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Top 10 attractions in Shanggao

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No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Hunan Jiangxi Fujian Region

Orange Isle Scenic Area

9

4.6/5

13.7k reviews

Orange Isle Scenic Area is a narrow sandbar lying across the heart of the Xiang River in Changsha, stretching approx. five km. It faces Yuelu Mountain to the west and borders Changsha's old city to the east, surrounded by water on all sides. Named after the abundant orange trees planted on the isle, it was historically called Shuiluzhou. Formed by river alluvium, this sandbar has existed for over a millennium, where the "River and sky in evening snow" scenery was once among the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang. In 1925, the poem "Spring in a pleasure garden - Changsha" was composed here, with its iconic line "Alone I stand in the biting fall, watching the Xiang River flow north past Orange Isle's head," which made this riverine landmark widely renowned. The highlights of the visit are concentrated at the islet's head: A granite art sculpture over 30 m tall, modeled after the 1925 youth image, stands facing the river as Changsha's highly recognizable landmark. Nearby, the Questioning Heaven Platform extends toward the river center, where leaning on the railing reveals the mighty Xiang River flowing northward, with Yuelu Mountain and the city skylines on both banks facing each other across the water. The Songju Pavilion, white marble poetry stele, and the 200-year-old ancient phoenix tree at the islet head are all in this area. Heading north from the islet head, a hundred-acre orange orchard bears golden fruits in fall, while bamboo groves, peach orchards, plum gardens, and osmanthus groves take turns showcasing seasonal flora. The historic Zhuzhang Ferry (where Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi once crossed the Xiang River for lectures) and the Huxiang Culture Exhibition Hall are scattered along the way. At the islet's tail, the reconstructed Jiangshen Temple and Gongji Tower area was precisely where ancients admired the "River and sky in evening snow" scenery. The island is long and narrow, making round-trip walks quite tiring. A sightseeing train is available for transportation, with multiple stops along the way for hopping on and off. Travelers with limited time are advised to head straight to the island's tip to see the sculpture and river views, then stroll leisurely along the riverside path. At dusk, watching the sunset over the Xiang River and seeing the lights gradually illuminate both shores from the island's tip is especially worth setting aside time for.

China · Changsha

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2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

Wangxian Valley

9

4.5/5

26.8k reviews

Wangxian Valley is located at the northern foot of Lingshan Mountain, hidden among mountain streams and gorges. It was formerly an abandoned granite quarry and, after years of ecological restoration, has been built into the valley town it is today. The attraction is structured around the Jiuniu Stream Gorge, where streams flow through the valley and waterfalls cascade in layers; the Sandie Waterfall and Sankou Pot are among its most recognizable natural views. In summer, visitors can also experience gorge rafting that winds through the ancient town. The cliffside building complex on Baihe Cliff is the attraction's signature view. On the nearly 100-meter-high cliff face, cantilevered guest rooms, plank walkways, and viewing platforms climb upward in a zigzag pattern, looking up from the valley floor like pavilions in the sky. After nightfall, the cliff lights come on one after another, and the entire valley resembles a painted scroll of lights; standing on Lanyue Bridge and gazing at the full panorama of Baihe Cliff is a classic photo spot here. The Yanpu Old Street in the valley restores the appearance of traditional dwellings in northeastern Jiangxi, with rammed earth walls, bluestone slab paths, and horse-head walls interwoven throughout. Workshop Street is lined with traditional handicraft workshops for brown sugar, brewing, papermaking, cloth dyeing, and more, where you can watch ancient production methods on site; Mingchan Alley gathers intangible cultural heritage crafts such as bamboo weaving and woodwork. Bawei Street offers a dazzling array of Jiangxi-style snacks such as dengzhan guo and taro dumplings. When visiting, it is recommended to enter the attraction in the afternoon so that you can clearly see the gorge landforms in daylight without missing the spectacular lighting after nightfall. The entire route requires walking and climbing stairs, so comfortable, slip-resistant shoes are advisable.

China · Shangrao

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2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Yellow Crane Tower

8.9

4.6/5

81.6k reviews

Yellow Crane Tower is a landmark building of Wuhan. It is located on the bank of the Yangtze River and above Snake Hill in Wuchang. Many celebrities have written famous poems about the tower. Yellow Crane Tower was built during the Three Kingdoms period, but it was destroyed many times. What we see now is the reconstructed version built in 1985. When you climb the Yellow Crane Tower, you can see the spectacular view of the Yangtze River and Wuhan's three districts.

