Changsha City Walk: A Guide to Food and Shopping!
This itinerary covers the most bustling and authentic food spots and photo-worthy routes in Changsha. Starting from Wuyi Square and heading to Nanmenkou, you'll pass through Huangxing Square, Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street, Huogongdian Archway, and Pozi Street Food Plaza! These are all daily life spots for locals and must-visit places for travelers. This route is a perfect food street line, ensuring you can eat and walk non-stop. If you love strolling while enjoying local delicacies, experiencing the lively atmosphere of Changsha, and visiting top-tier shopping malls, this itinerary is perfect for you!
[Highlights of Changsha Food Street Route]
Here's a super useful tip: From Wuyi Square to Nanmenkou, all eateries, souvenir shops, and photo spots are connected in one line, so there's no need to take transportation and stop at each step. Besides local snacks (stinky tofu, sugar oil baba, and large sausages), there are also popular tea shops like Chayan Yuese and its sibling brand Good Morning Lemon. To avoid long waits, choose less crowded branches and grab some souvenirs along the way to fully enjoy the taste of Changsha!
[Recommended Photo Spots and Restaurants]
1. Huangxing Square
📍Address: Building 1, No. 251 Renmin West Road (Pedestrian Street)
Open all year round, this is the entrance to the pedestrian street and very easy to find. The square is surrounded by many souvenir shops and convenience stores, making it a great place to gather and disperse.
2. Wuyi Square
📍Address: No. 88 Huangxing Middle Road, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan Province
Located in the city center of Changsha, you can immediately feel the bustling atmosphere as soon as you exit the subway station. The area is filled with eateries and shopping malls, making it ideal for starting and ending your journey.
3. Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street
📍Address: Huangxing Road, Tianxin District, Changsha, Hunan 410002
Open all year round, this place is always crowded. It's perfect for shopping for souvenirs while taking photos. The street is mainly filled with various eateries, small souvenir shops, and trendy clothing stores.
4. Huogongdian Archway
📍Address: No. 127 Pozi Street, Changsha
Opening hours: 07:30–00:00
A super iconic photo spot! Even Chairman Mao personally recommended the stinky tofu here. The classic black version is crispy and dry, while Luo's stinky tofu comes with garlic-flavored soup, making it less greasy and a must-try local delicacy.
5. Pozi Street Food Plaza
📍Address: No. 137 Pozi Street
A food gathering spot featuring not only the most famous snacks but also dishes like oil-braised prawns, Boston lobster, and various local cuisines. The modern environment is perfect for group gatherings or family meals.
[Must-Try Foods in Changsha]
- Stinky tofu (Recommended: Luo's stinky tofu & classic black version)
- Sugar oil baba (Crispy outside, chewy inside, sweet and easy to eat, richer than sesame balls)
- Changsha large sausage (Spicy and flavorful, affordable and delicious)
- Chayan Yuese - Lemon Latte (Refreshing lemon flavor, exclusive to Changsha)
- Good Morning Lemon - Lemon Ginger Milk (A warm and unique winter drink)
- Pozi Street Food Plaza's on-site delicacies
[Souvenir Guide]
The most representative souvenirs of Changsha: Luo's stinky tofu gift box and local chili sauce. You can find them in almost every souvenir shop along Huangxing Pedestrian Street, with some places offering exquisite packaging, perfect for gifting or personal use.
[Travel Tips]
1. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking and queuing a lot🤣
2. For Chayan Yuese, choose branches with fewer crowds (there are many branches, check the map or observe on-site) to significantly reduce waiting time.
3. Since there are many hot foods, it's not recommended to go on an empty stomach; it's best suited for lunch or dinner.
4. Huogongdian and Pozi Street Food Plaza are open early and late, making mornings a great time for leisurely photo-taking.
[Food + Culture Combined Photo Route]
Start from Wuyi Square, then walk to Huangxing Square → Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street → Huogongdian Archway → Pozi Street Food Plaza. Along the way, enjoy food, shop, and take photos, experiencing the cityscape and local charm of Changsha all at once!