Things to do in Changning
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Top 10 attractions in Changning
Yinshan Mountain
China Yinshan Cultural Tourism Area is located in Jinlong Village, Miaoqian Town, Changning City, Hengyang City. It has a certain tourism reputation in the province for its unique and colorful cultural resources and mountain scenery. It is an important leisure and tourism destination in Hengyang City and Hunan Province. It is themed on Yinshan cultural experience, geological sightseeing, and rural leisure, including Yinshan, Zhongtian Ancient Residence, God of Wealth Cave, Haiyi Bay and Shima Attraction. China Seal Mountain includes "one peak and three cities", namely, China Celebrity Seals City, China Calligraphy City, and China Commemorative Seals City. It includes seals of ancient celebrities, modern celebrities, seals of famous sayings and aphorisms from past dynasties, portrait seals from past dynasties, as well as calligraphy and stone carvings. It is mainly divided into Pre-Qin, ancient, modern and contemporary dynasties according to the dynasties, and it collects more than 4,800 seal patterns of various shapes. This mountain has carved Chinese seal patterns for thousands of years on the rocks, integrating the cultural landscape with the natural landscape. God of Wealth Cave It is called "underground art treasure house" and is located in the central section of "Changgui Baili Gallery". It is about 1,000 meters long and has many scenic spots, including Wealth God Welcoming Guests, Welfare God Gathering, Wealth God Pointing the Way, Azure Dragon Protecting Pearls, Jadeite Suspended Tower, Treasure Basin, Fairy Bridge of Yaochi, Eight Immortals Treasure Hunting, Dragon Boat Gifting, Gold Panning for the Poor, Wealth God Complimentary Treasures, Ingots Complimentary, and Divine Turtle Celebrating Birthday. Wealth God Cave is a typical karst landform landscape, which basically includes various lifelike forms of stalagmites, stone pillars, stalactites, stone curtains, etc. of karst cave landscape, and is known as "an enlarged fairy mountain and a shrunken bonsai". Zhongtian Ancient House Located in the core position of the entire Miaoqian Town tourist area, it covers an area of about 256 acres. It was built in the second year of Yongle (1404 AD) and has been around for more than 600 years. It is a well-preserved and large-scale ancient building complex from the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Hengyang City and Hunan Province. Although it has experienced hundreds of years of wind and rain erosion, it still retains more than 100 old houses, more than 200 patios, 108 lanes, and a construction area of 14,000 square meters. The folk houses have both the architectural characteristics of Jiangnan folk houses. They also have a unique artistic style. The Miaoqian Folk Culture Leisure Area is centered on Zhongtian Ancient Village and Miaoqian Town. Zhongtian Ancient Village is mainly an attraction for Zhongtian Folk Village, which undertakes the function of viewing the Attraction. Miaoqian Town undertakes the core function of tourism services with relatively complete and concentrated service facilities. It has been successively rated as a "provincial key cultural relic protection unit" and a "provincial historical and cultural village". In 2012, Zhongtian Village was rated as the first batch of Chinese traditional villages. In March 2014, it was rated as a "Chinese landscape village". In October 2019, it was listed as the eighth batch of national key cultural relics protection units.Changning · 26.1km from downtown
Changning Million Cherry Blossom Garden
Green World of Fields (Million Cherry Blossoms Garden) has planted more than 2,000 mu (more than 1 million cherry trees) and more than 1,500 mu of oil tea on the basis of following the original appearance of nature, grafted more than 5,000 imported Taiwanese camellias, more than 50,000 Taiwanese five-pointed red maples and other precious seedlings, restored the hills and deserts, and left a beautiful home with blue sky, green land and clean water. Green World of Fields (Million Cherry Blossoms Garden) is a real sea of flowers and a green world. When you enter the park, you will enter a world of forests, a world of green and a sea of flowers.Changning · 17.4km from downtown
Tashan Grand Canyon
Changning · 33.4km from downtown
Tashan Yao Township Paradise Mountain Scenic Area
