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1.Yuelu Academy

Perched on the west bank of the Xiang River, Yuelu Mountain is a cultural landmark dotted with ancient pavilions and lush forests. Yuelu Academy, nested halfway up the mountain, was founded in 976 AD during the Northern Song Dynasty, one of China’s Four Great Ancient Academies. It has nurtured countless scholars over the millennia, with its wooden architecture, stone inscriptions, and lecture halls preserving the essence of Confucian education. The academy’s motto “Seeking Truth from Facts” still echoes in academic circles.

2.Orange Isle (Juzizhou)

A long and narrow isle stretching in the middle of the Xiang River, Orange Isle is famous for the giant statue of the young Mao Zedong, which stands 32 meters tall and overlooks the river. With a history of over 1,700 years, it has been a poetic retreat for literati since the Tang and Song dynasties. The isle is covered with orange groves; in autumn, the golden fruits and the misty river form a serene picture. It is also a vibrant public space where locals fly kites and enjoy the breeze.

3.Hunan Provincial Museum

Home to the world-famous Mawangdui Han Tombs relics, the museum is a treasure trove of Hunan’s history. The well-preserved 2,100-year-old mummy of Lady Xin Zhui, along with exquisite silk paintings, lacquerware, and bamboo slips, reveals the splendid civilization of the Western Han Dynasty. The museum’s modern architecture integrates Hunan’s cultural elements, and its interactive exhibitions allow visitors to dive into the stories behind the artifacts, connecting the past and the present.

4. Taiping Street Historic District

A bustling pedestrian street in the heart of Changsha, Taiping Street retains the layout of the Qing Dynasty. It houses Jia Yi’s Former Residence, the former home of the renowned Han Dynasty scholar and poet, where you can feel the loneliness and patriotic feelings of this exile. The street is lined with traditional shops selling Changsha snacks like stinky tofu and sugar oil ，as well as cultural and creative boutiques, blending ancient charm with modern vitality.

5.Meixi Lake International Culture & Art Center

A modern architectural marvel designed by the late Zaha Hadid, this center features fluid curves and white facades, resembling three blooming flowers by the lake. It includes a grand theater, a concert hall, and an art gallery, hosting world-class operas, ballets, and exhibitions. Against the backdrop of Meixi Lake, the building’s reflection shimmers on the water, symbolizing Changsha’s leap from a historic city to a modern cultural hub.

6.Kaifu Temple

One of Changsha’s oldest Buddhist temples, Kaifu Temple was built in 927 AD during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Its main hall, with double-eave gables and a hip roof, houses magnificent Buddha statues. The temple is known for its annual Lunar New Year prayer events and the blooming lotus flowers in its ponds in summer. It is a peaceful sanctuary in the busy city, where the sound of bells and chants soothes the soul.

7.Tongguan Kiln Ancient Site

The birthplace of underglaze color porcelain in China, Tongguan Kiln flourished during the Tang Dynasty. It was a major maritime trade porcelain production base, with its wares exported to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and even Africa. The site preserves ancient kiln ruins, ceramic shards, and workshops. The combination of Chinese patterns and foreign motifs on the porcelains reflects the cultural exchanges along the Maritime Silk Road.