Hunan Province Tourism

Hunan, a shining pearl in central China, is known as the "Embroidered Xiaoxiang, Culture of Chu and Han". From the peculiar peaks and strange rocks of Zhangjiajie to the scenic views of Yueyang Tower by Dongting Lake, from the Tuojiang River style of Fenghuang Ancient Town to the red culture of Shaoshan, each place showcases the perfect integration of Hunan's profound historical heritage and natural landscape.

14
Prefecture-level Divisions
122
County-level Divisions
11
5A-level Scenic Spots
400+
Cultural Relic Protection Units

Explore Tourism in Hunan Cities

Hunan Province Five Days Four Nights Essential Tour

Explore the Western Hunan style, the fantastic scenery of Zhangjiajie, and the red culture. From the peculiar peaks and strange rocks of Zhangjiajie to the Tuojiang River style of Fenghuang Ancient Town, from the red culture of Shaoshan to the Dongting Lake scenery of Yueyang Tower, experience the perfect fusion of Hunan's rich and diverse natural landscapes and human history.

Duration
5 Days 4 Nights
Main Destinations
Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang Ancient Town, Changsha, Yueyang
Suitable For
Nature Explorers, Culture Enthusiasts
Per Person Budget
¥2800-¥3800
01
Changsha Culture Exploration
Orange Isle · Yuelu Academy · Taiping Old Street
Itinerary Highlights

Arrive in Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, check into the hotel, then head to Orange Isle to feel the poetic charm of "The Xiang River flows north, and here is Orange Isle." Subsequently, visit the millennium-old Yuelu Academy to appreciate Hunan's long-standing cultural heritage. In the evening, stroll along Taiping Old Street, taste Hunan specialty snacks, and experience the modern urban charm of Changsha.

Attractions Arrangement
Orange Isle
Located on a small island in the center of the Xiang River, it is a landmark scenic spot in Changsha. The island features the Young Mao Zedong art sculpture, a must-visit spot for tourists. Orange Isle has a beautiful environment with different sceneries in each season: peach blossoms bloom in spring, and the fragrance of oranges fills the air in autumn.
Yuelu Academy
One of the four great academies of ancient China, founded in the 9th year of the Kaibao era of the Northern Song Dynasty (976 AD). It has continued its educational tradition for over a thousand years. The academy features ancient towering trees and elegant, simple architecture. It is an important site for understanding ancient Chinese education and Huxiang culture.
Taiping Old Street
One of the most completely preserved ancient streets and alleys in Changsha, retaining the street layout from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The old street is lined with shops on both sides, offering a variety of Hunan specialty snacks. It is an excellent place to experience authentic Changsha food and the city's market culture.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Grand Hyatt Changsha
  • Wanda Vista Changsha
  • Niccolo Changsha
Food Recommendations
  • Stinky Tofu
  • Sugar-oiled Baba
  • Flavorful Crayfish
Travel Tips
  • It is recommended to visit Orange Isle in the evening to enjoy the night view of the Xiang River.
  • Consider hiring a guide at Yuelu Academy for an in-depth understanding of its history and culture.
  • Taiping Old Street is livelier in the evening.
02
Zhangjiajie Marvelous Scenery Exploration
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park · Yuanjiajie · Tianzi Mountain
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, head to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, take the Bailong Elevator up the mountain, and admire the peculiar peaks and strange rocks of Zhangjiajie. Visit famous spots like Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain to experience the magnificent scenery described as "an expanded bonsai, a miniaturized fairyland." In the evening, watch the "Enchanting Western Hunan" performance to experience the culture of the ethnic minorities in Western Hunan.

