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
    6372
    Zhangjiajie.Tianmenshan Cableway/Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoRime blossoms on jade trees and branches in a dreamlike scene | Nov 2025-Dec 2025
    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 6601 users󱨠31663 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    M28***fzM28***fz

    "When fortune turns, luck will come" means that when things are going well, adversity will turn into prosperity. The Lingquan Temple is full of odds and ends, with rocks growing from dead trees, waiting for the dead trees to bloom again and the mountains to turn green. This huge red zebra-striped rock has the beautiful meaning of good luck coming from stone.

  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Parktop_2
    󰺂9.1
    5023
    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 7764 users󱨠19630 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    206***56206***56

    The mountain is 2084 meters long with a vertical drop of 692 meters, and the one-way trip takes only 8 minutes, quickly taking you from the foot of the mountain to the summit, saving a lot of energy. Inside the enclosed sightseeing gondolas, you can enjoy panoramic views of Zhangjiajie's unique quartz sandstone peak forest landforms; when shrouded in mist, it feels like you're floating among the clouds.

  • Hunan Provincial Museumtop_3
    󰺂8.7
    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 576 users󱨠13456 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    53666775366677

    The Hunan Provincial Museum boasts a rich and precious collection, with its Mawangdui Han Dynasty artifacts and Chu-style bronzes being particularly impressive. The exhibition is clearly structured, and the lighting design complements the textures of the artifacts, showcasing the museum's historical weight. The service is meticulous and thoughtful, with free, professional, and detailed guided tours. Facilities such as drinking water and rest areas are readily available, demonstrating a warm and attentive approach. Immerse yourself in the charm of Hunan civilization; the museum offers a wealth of knowledge and a truly worthwhile experience, making it a must-visit cultural landmark.

  • Orange Island
    4
    󰺂8.7
    Changsha>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoOrange Isle turns a vibrant orange, its fruit-laden branches drawing every eye | Dec 2025-Dec 2025
    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 1072 users󱨠6223 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Nice scenery and lots of people. Surprisingly crowded! Will recommend.

  • Du Fu Pavilion
    5
    󰺂8.4
    399
    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 635 users󱨠7795 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    CvoupleCvouple

    Very pretty pavilion to visit and see the Xiang River.Everything was in Chinese though, so google translate is a must if can’t read Chinese.Definitely worth a visit if walking along the river.

  • Yue Yang Tower
    6
    󰺂8.1
    1549
    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
    󱨠6466 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    206***56206***56

    Yueyang Tower Review Ascending Yueyang Tower offers a panoramic view of the vast expanse of Dongting Lake where the water meets the sky, and a sense of its majestic grandeur, "embracing distant mountains and swallowing the Yangtze River." Its upturned eaves and corners exude ancient charm, while inscriptions and poems carry cultural heritage. The spirit of Fan Zhongyan, who famously said "be the first to worry about the world's troubles," adds even greater weight to the view. From the summit, one can gaze upon the boundless blue waters dotted with fishing boats. The beauty of nature and the rich cultural heritage blend seamlessly, making it truly deserving of its title as the foremost of the "Three Great Towers of Jiangnan." It is a must-visit cultural landmark and scenic spot in Yueyang.

  • 72 wonder tower
    7
    󰺂8.0
    1062
    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 2998 users󱨠1865 positive reviews
    4.0/5
    Nemo721Nemo721

    Daytime tickets are cheaper, and you can stay inside until the evening show. The performances are staggered, taking turns around the bonfire, culminating in a bonfire party at the end.

  • Gaoyi Mountain Tourism Resort
    8
    󰺂8.0
    2102
    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 217 users󱨠3572 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The photos turned out really well; we went in the afternoon and it was great. It felt like stepping into Jurassic World; the Danxia landforms were spectacular. It was fun to take kids there, and the mountains weren't too high, making it perfect for family trips.

  • Mount Hengshan
    9
    󰺂8.0
    2434
    Hengyang.Mount Heng Scenic Commercial Area93.6 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoKangjialong Checkpoint at Mount Heng (Hunan) Is Temporarily Closed | Nov 3, 2025-Dec 31, 2025
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Spring Outings
    Highlights:
    󱓊Ancient palace & wartime sanctuary
    󰋄Clouds & sunrise viewing platform
    󱨠Saved by 121 users󱨠3118 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    自由人1956自由人1956

    The highlights of Mount Heng (Nanyue) are mainly reflected in its natural scenery, cultural heritage, and historical sites. Here is a detailed introduction: - **Beautiful Natural Scenery:** Mount Heng is known as the "Most Beautiful of the Five Sacred Mountains," with its verdant peaks, lush vegetation, flowing springs, and cascading waterfalls, creating a picturesque landscape. The towering Zhurong Peak, the elegant Cangjing Hall, the secluded Fangguang Temple, and the wondrous Water Curtain Cave have been praised as the "Four Wonders of Mount Heng" since ancient times. Furthermore, Mount Heng offers different scenery in each season: spring for blooming flowers, summer for viewing the sea of ​​clouds, autumn for witnessing the sunrise, and winter for admiring the snowscape. - **Profound Cultural Heritage:** Mount Heng is a "Civilizational Hub," a "Sacred Mountain for Worship," a "Religious Holy Land," and the "Longevity Mountain of China." It is the only ancient mountain in southern China dedicated to the worship of the legendary ancestors of humanity. Historically, there are over 120 recorded instances of imperial envoys sending envoys to offer sacrifices at Mount Heng. At the same time, Hengshan is also a sacred religious mountain where Taoism and Buddhism coexist. Taoism built temples in Nanyue at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, and Buddhism took root in Nanyue as early as the second year of Tianjian in the Southern Liang Dynasty (503 AD).

  • Mount Yuelu
    10
    󰺂7.9
    Changsha.Yuelu Mountain/Meixi Lake Park>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoExciting activities during the Mount Yuelu Red Maple Festival | Nov 8, 2025-Dec 14, 2025
    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 654 users󱨠1773 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Yuelu Mountain is truly beautiful in autumn. I was the only one there for the 3:30 PM tour, enjoying the perks of a private tour. But the tour guide was incredibly attentive, providing a thorough and detailed explanation – a fantastic experience!

Best things to do in Hunan (2025)

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

Hunan Provincial Museum

• Changsha.Hunan Museum/Beichen Delta | >100 km from downtown

• : Ancient life virtual reality experience,VR experience: ancient life scenes

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 Best Things to Do are there in Hunan?
These are all Best Things to Do in Hunan:Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Provincial Museum, Orange Island, Du Fu Pavilion
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Hunan?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Hunan include:Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park:4.6, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park:4.5, Hunan Provincial Museum:4.8, Orange Island:4.6, Du Fu Pavilion:4.6
At what locations in Hunan can Best Things to Do in Hunan be found?
The Best Things to Do in Hunan are mainly located in:Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park:Zhangjiajie, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park:Zhangjiajie, Hunan Provincial Museum:Changsha, Orange Island:Changsha, Du Fu Pavilion:Changsha
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