Situated in the river valley along the lower part of Xiang River, Changsha is the capital city of Hunan Province. The recorded history of Changsha can be traced back 3000 years. Tomb relics from the primitive periods witnessing the earliest human of activities have been discovered in this region. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770 B.C. - 476 B.C.), the area developed into an important town within the State of Chu, (one of the seven warring states that existed before China's unification by Emperor Qin). After Emperor Qin (the first feudal emperor in China's history) unified the country, the town was set up as a county and later became the capital city of a state in the early Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220). The tomb excavation site of Mawangdui found in the eastern suburb of the city is a family graveyard from that period. The most fantastic historical relic should be the well-preserved mummified remains of a Western Han Dynasty woman excavated from the tombs. Some of thousands of relics unearthed include silk products, paintings, lacquer works, potteries, bamboo slips used for writing, weapons and herbs, all of which are exhibited in Hunan Provincial Museum.
In the dynasties that followed, the city experienced several expansions and during China's Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it has developed into the political, economic and cultural center of Hunan Province.
Although not as ancient a capital city as Beijing, Nanjing or Xian, Changsha also has rich historical heritages including old wall remains, tomb sites, religious temples and buildings. What earns the city its reputation among tourists are two things. One is a great man in China's recent history, Chairman Mao Zedong and the other is Yuelu Academy, a time-honored academic school perched on the scenic Yuelu Mountain. Originally built in 976 during the Song Dynasty, the academy school survived through the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties and is considered to be the cradle of Huxiang Culture. (simply means the culture school in Hunan Province)
The village of Shaoshan, about 130 kilometers south-west of Changsha is the hometown of Chairman Mao Zedong. Today, the village has become a memorial place for Chinese people to remember this extraordinary man. People erected a statue of the Chairman and have preserved the houses he lived as a tourist site. A museum and other memorial spots in the scenic area create a kind of solemn atmosphere. Many Chinese come to pay respect and visit here during the memorial days.
In addition, the city was home to other revolutionary leaders including Liu Shaoqi, Huyaobang and former Chinese prime minister, Zhu Rongji. Therefore, it acts as a good place to learn more about China's recent history.
Changsha people boast to be the best gourmand of China and here people spend a lot of time eating. Xiang Cuisine is one of the Eight Cuisines in China and has a fine and delicate appearance and a hot & sour taste and the heavy and hot taste is an equal competitor to the spicy food of Sichuan. Street dining and restaurants in the city make every visitor's mouth hot. No matter the featured snacks - 'Stinky Tofu' and 'Sisters'Rice Balls' in Huogongdian (Fire Palace) or the famous spicy shrimps at Nanmenkou, the many types of delicious local food will not disappoint any guests.
Changsha people are also renowned for their acting and have created various traditional folk art performances of their own including the local operas, storytelling, drum opera, acrobatics and other dramatic styles. Everyone can feel their hospitalities and enthusiasm by their vigorous dances. Today, most of the entertainment houses in the city present dynamic and entertaining performances featuring a blend of the traditional essence and the modern flare. The neon lights of KTV squares, disco parlors, clubs and dancing squares illuminate the city at night. Dotted with all sorts of bars and pubs, Jiefang Xilu, although not as prosperous as Sanlitun Pub Street in Beijing, has its own styles. Romantic and quiet bars, dynamic show bars, teahouses, western style restaurants...People of all ages can find their ideal place to spend their leisure time.
Changsha Tour Information:
Hiking Tour: Information about hiking in Changsha for your reference
Bicycle Tour: Offer information about cycling in and around Changsha
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Travelers' Voices on Changsha City
1.
Jun. 25,2009 17:38 Reply
Mr. Tom Schaub(USA) said:
Thanks Banosd,
Changsha will be my destination, and I will be staying at her house. I assume a Visa card is accepted at most locations, right ?
Go to Deperados in Hill City the food is great,and they do not raise prices for the Rally, I am the former owner and I guarantee it.
Thanks again, Tom Schaub
2.
Jun. 23,2009 10:34 Reply
Mr.banosd(US) said:
Took a "cab" from Luiyang to Changsha to check it out for a day. Actually, it was a private driver as I heard that the taxi drivers don't like to enter other cities.