The Tiantang Mountain Attraction in Tashan Yao Township, Changning City is located in the southwest of Changning City. Tashan Yao Township is also known as Tiantang Mountain (the pond in pond). It is named because there is a living pond on the top of the mountain. This pond has spring water all year round, and it has never stopped flowing even in years of severe drought. Because of its high altitude and the beauty of clouds and mist, it has become a mountain that people yearn for, so it is named "Tiantang Mountain"! It is said that this place was once the dressing and washing hall for Princess Shengguo to practice in seclusion. Later, she ascended to heaven and left. This place is also a holy place. Tiantang Mountain has a unique feature in each season throughout the year, and there are many scenery in each season. It can be said that you can enjoy the azalea in spring, the sea of clouds in summer, the sunrise in autumn, and the mist pine in winter! As the junction of Changning, Guiyang and Xintian, you can "step on three counties with one foot and know the three counties when the rooster crows" when you are at the peak. Tiantang Mountain is 1,265 meters above sea level and is the highest peak in southern Hunan except for Nanyue Zhurong Peak. Its terrain is elegant and beautiful, and its ecology is excellent. The forest coverage rate is 90.8%, and the negative ion content is 39,000 per cubic centimeter. It is known as the forest oxygen bar and is praised as "the source of water, the ocean of forests, the hometown of clouds, and the paradise of photographers". Every spring and summer, azaleas bloom quietly all over the mountains, colorful. In April, Tiantang Mountain is full of beautiful azaleas on thousands of peaks and valleys. Walking on the hiking trails, hundreds of flowers are in full bloom, pink and delicate, red and passionate, purple and charming... There are also rare white azaleas, which are dazzling. In the Yao language, azalea is called "Clever and Flat", which means a flower that makes people smart and wise. From ancient times to the present, climbing high and admiring azalea has become a traditional custom of the local Yao people. For young people, it can help them become smart and make progress in their studies; for middle-aged people, it can help them have a smooth career and a bright future; for the elderly, it can help them cultivate their minds and cultivate their character. Tiantang Mountain has a high altitude and overlapping peaks. After the rain, wisps of light fog are common. The clouds and stratus clouds rising from the ravines form a unique sea of clouds, especially the clouds at sunrise and sunset after rain and snow. The glow of the sea of clouds is even more spectacular. It is precisely because of the unique geographical conditions that Tiantang Mountain is rich in tea. Among them, Tashan Shanlan Tea is a famous tea in southern Hunan. In 1987, it was rated as a high-quality tea in Hunan Province. It is truly Genuine green and healthy organic tea. The azalea blooming season is the golden season for picking Guyu tea. If you are interested, you can go to the tea factory on the roadside to experience the joy of picking tea. When you go down the mountain, you can also walk into the hospitable Yao people's home and experience the joy of making glutinous rice cakes. The Yao people's glutinous rice cakes are made by shaking glutinous rice. When eating, they are dipped in ingredients mixed with white sugar, sesame seeds, and soybean powder. The taste is soft and sweet. Tiantang Mountain is rich in species, among which there are many azalea trees that are over 100 years old, with a high density and well preserved. There are also various rare species. Among them, the oldest trees are southern yew and ginkgo, which are more than 1,000 years old. Countless tourists come here to experience the dual feelings of climbing mountains and enjoying flowers, and go to the appointment of azaleas.Changning · 28.5km from downtown
Orange Isle Scenic Area
Orange Isle Scenic Area is a narrow sandbar lying across the heart of the Xiang River in Changsha, stretching approx. five km. It faces Yuelu Mountain to the west and borders Changsha's old city to the east, surrounded by water on all sides. Named after the abundant orange trees planted on the isle, it was historically called Shuiluzhou. Formed by river alluvium, this sandbar has existed for over a millennium, where the "River and sky in evening snow" scenery was once among the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang. In 1925, the poem "Spring in a pleasure garden - Changsha" was composed here, with its iconic line "Alone I stand in the biting fall, watching the Xiang River flow north past Orange Isle's head," which made this riverine landmark widely renowned. The highlights of the visit are concentrated at the islet's head: A granite art sculpture over 30 m tall, modeled after the 1925 youth image, stands facing the river as Changsha's highly recognizable landmark. Nearby, the Questioning Heaven Platform extends toward the river center, where leaning on the railing reveals the mighty Xiang River flowing northward, with Yuelu Mountain and the city skylines on both banks facing each other across the water. The Songju Pavilion, white marble poetry stele, and the 200-year-old ancient phoenix tree at the islet head are all in this area. Heading north from the islet head, a hundred-acre orange orchard bears golden fruits in fall, while bamboo groves, peach orchards, plum gardens, and osmanthus groves