As a non-native of Hunan who has lived in Changsha for several years, I’ve pretty much explored the whole city from the time I first arrived. Aside from paid attractions such as Window of the World and the Underwater World, today I’m going to recommend some other free spots that are great for photos and sightseeing.
1. Orange Isle
First of all, as one of Changsha’s iconic landmarks, Orange Isle is basically a must-visit for anyone coming to the city. The best part is that it’s free and open to the public. Although it recently lost its 5A-level scenic spot status, this in no way diminishes the charm of Orange Isle.
Orange Isle Fireworks
The Orange Isle fireworks are also a major highlight of Changsha and even the whole country. Liuyang in Changsha, as a key production site for fireworks, supplies displays for major events around the world. The fireworks at the Beijing Olympics, London Olympics, and even this year’s Brazil Olympics mostly came from Liuyang. These are usually only seen on TV, but watching them live at Orange Isle lets you experience the magic of Liuyang’s fireworks up close.
Display Times: Every Saturday at 8:30 PM during the summer season from May 1st to October 1st, lasting about 20 to 25 minutes. There are also displays on major holidays such as New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, and Lantern Festival.
Best Viewing Spots: The best vantage point is undoubtedly the Du Fu Pavilion, but since it gets extremely crowded, the area directly across the river in the western part of the Xiang River—around the northern part of Taohu Lake Road—is an excellent alternative. That’s where this blogger usually goes to take photos, so you might even run into them there.
Fireworks Photo Gallery
Scenery at Orange Isle
The scenery at Orange Isle is also beautiful all year round, making it perfect for photos.
Whether it’s peach blossoms, quaint old houses, railings by the water, bamboo forests, grassy areas, flower beds, or various architectural spots, they’re all great for photography. Orange Isle is huge, with all kinds of beautiful sights waiting for you to explore.
2. Yuelu Mountain
As another iconic attraction in Changsha, this is undoubtedly another great place for photos and sightseeing. Here you’ll find Aiwan Pavilion and the Yuelu Academy (which charges an entrance fee—plan ahead to avoid crowds). When taking photos in the scenic area, look for less crowded but picturesque spots, such as mountain paths, streams, and unique pavilions.
Especially in autumn when the maple leaves turn red or in winter when it snows, the scenery here is particularly enchanting.
Yuelu Academy
It’s worth noting that this site requires an entrance fee, and it can get crowded on weekends or during peak tourist seasons, so try to go during quieter times. The environment here is perfect for taking traditional Chinese-style photos.
3. Taiping Street
Taiping Street is the most well-preserved ancient street in Changsha in terms of its original layout. The renovated Taiping Street Historical and Cultural Block not only retains cultural relics and historic sites such as the former residence of Jia Yi, Changhuai Well, the west memorial archway of the Ming Dynasty Prince of Qi’s palace, the former site of the Revolutionary Alliance of the 1911 Revolution, and the former site of the Sizheng Society, but it has also revitalized historic businesses like Gan Yisheng Grain Depot, Lisheng Salt Shop, Dongtingchun Teahouse, and Yichunyuan Teahouse. With small blue tiles, sloped roofs, white ridges, fireproof walls, and the traditional architecture of the late Qing and early Republican period exuding a rich, classic charm, along with people leisurely enjoying the cool air...
4. University Town
After descending from Yuelu Mountain, you’ll find Hunan University, which is basically at the heart of University Town. Other universities in the area include Central South University, Hunan University, and Hunan Normal University. As for food, there’s no shortage of delicious options—the snack streets here are filled with tasty treats, including many of Changsha’s specialties. Of course, the campuses of these universities—whether Central South, Hunan University, or Normal University—have lovely environments that are perfect for photos.