I was pleased to find a Subway and Pizza Hut and the river road was a nice walk. The best experience was taking a ride up the mountain in the tram or whatever their name for it was there. Only 30 yuan and it was about 20 minutes each way with a good view of the massive city.
It was an impressive site to see so many people exercising at the Memorial Park in the morning. That is one lifestyle that could benefit the communities back home in America.
Jun. 24,2009 19:02
Mr.Tom Schaub(USA) replied:
Hello everyone,
I live in the Black Hills of SD an I am planning to possibly visit a lady I have met on a dating online service I am 64 anshe is 50 and a widow. I have never been to China any good advice would be welcome. Can any of you tell me how much a day I should plan to spend (not including lodging) per day for two people sight seeing and eating out once or twice a day? My plan is for a 30 day visit starting in mid October.
Thank you so much, Tom Schaub Hill CIty, SD
Jun. 25,2009 02:06
Mr.banosd(US) replied:
I think you have to be more specific in your location. Its like saying you are traveling to the US and not mentioning whether you are going to Southern California or Iowa.
If you eat at the local noodle vendors and walk, you wont need to spend much money at all. But if you try and find the western comforts you are used to, you'll have to spend closer to $50 per day. But still not as much as you would in America. For instance in the Black Hills during the Sturgis Rally!
You will have to ask your lady friend to arrange transportation for you. Foreigners will be ripped off here as you are a walking gold sign whether your wealthy or not. Renting a driver is a good option if you don't like to walk around much. But be prepared for some adventure on the roads, especially in the cities.
3.
Mar. 1,2009 13:13 Reply
Mr.Michael Dardar(USA) said:
I fell in loved with Changsha on my first trip to visit my fiancee! It is a wonderful friendly city. I have been there 3 times, each time not seeing another foreigner except at the airport. I have made many friends there and despite the weather--rainy most of my 2nd visit (end of October/beginning of November) and it has been raining most of the days since the beginning of January--I would love to live there. The food is wonderful. There are so many nice places to eat, shop--gigantic high-rise malls--and enjoy both live music and karaoke, especially on Hungxīng L Pedestrian Commercial Street. My first visit, I stayed at the Dolton Hotel, which I highly recommend for its service, elegance and cost. I can't wait to get back there. It is where my heart is!
Mar. 5,2009 13:47
Ms.Heather K(USA) replied:
This was wonderful to read. I am teaching English at Changsha University this summer with my eight-year-old daughter in tow. This post encourages me that it will be a comfortable stay. We will be staying on campus, but I'm sure we will become intimate with the entire city. Thanks! (I would love to correspond and hear more via e-mail if you're game.)
Mar. 12,2009 16:24
Mr.Michael Dardar(USA) replied:
TO: Ms. Heather K. Yes, I will be happy to correspond by email. I am only now checking the site, that's why I didn't know I had a reply & then didn't know how to reply to a comment! Hopefully the site will allow me to give my email address: grandude1@yahoo.com. You might also want to get a QQ account to chat with family and friends. But the registration page is in Mandarin, so I had a friend in Changsha set it up for me. Looking forward to corresponding. I also plan to be back in Changsha soon.
Mar. 16,2009 01:17
Mr.Gene Mack(US - Los Angeles) replied:
Ms. Heather, I could not agree more with Mr. Dardar. Changsha is a wonderful place and the people are friendly, kind, gentle and considerate. You will find both the city and the surrounding countryside (you MUST go to Pingjiang) the authrnetic, traditional China. Tourists and foreigners, for that matter, are few and far between. Unlike westernized cities like Shanghai, Changsha and Hunan Province is real China. I'd like to take a moment and share my story with you; Chinese girls, especially those in the east, are the most beautiful in the world. I met my girl in Changsha last October and proposed in January. I also find it so very hard to leave. She is 47 (widowed)and has her own home and a wonderful, supportive 23 year old son on his own. We have become good friends and her family and friends are all excited about our marriage. I have a job opportunity Chief Representative for a U.S. based company and will open the first office in Changsha by August 2009, so we will live there. Changsha is a great place to visit; the people are kind and gentle and the food is wonderful. Hunan Province is quite traditional and many historical and interesting places to visit especially once you get out of the city. ALthough I must say I love Changsha and very luch look forward to living there with my bride to be. By the way, she looks like she's in her early 30's, 5'5" and only 110 lbs. Chinese girls are truly the most beautiful and I found my angel quite by accident - the best accident of my life. Visit Changsha and the surrounding countryside for a good view on what traditional China is really like. You just might meet the girl of your dreams and, like the rest of us, find it so very hard to leave. If you'd care to communicate I'd be happy to. My email is chbroker96@gmail.com.
