Top 50 Best Things to Do in Hunan
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Hunan

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Tianmen Mountain National Forest Parktop_1
    󰺂9.4
    150.77
    Zhangjiajie.Tianmenshan Cableway/Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoZhangjiajie's Tianmen Mountain Becomes a Winter Wonderland Overnight | Dec 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Glass Walkway with a panoramic view of the valley
    197 ft glass walkway on cliffside
    󱨠Saved by 7212 users󱨠32218 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Evgeniya GarvardtEvgeniya Garvardt

    Стоит посетить. Масштабы и природного явления, и таланта китайских инженеров и строителей поражают. По времени надо закладывать 1,5 часа только подъём на самую вершину на канатке и эскалаторах. Я платила 32 ю за эскалатор вверх, чтобы не подниматься 999 ступеней. Спустилась потом по ним пешком на обратном пути. Чтобы спокойно погулять на плато нужно часа три, и спуск примерно 1,5 часа.

  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Parktop_2
    󰺂9.0
    125.12
    Zhangjiajie.Zhangjiajie National Forest Park/Wulingyuan>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoA Sea of Clouds Appears in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Winter | Nov 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Watercolor views from Tianzi Mountain Viewing Platform
    󱓊Avatar's stunning stone peaks
    󱨠Saved by 8537 users󱨠19880 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    WiktoriarmyyyWiktoriarmyyy

    It was an amazing experience. The nature is incredible and breathtaking. We managed to do half the park in a day so really plan 2-3 days to see EVERYTHING

  • Orange Islandtop_3
    󰺂9.0
    Changsha>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󱨜One of the first national red tourism classic attractions
    󱓊Xiangjiang fireworks & music show
    󱨠Saved by 1137 users󱨠6265 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    溪蒻溪蒻

    Entry to the scenic area is free! Simply make a reservation through the "Yuelushan Orange Isle Tourist Area" WeChat official account – super convenient! 🚶🏻‍♀️Travel Tips: 1️⃣ The scenic area is huge! We highly recommend walking in 🚶 (the scenery along the way is amazing), and taking the 25 RMB sightseeing bus 🚎 out (saving energy and time). 2️⃣ The landmark at Orange Isle 🌟 – a must-see – is the young Mao Zedong art sculpture. The sculpture is incredibly impressive! Everyone who's been there takes photos here 📸. 3️⃣ Photography Tip: A distant view + blue sky and white clouds ☁️ will produce absolutely stunning results! A distant view with the Xiangjiang River and the city skyline in the background is breathtaking!

  • Hunan Provincial Museum
    4
    󰺂9.0
    Changsha.Hunan Museum/Beichen Delta>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󰋄Ancient life virtual reality experience
    󰋄VR experience: ancient life scenes
    󱨠Saved by 625 users󱨠13467 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    溪蒻溪蒻

    Stepping into the Mawangdui Han Tomb Exhibition Hall on the third floor of the Hunan Provincial Museum is like opening a time portal to the Western Han Dynasty. 🚪 Over three thousand precious artifacts silently tell the story of two thousand years ago. ✨ 🌟Must-see treasures: - A sheer, gossamer-thin white gauze garment - Lady Xin Zhui, known as "the most beautiful woman in the world" - Exquisite lacquerware, silks, and musical instruments - A lifelike T-shaped silk painting The most breathtaking sights are the well-preserved female mummy and the exquisite food burial objects. 🍇 The lifestyle and lifestyle of the nobility are truly astounding. 🤯 丨Visit Tips丨 ✅Advance reservation required (free) ✅It is recommended to visit at 9:00 AM when the museum opens to avoid crowds.

  • Du Fu Pavilion
    5
    󰺂8.4
    9.43
    Changsha.Wu Yi Square/IFS>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoA Dreamy Tang Dynasty Night at Changsha's Du Fu Pavilion
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Watch the Orange Isle Light Show Across the River
    󱨜360° view of Xiangjiang city
    󱨠Saved by 678 users󱨠7941 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Learn about history of Dufu and nice sunset view from the memorial hall

  • Mount Yuelu
    6
    󰺂8.3
    Changsha.Yuelu Mountain/Meixi Lake Park>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoPlum blossom season in Changsha starts early | Jan 2026-Feb 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions
    Highlights:
    Golden ginkgo & fiery maple leaves
    󰋄Ancient trees (Jin to Qing dynasties)
    󱨠Saved by 696 users󱨠1770 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    奔波的蜗居蟹奔波的蜗居蟹

