Yuhu District, Xiangtan City, Hunan Travel

Yuhu District, Xiangtan, Hunan — the core urban area of Xiangtan, integrating natural landscapes, historical sites, and folk culture. It features attractions such as Yuhu Park, Guansheng Temple, and Yaowan Historical and Cultural Block, allowing you to experience the beauty of both a "thousand-year-old city" and an "ecological scroll" in just one day.

45.0
Area (km²)
500,000+
Permanent Population
8+
Key Cultural Relics Protection Units
5+
Large Parks & Green Spaces
Panoramic view of Yuhu Park, Yuhu District, Xiangtan
Panoramic View of Yuhu Park - Natural Landmark of Yuhu District
The oldest park in downtown Xiangtan, with vast lake surface, lush tree shade, and pavilions scattered throughout. It is a great place for citizens to relax and stroll, showcasing the ecological landscape of Yuhu District with beautiful scenery in all four seasons.

Yuhu District One-Day Humanistic Ecology Tour

Nature Sightseeing, Historical Site Exploration, Ancient Street Strolling, Artistic Inspiration

Duration
1 Day
Main Destinations
Yuhu Park, Guansheng Temple, Yaowan Historical and Cultural Block, Qi Baishi Memorial Hall, Xiangtan City Museum
Suitable For
History enthusiasts, nature lovers, art connoisseurs, families with children
Per Person Budget
¥100-¥400
Full Day
Yuhu District Humanistic Ecology Experience Tour
Yuhu Park · Guansheng Temple · Yaowan Ancient Street · Cultural Venues
Trip Highlights

In the morning, visit Yuhu Park to enjoy lake and mountain views, and tour Guansheng Temple to appreciate religious architectural art. In the afternoon, stroll through Yaowan Historical and Cultural Block to explore ancient city memories, and visit Qi Baishi Memorial Hall to experience the style of a great artist. In the evening, visit Xiangtan City Museum to learn about Xiangtan's development history and feel the profound cultural heritage of Yuhu District.

Attractions
Yuhu Park
First built in 1927, named for its low-lying terrain where rainwater accumulated to form a lake. The park features Yuhu Lake, an island in the lake, and the Nine-Bend Bridge, with a green coverage rate of over 80%. It also has children's play areas and fitness zones, making it an important recreational venue for Xiangtan citizens and an excellent place to experience Yuhu's natural ecology.
Guansheng Temple
First built during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty to worship Guan Yu, it is one of the largest existing ancient architectural complexes in Xiangtan. The temple preserves a large number of wood carvings, stone carvings, paintings, and other artworks. The architectural style blends traditional characteristics of central Hunan, holding significant historical, artistic, and scientific value. It was listed as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 2013.
Yaowan Historical and Cultural Block
An ancient street with over 1,700 years of history, the birthplace of Xiangtan city. The block preserves a large number of buildings from the Ming, Qing, and Republican periods, including historical relics such as Wangheng Pavilion, Tangxing Bridge, and Tao Gong Shrine. Now restored, it houses many specialty shops, teahouses, and craft workshops, recreating the bustling scene of the former "Little Nanjing."
Qi Baishi Memorial Hall
Built to commemorate the master of Chinese painting Qi Baishi, the hall collects precious cultural relics including Qi Baishi's calligraphy and paintings, seals, and daily necessities. The elegant architectural style blends Jiangnan gardens with Xiangtan residential features. Through exhibits and multimedia displays, it comprehensively presents Qi Baishi's artistic achievements and life story.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Multiple bus routes within Xiangtan serve all attractions (Routes 1, 2, 6, etc.)
  • Downtown attractions like Yuhu Park and Guansheng Temple are within walking distance
  • Yaowan Block can be reached directly by Bus Route 10
  • Shared bikes are recommended for touring downtown attractions
Ticket Information
  • Yuhu Park: Free
  • Guansheng Temple: ¥20
  • Yaowan Historical and Cultural Block: Free
  • Qi Baishi Memorial Hall: Free (ID card required)
  • Xiangtan City Museum: Free (reservation required)
Food Recommendations
  • Mao's Braised Pork
  • Steamed Fish Head with Chopped Chili
  • Xiangtan Wick-Shaped Cake
  • Mao Family Fire-Baked Fish
  • Hunan Lotus Seed Soup

Must-Try Foods in Yuhu District

Mao's Braised Pork

A signature Xiangtan dish, famous because Comrade Mao Zedong loved it. Made with premium pork belly, slowly braised with soy sauce and rock sugar. Bright red color, rich but not greasy, melts in the mouth, with a balanced sweet and savory flavor. It is a classic representative of Hunan cuisine.

Steamed Fish Head with Chopped Chili

A traditional Xiangtan famous dish, made with fresh bighead carp head covered with homemade chopped chili and steamed. The dish is bright red in color, with tender fish meat, sour and spicy to whet the appetite. The fresh aroma of chopped chili perfectly blends with the rich flavor of the fish head, making it a highly representative spicy dish in Hunan cuisine.

Xiangtan Wick-Shaped Cake

A traditional Xiangtan pastry originating from the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, named for its wick-like shape. Made from high-quality glutinous rice, white sugar, and sesame, it has a fine texture, refreshing sweetness that melts in the mouth, and is believed to have cooling and fire-relieving properties. It is a famous century-old specialty of Xiangtan.

Mao Family Fire-Baked Fish

A Xiangtan farmhouse specialty dish made from small fish from the Xiangjiang River basin, fire-baked until done. The finished product is golden in color with a fresh, savory aroma. It can be eaten directly or used for stir-frying or soup-making. With a unique texture and rich protein, it is a beloved home-style dish among Xiangtan locals.

Yuhu District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (March-April): Hundreds of flowers bloom at Yuhu Park, pleasant scenery
  • Autumn (September-October): Cool weather, ideal for strolling through ancient streets
  • Summer (June-August): Experience the night light show at Yaowan Block
  • Holidays: Some attractions have folk activities, but avoid peak crowds
Must-Do Experiences
  • Take a boat ride on Yuhu Park lake to enjoy the scenery on both sides
  • Listen to guides tell Three Kingdoms cultural stories at Guansheng Temple
  • Taste traditional Xiangtan snacks at Yaowan Ancient Street
  • Participate in calligraphy and painting experience activities at Qi Baishi Memorial Hall
  • Overlook the Xiangjiang River and Xiangtan cityscape from Wangheng Pavilion
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: ¥20-50 (Guansheng Temple is the main paid attraction)
  • Meals: ¥60-150 (including specialty snacks and main meals)
  • Shopping: ¥50-200 (can purchase Wick-Shaped Cake and other specialties)
  • Transport: ¥10-30
  • Total: ¥100-400
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Does Qi Baishi Memorial Hall require reservation? → No reservation needed, enter with ID card
  • Is Yaowan Historical and Cultural Block open at night? → The block is open all day; shops generally operate until 21:00
  • Can I take photos inside Guansheng Temple? → Flash photography is prohibited
  • Are there dining facilities in Yuhu Park? → There are small convenience stores and teahouses offering simple meals and beverages

Explore Districts & Counties of Xiangtan City