Let’s Spend a Relaxing Time in Hunan Province, Changde: 5 Recommended Tourist Spots!

This time, we’ll introduce the city of Changde, located in Hunan Province, China. Situated in the south-central part of China, Changde is an agricultural hub known as the “Hometown of China’s Non-metallic Minerals.” It’s a city with few skyscrapers, offering a glimpse of old, traditional China where you can spend your time leisurely.
The climate, like Japan’s, has four distinct seasons. While summer days can reach nearly 40 degrees Celsius, winter temperatures may drop below freezing, with occasional snowfall. Changde’s tourist spots change their charm with the seasons, so you’ll find new discoveries no matter when you visit.
Changde itself is not a large city. With the theme of “Relaxed Travel,” here are five recommended sightseeing spots.

1. Liuye Lake

The first spot to introduce is Liuye Lake, a popular recreational area for Changde’s citizens and a highly recommended tourist attraction.
Originally, it was just a lake, but after redevelopment, the surrounding area was transformed into a tourist site with parks and golf courses where visitors can stroll and relax. The lake offers scenic views, with Wuhan to the north, Changsha to the south, Zhangjiajie to the west, and Yueyang to the east—making it a must-see destination.
Thanks to its vast surface area, Liuye Lake regularly hosts canoeing and boating competitions. In recent years, marathons and cycling events around the lake have also become popular, drawing large crowds.

2. Taohuayuan (Peach Blossom Land)

The most famous sightseeing spot in Changde is Taohuayuan, said to be the origin of the legendary “Peach Blossom Land” (Taoyuan)—a utopia described in Tao Yuanming’s Peach Blossom Spring.
Taohuayuan is a rural area, not particularly glamorous, but it’s a peaceful place where you can glimpse traditional Chinese village life.
As the name suggests, the area is famous for its abundance of peach trees, and it’s lively with visitors, especially during the Peach Blossom Festival held annually in late March. If you visit during this time, be sure to check it out!

3. Buxingjie (Walking Street)

If you want to go shopping in Changde, visit Buxingjie (Walking Street). It’s the most bustling shopping area in the city, lined with various shops. Many hotels surround Buxingjie, making it the most common area for tourists to stay.
In Japan, it’s normal to buy items at the price shown on the tag, but in China, many stores still don’t display prices. Instead, you ask the shopkeeper directly. Don’t accept the first price offered—bargaining is expected!

4. Changde Poetry Wall

Built in 2000, the Changde Poetry Wall is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest wall inscribed with poetry. In 2003, it was designated as an important cultural relic by the government.
The wall stretches approximately 3 km along the Yuan River, featuring about 1,300 poems. The verses mainly depict historical events and local stories of Changde, structured into six main chapters.
Even if you don’t understand Chinese, just looking at the inscriptions gives a deep sense of China’s long and rich history. At night, the illuminated wall creates a beautiful and dreamlike atmosphere.

5. Binhu Park

Located quietly among the city buildings, Binhu Park is a lakeside park that serves as an urban oasis. The area around the pond is always lively with people walking or jogging.
There are many hotels and restaurants nearby, making it a popular starting point for travelers. Various events are also held in the park throughout the year, so it’s worth checking the schedule.
Unlike heavily polluted cities like Shanghai and Beijing, where outdoor warnings are sometimes issued, Changde’s air is clean—perfect for travelers who want to be active while sightseeing.

◎Summary

So, what do you think of these sightseeing spots in Changde?
The author was particularly surprised to learn that the legendary “Peach Blossom Land” originated here in Changde. While most tourists head to vibrant coastal cities like Beijing and Shanghai, the inland regions still preserve the charm of traditional Chinese life and scenery—offering a different, more nostalgic travel experience.
Changde, with its old-town atmosphere, is a perfect place to relax and slow down. And of course, being in China, you can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine. The city is full of restaurants and food stalls where you can eat to your heart’s content at reasonable prices—so don’t miss out on the food!
You can reach Changde via connecting routes from major cities such as Beijing or Shanghai.

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Let’s Spend a Relaxing Time in Hunan Province, Changde: 5 Recommended Tourist Spots!