    Yuelu Mountain, formerly known as Linglu Peak and also called Lushan, is located in the suburbs of Changsha, Hunan Province. It is one of the main peaks of Hengshan Mountain and enjoys convenient transportation and a good location. The name "Yuelu" originates from the "Records of the Southern Mountain" (南岳记) from the Liu Song Dynasty of the Southern and Northern Dynasties, which states that "the Southern Mountain is eight hundred li in circumference, with Huiyan (回雁) at its head and Yuelu (岳麓) at its foot." Yuelu Mountain is located on the west bank of the Xiang River in Yuelu District, Changsha City, Hunan Province. Climbing to the summit offers panoramic views of Changsha. Orange Isle (橘子洲) is located in the middle of the Xiang River, running from south to north through the river's heart, facing Yuelu Mountain to the west and bordering the ancient city to the east. The Yuelu Mountain scenic area boasts 977 species of plants belonging to 559 genera and 174 families, primarily consisting of typical subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests and subtropical warm-temperate coniferous forests. Large areas also preserve primary evergreen broad-leaved secondary forests, and there are numerous precious endangered tree species and ancient trees. Yuelu Mountain is a cultural mountain that integrates the essence of Chinese culture, encompassing Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. It encompasses the rich cultural heritage of Yuelu Mountain, jointly developed by renowned scholars, eminent monks, Taoist priests, and poets throughout history. Yuelu Mountain is a great place for leisure and recreation, and I highly recommend it.

  • Fenghuang Ancient Town
    7
    󰺂8.3
    Fenghuang>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Boat ride: Fenghuang's night charm
    󱨜Boating & stilted buildings view
    󱨠Saved by 1855 users󱨠2463 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The place is beautiful with a lot of heritage sites to appreciate but people are not very friendly and patient, especially owners of eateries. The six-scenic spots tickets are not worth it. Only a few attractions are worth it such as the museum and river cruising. You can get as much fun by touring free sites.

  • Yue Yang Tower
    8
    󰺂8.1
    36.65
    Yueyang.Yueyang Tower>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoYueyang Winter Snow Chase: A Limited-Time Scenic Wonderland Awaits | Dec 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Hunan
    Highlights:
    󰋄View Dongting Lake & Junshan
    󰀆View Dongting Lake's vastness
    󱨠6570 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The Yueyang Tower scenic area is incredibly beautiful. I came across a tangerine tree laden with fruit; the bright yellow tangerines looked so tempting! 😍 The sunset over Dongting Lake was absolutely stunning—it was breathtaking!

  • Gaoyi Mountain Tourism Resort
    9
    󰺂8.0
    49.74
    Chenzhou>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoVisit Gaoyiling This Winter for Red Rocks, Clear Water, and Warm Sunshine | Dec 2025-Feb 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Spring Outings
    Highlights:
    󱓊Danxia: landscapes, springs & caves
    󱓊Via Ferrata & cliff swing thrills
    󱨠Saved by 232 users󱨠3685 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    雪之色彩雪之色彩

    This is my second time visiting Gaoyiling. The kids loved it and we did the large loop. I only did the small loop. The Danxia landforms, the magnificent mountains and beautiful waters, make for great photos when the weather is nice. The whole hike wasn't too tiring.

  • 72 wonder tower
    10
    󰺂8.0
    46.07
    Zhangjiajie.72 Wonder Tower/Dayong Ancient City>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logo72 wonder tower opens | Mar 28, 2023
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱨜Guinness stilt house landmark
    Qi Lou Eight Scenic Spots showcase the charm of nature and culture
    󱨠Saved by 3270 users󱨠1943 positive reviews
    4.0/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    This hotel offers great value for money. I stayed in a cinema room this time. I often book this hotel when I'm visiting classmates or doing business trips from out of town. Although it's not as luxurious as a star-rated hotel, it's very clean and tidy, with thorough disinfection. They even provide alcohol spray and disposable sheets and blankets, which is reassuring. The mattress was especially comfortable, and the receptionist was very attentive and helpful. They provided amenities befitting a star-rated hotel, including soy milk, coffee, and fruit – very thoughtful. It's also very close to the Desiqin Food Plaza. Highly recommended, I'll definitely stay here again.

Best things to do in Hunan (2026)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Hunan? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Hunan offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Hunan

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Hunan experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park

• Zhangjiajie.Tianmenshan Cableway/Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park | >100 km from downtown

• : Glass Walkway with a panoramic view of the valley,197 ft glass walkway on cliffside

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

• Zhangjiajie.Zhangjiajie National Forest Park/Wulingyuan | >100 km from downtown

• : Watercolor views from Tianzi Mountain Viewing Platform,Avatar's stunning stone peaks

Orange Island

• Changsha | >100 km from downtown

• : One of the first national red tourism classic attractions,Xiangjiang fireworks & music show

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Hunan

If you want to explore attractions just outside Hunan, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Hunan, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Hunan special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Hunan

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Hunan

Ready to explore the best of Hunan? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What are the best things to do in Hunan?
The best things to do in Hunan include: Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park|Zhangjiajie National Forest Park|Orange Island|Hunan Provincial Museum|Du Fu Pavilion. These activities offer a mix of cultural experiences, sightseeing, and entertainment suitable for all types of travelers.
How much do the top attractions in Hunan cost?
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park:From QAR 150.77|Zhangjiajie National Forest Park:From QAR 125.12|Orange Island:Free|Hunan Provincial Museum:Free|Du Fu Pavilion:From QAR 9.43
What amenities or facilities can I expect at top attractions in Hunan?
Most attractions in Hunan provide facilities such as visitor centers, guided tours, parking, rest areas, dining options, and accessibility features to ensure a comfortable experience.
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