5. Hunan Agricultural University
When talking about university campus environments, Hunan Agricultural University definitely deserves a mention. As an agriculture-focused institution, the campus environment here is undoubtedly beautiful. In spring, when the rapeseed flowers are in full bloom, it attracts large numbers of visitors every year. However, be sure not to pick or damage the flowers, as some may be part of experiments by graduate students or professors—if they’re damaged, it could mean redoing research or even affecting graduation. The university also has large strawberry fields, making it a great spot for fruit picking, photos, or just enjoying the scenery. There are also tennis courts, sports fields, lakesides, and reed beds.
6. Botanical Garden (Admission Fee Required)
The Botanical Garden is densely forested and home to a wide variety of flowers. The garden also hosts flower exhibitions from time to time, where you can see tulips and cherry blossoms. Every March and April, it becomes a popular spot for locals to admire cherry blossoms. With its pavilions and scenic spots, it’s also a favorite place for Changsha residents to relax outdoors. Undoubtedly, it’s a fantastic location for photos.
Cherry Blossoms in Bloom
Vast Fields of Sunflowers
Autumn Leaves
Tulips in Bloom
VII. Meixi Lake
There are lakes, water, and bridges here with beautiful scenery. At night, you can enjoy the musical fountain. It’s a great place for both taking photos and having fun.
Scenic appreciation
Sunset
Night view
Small dock
Road bridge
Shop entrance by the lake
Leisure area by the lake
Pond
Lakeside path
Musical fountain
Musical fountain
Musical fountain
Musical fountain
Musical fountain
VIII. Taohualing
This is also a nice place I’ve been to. It’s relatively secluded. During spring when the peach blossoms bloom, there are more people, but most of the time it’s not too crowded. It’s suitable for outdoor photo shoots and, of course, for leisure activities.
IX. Liuyang River Wedding Park
The Liuyang River Wedding Culture Park attracts many visitors for photo shoots, wedding photography, or hosting weddings with elements such as a musical fountain, Wedding Avenue, patterned flower beds, beautifully open lawns, meandering water features, a Western-style church, and the largest banquet hall in Central-South China. In addition, it has entertainment options like specialty bars and cinemas. Next to it is the scenic belt along the Liuyang River, offering beautiful views. All things considered, the Liuyang River Wedding Park is another excellent spot for photography and recreation.
X. Major Parks
1 Xiaoyuan Park
Pavilions, coffee shops, graffiti, etc. — snap a pretty picture anywhere.
2 Martyrs Park
Martyrs Park is the largest park in Changsha. It is a comprehensive park integrating commemoration, sightseeing, and entertainment. Built around low-lying areas turned into lakes with islands constructed within them, the park consists of a memorial area and a sightseeing area. The sightseeing area has open terrain, featuring naturally formed hills and gullies, and artificially embellished corridors, bridges, and pavilions. Secluded paths wind through lotus-scented waters and willows hanging green. The vast lake surface is misty and shimmering, enjoyable in both sunny and rainy weather. A winding arched stone bridge leads to the lake’s central island, which is shaded by weeping willows. In the center of the island stands a three-arch bridge, adding to the feeling of wide skies and open water, offering unique charm. The lake is equipped with pleasure boats for visitors to row on. It's a great place for photography, recreation, and barbecues.
Walking the dog
3 Locomotive Park
Locomotive Park definitely has a train.
There are cherry blossoms here in spring too.
4 Yanghu Wetland Park and others
It is the largest wetland park in Changsha's urban area and a national 4A-level scenic spot.
All of the above are places that are great for both photos and fun, and most of them are free. Next, I’ll introduce a few spots that are mainly just good for photos.
1. Abandoned Shipyard on Chazidong East Road
2. Ruins of the Armed Police Hospital
3. By the Xiang River
The riverside near Xiangjiang No.1 is very beautiful.
4. Fisherman’s Wharf
5. Themed hotels such as Zaogao Lüju and Beetle
A great place to take private photos—the rooms are all very nice and come with bathtubs.
6. Cafés and bars
There are so many of these, but some don’t allow professional cameras.
I recommend a café called Mogo in Xingsha, located inside Building P8 of Broad City.