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Home to the Han-dynasty Mawangdui tomb finds, including the 2,000-year-old remarkably preserved Lady Dai mummy and her burial goods. One of the most significant archaeological collections in China. Free with passport registration.

One of the Four Great Academies of classical China (founded 976 AD), still part of Hunan University campus. The forested Yuelu Mountain behind it offers trails to the Aiwan Pavilion and Lushan Temple.

Long sandbar island in the Xiang River, accessible by bridge. Famous for the massive stone sculpture of the young Mao Zedong at its southern tip. The island park has pleasant walking paths and city views.

Ming-dynasty pavilion atop the last surviving section of Changsha's ancient city wall. The pavilion complex offers views over the old city and houses a small museum on Changsha's history.

Changsha's most famous commercial and night-food district, centred on Wuyi Square and the International Finance Square (IFS) with its rooftop panda sculpture. The surrounding streets are the heart of Changsha's viral food scene.

Preserved Ming-and-Qing-dynasty commercial street in the old city with traditional shophouses, local snack vendors, and the Jia Yi Former Residence. One of the most walkable heritage strips in Changsha.

Mao Zedong's birthplace village about 100 km southwest of Changsha, accessible by dedicated Shaoshan high-speed train (60 min from Changsha South). One of the most-visited red tourism sites in China.

Hunan University's campus wraps around Yuelu Academy and contains several attractive historic buildings. A pleasant free walk connecting the academy to the mountain trailhead.

The riverside promenade on both banks of the Xiang River connects Orange Isle to the downtown and Yuelu areas. Popular for evening walks with views of the illuminated IFS building and Yuelu Mountain.

Historic temple-turned-food-court famous as the origin of Changsha's stinky tofu. The complex has both a traditional courtyard restaurant and outdoor snack stalls. A pilgrimage site for Hunan food tourists.

Five-dynasties-era Buddhist temple (927 AD) still active in Changsha's northern old town. One of the few pre-modern structures to survive WWII bombing of the city. Small admission fee.

Contemporary art museum housed in a repurposed industrial building. Rotating exhibitions of Chinese contemporary art. Free entry on most days.

New urban lakeside district in western Changsha with the striking Zaha Hadid-designed Changsha Culture and Arts Centre. The lakefront park offers a contemporary contrast to the historic Yuelu side.

Classical pavilion in a maple grove halfway up Yuelu Mountain, one of the Four Famous Pavilions of China. Best visited in autumn when the surrounding maples turn red.

Large walk-through ecological zoo in the northern suburbs. Giant pandas and white tigers are the headline attractions. Requires a taxi or DiDi from the city centre.

Well-maintained former residence of Han-dynasty poet and statesman Jia Yi on Taiping Street. Free admission; provides context on the city's 2,000-year literary heritage.

Large public park near the Hunan Provincial Museum with a lake, walking paths, and a martyrs' memorial. Free entry; popular for morning exercise and evening strolls.

Tang-dynasty kiln site on the eastern bank of the Xiang River, about 25 km from the city centre. Changsha kilns produced the world's first mass-produced polychrome ceramics. Museum on site with excavated pieces.

Changsha's most famous late-night food street, busiest after 9 pm. Stinky tofu, spicy crayfish (小龙虾), sugar-cane juice, and fried skewers. The true centre of Changsha's food culture and nightlife.

The school where Mao Zedong studied and later taught from 1913–1918. The campus is preserved as a museum. A key stop on the Changsha red-tourism circuit alongside Orange Isle.