Changde

Changde is in northwestern Hunan. A weekend is enough to sample local food, visit Taohuayuan, and enjoy the night views along the Yuan River.

• Taohuayuan Scenic Area: Considered the setting that inspired Tao Yuanming’s *The Peach Blossom Spring*, it connects mountain scenery, waterways, and an old town. You can buy a sightseeing shuttle ticket, watch an outdoor performance, or dress in Hanfu for photos.

• Liuye Lake: One of Hunan’s larger freshwater lakes, with wide-open views. Cycle around the lake or watch the sunset; the beach park and Sima Tower are also good places for photos.

• Daxiao River Street: An old-style district along the Yuan River. Lanterns light up after dark, and you can try a range of Changde snacks along the street.

• Changde Poetry Wall Park: This nearly 4 km art wall is engraved with works by poets from different eras. You can also walk along the riverside path.

• Laoximen: A cultural district created from an older neighborhood, where red-brick buildings stand alongside contemporary designs. Its lanes have teahouses and bookshops and make a good setting for street photos.

• Changde Museum: Free to visit, with exhibits on Changde’s Chu culture and its modern history. Closed on Mondays.

Changde Flavors

• Changde beef rice noodles: A good breakfast choice. Round rice noodles come with spicy beef topping and chili oil; add chili or vinegar to taste.

• Bozi cai: A traditional Changde dish prepared by stewing or braising, then served in a small pot kept warm over low heat. Good for sharing.

• Taoyuan lei cha: A local drink with tea and rice aromas and a variety of ingredients. It comes in sweet and savory versions and is a good afternoon treat.

• Spiced pressed duck: Dry, fragrant, well-seasoned duck with a choice of spice levels. Vacuum-packed versions are easy to carry and make good gifts.

• Shimen pork intestines: Fragrant and spicy, with a cleanly prepared, chewy texture. Available at homestyle and local-cuisine restaurants.

• Tangyou baba: A common street snack that is crisp outside, soft and chewy inside, and moderately sweet. Each costs 3 yuan.

Two Days, One Night

• Day 1 (city sights and night views): After arriving in the morning, have Changde beef rice noodles, then cycle around Liuye Lake. Visit Changde Museum in the afternoon, followed by Laoximen to see its red-brick buildings. In the evening, head to Daxiao River Street for local snacks, lantern-lit streets, and night views of the Yuan River.

• Day 2 (Taohuayuan): Set off early for Taohuayuan Scenic Area. You can buy a sightseeing shuttle ticket and visit Qin Valley and Taohua Mountain in that order. At noon, try a local lei cha meal in the scenic area. Spend the afternoon enjoying activities inspired by traditional culture, then head home.

Where to Stay

• Changde River Street / Laoximen: Convenient for dining and shopping, and close to the night market and night views. A good choice for most visitors.
• Around Liuye Lake: Quiet and good for walks and photos. Consider staying here if you want a lakeside base and a slower pace.
• Near Changde Station: Convenient for high-speed trains, especially if you have a tight schedule or need to transfer.
• Around Taohuayuan: Good if you plan to spend more time exploring Taohuayuan.

Travel Tips

• Getting around: City sights are fairly close together, so you can combine walking with taxis. Short taxi rides usually cost close to the starting fare.
• Shoes: Taohuayuan Scenic Area and Liuye Lake involve a fair amount of walking. Wear comfortable flat shoes.
• Ferry: You can take the Yuan River ferry to Poetry Wall Park. It costs 2 yuan and takes about 5 minutes one way, with views of both banks along the way.
• Spice level: Changde food is often fragrant and spicy. If you cannot eat much chili, ask for “mild” (微辣) or “no chili” (免辣) when ordering.
• Avoiding queues: Restaurants such as Xiaoboye and Hexiang Rice Noodle Shop may have lines at mealtimes. Try eating earlier or later.