China · Wuhan

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2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Hunan Museum

8.8

4.8/5

16.3k reviews

Hunan Museum is a relatively large history and culture museum in Hunan Province, and among its collections, the artifacts unearthed from the Mawangdui Han Tombs are particularly representative. "The Changsha Mawangdui Han Tombs Exhibition" is the museum's permanent exhibition, presenting in a concentrated way the precious artifacts unearthed from three Western Han tombs. One of the most striking exhibits in the exhibition is the plain silk unlined robe with straight-cut front, as thin as cicada wings and weighing less than 50 grams, whose weaving technique is astonishing. In addition, visitors can see well-preserved printed silk padded robes, fine and elegant embroidery, brightly glossy painted lacquerware, and an exquisite T-shaped painted silk painting. More than 100,000 characters of silk manuscripts were unearthed from Tomb No. 3, among which are many lost texts long since gone from circulation, covering fields such as philosophy, history, astronomy, and medicine. The "Topographic Map of the Southern Part of the Changsha Kingdom," also from Tomb No. 3, was drawn using techniques broadly similar to those of modern maps and holds important value in the study of ancient maps. The well-preserved body of Lady Xin Zhui unearthed from Tomb No. 1 has survived intact for more than two thousand years and is another major highlight of the exhibition. The museum also features permanent exhibitions such as "Hunan People: A Historical and Cultural Exhibition of the Three Xiang Regions," displaying collections including Shang and Zhou bronzes, ceramics from famous Hunan kilns, and Ming and Qing calligraphy and paintings, presenting the historical and cultural threads of Hunan from different dimensions. The Mawangdui Han Tomb Exhibition and the Three Xiang Historical and Cultural Exhibition together form the museum's two core exhibitions, and are well worth setting aside ample time to view in detail.

China · Changsha

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2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

Tengwang Pavilion Tourist Area

8.7

4.5/5

30.1k reviews

Tengwang Pavilion Tourist Area is located on the east bank of the Gan River in Nanchang, with the riverside Tengwang Pavilion as its centerpiece. Originally built in the fourth year of the Yonghui era of the Tang Dynasty by Li Yuanying, Prince of Teng and son of Emperor Gaozu of Tang, it gained eternal fame through Wang Bo's "Preface to Tengwang Pavilion." Alongside the Yellow Crane Tower and Yueyang Tower, it is hailed as one of the "Three Great Towers of Jiangnan." Historically destroyed and rebuilt nearly thirty times, the current structure is a Song-style replica completed in 1989, designed based on Liang Sicheng's reconstruction sketches. With its green tiles and layered eaves, it remains a landmark of Nanchang to this day. The main pavilion follows a "three visible, seven concealed" layout: appearing as a three-story structure with encircling corridors from the outside, while actually containing seven interior floors—nine levels including the two-tiered base symbolizing ancient city walls. Turquoise-roofed galleries extend north and south from the base's flanks, connecting at their ends to auxiliary pavilions named "River-taming" and "Greenery-embracing," forming a mountain-shaped silhouette with the main tower. Below, an artificial lake and the nine-bend wind-and-rain bridge add classical garden charm to the majestic architecture. Each floor of the pavilion offers something remarkable. The white marble relief "A timely wind delivers Tengwang Pavilion" in the first-floor preface hall depicts the legend of Wang Bo riding the wind to compose his famous preface. The second-floor mezzanine features the long scroll painting "Gallery of eminent figures," gathering Jiangxi's historical luminaries like Tao Yuanming, Ouyang Xiu, Wang Anshi, and Tang Xianzu in one artwork. The third-floor mural "Linchuan dream" recreates Tang Xianzu's staging of "The peony pavilion" here. The fourth-floor "Land of wonders" painting compresses Jiangxi's iconic landscapes—Mount Lu, Sanqing Mountain, Dragon-Tiger Mountain, and Poyang Lake—into a single masterpiece. The fifth floor is the highlight for panoramic views: its central hall displays a bronze tablet inscribed with Su Dongpo's calligraphic version of "Preface to Tengwang Pavilion," while the east hall exhibits a scale model of the pavilion. Strolling the veranda offers sweeping views of the Gan River and modern skyline across the water. The top floor bears the plaque "Ninth heaven," with its west hall housing an antique-style theater flanked by replica ancient instruments like chime bells and stone chimes. Above, spiral-arranged bracket sets adorn the caisson ceiling, and between the double eaves hangs Su Dongpo's gilded "Tengwang Pavilion" plaque. After descending from the main pavilion, take time to explore the garden area: the square in front of the pavilion, the grand Song-style archway, the antique street lined with calligraphy and antique shops, and the small Suzhou-style garden Fuchang Garden with its lake reflections and bridge views—perfect for slowing your pace. To experience the poetic scene of "a solitary wild duck flying with the sunset glow, while the autumn water blends with the vast sky," an evening ascent to the pavilion is ideal. The fifth-floor corridor offers an expansive view, making it a prime spot to admire the sunset over the Gan River.

