Shaoshan and Changsha Tours

Xiang Jiang, also known as Hsiang River or Hsiang Chiang, is one of the main branches of the Yangtze River. It is the biggest river in Hunan Province. Originating from the western slope of Mt. Haiyang (which is located in Xing'an County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), the river runs east through Hunan Province. At Yongzhou city it joins the Xiao River and continues eastward through Hengyang, Xiangtan, and Changsha before finally emptying into the Yangtze River at Xiangyin County of Hunan province. In total, the river flows 817 kilometers, covering an area of 92,300 square kilometers. In the following suggested itinerary, we introduce the famous city of Changsha which the Hsiang River passes by.

Day 1: On the morning of the first day, take a travel line bus in Changsha to Huaminglou Town in Ningxiang County. It is about 50 kilometers and the bus fare will cost approximately 20RMB. The Huaminglou town is the hometown of Liu Shaoqi, an influential, respected leader in China. The Huaminglou scenic area is also located here and covers 470,000 square meters. The admission fee is 30RMB. You can visit the Bronze Statue Square, the Xiuyang pavilion, the Huaming Tower as well as the monument there. From Huaminglou take a bus to Shaoshan. Visit the former residence of Chairman Mao and see his bronze statue in the square. There is no charge to visit either of these sites, but please note, taking photos is not allowed at the residence.

From Shaoshan, take a bus to the Dishui Cave (Admission fee: 30RMB). This is located 4 kilometers from Chairman Mao's Former Residence. Three sides of the cave are surrounded by mountains and the left side is graced by a calm stream with green waves. Walking in this area, you will be deeply moved by the lush mountains, the woody groves, the wild flowers, and plentiful foliage. Return to Changsha in the afternoon. In the evening, you can take the super deluxe city cruise ship "Nuoya No. 1" for an impressive tour on the Hsiang River. The ship is the first one in China to accommodate 5000 tons. Stay here overnight and we recommend you reserve a room prior to arrival.

Day 2: On the second day, spend the day touring the city of Changsha. First, take the No. 3 or No. 113 bus to get to the Hunan Provincial Museum. On display here are the unearthed cultural relics of Ma Wang Dui, the bronze ware of the Shang dynasty, and the ten great discoveries in Chinese archaeology. After the museum, take a bus to Tianxin Pavilion (Admission fee: 10RMB), the symbol of ancient Changsha. The No. 202, 2, 143, 314, 406, 122, 124, 145, 804, 803 and 901 buses all stop there. After visiting the pavilion, walk southeast 1 kilometer to the ancient Baisha well. It is said that the water of the well is quite clear and has a bittersweet taste. And it is spilling all year round. Next take a taxi to the Orange Continent Bridge. Enjoy the views before walking west across the bridge. On the other side you will arrive at the Aiwan Pavilion (Admission fee: 15RMB) which is located at the foot of Mt. Yuelu. The Aiwan Pavilion was originally named "Red-leaf Pavilion" because of the hundreds of maple trees growing there. When autumn comes, the leaves of the maple trees turn red and the scenery is quite breath-taking. Red leaf Pavilion is one of the top 4 famous pavilions in China and is a must see. When you are ready to leave this city, take the train. It is very convenient.