Explore Changsha and discover must-try foods, must-visit attractions, and must-see hidden gems

Changsha is a vibrant city full of life and energy, with a rich history and culture and mouth-watering cuisine. A day is enough to experience the unique charm of this city. Below is a carefully planned one-day itinerary that includes Orange Isle and popular downtown attractions, allowing you to experience the unique style of Changsha. Itinerary Morning: Orange Isle Orange Isle is a landmark attraction in Changsha. Take Metro Line 2 to Orange Isle Station, exit from Exit 2, and head to the sightseeing bus stop to buy a ticket (CNY 40 per person for a round trip). Take the sightseeing bus directly to the Young Mao Zedong Statue. The statue is based on the image of Mao Zedong in his youth and shows the style of young Mao Zedong. Take photos in front of the statue and enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Xiang River. Then, you can stroll along the riverside trail, enjoy the natural scenery of Orange Isle, and feel the breeze from the river. For lunch, you can try Hunan cuisine at a restaurant near Orange Isle, such as chopped pepper fish head, one of the representative dishes of Hunan cuisine, and spicy crayfish, made with fresh crayfish and a variety of spices. The shrimp is chewy, and the taste is spicy and delicious. Afternoon: May 1st Square May 1st Square is the most prosperous business district in Changsha, with many high-rise buildings and shopping malls. It is one of the popular check-in spots in Changsha, and many tourists take photos here. Then, you can stroll around May 1st Square to experience the fashionable atmosphere of Changsha, or go shopping at malls such as IFS and Wangfujing Department Store. Taiping Old Street Taiping Old Street is not far from May 1st Square and is one of the historical and cultural blocks in Changsha. Many ancient buildings are preserved here, and the bluestone road and antique shops are full of the charm of old Changsha. You can try various local snacks on the old street, such as stinky tofu, sugar oil baba, and shaved jelly. Stinky tofu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a stinky smell but a delicious taste; sugar oil baba is golden in color, soft, glutinous, and sweet; shaved jelly is smooth and delicious, and very appetizing with spicy seasoning. Food recommendations Chopped pepper fish head: A classic Hunan dish. The fish head is tender, and the spicy taste of the chopped pepper penetrates the fish, making it rich in flavor. It is one of the must-try delicacies. Spicy crayfish: Made with fresh crayfish, cleaned and cooked, and then added with a variety of spices and chili peppers, it is spicy and delicious. The shrimp is chewy, and it is very enjoyable to eat with a refreshing drink. Stinky tofu: A local snack in Changsha. The skin is crispy, and the inside is soft. It smells stinky but tastes delicious. Notes There are many tourists on Orange Isle, especially during holidays. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance to avoid long waiting times. Changsha cuisine is mainly spicy. If you can't eat spicy food, remember to inform the waiter in advance so that they can adjust the spiciness of the dishes.