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Best Things to Do
Popular Best Things to Do in Hunan [2025]
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Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park
4.6
/5
35834 reviews
9.5
From £28.44
Based on 1,367 reviews
Tianmenshan Cableway/Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park | >100 km from downtown
Phone 0744-8366666
Address: Tianmenshan National Forest Park, Tianmenshan Cableway, Dayong Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Glass Walkway with a panoramic view of the valley
197 ft glass walkway on cliffside
Saved by 3465 users25959 positive reviews
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The environment is beautiful and comfortable, and this vast beauty is a gift from nature to us humans. Up the mountain, you can take the wonderful and exciting cable car, as if it is a journey to freedom. The clouds and mists in the mountains are very shocking! There are many super beautiful scenery waiting for us to discover and explore
The homestay is located near the Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area, with complete restaurants and convenience stores around it, and it is very quiet at night. The decoration is exquisite, suitable for taking pictures and punching in, the room is clean and tidy, and the bedding is comfortable. The boss and clerk are very friendly, take the initiative to help explain the travel itinerary planning, and recommend the niche attractions and food that locals often go to.
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Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
4.5
/5
28589 reviews
9.1
From £23.22
Based on 2,333 reviews
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park/Wulingyuan | >100 km from downtown
Phone 0744-5959888
Address: Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 days
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Watercolor views from Tianzi Mountain Viewing Platform
Avatar's stunning stone peaks
Saved by 4316 users17636 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Due to the heavy rain a few days ago, many road sections of the environmental protection vehicles have not been opened, and various attractions cannot be connected. Our time is limited. There are also Yuanjiajie and Yangjiajie that have not gone to Cheng. The scenery of other attractions is very good. Leave a little regret to see you next time.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Like Walking into a Dream ☁️🌿I visited Zhangjiajie National Forest Park on a quiet, rainy morning. The light drizzle made the air crisp and the forest even greener. Everything felt still — peaceful, almost sacred.Then, as the rain faded, the mountains slowly disappeared into rising mist. Within minutes, clouds drifted between the stone pillars, wrapping the entire valley in a soft white glow. It looked unreal — like stepping into a hidden world in a fantasy film.The towering sandstone peaks, half-hidden by clouds, felt like ancient guardians. It wasn’t just beautiful. It was surreal — calm, majestic, otherworldly. If you're lucky enough to visit on a misty day, you’ll see Zhangjiajie at its most magical.
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Hunan Museum
4.8
/5
13208 reviews
8.8
Based on 133 reviews
Hunan Museum/Beichen Delta | >100 km from downtown
Phone 0731-84415833
Address: No. 50, Dongfeng Road, Kaifu District, Changsha City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-6 hours
Featured in 2024 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
Highlights:
Ancient life virtual reality experience
VR experience: ancient life scenes
Saved by 436 users12180 positive reviews
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Come to Changsha to punch in the Han Tomb of Ma Wangdui, the narrator Xiao Xie is very knowledgeable, and the knowledge of Han Tomb, Li family, living and Xin Chase's story, and the cultural relics are immediately vivid and interesting. It is highly recommended to come to Hunan Museum to ask the narrator, which is a worthwhile trip.
Although the rain is sparse, it does not make the Hunan Museum's experience less. Fortunately, I met the teacher, and under his two hours of vivid and patient guidance, my child and I understood the story of Mrs. Xin Chao's family, it seems that we are not looking at a history that has nothing to do with me, but a little confused, a little helpless life waiting for the past. He brought his own understanding and insights, and sincerely shared with us, the hell, the earth, the heaven, the soul through all obstacles to sublimation in the T-shaped painting, which should also be a blessing to the deceased. Show us his hand-made silk pattern, clever and vivid let us understand the ingenuity of the East Han and West Han silk, where is the longan, where is the phoenix tail...can not help but praise the wisdom of the ancients. He can come to all the stories behind so many cultural relics, let us understand the difficult way of returning home of these national treasure cultural relics, see him, is not a simple back-to-back commercial cultural relics introduction, but a cultural relics have a love, Understanding and expecting cultural relics return cultural relics history workers, lovers. Thanks for meeting, aiming, Hunan Museum.
No.