Kind regards - you will love Changsha, I am sure.
gene
Mar. 16,2009 01:21
Mr.Gene Mack(US - Los Angeles) replied:
Dear Ms. Heather - sorry - I meant to say the MAN of your dreams!
Mar. 20,2009 05:11
Mr.Hooton(Texas) replied:
Hello Michael, I am going to visit for a month or so come this June. I met a very nice profesional lasy and we want to explore some ideas for the future. I am a world traveler and now teach at the university level. Looking forward to my trip...anything you can suggest will be appreciated...Joe
Mar. 24,2009 16:09
Mr.Michael Dardar(Texas USA) replied:
Mr. Joe Hooton. Please see my reply to Mr.Kevin Wong above. Also, you might enjoy my review of my stay at the Dolton Hotel on my first visit to Changsha. I actually left the review and photos on a few sites, but here are a couple: virtualtourist.com & tripadvisor.com. I'm sure you will have a wonderful visit. Still kind of rainy now though. Hoping to be there soon.
Mar. 30,2009 10:19
Mrs.Sissy(China (USA)) replied:
Ms. Heather,
Our family lives in Changsha for many years. I have three children. Changsha University is in Changsha, with bus lines -- to the heart of the city, but note that you will have to plan outing. Taxis are available, except from 4:30pm to 6:30pm -- shift changes -- taxi drivers DO NOT like to pick up passengers -- a Changsha rudeness! Changsha food is very spicy -- and the people here have a spicy flare as well. Hunan people are known to be cunning. College students for the most part are naive until they hit the real world! Overall, I love Changsha! Most people either hate it or love it.
If you have more questions I will try to answer as best as I can.
Jun. 18,2009 01:37
Mr.Raymond(USA) replied:
Bravo Michael on your response to Mr. Vinod, this will be my 2nd visit to China and I plan to stay much longer this time, my fiance is also happy with this so we do not have to worry about coming back to the states but actualy plan to live in Changsha. So as far as his negative views I can only imagine what he was up to while there. Being a Viet vet myself and disabled, I have found that I left my heart in Asia and am happy to be going back again, I also would like to teach English and am not worried about the pay since I get my disabilty from uncle sam, just something for me to do since I cannot work as a hard-hat diver any more. I will be in Changsha in mid July of this year 09 the best to you and may you also find your heart in Changsha as I did :)
4.
May. 25,2009 13:27 Reply
Mr.David Simpson(UK) said:
Hello everybody
I'm David in Accrington, Lancashire, UK and my wife is from Changsha! The family is going back over there for a month at the end of July to see her side of the family again so we're all excited. Anyway, I've been reading all the posts here and decided to leave a few statements. For those wishing to know how long it takes to get from Beijing to Changsha; when we flew, it took 2hrs and when we took the train, 16hrs. I strongly recommend FIRST class if you take the train. We got stuck with a 2nd class sleeper which in itself isn't too bad as long as you don't mind sharing an open style carriage with a thousand others and basically 4 high berths. I got the top bunk and my nose was literally 3 inches away from the ceiling lol. turning over was a nightmare. The on board toilets; there awaits a lovely surprise ;) First class, on the other hand comprises of a closed compartment with only 4 bunks. Now, in my time, I've slept by the sides of autoroutes etc etc when travelling, to suites in 5 star hotels and everything inbetween. It's just info.
