Attractions · Changsha

Yuelu Mountain is the last of the 72 peaks of Mount Heng, the Southern Sacred Mountain, rising to 300.8 metres, and has been a gathering place of culture since ancient times. Yuelu Academy was founded in 976, the ninth year of the Kaibao era of the Northern Song, and is one of China's four great ancient academies, its scholarly tradition unbroken for a thousand years. Aiwan Pavilion stands halfway up the mountain; its name comes from Du Mu's line about stopping the carriage to enjoy the maple grove at dusk, and in autumn the maples blaze like fire. Yuelu Mountain is thickly wooded; Yuelu Academy in its folds is one of the four great academies of the Northern Song, a thousand-year seat of learning with an unbroken tradition, and Aiwan Pavilion is famous for its maple leaves. Highlights include Lushan Temple and Yunlu Palace. Tip: Autumn, when the maples turn, is the most beautiful season. Practical info: located at Lushan South Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan; Yuelu Mountain free, the academy ¥50; open 07:00–18:00. Best season: spring (Mar–May) brings lush flowers and trees; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and fresh — the most pleasant times. Combine with Orange Island, Hunan Museum and Tianxin Pavilion for a half-day or full-day itinerary.

• Address: Lushan South Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan
• Ticket: Yuelu Mountain free; academy ¥50
• Opening: 07:00–18:00

Orange Island is an island in the Xiang River, about 5 kilometres long, famous because Mao Zedong studied and swam here in his youth. At its head stands the Mao Zedong Youth Art Sculpture, 32 metres tall, the island's signature landmark. Highlights include the Orange Island Head viewing platform, Beach Park and Wentian Terrace. A long, narrow island in the middle of the Xiang River. At its head stands the monumental Mao Zedong Youth Art Sculpture, the signature landmark of Changsha's mountain-river-island cityscape. Tip: Take the sightseeing train to the island head; walking there and back takes about 2–3 hours. Practical info: located at Orange Island Head, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan; admission free (sightseeing train ¥20); open 07:00–22:00. Best season: spring (Mar–May) brings lush flowers and trees; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and fresh — the most pleasant times. Combine with Yuelu Mountain and Yuelu Academy, Hunan Museum and Tianxin Pavilion for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Confirm opening hours and reservation policies before you go, and allow plenty of time.

• Address: Orange Island Head, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan
• Ticket: Free (sightseeing train ¥20)
• Opening: 07:00–22:00

Hunan Museum (formerly Hunan Provincial Museum) is among the first batch of national first-class museums, with more than 180,000 artefacts; the Mawangdui Han tomb finds are the most striking. Lady Dai's body is remarkably preserved after more than 2,000 years, the gossamer-thin silk robe weighs only 49 grams, and the T-shaped silk banner retains colours as vivid as new — a premier place for understanding Han dynasty civilisation. Highlights include the Mawangdui Han Tombs exhibition. A national first-class museum whose Mawangdui Han tomb finds — including Lady Dai's preserved body and the gossamer-thin silk robe — astonished the world, it is a premier place to explore Han dynasty civilisation. Tip: Book in advance; allow about 2–3 hours. Practical info: located at 50 Dongfeng Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan; admission free (reservation required); open 09:00–17:00 (closed Mondays). Best season: spring (Mar–May) brings lush flowers and trees; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and fresh — the most pleasant times. Combine with Yuelu Mountain and Yuelu Academy, Orange Island and Tianxin Pavilion for a half-day or full-day itinerary.

Tip: Book in advance and allow about 2–3 hours. The Mawangdui galleries are the must-see.

• Address: 50 Dongfeng Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan
• Ticket: Free (reservation required)
• Opening: 09:00–17:00 (closed Mondays)

Tianxin Pavilion is the landmark of old Changsha. It was first built in the Ming dynasty; the present pavilion was rebuilt in 1983. The city wall was begun in the reign of Emperor Gaozu of the Western Han and is a surviving section of Changsha's old fortifications. From the pavilion you can look down over the old city and across to the Xiang River and Yuelu Mountain — an excellent place to feel Changsha's historical changes. Highlights include the main tower, the ancient city wall remains, the site where Xiao Chaogui, the Western King of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, died, and the old city at night. An icon of old Changsha, with a Ming dynasty tower and surviving ancient city wall. Climbing the pavilion gives views over the old city and bears witness to centuries of change. Tip: Climb at dusk to enjoy both the sunset and the city lights. Practical info: located at Tianxin Road, Tianxin District, Changsha, Hunan; admission ¥32; open 08:00–17:30. Best season: spring (Mar–May) brings lush flowers and trees; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and fresh — the most pleasant times. Combine with Yuelu Mountain and Yuelu Academy, Orange Island and Hunan Museum for a half-day or full-day itinerary.

• Address: Tianxin Road, Tianxin District, Changsha, Hunan
• Ticket: ¥32
• Opening: 08:00–17:30