9 best things to do in Changsha

Changsha is a city of pleasing contradictions. Its historical roots are deep and rightly celebrated, with an abundance of imperial buildings on proud display and many well-known connections to Mao Zedong woven into its story. Yet Hunan’s capital also lives firmly in the present, with some of the Chinese Mainland’s most arresting modern architecture and a lively street scene. Still, it remains easy to escape the bustle in Changsha’s calming, wide-open outdoor spaces – the city sliced in two by the Xiangjiang River, and shadowed by the stately Yuelu Mountain.

In short, one would need multiple visits to do this city right, so with Cathay Pacific launching direct flights linking Changsha and Hong Kong on 4 November, now is the perfect time to take a closer look at what to do in this extraordinary city. 

1. Wander along Huangxing Pedestrian Street 

To enjoy a jolting sensory introduction to this teeming metropolis, start at Changsha’s central shopping stretch. Huangxing Pedestrian Street is a huge thoroughfare pulsing with LED lights and the bustle of commerce. Fashion and food are the main draws, but even if you’re not shopping or dining, you’ll still find plenty to divert your eyes amid this mass of humanity at work and play. At the northern end of the road stands a huge statue honouring revolutionary hero Huang Xing. 

2. Get tied up at the Lucky Knot Bridge 

Forget San Francisco’s Golden Gate; Changsha might be home to the world’s most impressive bridge. Or rather, trio of bridges: the Lucky Knot comprises three independent walkways, all arching and weaving over the Dragon King Harbor River in a topsy-turvy flow. The three strands intersect at five floating “moon gates” – a chance to stop and say hi to anyone you spot on a neighbouring stairway. More than a novelty, the knot symbolises prosperity in traditional folklore – redoubled here in the lucky colour of red. 

3. View innovative art at Xie Zilong Photography Museum  

Visual arts buffs should not miss Xie Zilong Photography Museum , a mammoth showcase of both contemporary and early photographic art. The 10,600sqm space is divided into five zones, each exploring different themes – from the natural world to national character. Open since 2017, the exhibition space exudes a minimalist cool with touches of industrial chic. Works are hung from raw concrete in thoughtful arrangements and bathed in atmospheric lighting.

4. Stroll the academic retreat of Yuelu Academy 

With more than 1,000 years of history, Yuelu Academy is recognised as one of the four most prestigious ancient academies in China. Its traditional buildings and manicured gardens could be straight out of a period drama – perfect for a dreamy stroll. 

Of course, one name will always stand out from Changsha’s list of academic alumni: Mao Zedong, who stayed temporarily on the campus and often visited its classrooms. Tributes can be paid to the leader at an 83-metre-wide stone bust statue which gazes up at the Yuelu campus from Orange Island, a scenic park sitting in the middle of Xiangjiang River, honouring the years he spent studying and teaching at the city’s Hunan First Normal University - formerly known as Changsha Chengnan Academy - in the 1910s.

5. Soak up the scenery of Yuelu Mountain  

Yuelu Academy sits at the foot of Yuelu Mountain, the central peak of a sprawling green area that contains many photogenic temples, pavilions and gates. Set aside around 90 minutes for a gentle hike to the peak, or take in the whole scene riding the cable car – and then whizz back down on the 1.2km mountain slide. For more regal splendour, cross the river to visit two elegant structures on its east bank: the Tianxin Pavilion marks Changsha’s old city walls, while the Du Fu River Pavilion is dedicated to the great poet and politician – it’s especially beautiful when lit up at night.

6. Admire architecture at the Meixihu Cultural Art Center 

At the other end of the architectural spectrum sits Changsha’s most striking modern structure. The Changsha Meixihu International Culture and Arts Centre is an imposing, space-age complex of arching all-white curves that could only have been designed by Zaha Hadid Architects . Its three buildings include the Grand Theatre, a multi-purpose venue and MICA , a contemporary art museum which opened in February 2025. The development lies on the edge of the Meixi Lake, another calming urban sanctuary ideal for an afternoon stroll or bike ride. 

7. Feast on braised pork and stinky tofu  

Like many Chinese cities, Changsha has rich culinary traditions. Start at Changsha Food Plaza, a huge square illuminated by a wall of glaring restaurant signs, on the south end of Huangxing Pedestrian Street. Local specialities include “Mao's red-braised pork”, a Hunanese take on hongshaorou braised pork belly; served spicy and savoury rather than in the sweet style of Shanghai, it’s said to have been his favourite dish. Look out, too, for Changsha-style stinky tofu – set apart from the Sichuan version by its crispy black skin – and the beloved fried spicy crayfish. 

8. Dive into the past at Hunan Museum 

Set aside a good chunk of time to do Hunan Museum right – the province’s largest history museum is home to some 540,000 artefacts stretching across the dynasties of imperial China. For many visitors, the highlight is the chance to see the 2,100-year-old mummified corpse of noblewoman Xin Zhui, also known as the Lady Dai. But that’s just the beginning: there’s bronze wares, cultural relics, ancient pottery, paintings and calligraphy aplenty to keep you captivated until closing time.

9. See into the Window of the World 

Around the world in 80 days? You can traverse the globe’s most famous sights in 80 minutes or less at Window of the World, a joyfully kitsch ‘90s theme park in Changsha’s north-east. The park features reproductions of close to 50 of the world’s most iconic sights in just 40 hectares, so go ahead and grab a selfie in front of the Egyptian pyramids, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Angkor Wat, Sydney Opera House or the Statue of Liberty. There are also classic rides including a roller-coaster, giant swing and Ferris wheel, plus an amusing dancing water fountain.  

First video credit: 2Dwork/Getty Images

Second video credit: Ly Thi Ly Ly/Getty Images