take turns showcasing seasonal flora. The historic Zhuzhang Ferry (where Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi once crossed the Xiang River for lectures) and the Huxiang Culture Exhibition Hall are scattered along the way. At the islet's tail, the reconstructed Jiangshen Temple and Gongji Tower area was precisely where ancients admired the "River and sky in evening snow" scenery. The island is long and narrow, making round-trip walks quite tiring. A sightseeing train is available for transportation, with multiple stops along the way for hopping on and off. Travelers with limited time are advised to head straight to the island's tip to see the sculpture and river views, then stroll leisurely along the riverside path. At dusk, watching the sunset over the Xiang River and seeing the lights gradually illuminate both shores from the island's tip is especially worth setting aside time for.China · Changsha
Elephant Hill Scenic Area
The Elephant Hill Scenic Area is located in the heart of Guilin, at the confluence of the Li River and the Peach Blossom River. It derives its name from its resemblance to a giant elephant stretching its trunk to drink from the sweet waters of the Li River. In his work "Records of Elephant Hill," Shu Shu, a Qing Dynasty official from the Ministry of Works, wrote: "The marvels of Guangxi lie in its mountains; the marvels of Guangxi's mountains lie in their rocks, and the elephant-shaped hill facing the provincial capital is the most marvelous of all." With its lifelike form, the attraction captivates visitors and stands as a quintessential representation of Guilin's landscape. In 1995, it was designated as the city emblem of Guilin. The main attractions in the scenic area include: Elephant Hill and Water Moon, Puxian Pagoda, Elephant Hill Scenic Area and Guilin Sanhua Liquor, Elephant Hill Scenic Area - Love Island, and Elephant Hill Scenic Area - Yunfeng Temple Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Exhibition Hall. Elephant trunk hill and water moon cave "Elephant trunk hill and water moon" is a spectacular wonder here, as described in the poem by Ji Bei Hermit of the Song Dynasty.Harmony of water, moon and caveThe poem reads: "The moon is beneath the water, the moon floats upon the water. The water flows but the moon stays, the moon departs yet the water still flows." On a moonlit night, visiting the Water Moon Cave at the Elephant Trunk Hill attraction presents a magical scene where the moon in the sky, the cave, and the water reflect each other beautifully. Inside the cave, you can find the "Poem and Preface of the Morning Sun Pavilion" by Zhang Xiaoxiang from the Song Dynasty and works by Fan Chengda.Inscription on the water and moon caveAnd over 50 precious cliff carvings including Lu You's poetry manuscripts. Xiangshan scenic area - Puxian pagoda Winding up along the rocky cliffs, you can see the Puxian pagoda standing tall amidst the greenery from afar. Built during the Ming dynasty, this 13.6m-high solid brick lama-style pagoda has a history of over 400 years. On the northern side of the pagoda, there is a line-engraved bluestone statue of a bodhisattva, with the mantra "Namo Puxian Bodhisattva" inscribed above it, hence the name Puxian pagoda in the Xiangshan attraction. Buddhist scriptures record that Puxian bodhisattva's mount is a six-tusked white elephant, making the pagoda's location atop Xiangshan mountain a perfect embodiment of this scripture. Elephant Hill Scenic Area and Guilin Sanhua liquor This is a natural wine cellar, with two-thirds of the mountain being hollow. It stays warm in winter and cool in summer, maintaining a constant temperature of 19°C and humidity above 90% year-round. Since the Song Dynasty, it has served as an official cellar for storing Sanhua wine. Sanhua wine is colorless and transparent, with a fragrant yet spicy taste. It drawsLi RiverWith the essence of the mountains and the soul of the Li River, it has become a representative of China's rice-aroma liquor. The cellar liquor was designated as a tribute to the imperial court as early as the Northern Song Dynasty and is one of the three treasures of Guilin. To date, nearly a thousand tons of liquor are stored in the caves. Love island Love island is located on the north side of the attraction, adjacent toLi RiverIt is another scenic viewpoint for distant viewing. The island boasts a beautiful environment and lush vegetation, making it a popular dating spot for locals in the 1970s, hence the name "love island". Today, it serves as an outdoor photography base for wedding celebrations against the backdrop of Guilin's landscape, where couples make their vows of love under the witness of the elephant trunk hill and the moon reflected in the water.China · Guilin
Hunan Museum
