Hunan International Conference Center Hotel is highly recommended, offering panoramic views of the Xiangjiang River and Orange Isle from its elevated rooms. The hotel features a riverside promenade, sky garden, and free shuttle to the train station. Located just a 5-minute walk from Du Fu Pavilion, it blends historical charm with modern comfort, making it ideal for experiencing Changsha’s "mountain-river-city" essence.

Orange Isle is the top destination, stretching 1.8 km with lush greenery and stunning views of Yuelu Mountain and the city skyline. At dusk, the Xiangjiang Riverside Scenic Belt lights up with synchronized fountains and music, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Designated jogging paths and viewing platforms make it perfect for morning runs, photography, or family outings. Nearby, Du Fu Pavilion adds poetic elegance with its illuminated façade reflecting on the river surface.

Take Metro Line 2 from Changsha Railway Station to Wuyi Square, then transfer to Line 1 heading to Nankou or Orange Isle Station—just 20 minutes total. Alternatively, a taxi ride takes about 15 minutes (6 km). Multiple buses (e.g., 301, 109) also serve the riverside areas, with free parking available at major attractions, ensuring flexible and efficient access.

Join the nighttime cultural tour at Orange Isle, guided by experts who reveal stories behind Mao Zedong’s youth statue, historical steles, and poetic walls linked to his famous poem "Qinyuan Chun: Changsha." During festivals, the riverbanks host Changsha Lantern Festival and intangible cultural heritage performances, including Hunan opera, flower drum plays, and paper-cutting exhibitions, offering immersive insights into local traditions.

Head to Taiping Old Street and Huangxing Pedestrian Street, both near the river, for authentic Hunan dishes. Must-try foods include stinky tofu, tangyou baba, and chopped chili fish head. Xu's First-Class Restaurant specializes in fresh river delicacies served with riverside views. Don’t miss Orange Isle Steamed Buns, where handmade dumplings burst with savory soup—a favorite among locals for breakfast.

The prime viewing locations are Orange Isle Main Area and Du Fu Pavilion Square. From the former, you can gaze across the river toward dazzling city lights, while the latter offers a historic backdrop with elegant architecture mirrored in the water. Every evening at 7 PM, the Xiangjiang Music Fountain performs for 20 minutes, combining dynamic water jets with light and sound effects—arrive early to secure the best vantage point.