Changsha: Fiery Star City | YUNTUN STUDYSTUDIOS

Changsha: A Fiery Journey Through Star City

Changsha, capital of Hunan province, is a city that "eats bitter and dominates tough" — bold, unapologetic, and addictive. This is where young Mao Zedong studied, and today it's China's ultimate "wanghong" (internet-famous) city. Orange Isle, Yuelu Academy, Chayan Yuese tea, and Wenheyou — each a pilgrimage for China's youth.

🚶 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Yuelu Mountain → Orange Isle Morning hike up Yuelu Mountain, visit the millennium-old Yuelu Academy (¥40) and Aiwan Pavilion. Lunch: authentic Hunan cuisine near Hunan University. Afternoon at Orange Isle (Juzizhou), see the massive Mao Zedong youth statue, stroll along the Xiang River. Evening: Taiping Old Street for street food.

Day 2: Provincial Museum → Tianxin Pavilion → Wuyi Square Morning at Hunan Provincial Museum (free, reservation required) — see Lady Xin Zhui, the 2,100-year-old mummy from Mawangdui Han Tombs. Afternoon at Tianxin Pavilion's ancient city walls. Evening: Wuyi Square and IFS for Changsha's electric nightlife.

Day 3: Kaifu Temple → Wenheyou → Departure Morning prayers at Kaifu Temple (¥10). Lunch at Super Wenheyou (Hisense Plaza), an immersive 1980s Changsha experience with legendary crayfish. Afternoon: Chayan Yuese tea, souvenir shopping, departure.

🍜 Must-Eat

Kouwei Xia (Crayfish) (¥88-158): Mala-spiced crawfish — the soul of Changsha
Stinky Tofu (¥10-15): Smells bad, tastes incredible
Chopped Chili Fish Head (¥68-128): Fiery, fresh, unforgettable
Tangyou Baba (¥8-12): Crispy outside, chewy inside — glutinous rice dessert
Chayan Yuese (¥15-20): Changsha's exclusive cult tea brand

🚄 Getting There

High-speed rail: Changsha South Station (Wuhan→Changsha 1.5h, Guangzhou→Changsha 2.5h)
Metro: Line 2 connects major attractions
Airport: Huanghua International, maglev train to city

💡 Tips

Ask for "wei la" (mild spicy) if you can't handle Hunan heat
Museum requires WeChat reservation 3 days ahead
Orange Isle gets packed on holidays — go early morning or dusk
Chayan Yuese lines are long — order via mini-program in advance