4
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Orange Island
4.6
/5
12290 reviews
8.8
Based on 431 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 073188882152
Address: Orange Island Beach Park, Yuelu District, Changsha City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Featured in 2024 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
Highlights:
One of the first national red tourism classic attractions
Xiangjiang fireworks & music show
Saved by 814 users5819 positive reviews
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🌟 Orange Island Head, Changsha's Orange Island Head 🌟🎈 Changsha's Orange Island Head is like a pearl inlaid on the banks of the Xiangjiang River. 🌳 into Orange Island, the eyes are full of lush green plants, and the fresh air makes people feel refreshed. Walking along the riverside, the breeze is light, the river is shining, as if telling the story of this city. The most striking thing is Chairman Mao's youth art sculpture, which has a firm eye and a great posture, which makes people feel respectful. Standing under the statue, it seems that you can feel the great ambition of the great man. 💐 Especially in spring, the flowers on the continent are like a brocade, and the green grass is against each other, beautiful as a picture. In autumn, the maple leaves are getting red, and it adds a touch of poetic romance to this place. 🌙 Orange Island Head at night has a special flavor, the lights are shining, illuminating the entire river, like a dream. 💕 Orange Island Head is not only a beautiful scenery, but also a spiritual symbol of Changsha. Come here, feel the blend of history and modernity, and enjoy a feast of the soul.
Today, I experienced a different trip to Orange Island. I visited Yuelu College in the morning, went to bed at noon to restore my physical fitness, and set foot on Orange Island after 3 pm. It is worth experiencing amphibious vehicles in the wind and rain, and it is worth getting wet. After that, take a small train around Orange Island, and be able to visit the statue of the President in person, which is a worthwhile trip.
No.
5
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Du Fu Pavilion
4.6
/5
7310 reviews
8.6
From £1.85
Wu Yi Square/IFS | >100 km from downtown
Phone 0731-82298545(游客中心)
Address: No.108, Xiangjiang Middle Road, Tianxin District, Changsha
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Watch the Orange Isle Light Show Across the River
360° view of Xiangjiang city
Saved by 467 users6468 positive reviews
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Du Fu Jiangge, a scenic spot in Changsha, felt ordinary when passing by during the day, but it was said that it would be very shocking to visit it at night because it was by the Xiangjiang River. Arrived at Du Fu Jiangge at 19:50 in the evening, there was an opening ceremony at 19:58, and the whole attic was lit up after the ceremony. The feeling of bright eyes is still unforgettable.
The night ticket of the scenic spot is 40 yuan/person. I thought it would be very expensive, but it is really worth it. Not only is the attic brightly lit, but there is also a professional tour guide team to lead the whole journey, and they are all handsome men and beautiful women wearing Tang Dynasty costumes. The program is continuous and wonderful. The scenic spot introduces the life of Du Fu, a poet in the Tang Dynasty, as the main line. I learned about the experience of the poet. Not only was he unsuccessful, but he was also very wasted. In the end, he died in a foreign land, which is very regrettable.
In general, it is a particularly recommended scenic spot in the city. Here you can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery of Xiangjiang River, but also see the poet Du Fu's indignant life, and you can also see the real state of the citizens who are relaxing next to the scenic spot. It's great!
This hotel has a nice environment and is clean. The service staff are very enthusiastic. I was deeply impressed. It is much better than the hotel I stayed in before. I will stay here again next time if I have the chance. It is very close to popular attractions. It is only about 1.5 kilometers away from Wuyi Square. It is very convenient to take a taxi and walk there. There is a free parking lot, which is very convenient for self-driving travelers. I will stay here again next time if I have the chance.
No.
6
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Fenghuang Ancient Town
4.3
/5
8320 reviews
8.1
Based on 2,060 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0743-3221111
Address: Fenghuang Ancient City, Fenghuang County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Boat ride: Fenghuang's night charm
Boating & stilted buildings view
Saved by 1321 users2480 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
The ancient city of Phoenix is a famous historical and cultural city in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, China, known for its unique Xiangxi style, Ming and Qing architecture and Lijiang scenery. Whether it is worth going depends on your travel preferences, but here are its main highlights and travel advice for your reference: **Highlights of Phoenix Ancient City**1. **Lijiang scenery and hanging tower** The Lijiang River passes through the city, and the two sides are endless hanging towers, especially when the mist is early in the morning or the lights at night, the scenery is picturesque. **Hongqiao** is an iconic building with a wind and rain building on the bridge, suitable for taking pictures and viewing. 2. **Ancient city buildings and streets** The ancient city retains a large number of Qingshiban Street, Temples, Temples and houses in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, such as **Yangjia Temple**, **Xiong Xiling's former residence**, etc. **Dongzheng Street**, **Southside Street** are the main pedestrian streets, full of literary shops and specialty snacks. 