Anyway, as far as Changsha itself is concerned; VAST, and I personally only saw 2 western faces the first time I was there. If you don't mind attention, you're going to love it because you will feel like a rock star! I had loads of very pretty late teen girls asking for my phone number even whilst my wife was with me. She thought it was hilarious and encouraged me to give it to them, which of course I did lol honestly, yea, like here's my UK number, can you imagine lol There's so much to say and so little room, so if anyone does want any specific info, please feel free to ask, and I'll Wendy (Wen Ying) for details.
regards..........................Dvd
May. 31,2009 11:36
Mr.hugh lynch(wales) replied:
hi david.
isee that you married a lady from changsha,well i am going to changsha in august,with the intention of getting married to a lovely lady,but i am just a bit worried about this talk about red parcels,ie 2000 yuan to her sister and 1000,to all the rest of the family,can you give me some advise,or your lovely wife,
as told yuhua that i would have 20000 yuan but for some reason she does not think that is enough.
kindest regards.
hugh.
in wales
May. 31,2009 11:54
Mr.hugh lynch(wales) replied:
sorry did not give you my email ,it is h.lynch36@btinternet.com.
regards.
hugh
Jun. 15,2009 17:13
Ms.Irene(Philippines) replied:
HI me and my bf wanted to check where the good massage is since they say it's the reflexology capital, im thinking maybe u can suggest a place for us to go. would be a lot of help... thanks u in advance..
Jun. 15,2009 17:20
Ms.Irene(Philippines) replied:
oh and this is my email add, sirene@rocketmail.com.
5.
Jun. 12,2009 22:41 Reply
Mr.Taylor(Au) said:
Is there a diect flight from Singapore and return to Changsha City
Jun. 14,2009 01:45
Mr.Qi replied:
To Taylor,
As far as I know, there is no direct flight from Sigapore to Changsha. :)
6.
Jun. 2,2009 00:13 Reply
Mr.Maruthakumar(India) said:
Is there any direct flights to Changsha from Taipei, Taiwan.
Jun. 2,2009 01:25
Ms.Cindy replied:
Yes, it has direct flight between Changshan and Taibei, This chartered flight launched since Jan 15, taking about two hours. Flight No. from Taipei to Changsha is MF890. :)
7.
Mar. 21,2009 04:59 Reply
Mr.vinod(india) said:
distance between changsha city to yiwu Zhejiang Province, I want to travel so pls help !
Apr. 21,2009 03:31
Ms.sophie(China) replied:
Mr Vinod:
it is a long trip if you travel by train, it will spend you more than 30 hours in the train. But if you travel by plane, only 75 minutes is ok.
May. 24,2009 23:07
Mr.Shan replied:
Hi Sophie, you must be wrong, I searched that the train just takes 11-12 hours on the way!
8.
May. 24,2009 11:33 Reply
Mr.Michael Dardar(Houston USA) said:
For those who may have been misled to believe Changsha does not have modern stores and products, I can tell you for a fact that there is a gigantic store similar to Super Walmart in America, called Metro, and there also is a Super Walmart, but I have never been it. At Metro there are many American brand groceries, from Louisiana brand fish fry to Bud Lite beer. I purchased a coffee maker, filters & coffee creamer for my fiancee on my visit Oct/Nov 2008. On my first visit, I bought antiperspirant & contact lens cleaner from a small pharmacy near the Dolton Hotel on Shaoshan Rd. Also, there is that high rise mall that has every kind of store American malls have but more. Changsha also has a Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut & MacDonalds with modified menus, but I have only been to Pizza Hut. As I mentioned before, unlike most American dine in Pizza Huts, this one was spotless. I hope this helps.
9.
Apr. 28,2009 13:53 Reply
Mrs.Barbara(Florida USA) said:
Good Afternoon...My name is Barbara and I will be teaching English at Changsha University this fall. I will be there from Sept 1 through Dec 31, 2009. From what I am reading it seems like this is the rainy season. How is the public transportation??? Heather, I would love to correspond with you as it seems that you are doing the same thing I will be doing, but you will be there during the summer and I take over in the fall.
Apr. 28,2009 21:59
Ms.Meng replied:
No, the rainy season of Changsha will come to the end at every August. As for the public transportation, Changsha has its own airport and railway station as well as the sufficient city-bus and taxi, so I think no need to worry about it! Enjoy your time!