Hunan Museum has a rich collection of cultural relics, especially of those from the Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs. The Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs Exhibition is a permanent exhibit at Hunan Museum. It features thin-as-cicada-wing plain yarn garments, undamaged printed cotton gowns, all kinds of exquisite embroidery, brightly painted lacquer wares, delicate and detailed paintings, and so on.China · Changsha
Mount Yuelu
Mount Yuelu stands on the west bank of the Xiang River and is a landmark mountain in Changsha. At its foot lies the Yuelu Academy, founded during the Northern Song Dynasty, a millennium-old institution sharing the mountain's name. Ascending from here leads to Qingfeng Gorge, where the Aiwan Pavilion, named after Du Mu's poetic line "I stop my carriage to admire the maple woods at dusk," is surrounded by maple trees. Midway up the mountain, the ancient Lushan Temple, established in the Western Jin Dynasty over 1,700 years ago, features a lush six-dynasty-era podocarpus tree in front of its sutra repository. At the summit stands the Yunlu Palace, a Taoist temple built during the Ming Dynasty, offering panoramic views of the Xiang River and Changsha's urban area. The mountain's historical sites extend further, with the Yu King Stele, Python Cave, and Changsha Battle Memorial Stele scattered along its trails. Modern figures such as Huang Xing, Cai E, and Chen Tianhua are also buried here, making the mountain a condensed repository of profound modern history. Most cultural attractions are concentrated near the south gate, where you can visit major historic sites in sequence from Yuelu Academy to Aiwan Pavilion. For those preferring not to hike, a cableway station near the east gate allows easy ascent, eliminating most uphill climbing. With an elevation of about 300 m and well-developed trails, reaching the summit on foot is manageable. Ancient trees like Jin dynasty podocarps, Tang dynasty ginkgos, Song-Yuan era camphor trees, and Ming-Qing maple-chestnuts line the paths, making the entire mountain resemble a natural botanical museum. In late fall when maple leaves turn red across the slopes, it becomes an ideal time for hiking. Allocate half a day to leisurely photograph Aiwan Pavilion and the mountaintop viewpoints.China · Changsha
Du Fu Pavilion
This is a riverside structure, an ancient-style building constructed in honor of the great Tang dynasty poet Du Fu. Due to its proximity to the Xiang River, it is an ideal spot to watch the fireworks display at the Orange Isle attraction. Today, Du Fu Pavilion stands as a local landmark, offering a delightful experience to enjoy panoramic views of both banks of the Xiang River, sip tea, and feel the riverside breeze. Du Fu Pavilion features exhibits on the great poet's life and works. During fireworks displays, the number of visitors increases significantly, so arriving early is necessary to secure a good viewing spot.China · Changsha
Longji Rice Terraces
Longji Rice Terraces are a large-scale terraced group in Guilin. The multiple tiers and curve lines are visually very impressive. The villages are inhabited by several ethnic minorities. There are ethnic minorities such as the Zhuang and the Yao. When you visit the Longji Rice Terraces, the main thing to do is go on foot and take photos. You can also take photos of the local farmhouse and experience the ethnic customs. In addition, sunrise at Longji Rice Terraces is very beautiful and well worth seeing.China · Longsheng
Changning Today's weatherFoggy 18-25℃
Changning weather for the next 2 days10/30: 18-26℃, 10/31: 19-30℃
Free things to do in Changning
What travellers say about Changning
M31***9015 June 2020
5.0
The stones here are very distinctive. In addition to the beautiful environment, seals are the specialty here. It is suitable for calligraphy lovers, especially those who are interested in seal carving art. Of course, friends who like painting can also come here to experience the fun of stones. The stones in this area in front of the temple have a different feeling. If you are after playing here, you can go to nearby attractions such as the God of Wealth Cave, Zhongtian Ancient Houses, Shima Geological Park, etc., you will have a different feeling!
Yinshan Mountain
M27***805 March 2023
5.0
Good mood, good scenery, take parents out and the whole family is very happy. Entering the park early can avoid crowds and take better photos. The cherry blossoms are blooming in patches and are very beautiful! If you are afraid of being tired, you can rent a sightseeing car and enjoy the beautiful scenery all the way! You can also camp, barbecue, and picnic
Changning Million Cherry Blossom Garden
自恋狂先生21 April 2020
5.0
It is a scenic spot worth visiting. The mountain has been redeveloped and is full of rhododendrons. The air in the mountains is good. There are various specialties of the Yao ethnic group at the foot of the mountain. There is a grassland on the top of the mountain and many large windmills. It is a bit similar to Wugong Mountain. It is worth reminding novice drivers to be careful. The road to here is a steep winding mountain road with eighteen bends.