3. **Ethnic minority culture** Xiangxi Tujia and Miao nationality have a strong style, and you can experience ethnic costumes (such as Miao silver headwear), handicrafts (batik, embroidery). In the evening, there is a live performance of "Border City" (adapted from Shen Congwen's novel), showing Xiangxi folk customs. 4. **Shen Congwen's former residence** - Literary lovers must visit, the inspiration for Xiangxi terroir depicted in "Border City" comes from this. 5.**Surrounding attractions** -**Nanhua Mountain Shenfeng Cultural District**: Overlooking the commanding heights of the ancient city. **Miaozhai Day Tour** (such as Dexu Miao Village, Shanjiang Miao Village): You can experience Miaojia song and dance, long table banquet, etc. 6. **Night view and bar culture** - The lights on both sides of the Lijiang River at night, the bar and clear bar atmosphere are relaxed, suitable for young people who like night tours. **Suitable for crowds****Recommended for**: tourists who like slow life, photography, human history, or travelers who want to experience Xiangxi style. **may not be suitable for**: tourists who prefer modern facilities, hate commercialization or crowded scenic spots (more people in peak season).*Note*1. **Commercialization**: There are many shops in the main street, it is recommended to go to the alley or the upper reaches of the Lijiang River (such as Shawan), and it is quieter. 2. **Tickets**: The ancient city is free, but some attractions need a joint ticket (about 128 yuan). 3.**Best season**: Spring and autumn (3-5 month, 9-11 month), avoid the rainy season (may increase in summer). 4. **Transportation**: Most cities can be reached by high-speed rail, Jishou or Huaihua high-speed rail is basically half an hour, or you can take a bus/taxi (about 1.5 hour drive). Summary: If you like the culture of the ancient town and want to feel the landscape and humanities of Xiangxi, the ancient city of Phoenix is worth a visit. It is recommended to arrange 1-2 days, and the surrounding Miao Village is more fulfilling. If time is limited or sensitive to commercialization, you can reduce expectations or choose to go in the off-season.
Came here on June 26, 2014.
Fenghuang was once the political, military, economic and cultural center of "Greater Xiangxi" in history. Many celebrities have come here, and the style of the ancient city has been preserved in its original form. Therefore, Fenghuang Ancient City is a must-see attraction. Coming to Fenghuang Ancient City is like entering the "Border Town" written by Shen Congwen.
The most recommended recreational project here is "Tuojiang River Rafting". Board the boat from the North Gate Pier and go boating on the Tuojiang River. The river is full of mist, and the stilt houses on both sides are looming, like a beautiful ink painting slowly unfolding in front of you...
After landing, wandering in the alleys of the ancient city, you will encounter the former residences of celebrities and historical old houses, feel the youth of Shen Congwen and others who were born and raised here, and instantly understand the strong rural sentiment exuded by "Border Town"; strolling along the ancient city wall, or looking at the exquisite craftsmanship of Miao silver, or pretending to be a bandit to take pictures, are all very interesting experiences.
Fenghuang Ancient Town at night is a completely different scene, transformed into a world of light and shadow as gorgeous as a kaleidoscope of flowers. The neon lights and folk songs of the bars, and the tourists shuttling back and forth on both sides of the Tuojiang River, inject a different lively and fresh atmosphere into the ancient town, "the more beautiful it is at night".
Therefore, although Fenghuang Ancient Town is not very big, there are things to do during the day and at night, and it is recommended to stay here for at least one day and one night. As for accommodation, it depends on personal preference: if you don't like the hustle and bustle and hope to sleep well at night, then choose a hotel outside the ancient town.
No.
7
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Yue Yang Tower
4.6
/5
8370 reviews
8.1
From £7.16
Based on 169 reviews
Yueyang Tower | >100 km from downtown
Phone 0730-8319435
Address: Dongting North Road, Yueyanglou District, Yueyang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Hunan
Highlights:
View Dongting Lake & Junshan
View Dongting Lake's vastness
5515 positive reviews10K views in last month
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In the spring of the fourth year of the Qingli reign, Teng Zijing was exiled to Baling County.
The next year, the government was in order and the people were harmonious, and all the abandoned things were revived. So Yueyang Tower was rebuilt, and its old structure was added. Poems and essays by Tang and modern people were engraved on it.
I was asked to write an essay to record it.
I saw the beautiful scenery of Baling, which is in Dongting Lake.
It holds the distant mountains and swallows the Yangtze River. It is vast and boundless;
It is sunny in the morning and gloomy in the evening, and it is full of scenery.
This is the grand view of Yueyang Tower, which has been described by the predecessors.
However, it connects Wu Gorge in the north and Xiaoxiang in the south. Many migrants and poets gather here. Wouldn’t their feelings about the scenery be different?
If it rains heavily, the moon does not open for a long time, the wind howls, and the turbid waves fill the sky;
The sun and stars are hidden, and the mountains are hidden;
Merchants cannot travel, and the masts are tilted and the oars are broken;
At dusk, tigers roar and monkeys cry. When I climb this tower, I miss my country and hometown, worry about slander and fear of ridicule, and feel sad.
