Located in the Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area of Changsha, Hunan Province, with an altitude of 300.8 meters and an area of 35.20 square kilometers, it is one of the four major maple viewing spots in China. It is the last peak among the 72 peaks of the Nanyue Hengshan Scenic Area and is located within the Orange Isle Scenic Area, making it an urban mountain scenic area. According to geological data, Yuelu Mountain was built in the Paleozoic era, formed in the Mesozoic era, and developed in the Cenozoic era, dating back more than 300 million years.
Located in the Qingfeng Gorge at the foot of Yuelu Mountain in Changsha, Hunan Province, the 'Aiwan Pavilion' is one of the 'Four Famous Pavilions of China' along with Taoran Pavilion, Huxin Pavilion, and Zuiweng Pavilion. It is a protected cultural relic unit of Hunan Province. The pavilion has a double-eaved octagonal structure with green glazed tiles and flying eaves, giving it an appearance of floating in the air from a distance. The interior features red cylindrical columns, while the outer eaves are supported by four granite pillars. The pavilion's ceiling is decorated with colorful algae patterns, and the east and west window frames bear the gold-inscribed 'Aiwan Pavilion' on a red background. This inscription was created based on a handwritten note by Chairman Mao Zedong, requested by Li Da, the then-president of Hunan University. Every November, when the maple leaves turn red, Aiwan Pavilion becomes a popular spot on Douyin (TikTok).
Orange Isle
Speaking of Orange Isle, it is a great place for family leisure during the day and for walking and exercising at night. It is about 8 kilometers to walk around the isle from the Orange Isle subway station. The scenic area is free, but the internal shuttle train requires a fee of 20 yuan per person for a one-way trip. If you are not in good physical condition, you can buy a ticket and queue for the shuttle bus.
In the past, people in Changsha liked to take the subway to Xiangjiang Middle Road Station after dinner, then stroll along the riverside scenic belt. From afar, they could see a magnificent building called Du Fu Jiang Pavilion. As an ancient-style garden, Du Fu Jiang Pavilion was built to commemorate the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu. Located on the West Lake Bridge in the eastern urban area of Changsha, Du Fu Jiang Pavilion is situated at the intersection of Xiangjiang Road and West Lake Road, facing the Xiangjiang River. It is part of the Xiangjiang scenic belt, facing Orange Isle and Yuelu Mountain across the river, and is less than a thousand meters from Tianxin Pavilion. There is an entrance fee to climb Du Fu Jiang Pavilion. Those interested can go up to take photos of Orange Isle and Yuelu Mountain.
Located at the intersection of Chengnan Road and Tianxin Road on the ancient city wall, Tianxin Pavilion is a tower in the ancient city of Changsha. Tianxin Pavilion was built in the late Ming Dynasty and was rebuilt in the 11th year of Qianlong (1746) under the supervision of Governor Yang Xi. The name comes from a poem in the Book of Documents: 'All have one virtue, and can enjoy the heart of heaven.' The total building area of the pavilion is 864 square meters, making it the tallest in the city at that time. During the Anti-Japanese War, it was destroyed by the Wenxi Fire and was rebuilt in 1983.
Changsha International Finance Square
When talking about business districts, the newly opened Changsha International Finance Square (IFS) on May 7, 2018, also known as 'Wharf', is currently a landmark in Changsha. On the 7th floor, there is the largest KAWS sculpture viewing platform in Greater China. You can see it when you walk near Wuyi Square. Inside, there are many luxury brands gathered, and both shopping and food are great. There is also an ice skating rink on the basement level 2.