Tashan Yao Township Paradise Mountain Scenic Area
YazonDinAlt23 October 2026
4.0
Orange Island is a bit of a mixed experience, and I'm honestly not entirely sure whether I'd consider it a must-visit in Changsha.It's a large, green, and pleasant park, with beautiful riverside views and plenty of space for walking. If you enjoy places with historical significance or simply want to experience a different side of the city, it's definitely worth considering.Most visitors seem to take the sightseeing train to the southern end of the island, where the famous Mao Zedong statue is located. That's also where you'll find plenty of people taking photos, so don't expect a particularly quiet experience.The main downside is that visiting the island takes quite a bit of time, especially if you want to explore it properly. And while it's certainly a nice place, I'm not sure the experience justifies spending several hours here if you have a limited amount of time in Changsha and other places you'd like to see.On the other hand, if you're simply looking for a relaxing walk through a green park, with opportunities to stop by the river and enjoy the scenery, it's a lovely option.Overall, I'd say it's worth visiting if you have some extra time or are particularly interested in Chinese history. Otherwise, I wouldn't necessarily put it at the very top of your Changsha itinerary.
Orange Isle Scenic Area
M45***4825 September 2026
5.0
When visiting Guilin, a must-see is Elephant Trunk Hill, the city's iconic landmark. It truly lives up to its reputation as the face of Guilin's landscape; only by seeing it in person can one truly appreciate the wonders of nature. The entire mountain sits on the banks of the Li River, resembling a giant elephant bowing to drink from the water. The Water Moon Cave cuts through the mountain, its reflection shimmering in the water, creating the famous Elephant Trunk Hill and Water Moon spectacle—a flowing ink painting.
The scenic area is clean and comfortable, with walking paths built along the Li River, shaded by lush trees, making for a delightful stroll. You can climb the mountain for panoramic views of Guilin, or find classic vantage points along the riverbank to capture stunning, atmospheric photos. Boat trips are also available, offering a different and breathtaking perspective of Elephant Trunk Hill from the river.
The scenic area is conveniently located in the city center, with excellent transportation and comprehensive facilities. Every step reveals a new vista, allowing you to truly experience the unparalleled beauty of Guilin's landscape. Don't miss it when traveling to Guilin; it's definitely worth a visit.
Elephant Hill Scenic Area
尘尘23 October 2026
5.0
The Hunan Provincial Museum boasts a magnificent collection of artifacts, connecting the Hunan civilization from Shang and Zhou bronzes to the Mawangdui Han Dynasty tombs. The museum houses a large number of national treasures, witnessing the splendor and legend of southern civilization. What makes the Hunan Provincial Museum unique compared to other museums is that it has replicated the tomb pit of Lady Xin Zhui from the Mawangdui Han Dynasty tombs at a 1:1 scale, extending across multiple exhibition halls. Visitors can see from above ground to underground, from everyday scenes to coffins and remains. Being there is truly awe-inspiring.
Hunan Museum
118***585 October 2026
5.0
During the National Day holiday, the crowds were immense. Our tour guide, Xiao Xiang, led us along the way, providing lively and engaging explanations that saved us from taking unnecessary detours and greatly improved efficiency. He also clearly outlined the key locations.
Mount Yuelu
Anonymous user25 October 2026
5.0
I have visited Orange Isle multiple times and always had a positive experience. The scenic area boasts beautiful natural scenery, a magnificent view of the Xiang River and the head of Orange Isle, and a rich cultural heritage. Historical sites such as the Mao Zedong statue are well-preserved. The management is orderly, the tour routes are clear, and the supporting facilities are comprehensive. Overall assessment: As a core cultural landmark of Changsha, it possesses both natural and cultural value, and I highly recommend it as a priority visit for tourists to experience the charm of Hunan culture.
Du Fu Pavilion
榴櫣牛奶貓28 October 2026
5.0
The 80 yuan pass is a great deal; it's valid for three villages—Jinkeng Dazhai, Ping'an Zhai, and Guzhuang Zhai—and expires on the same day. If you have plenty of time, you can explore at your own pace without rushing. It's excellent value for money.
Longji Rice Terraces
