Day Trip to Hunan Provincial Museum, Orange Island, Mount Yuelu & Yuelu Academy

Hotel Pick-up, Transfer to Hunan Provincial Museum
Your private IslamiChina Travel guide will greet you with a clear sign in your hotel lobby (or designated meeting point) at the scheduled time. Transfer to Hunan Provincial Museum in a comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle.

Please be aware that the Hunan Provincial Museum is closed on Mondays. If your tour falls on a Monday, the museum visit will be omitted from your itinerary.

Visit Hunan Provincial Museum
The Hunan Provincial Museum, the province’s largest repository of history and art, houses over 180,000 artifacts. Among its most prized possessions are treasures from the world-renowned Mawangdui Tombs. Unearthed in the 1970s, these Western Han Dynasty tombs yielded an unparalleled archaeological bonanza. Over 700 exquisite lacquer items with intricate workmanship reflect the brilliant accomplishments of Han Dynasty lacquerware, and over 500 exquisite textile garments fully attest to the “Kingdom of Silk” (Seres) in the Western historical records. More than 50 bamboo slips and silk manuscripts serve as “encyclopedias”, demonstrating the knowledge and wisdom of the ancient sages. The Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs are renowned as the exemplar of the history and civilization in the early Han Dynasty, providing a window to understand society in China over 2,100 years ago.

Visit Orange Island Park
Orange Island, or Juzi Island, is a captivating strip of land that graces the Xiang River in Changsha. This slender island, adorned with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, offers a serene escape from the bustling city. Its name, “Orange Island,” is a testament to the sweet citrus fruits that once thrived here. While oranges may no longer be its primary crop, the island’s charm endures. A highlight of Orange Island is the imposing statue of Chairman Mao Zedong, a prominent figure in Chinese history. This monumental sculpture is a powerful symbol and a popular photo spot. Beyond the statue, visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbank, explore the island’s gardens, or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Lunch at a Local Halal Restaurant, Salat Prayer at Changsha Mosque

Visit Mount Yuelu
Mount Yuelu rises on the western shore of the Xiangjiang River. Its crown jewel, Yunlu Peak, soars approximately 300.8 meters above sea level. Renowned for its scenic beauty, the mountain boasts a tapestry of attractions including Qingfeng Gorge, home to the iconic Aiwan Pavilion—one of China’s four celebrated pavilions. Lushan Temple, though weathered by time and rebuilt several times since its 268 AD inception, stands as a testament to enduring spirituality. Yunlu Palace, a Taoist retreat erected in 1478 AD, adds to the mountain’s mystical charm. Nature’s wonders are showcased in the White Crane Spring and the enigmatic Flying Stone, while the curious Flying Clock hangs suspended from a ginkgo tree near Yunlu Palace.

Visit Yuelu Academy
Yuelu Academy, a cornerstone of Chinese higher education for over a millennium, is one of the nation’s four most prestigious historical academies. Founded in 976 during the Northern Song Dynasty, it served as a vital hub for Confucian learning and intellectual pursuits. The academy’s role evolved over time, transitioning from a traditional Confucian school to a modern institution of higher learning in 1903. Through subsequent name changes, it ultimately became Hunan University in 1926, solidifying its enduring legacy.

Transfer to Your Hotel
Following your exploration of Yuelu Academy, your guide and driver will return you to your hotel.