Attractions Arrangement
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
China's first national forest park and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The park features over 3,000 bizarre peaks with various shapes and imposing grandeur. The Hallelujah Mountain in the movie "Avatar" was filmed here. It is praised as "three thousand fantastic peaks, eight hundred beautiful streams."
Yuanjiajie
One of the core scenic areas of Zhangjiajie, known for its grand, peculiar, steep, and majestic landscapes. Main attractions include the First Bridge Under Heaven, Soul-Losing Platform, and Hallelujah Mountain. Standing on the viewing platform, you can see thousands of bizarre peaks, presenting a magnificent and spectacular view.
Tianzi Mountain
One of the four major scenic areas in Zhangjiajie, named after the ancient Tujia leader Xiang Dakun who proclaimed himself "King Xiang." Tianzi Mountain is often shrouded in clouds and mist, with towering stone pillars, earning it the reputation of "King of the Peak Forest." Main attractions include Imperial Pen Peak and Fairy Presenting Flowers.
Practical Information
Ticket Information
  • Zhangjiajie Main Entrance Ticket: 228 RMB (valid for 4 days)
  • Bailong Elevator: 65 RMB
  • Tianzi Mountain Cableway: 72 RMB
Opening Hours
  • Zhangjiajie: Monday to Sunday 07:00-18:00
  • Bailong Elevator Operating Hours: 08:00-17:30
  • Best Time to Visit: April to October
Travel Tips
  • Zhangjiajie scenic area is large; comfortable shoes are recommended.
  • You can take the scenic shuttle bus to save energy.
  • Accommodation on the mountain top needs to be booked in advance.
03
Exploring Fenghuang Ancient Town
Fenghuang Ancient Town · Tuojiang River Boat Ride · Shen Congwen's Former Residence
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, head to Fenghuang Ancient Town, known as one of China's most beautiful ancient towns, to admire the beautiful scenery of the stilted buildings along both banks of the Tuojiang River and feel the unique charm of the "Border Town." Subsequently, visit Shen Congwen's Former Residence to learn about the life of this literary master. In the evening, stroll through the ancient town, enjoy the night view of the Tuojiang River, and experience the Miao and Tujia ethnic cultures.

Attractions Arrangement
Fenghuang Ancient Town
A National Historical and Cultural City, hailed as "China's Most Beautiful Ancient Town." The ancient town was built during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty and has a history of over 300 years. Inside the town, stone-paved streets crisscross, the Tuojiang River flows through, and groups of stilted buildings stand on the riverbanks, forming a beautiful landscape painting.
Tuojiang River Boat Ride
The best way to tour Fenghuang Ancient Town. Ride a black awning boat down the Tuojiang River, enjoying attractions like the ancient stilted buildings on both banks, the Ten Thousand Pagodas, and the Rainbow Bridge. The boatman may sing local folk songs, making you feel as if you are in the world of Shen Congwen's "Border Town."
Shen Congwen's Former Residence
The birthplace of literary master Mr. Shen Congwen, a quadrangle courtyard with strong Western Hunan characteristics. The residence displays Shen Congwen's life story, manuscript works, and related cultural relics. It is an important place to understand this literary giant and Fenghuang culture.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang: about 3.5 hours drive
  • Mainly walking within the ancient town
  • Tuojiang River boat ride about 40 minutes
Food Recommendations
  • Blood Cake Duck
  • Sour Fish Soup
  • Ginger Candy
Travel Tips
  • Fenghuang Ancient Town is less crowded in the early morning, good for photography.
  • You can rent Miao ethnic clothing for souvenir photos.
  • The night view of the ancient town is very beautiful, do not miss it.
04
Yueyang Tower and Dongting Lake
Yueyang Tower · Dongting Lake · Junshan Island
Itinerary Highlights

Head to Yueyang Tower, one of the three famous towers in southern China, climb the tower to overlook Dongting Lake, and feel the grandeur of "Dongting Lake's water under heaven, Yueyang Tower under heaven." Subsequently, take a boat to Junshan Island to enjoy the scenery of lakes and mountains, and learn about the legends of the Xiang Concubine and the Ehuang and Nüying. In the evening, taste the special lake delicacies of Dongting Lake.