China · Nanchang

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2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Lushan National Park

8.6

4.6/5

22.9k reviews

Mount Lu is known as one of China's “four great summer retreats,” together with Jigongshan, Beidaihe, and Mount Mogan. Mountain peaks, waterfalls, unique views of “cloud oceans,” and garden architecture all lend Mount Lu its rich charm. The mountain climate allows visitors to feel the cool and comfortable feel of spring even in the summertime, and has secured Mount Lu's position as a famous scenic area and historic vacation spot and retreat.

China · Lushan City

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No. 3 of Night Attractions in Jiangxi

Ge's Fairy Village

8.5

4.8/5

12.6k reviews

Ge's fairy village is located in Yanshan County, Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province. It was invested and constructed by Xinbang Group in June 2016, with a total investment exceeding 1.569 billion yuan. Backed by the thousand-year-old Taoist mountain Ge's Fairy Mountain, it aims to become "a new landmark of Jiangxi tourism." The project is divided into two phases, with a planned construction area of approx. 300,000 square meters. The core attraction area covers 650 mu, including three main sections: the distribution center area, Ge's Fairy Village resort, and the Tianjing Terrace attraction. Future development will continue to expand outward along the valley. Ge's fairy village is developed around the Ge's fairy mountain attraction, inspired by the cultivation stories of immortal Ge Xuan on the mountain. It integrates the cultural essence of Taoism with classical landscape painting aesthetics, recreating the mountain village scene where Ge Xuan lived and practiced during the late Han dynasty. Using water, bamboo, and village as creative elements, it aims to create a natural sanctuary and fairy village combining eco-tourism, leisure vacations, business conferences, and Taoist cultural experiences. Introduction to attractions in Ge's fairy village Yuánfāng - Heaven and earth hidden in the mountains and forests The name "Elements" is derived from the Taoist concept of "the sky is round and the earth is square." The bronze compass within Elements, meticulously crafted by renowned artists, embodies the Taoist understanding and profound mastery of the universe's principles. The overall design follows the concept of a "vanishing building," featuring a facade of glass mirrors and bamboo. From a distance, the glass mirrors reflect the natural scenery of the mountains, making the structure appear hidden within the forest. Without careful observation, one might easily overlook the building and the hidden paradise behind it. Zhongmiao pavilion - profound and mysterious, both real and illusory Zhongmiao pavilion is the highest point of the attraction, featuring an ancient architectural structure. The main building stands 26 m tall with a three-story, four-pillar pure wood design. Pavilions are typically used for storing books or enshrining deities, which adds more cultural significance to this structure. In the evening, the solemn and magnificent Zhongmiao Pavilion show takes place here, where the combination of modern technological lighting and ancient architecture creates a dreamlike and visually stunning experience. Culture has a long history The ancestral hall square mainly consists of the jiao altar at the center and the Ge Weng ancestral hall. The jiao altar is a place for capping, wedding, and sacrificial ceremonies. It served as the venue for ancient capping rites, wedding ceremonies, and rituals praying to deities. Traditional folk cultural performances are staged in the central area of the ancestral hall square. Dust-washing gate·Emerald pool - Wash away the mundane Under the moonlight, seekers perform the traditional Taoist greeting, embracing the path of Taoism. The "gate of purification," crafted with mist curtain installations, presents a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow amidst ethereal fog, cleansing worldly dust from those who journey from afar. Water curtain film - magnificent and breathtaking The water stage at Zhongmiao Pavilion presents a grand live-action water screen movie every evening, where the fusion of water screens and light creates a dazzling visual feast. Performers dance to the rhythm of alternately intense and soothing music, bringing to life a series of dramatic legendary tales from a flourishing era. China town artifact culture museum - A long history of town artifact culture The China town artifact culture museum is located at the entrance of Lingbao Fairy Street, featuring horse-head walls that showcase the distinctive Huizhou architectural style. Inside, visitors can explore China's ancient town artifact culture through exhibition areas, retail zones, and workshop sections, gaining a deeper understanding of this cultural heritage while admiring historical artifacts.

