Changsha has been in recorded history for over 4000 years as a large inland city of southern China.  Lying along the Xiang River, a tributary of the Yangtze, it is now the capital of Hunan Province and a major commercial center. It’s increasingly a stopover destination for some of China’s airlines, including Hainan Airlines, who operate a hub and international gateway at the airport. It’s quite practical to hop on the Maglev Rail, transfer to the Metro, and head downtown. Mao Zedong, who was from Hunan province, was a student here who then formed the local Communist Party cell in the 1920s.

Orange Island. You can head over the Juzizhou Bridge to Juzhou Park, an island in the middle of the Xiang River. The bridge has pedestrian access although you have to watch out for the electric scooters that whiz by the pathway. China has banned internal combustion engine scooters which is good for the environment but removes the ability to hear them coming up from behind.

Once there you can see a restored temple and palace complex.

Old City. Changsha was caught in World War 2 and the Civil War so sustained a lot of damage. A stretch of the medieval city center is preserved along Taiping Street between Renmin W and Jiefang W Roads. It’s a bit touristy but worth a look along your walking route.  Further north, you can also visit the Kaifu Temple, by the Kaifu metro station on Kaifusi Road.

There are various hot and spicy Hunanese offerings along the street, as well dry ice suspended local fruit.

Crawfish are popular here – usually boiled in a spicy soup.

Yuelu Mountain Park. Located on the west side of the river and accessed via the Yingwanzhen or Xihu Park metro stops, you can go for a walk in the forested Yuelu Mountain. https://goo.gl/maps/wGgrvwUmX2gfwSnF9 There’s also the Yuelushan cable car if you can’t be bothered to walk https://goo.gl/maps/P9LsA7KT6Yp6rHw79

Logistics. Central Changsha is easy to access from the airport for your stopover. Take the Maglev at the airport station to the South Railway Station and then transfer onto the Metro – allow about 45 minutes each way. The Wuyi Square stop is central enough. You could also head up to the Martyr’s Park stop for some greenery.

Restaurants. Huogongdian (127 Pozi Jie) is a longstanding popular place (Mao ate here while fomenting revolution and liked the braised pork if that’s your thing). If you are closer to the Central railway station, you can visit the Wuyi Dadao branch at 93 Wuyi Dadao. For my part, I found a busy multi-story food center immediately southwest of Wuyi Square on Wuyi Avenue. This can be a good option in many Chinese cities and there are five levels of restaurants to pick from with Hunan cooking featuring.

Dog Ownership Poster, Changsha Metro