk and see a lot of green mountains and great sceneries . We loved it . See more..
4.5 Tianmen Fox Fairy Show (155 reviews)
- Amazing a must see
Theaters

This show is set in the natural landscape of the valley with Tianmen mountain in the background. The outdoor theatre is around a 20 minute drive from the town centre. The road is not that great. The theatre has 3 tiers of ticket pricing depending on seating position. We chose the middle price and was seated perfectly 5 rows from the front in the middle. The love story of 'a weedman and a fox fairy' is a Romeo and Juliet story. Even though it is all in Chinese there is a screen at the side that has English narration, this can be distracting though as you can't read the screen and watch the show. It was so spectacular, colorful and amazing you did not need a translation. It is a must see once in a lifetime experience. See more..
4.5 Hunan Provincial Museum (127 reviews)
- Very interesting museum
Monday: 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 Huangshi Village (118 reviews)
- Spectacular views without too many crowds
Monday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers

Huangshi Zhai is located in the southwest of the world natural heritage—Wulingyuan Quartz Peak-forest. Quartz sandstone distribution zone that is suitable to constitute large peak-forest starts from the northwest of Huangshi Zhai, and stretches to the northeast direction until the edge of West Sea, Maple Valley, and forms the world’s only magic large peak-forest with 20 kilometers length and 10 kilometers width. Huangshi Zhai is the largest among 3000 large peak-forests consisting of quartz sandstone. Huangshi Zhai is wide and thick with an altitude of 1,092 meters. It is high for looking the distance and wide and flat for rest. When you climb on this largest natural viewing deck and take a broad view, there are countless stone peaks and pillars, tall and straight, trying to make a figure, intensive and widely distributed. All these peaks and pillars form vast peak-forests, making people joyful suddenly and happy. If there is thick cloud covering all the peaks, flickering lofty and steep, or ethereal and fleeting, changing constantly. At this time, stone peaks and pillars seem to be firm rocks in turbulent and roaring waves on the sea, more poetical, and have the good reputation of “it is no avail of your trip to Zhangjiajie, unless you come to the summit of Huangshi Village”. Huangshi Zhai has tens of scenic spots including star gathering stage, double doors for the guest, five fingers peak, front garden and remaining piers of the heavenly bridge etc, among which, the latter two are the most famous. See more..
4.5 Zhangjiajie Tianbofu Scenic Resort (91 reviews)
- unbeleivable views
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers

Breathtaking views no matter where you look . a lot of waking and steps up and down that takes 4 hours at least . See more..
4.5 Phoenix East Gate Scenic Area (86 reviews)
- Shopping in ancient town
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We enjoyed walking around in the area, viewing the buildings, shopping, and getting hair braided for 10 rmb (about US$1.45). See more..
4.5 Fenghuang Ancient City Museum (83 reviews)
- Fenghuang - nice ancient city full of chinese tourists
History Museums

Fenghuang is a nice ancient city built along a river. During the day it's great to walk through the little streets and discover the many nice things they are selling. The place is full of chinese tourists, I saw maybe 5 western tourists in a whole day walking. During the Night, the bars along the river play loud disco music, which kind of ruins the atmosphere (everything is beautiful!) and feels like Chinese ballermann... See more..
4.5 Tuojiang Ancient Street (59 reviews)
- Amazingly beautiful
Historic Sites

The street on both sides of the river are awesomely beautiful, but very commercialized as would be expected of a high tourist area. Of the tourists, less than 1% were westerners. The vast majority wore masks. See more..
4.5 Zhangjiajie Xianren Stream (47 reviews)
- This is part of the overall incredible experience
Monday: 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks

At the time of the visit it was a rather cold and misty day - and to be frank this actually made the experience even more magical. We took a boat ride that was amazing - so well managed and fitted into the area very tastefully See more..
4.5 Zhangjiajie Old Courtyard (43 reviews)
- Enjoy scenic walk
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Take your time to walk through and make insta moments. We were here with less crowd. At the end you can buy some local snacks See more..
4.5 Changsha Museum (42 reviews)
- A rich history on display
Monday: 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 Xiangbi Mountain of Fenghuang (39 reviews)
- Best part of Fenghuang
Mountains

We went to visit the mountain without any expectations what we would see, but it appeared to be the best thing in Fenghuang. It is quite a long walk but with some nice temples, views over the city and great nature. Only bad thing is that they are building small holiday cabins in the beginning of the mountain, but as soon as you are past that it is very nice. Must visit when in Fenghuang. The entrance is just next to the entrance of the main bridge in the ancient part of Fenghuang. See more..
4.5 Huangsi Bridge Ancient City (38 reviews)
- Awsome view
Monday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Amazing experiance just loved it . it felt as if a party is going on in the city once you reach . Silent days are just opposite to the Joyfull nights See more..
4.5 Xiangxi Hibiscus Town (35 reviews)
- Charming Furong Old Town
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Beach & Pool Clubs

My Chinese colleagues call this Furong Old Town, and formerly officially known by the name Wangcun Village. A 2,000 year old town with a 60-metre in height waterfall, and named after the Hibiscus flower. See more..
4.5 Shaoshan Mao Zedong Memorial Museum (35 reviews)
- Know more about Chairman Mao ZeDong
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM History Museums

So I came here for a business trip and was invited by the municipal government of Xiangtan City. My first time here and it is a place to see all of Mao's old stuff and learn about him. Overall it is just used shirts, pants, books etc that he used. 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 The Grand Canyon of Zhangjiajie (369 reviews)
- A great day out!
Monday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Canyons

A must see if you are visiting Zhangjiajie area - as long as you have strong knees as there are loads of steps, unless you take the zip wire across the canyon and slide down the cliff! The glass bridge is impressive and, for a vertigo sufferer like me, much less scary than I had imagined. Make sure to exit (different place to entrance) via the riverside walk and boat trip at the end as this means you will experience all the scenic variety. The park felt more professional than Wulingyuan Scenic Area and was thankfully less overrun with noisy tour groups, even though we visited at the start of the summer holidays. There are lot of food stalls at the exit but almost none in the park which is actually an advantage. About half an hour from Wulingyuan and you can take in Huanglong Caves on the way back See more..