Changsha (长沙 Chángshā) is the capital of Hunan in South-central China. It is famous in China due to the historical events, e.g. 4 times of battles in Changsha during Sino-Japanese War, Fire of Changsha in 1938, and place where Mao Zedong studied. A modern city center with skyscrapers, shopping malls and walking streets invites for relaxed strolls. There are also plenty of opportunities to try the famous Hunanese cuisine and street food stores offer small bites (小吃 xiaochi) such as stinky tofu, mini lobsters, and butter pancakes.
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Changsha has an urban population of over 10 million people (2022). Mao Zedong lived and worked as a teacher in Changsha, and it was the site of his conversion to communism. A huge sculpture of Mao's head on Orange Island reminds everyone of his connection to the city. The city is known among the Chinese for being the site of the Battle of Changsha, which was the first major victory the Chinese scored against the Japanese during World War II. However, the city suffered from major damage after it was set on fire by Kuomintang officials in 1938, planning to implement scorched earth policy should Japanese forces invade.
Ubiquitous taxicabs flood the city streets, willing to transport you just up the street or to the other side of town. Meters start at ¥8 in daylight, ¥10 at night. If you want to spend like a native or just want to experience the sensation of being sandwiched between locals, then hop on a bus for ¥2 and feel the thrill of speeding down the bumpy roads with barely any breathing room.
1 Changsha Bamboo Slips Museum (长沙简牍博物馆 Changshu Jiandu Bowuguan), 92 Baisha Road, Tianxin District (天心区白沙路92号) (next to Tianxin Pavilion (Tianxinge); about 740 m east of Nanmenkou metro station on Line 1; Bus routes 122, 130, 167, 171 North, 171 South, 311, 314, 402, 406, 803 and 908), ☏ +86 731 85425680, +86 731 85425676. 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30, closed on Tuesdays and during Chinese New Year. This museum contains ancient carved bamboo slips and a series of pottery artifacts. The building is architecturally interesting, as bamboo grows out of one side of it. Free with identification.
When eating in Changsha there is nothing better than a plate of stinky tofu (臭豆腐 chou doufu), butter pancake (酥油饼 suyoubing) or mini lobster (口味虾) bought right off the street. If you have just arrived, be wary of eating from street vendors. Although the inviting aroma of food cooking may be too tempting to resist, you had better have a strong stomach if you do not want to get an upset one. Changsha food is part of the broader Hunanese cuisine (湘菜 xiang cai), one of China's traditional eight great regional cuisines. Traditional Hunan foods are quite spicy like Sichuan cuisine, but without the unique numbing sensation that comes with Sichuan peppercorns.
Jiefang West Road (解放西路 Jiefangxilu) has a few Chinese clubs along this road, including SoHo, the ubiquitous Chinese chain. Drinks tend to be expensive, the music loud, and clubs crowded. It's just off the main walking street so it is in quite a handy location. Taiping Street (太平街 Taipingjie) is a newly refurbished area, with traditional/tacky facades has a few smaller bars, some with live music. It is just off Jiefang West Road towards the river. This is a touristy shopping street and many prices are on par with the West. Bargaining is impossible here. Even those who speak little English know how to say no bargains.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Changsha typically sees ~37°C daytime highs and 12 rainy days.
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