Changde Travel Guide

Changde Facts

Chinese Name: 常德 (cháng dé)
Population: 6,042,000
Area: 18,200 square kilometers (7,027square miles)
Location: in the northwest of Hunan Province, south-central China
Administrative Division: 2 districts (Wuling, Dingcheng); 6 counties (Anxiang, Hanshou, Lixian, Linli Taoyuan, Shimen); 1 county-level city (Jinshi)
Area Code: 0736
Zip Code: 415000
GDP (2018): CNY 339.42 billion (USD 51.30 billion)

The Land of Peach Blossom in Tao Yuanmng’s Literary Work

Changde lies in the north of Hunan Province, separated from Yiyang by West Dongting Lake in the east. It neighbors Zhangjiajie to the west and Hubei Province is just adjacent to its north. It is said that Changde is the archetype of the fairyland in Tao Yuanming's Peach Blossom Spring which describes a beautiful fairyland where people live a peaceful, happy, free and equal life. And visitors can go to the Taohuayuan (Land of Peach Blossom) to enjoy the picturesque and stunning natural scenery as the story writes down, highlighting a large number of peach blossoms in full bloom in March. It is a must-see place in Changde. What’s more, whether you want to explore nature or experience the local culture and ancient buildings, Changde will offer all you need. There is Huping Mountain knowns as natural gene species bank, Jiashan Temple, a holy land of Buddhism with a long history and Changde Poetry Wall, the world's longest wall of poetry, calligraphy, painting and carving.

Changde Attractions - Things to Do

 Taohuayuan (Land of Peach Blossom)
In China, Taohuayuan is synonymous with Eden and Utopia, an ever-beautiful place without any external disturbances that has inspired numerous eminent writers and poets of successive dynasties. It originated in the Jin Dynasty (265-420) and reached its prosperity during the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties. The Yuanjiang River flows though the scenic area, endowing the countryside with both elegance and excitement.

Admission Fee: CNY 128;
CNY 64 children between 1.3 and 1.5m (4.3 - 4.9 feet);
Free for children under 1.3m.
Opening Hours: All day
Transportation: Take regular bus from Changde North Bus Station to Taohuayuan.

 
 Shimen County is a land of refined and elegant green landscapes together with historical marvels. Xiashan Temple is the Buddhist cultural center and the headstream of tea culture in Lishui River drainage. Huping Mountain, the roof of Hunan Province is also located in this area. Additionally, the Longwang (Dragon King) Cave, the masses of wild calyx canthus trees in the valleys, and Mengquan Lake are all interesting natural wonders of Shimen which make it a 'must see' destination.

How to Get to/around Changde

1. Changde Taohuayuan Airport is about 13 kilometers (8 miles) southwest of downtown Changde, which operates flights to/from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing, Wuhan, Kunming, Xi'an and other major domestic cities.  
 
2. Central Bus Station is in the north of downtown at Wuling District, near to the railway station. South Bus Station is in Wuling Town of Dingcheng District. North Bus Station is located at Renmin Road, which provides buses to Taohuayuan.
 
3. It is navigable by river between Changde and Yueyang. Boats usually leave Changde in the afternoon and get back from Yueyang in the early morning.

Weather

-

Changde has four distinct seasons and abundant rainfall. Its annual average temperature falls around 16.7 degrees centigrade (62.1 degrees Fahrenheit). Actually, the east part has a higher mean temperature than the west because of its landform.  

 When to Go: The weather in both spring and autumn is favorable. In the spring, it is the flowering season of peach blossom which can be seen all over the mountains. Every year in late March, Taohuayuan Scenic Area holds a peach flower festival, and the festival usually lasts one month.

Changde Travel Tips

 History: In the year of 227BC, a city was constructed in the east of present Wuling District. That was the beginning of Changde. In the following two thousand, two hundred or so years, administrative divisions here have changed greatly.  The area had been known as Wuling, Langzhou and Dingcheng before becoming Changde.     
 
 Physical Features: Northwestern Changde belongs to the Wuling Mountains and its eastern part is located in the lower reaches of the rivers adjacent to the Dongtinghu Plain. Therefore, the terrain of Changde generally slopes downward from the west to the east. Medium mountains, lower mountains, mounds, alluvial and lake plains line up in order with the changes in the relief.                  
 
 Special Local Products: Furongwang Brand Tobacco, Wulingwang Liquor, Yechawang Tea and freshwater pearls are the most famous local products of Changde. Additionally, Chinese gooseberry, honey pomelo and lotus seed yields here are also of good quality.

- Last updated on Nov. 16, 2021 -
Questions & Answers on Changde Travel
Asked by Steven Moloya from SOUTH AFRICA | Aug. 29, 2019 07:43Reply
Where can I find a gym in changde city?
Answers (2)
Answered by Zack from MALAYSIA | Aug. 30, 2019 01:01
00Reply


Sports Center is located at No.530, Wuling Avenue, Wuling District.
Answered by K | Nov. 16, 2021 13:03
00Reply


There are more than 110 gyms in the city, so just open your phone map and find the nearest one
Asked by Ola from POLAND | Aug. 22, 2019 13:49Reply
How much time will it take me to get from Changde airport to the railway station?
What's the best option- taxi, bus or is there metro too?
Answers (1)
Answered by Darwin from CANADA | Aug. 25, 2019 23:07
00Reply


It takes around 2 hours by bus and 40 minutes by taxi. There is no metro station near the airport.
Asked by belle from INDONESIA | Aug. 10, 2019 05:25Reply
Can you recommend me a hotel for 3 people near Changde Vocational and Technical College?
Answers (1)
Answered by Alyssa from POLAND | Aug. 12, 2019 23:16
00Reply


I found Changyuan Hotel nearby, which is located at No.254, West Renmin Road, Wuling District. As I know, it has clean living environment and warm service. Hope you like.
Asked by Art from THAILAND | Feb. 05, 2019 18:44Reply
Fenghuang to Taohuayuan in mid April 2019.
Hi there,
How to go from Fenghuang to Taohuayuan? Have the direct bus between 2 scenic areas? What's the best time to enjoy peach blossom in Taohuayuan? I have a plan in mid April.
Thanks in advance,
Art.
Answers (1)
Answered by Isobel from DENMARK | Feb. 18, 2019 00:44
00Reply


There is no direct long-distance bus that runs between these two places. You are suggested to take a coach to Changde Coach Station first. Then transfer to a coach to Taohuayuan. Generally speaking, late March to mid. April is the best time to see peach blossom.
Asked by WORAWIT RITTITID from THAILAND | Nov. 30, 2018 05:51Reply
I would like to know is there any bus from Changde to Yueyang ?
which coach/bus station name and where it located in Changde?
Answers (1)
Answered by Carl from USA | Dec. 03, 2018 13:59
00Reply


Liuyehu Bus Station, located at No.1168 Ziyuan Road, Wuling District.
Ask a Question
Question Summary (100 characters)
Details (optional) (2,000 characters)
NameCountryEmail