China · Yanshan

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2026 Asia 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Hubei Provincial Museum

8.5

4.9/5

7.9k reviews

The Hubei Provincial Museum has ten treasures of the museum, including those unearthed from "Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng" the Hubei Provincial Museum's Zenghouyi chime bells; the Yue Wang Goujian sword, a masterpiece of the cold weapon era; the fossilized skull of the Yunxian Man dating back 1 million years; and a treasure of Yuan blue-and-white porcelain: the plum vase with the Four Loves design. The museum's regular exhibitions also feature distinctive characteristics of ancient Chu culture and ancient Yangtze River civilization. The Hubei Provincial Museum consists of the comprehensive exhibition hall,Chu culture hall,Chime bell hallIt is composed of multiple pseudo-classical buildings, and the layout reflects the high-platform architectural layout format of ancient Chu architecture, namely "one terrace, one hall" and "multiple terraces forming a group." Unearthed in 1978 at "Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng" in the Hubei Provincial Museum - the Zenghouyi chime bells have a wide range and their excavation rewrote the history of world music; the sword of Goujian, King of Yue, a masterpiece of the cold weapon era, is still incomparably sharp to this day, and displayed beside it is the "spear of Fuchai, King of Wu"; the geological age of the Yunxian human skull fossil is approx. 1 million years ago, earlier than the Peking Man skull fossil; the Yuan blue-and-white plum vase with four loves design is an extremely rare masterpiece among Yuan dynasty blue-and-white porcelain. Hubei is located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and belonged to the territory of the Chu state during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. The permanent exhibitions at the Hubei Provincial Museum showcase ancient civilizations of southern China that differ from the Yellow River civilization of the north. The museum's current permanent exhibitions include "Yunxian Man: Prehistoric Humans in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River," "Qujialing: Prehistoric Culture in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River," and "Panlongcheng: Bronze Civilization in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River." In addition to viewing cultural relics at the Hubei Provincial Museum, you can also enjoy chime bell performances. In the museum's performance hall, chime bell performances are held from Tuesday to Sunday, and it is closed on Mondays.

China · Wuhan

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Taoyangli Historical and Cultural District

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Jiangxi

Taoyangli Historical and Cultural District

8.4

4.6/5

11.9k reviews

Taoyangli Historical and Cultural District is located in the heart of Jingdezhen's old town, a historic neighborhood that grew around the ruins of the imperial kiln from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The old saying "Taoyang thirteen li, with tens of thousands of households" refers to this area. The imperial porcelain used by the royal families of the Ming and Qing dynasties was exclusively produced by the imperial kiln here, while rejected tribute items were shattered and buried on-site. The layers of underground porcelain fragments share the same origin as the collections in the Palace Museum, making this place often referred to as the key to understanding the porcelain capital. The core attractions of the district are concentrated around the ruins of the Taoyangli Historical and Cultural District and the imperial kiln museum. The ruins of the Taoyangli Historical and Cultural District have now been transformed into an archaeological site park, preserving relics such as kilns and workshops. The Longzhu pavilion, perched atop Zhushan hill, has been the iconic structure of the imperial kiln since the Ming dynasty and later became the symbol of Jingdezhen. The Zhushan hill beneath it was formed by layers of discarded porcelain fragments from imperial kilns throughout history. Nearby, the imperial kiln museum draws inspiration from traditional egg-shaped wood-fired kilns, featuring multiple brick arches arranged in a staggered layout. Many exhibits in the museum are restored from porcelain fragments unearthed at the site, including the Ming dynasty blue-and-white dragon jar—a signature exhibit pieced together from tons of discarded dragon jar fragments. Adjacent to the museum, the Xu family kiln, an old wood-fired kiln, still operates periodic firings. During kiln openings, the gate is wide open, allowing visitors to watch artisans retrieve freshly fired porcelain from saggars. The district also features winding alleyways lined with kiln-brick residences, guild halls, porcelain shops, and remnants of modern ceramic industry. The restored South goods street and Red shop street now host old teahouses, taverns, music bars, and craft workshops where you can observe traditional processes like clay throwing and porcelain painting, with some workshops offering hands-on experiences. It's recommended to set aside half a day for the visit—start with the kiln site and museum, then meander through the streets around Zhongshan north road and Longgang lane, where many historic courtyard houses hidden in deep alleys await patient discovery.