When the spring is warm and the scenery is bright, the waves are calm, the sky is blue and boundless;
Sand gulls fly and gather, and fish swim;
The shore is covered with lush green grass and orchids.
When the long smoke is gone, the bright moon is thousands of miles away, the floating light is golden, the still shadows are like jade, and the fishermen sing to each other, how great is this joy!
When I climb this tower, I feel relaxed and happy, forget about honor and disgrace, drink wine in the wind, and feel happy.
Alas!
I have tried to seek the heart of the ancient benevolent people, and I think they are different from the two. Why?
Don't be happy with things, don't be sad with yourself;
If you are in a high position in the temple, you will worry about the people;
If you are far away in the rivers and lakes, you will worry about your king.
So you are worried when you advance and you are worried when you retreat.
Then when will you be happy?
He must have said, "I worry before the world worries, and I enjoy after the world enjoys"?
Alas!
Without this man, who would I go home with?
It was September 15th, the sixth year.
The Yueyang Tower scenic area is quite large. In addition to the Yueyang Tower, there are also exhibition halls, gardens, etc. It takes about 2 hours to visit.
You can buy and use the tickets on Ctrip. Just scan the QR code, which is very convenient.
No.
8
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Gaoyi Mountain Tourism Resort
4.5
/5
3120 reviews
8.1
From £9.72
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0735-2672866
Address: Gaoyiling Village, Qiaokou Town, Suxian District, Quzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Danxia: landscapes, springs & caves
Via Ferrata & cliff swing thrills
Saved by 167 users2717 positive reviews
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Gaoyiling scenic spot with Danxia landform, red rock green water, trenches vertical and horizontal, scenic area mountains, water, cliffs, tan scattered. There are unique natural features, including chair bridge, stonehenge, cherry blossom tea, climbing sky ladder, shuanglong lake, suspended plank road, dragon gorge and other landscapes, and also built cliff swings, cloud mirror observation deck, high-altitude bicycles, flying zip ropes and other play projects. There are fewer woods in the scenic area, and it is a bit hot to play in summer.
It was more than two o'clock in the afternoon to go to Gaoyiling from the city. It happened to be called Didi. In fact, it was quite far away. It was about 100 to the side. It was more than 3 o'clock. Fortunately, the weather was sunny. It was not bad. Then when I came down, I just saw the sunset. I was very lucky to go back. Called a ride, about 60-70, and the driver was very good and drove directly to Yuhou Street, so it was just a day's trip. It was very suitable.
No.
9
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72 wonder tower
4.0
/5
1711 reviews
8.1
From £2.05
72 Wonder Tower/Dayong Ancient City | >100 km from downtown
Phone 0744-8882000
Address: 张家界市永定区武陵山大道1号
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
No.6 of Night Attractions in Hunan
Highlights:
Guinness stilt house landmark
Qi Lou Eight Scenic Spots showcase the charm of nature and culture
Saved by 1430 users1187 positive reviews
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There are a lot of people, and the night is pretty good, but the name is very loud. After entering, there are actually not so many amazing places and programs. There are many snacks and food is not cheap. Pass by and see.
I took the child to entangle, and I didn't choose to go in when the ticket was 20 yuan before 4:30, or after 7:30. Tickets are 88 yuan, I think it's worth it. Tickets are valid for three days, and the first day from almost eight o'clock to more than nine o'clock, watching the fairy sprinkle flowers, crying marriage, the love tragedy of brother and sister (forgive me for not remembering the program). The next day, the child also wanted to go. We played from nine o'clock to almost eleven o'clock. The bonfire party around ten o'clock was very hilarious. It is rare to see the bumblebee robot dancing with the Qing Dynasty zombies. Everyone danced together and was very happy. In short, I think it's great! There are many foreigners, and they are very hilarious. Ah, there are security guards who are very good at jumping subjects 3.
No.
10
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Mount Hengshan
4.4
/5
4760 reviews
8.0
From £11.25
Mount Heng Scenic Commercial Area | 93.5 km from downtown
Phone 0734-5673377
Address: Zhurong Feng, Nanyue, Hengyang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Highlights:
Ancient palace & wartime sanctuary
Clouds & sunrise viewing platform
2595 positive reviews10K views in last month
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Nanyue Hengshan is the penultimate stop of my three mountains and five mountains. The scenery is beautiful, the scenery is charming, and the tombstones of anti-Japanese heroes like the loyalist are worth visiting at least once in their lives.
One of the five mountains, Nanyue Hengshan, one of the most worth climbing the mountain, the scenery is beautiful, the environment is beautiful, the atmosphere is very good, it is worth experiencing the taste of the mountains and the powerful flow of the aura.
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