May. 2,2009 02:51
Mr.Heeley(China) replied:
I have been teaching in Changsha since last September. It has been rainy these last few weeks but it did rain a lot in November too. October was nice though, not too hot and humid but not rainy. By mid December its just freezing cold and a bit unpleasant! Transport is easy to use, buses come every few minutes to get around on, though the train station is a bit out of the main town centre area but not too far away. But unless you are travelling to another city you don't need a train. My tip: Ask your guide here to show you or find out about the foot massage place at Tong Cheng plaza. Its great, you get 80 minutes for just 60 yuans!
May. 13,2009 13:01
Mr.Michael Dardar(Houston USA) replied:
I have been offered an opportunity to teach oral English in the city of my choice through the National Oral English Teaching & Research Bureau, by VIP China. If I accept, I will start September 1. The contract is for 3 months, after which I have the choices to leave, remain at the same post or chose another city. I am planning to get TEFL cerification to increase my salary opportunities. I was told that salaries can be significantly higher for foreign teachers. My background is actually in the professional technical field of marine structural design with supervisory experience in that environment. I scored in the upper 90s percentile on a recent career evaluation test, revealing I should be in careers involving education and the arts! As I have mentioned in previous comments, I love Changsha, but I am also interested in Guangzhou, which friends say would offer a higher salary. I am also interested in Nanning, but probably has lower salaries. I would prefer to stay in the southern provinces, and away from Shanghai and Beijing with their higher cost of living. Since my last comments, my fiancee has broken off our engagement, due to my job lay-off and pressure from her parents who never accepted me. Before the economic situation, her desire was that we live in America, siting the low salaries in Changsha. She is also on staff at one of the universities, and most friends I made there are teachers, who verified their low salaries, at least for Chinese teachers. She has since ceased all communication, but I have begun a relationship with another lady in Changsha, who is happy that I might be going to live in China. She would possibly relocate to Guangzhou if I go there. With all of this said, my question is how should I prepare for such a move, especially if planning to make it long-term or permanent? I live in a townhouse apartment, & have very few large possessions. All of my relatives (grown children) are in Louisiana. Thanks for any advice. grandude1@yahoo.co
May. 23,2009 18:46
Mr.andy(usa) replied:
i lived in changsha for 7 yrs---wear long johns in oct for the damp cold and bring anti-perspirant (you cant buy it there)
May. 23,2009 18:58
Mr.andy(usa) replied:
mr dardar---if salary and female companionship are important, please know the success rate for international couples is terrible and the salaries for foreign teachers is essentially a stipend. if those things are really really important---id stay in the usa...
mr vinod---train trips can be fun but 30 hours (even with the sleeping berths) is a real test--id fly
May. 24,2009 10:53
Mr.Michael Dardar(Houston USA) replied:
Mr. Andy, First of all, thanks, but you really didn't answer my question about preparing to relocate. I have the salary information. Salary and female companionship, as in a wife, is as important to me as normal to most men, regardless of country. Second, apparently you haven't been in Changsha for a long time, because I bought anti-persperant on my visit in August last year--the brand Rexona at a very modern store, equivalent to Ban. Thirdly, since all of your comments are negative, I guess your experience in Changsha was not as wonderful as mine.
Mr. Vinod, I know from my ex-fiancee and other friends in Changsha that the train ride to Beijing is 11 hours, so a ride to Zhejiang Province could not possibly be 30 hours. I guess we need to watch carefully who's comments we listen to.
10.
May. 13,2009 23:48 Reply
Mr.Peter(UK) said:
Anybody know anything about Xiangtan city and Xiangtan University? I'm considering going there to teach English. Is it a modern city?
May. 14,2009 21:58
Mr.Qi replied:
Xiangtan is an important industrial city of Hunan, among one of the three important cities together with Changsha and Zhuzhou. Xiangtan Shaoshan is the hometown of Chairman Mao. It is among the top five comprehensive universities in Hunan. Just a few facts, because I have never been there. Hope it helps.
May. 21,2009 13:38
Mr.Steve D(USA) replied:
I have been to Xiangtan three times and I will go a 4th time next month. It is a comfortable city to walk around in. While I have rarely seen other foreigners in Xiangtan, I feel comfortable staying several days because unlike some smaller cities, locals here do not stare at me in shock.
There is a big river in Xiangtan that separates the new area from the old area.