China · Jingdezhen

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No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Hubei

Qingchuan Pavilion

8.4

4.7/5

7.7k reviews

Qingchuan Pavilion stands on Yugong Rock at the eastern foot of Tortoise Hill in Hanyang, facing the Han River to the north and the Yangtze River to the east, gazing across the river at Yellow Crane Tower in Wuchang on the opposite bank. The pavilion's name is taken from the line "the clear river reflects the trees of Hanyang" by the Tang dynasty poet Cui Hao, and it was initiated for construction by Fan Zhizhen, the Ming dynasty prefect of Hanyang. First built during the Jiajing era of the Ming dynasty, it has a history of more than four hundred years. Throughout history, Qingchuan Pavilion was destroyed and rebuilt as many as six or seven times, the last destruction caused by a windstorm; the existing structure was rebuilt in the 1980s following the style of the Guangxu era of the Qing dynasty. Long known as one of the "finest sights of the Three Chu regions" and a "grand vista through the ages," Qingchuan Pavilion echoes Yellow Crane Tower across the river and stands out distinctly along the banks of the Yangtze. The attraction is composed of three main structures—Qingchuan Pavilion, Yuji Xinggong (Yu and Ji Ancestral Hall), and Tiemen Pass—along with auxiliary structures such as the ancient archway, Chubo Pavilion, Chaozong Pavilion, Yu Stele Pavilion, Jingchu Heroic Spirit Stele, and the poetry stele corridor, forming a complex of ancient and pseudo-classical buildings standing by the river. Among them, Yuji Xinggong was first built during the Shaoxing era of the Southern Song dynasty under the original name Yu Wang Temple; during the Tianqi era of the Ming dynasty, it was renamed "Yuji Xinggong" after its worship was changed to Houji and other former sages, and it has been an important site in Wuhan for successive generations to pay homage to Yu the Great. Tiemen Pass was first built during the Three Kingdoms period and has been a strategic location contested by military strategists since ancient times; it was restored in the 1990s. Ascending Qingchuan Pavilion offers a panoramic view of the expansive river scenery where the Yangtze River and the Han River converge. Inside the pavilion, permanent exhibitions such as "Traces of Yu Across the Nine Provinces" and "Historical Paintings of Qingchuan" present Yu the Great culture and the historical heritage of Qingchuan Pavilion from multiple perspectives, ranging from water-control culture to poetry and couplets. The attraction nestles between the hills and the river, with pavilions and terraces scattered in graceful arrangement. The poetry stele corridor preserves inscribed stones bearing verses by literati and poets of successive dynasties, and strolling through it allows visitors to feel the rich historical and cultural atmosphere.

China · Wuhan

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Experiences you can't miss in Shanggao

Featured Day tours in Shanggao

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1-day tour to Yichun Mingyue Mountain + Yangshimu in Jiangxi with Chinese/English service, admission ticket not included

Duration: 7 hrs

English

Book now for tomorrow

From£130.33

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1-day Tour to Qiyin Zen Temple + Nanre Ancient Village + Mingyue Romance Park in Yichun, Jiangxi (Chinese and English Services Available)

Duration: 7.5 hrs

English

From£130.33

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1-day Tour in Xinyu, Jiangxi: Kuanxin Town + Baoshi Park + Xiabuxiu Museum (Chinese and English Services Available)

Duration: 8.5 hrs

English

From£130.33

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1-day tour to Fairy Lake + Jieqiao Ancient Village + Fenyi Power Plant Snail Town in Xinyu, Jiangxi with bilingual service available

Duration: 7.5 hrs

English

From£130.33

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Shanggao Today's weatherLight rain 12-17℃

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Free things to do in Shanggao

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What travelers say about Shanggao

YazonDinAltOctober 23, 2026

4.0

Orange Island is a bit of a mixed experience, and I'm honestly not entirely sure whether I'd consider it a must-visit in Changsha.It's a large, green, and pleasant park, with beautiful riverside views and plenty of space for walking. If you enjoy places with historical significance or simply want to experience a different side of the city, it's definitely worth considering.Most visitors seem to take the sightseeing train to the southern end of the island, where the famous Mao Zedong statue is located. That's also where you'll find plenty of people taking photos, so don't expect a particularly quiet experience.The main downside is that visiting the island takes quite a bit of time, especially if you want to explore it properly. And while it's certainly a nice place, I'm not sure the experience justifies spending several hours here if you have a limited amount of time in Changsha and other places you'd like to see.On the other hand, if you're simply looking for a relaxing walk through a green park, with opportunities to stop by the river and enjoy the scenery, it's a lovely option.Overall, I'd say it's worth visiting if you have some extra time or are particularly interested in Chinese history. Otherwise, I wouldn't necessarily put it at the very top of your Changsha itinerary.