Mount Yuelu, located on the west bank of the Xiang River in Changsha, Hunan, is an extension of the Hengshan Mountains, with an altitude of 300.8 meters and a total area of 8 square kilometers. The natural scenery here is beautiful, and the seasons offer pleasant views, making it one of China's four famous maple viewing spots. Mount Yuelu also boasts a profound historical and cultural heritage, including Yuelu Academy, one of the four ancient academies of China, as well as numerous inscriptions and cliff carvings. As a significant tourist attraction in Changsha, Mount Yuelu attracts a large number of visitors to explore its natural beauty and rich history.
Yuelu Academy, one of the Four Great Ancient Academies of China, is situated at the eastern foothill of Yuelu Mountain. Established in the ninth year of Kaibao in the Northern Song Dynasty (AD 976), it has a history spanning over a thousand years, through the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Yuelu Academy was not only the cultural and academic hub of ancient Hunan but also a model for ancient Chinese academy education and academic research. It is recommended to visit Yuelu Academy in the following order: the entrance (right gate), Zhuomo Hall, Taihe Hall, Chuncao Garden, Cloud Corridor, and Library Building, to better understand its historical and cultural heritage.
Juzizhou, located in the center of the Xiang River in Changsha, is formed by the deposition of silt and is named for its abundant production of oranges. It is the core of Changsha's "mountain, water, island, city" tourism pattern and is also a national demonstration site for civilized scenic tourist areas and a classic red tourism attraction. The island features major attractions such as the Juzizhou Head Plaza, Wangjiang Pavilion, the Youth Mao Zedong Artistic Sculpture, and the Juzizhou Cultural Park. Juzizhou is easily accessible and is particularly pleasant for viewing maple leaves in autumn, making it a great place to explore the historical culture and natural scenery of Changsha.
Nanmenkou is an ancient neighborhood in Changsha, located on the east bank of the Xiang River, facing Juzizhou across the river. With a long history and profound cultural heritage, it is one of the important landmarks in Changsha. Nearby Nanmenkou, there are many famous food restaurants and snack stalls, offering Changsha's special snacks such as stinky tofu and tangyoubaba. Tourists can taste authentic Hunan cuisine here. There are also many shopping venues and leisure facilities where you can shop, relax, and entertain.