Attractions Arrangement
Yueyang Tower
One of the three famous towers in southern China, initially built in the 20th year of the Jian'an era of the Eastern Han Dynasty (215 AD). It became famous worldwide due to Fan Zhongyan's "Memorial to Yueyang Tower" from the Northern Song Dynasty. The tower is 19.42 meters high, with a three-story, four-pillar, flying-eave, and helmet-roof pure wooden structure. It is a gem in ancient Chinese architecture.
Dongting Lake
The second largest freshwater lake in China, anciently called "Yunmengze." Dongting Lake is vast and misty, with crisscrossing waterways, clear islets, and white sand, boasting beautiful scenery. Around the lake, there are many scenic spots, such as Yueyang Tower, Junshan Island, and Quzi Temple, making it an important tourist destination in Hunan.
Junshan Island
A small island in Dongting Lake, facing Yueyang Tower from afar. The island features famous scenic spots like the Tomb of the Two Concubines, Liu Yi's Well, and the Flying Bell. Junshan Island has beautiful scenery and numerous historical sites. Legend says that Emperor Shun's two concubines, Ehuang and Nüying, once lived here, hence it is also called "Love Island."
Practical Information
Best Season
  • Spring: Lake and mountain scenery (Mar-May)
  • Summer: Lotus blooms (Jun-Aug)
  • Autumn: Clear sky and high clouds (Sep-Nov)
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Yueyang Grand Hotel
  • Apollo Royal Court Hotel Yueyang
  • Huarui Danxia Hotel Yueyang
Precautions
  • Be careful when climbing Yueyang Tower; the stairs are quite steep.
  • Pay attention to weather changes when boating on Dongting Lake.
  • Choose regular restaurants when tasting lake delicacies.
05
Shaoshan Red Culture
Mao Zedong's Former Residence · Mao Zedong Memorial Hall · Return to Changsha
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, go to Shaoshan, visit Mao Zedong's Former Residence and the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall to learn about the great man's growth journey and China's revolutionary history. Then return to Changsha, arrange the return journey according to flight or train schedule, and end the pleasant Hunan trip.

Attractions Arrangement
Mao Zedong's Former Residence
Comrade Mao Zedong's birthplace and the place where he spent his childhood and teenage years. The residence faces south, shaped like a "凹" character, and is an ordinary Jiangnan farmhouse. In front of the house is a pond, behind is a small hill covered with pine trees and bamboo, offering beautiful scenery.
Mao Zedong Memorial Hall
The only national memorial museum in China systematically displaying Comrade Mao Zedong's life, thoughts, and personal character. The hall exhibits a large number of precious cultural relics, photos, and historical materials, comprehensively reflecting Comrade Mao Zedong's glorious life.
Shaoshan Scenery
Shaoshan is not only a Chinese revolutionary holy site but also a scenic tourist destination. Surrounded by mountains, with towering peaks, magnificent momentum, verdant bamboo and pine trees, beautiful countryside, and interesting landscapes, it is one of the four major scenic areas in Xiangtan.
Practical Information
Schedule
  • Depart for Shaoshan at 7:30 AM
  • Lunch in Shaoshan at noon
  • Return to Changsha in the afternoon for the return journey
Return Preparation
  • Confirm flight/train schedule in advance
  • Allow ample time to travel to the airport/station
  • Check luggage, do not leave items behind
Thoughtful Tips
  • Shaoshan is a revolutionary holy site; please maintain a solemn attitude.
  • You can purchase Hunan specialties like Junshan Silver Needle tea, Hunan embroidery, etc.
  • Reserve sufficient time for travel to the airport/station.
Itinerary Summary
Itinerary Highlights
  • Perfect combination of Western Hunan charm and red culture
  • Covers Hunan's most representative attractions
  • Experience diverse regional cultural characteristics
  • Reasonable arrangement, relaxed and not tiring
Budget Reference
  • Transportation: 1000-1500 RMB
  • Accommodation: 800-1200 RMB
  • Ticket Costs: 700-900 RMB
  • Food Expenses: 600-800 RMB
Pre-Trip Preparation
  • ID card and other valid documents
  • Comfortable shoes suitable for walking
  • Camera to record beautiful scenery
  • Rain gear and sun protection supplies