A Hidden Gem for a Day Trip Around Changsha - Liling

There is a hidden gem around Changsha - Liling. It is only 22 minutes away from Changsha by high-speed train, and an hour by train or car. It is not only known as the City of Porcelain but also the Capital of Fireworks. The scenery is very beautiful, with fewer people, beautiful views, and affordable prices, making it an ideal weekend travel choice for friends in Changsha. Transportation🚆: High-speed train ticket one way ¥35, train ticket ¥15.5 Food🍛: Recommended restaurants are Nie's Restaurant and Nameless Noodle Shop, with an average cost of over forty yuan per person. The food is very filling and tastes good. Itinerary🗺️: China Ceramic Valley ➖ Ceramic Museum ➖ Porcelain Street ➖ Xianshan Park ➖ Lujiang Academy ➖ Zhuangyuan Island ➖ One Island Two Banks ➖ Liling Gate ➖ Picking Porcelain ➖ Return 1⃣️ China Ceramic Valley, Ceramic Museum, Porcelain Street (Free) Recommended visiting time: 2 hours (Opening hours: 8:30-21:00) These three attractions are connected and are the iconic architectural complex of Liling, a paradise for ceramic enthusiasts. Here, you can not only admire various types of porcelain but also take highly creative photos. The museum is an important window to understand Liling's ceramic culture, displaying various exquisite porcelains from the Tang Dynasty to the present. Porcelain Street is full of ancient charm, where you can also experience picking and DIY porcelain. 2⃣️ Xianshan Park (Free) Recommended visiting time: 1 hour (Open all day) This is a great place for citizens to relax and exercise, and also an excellent spot to overlook the entire city of Liling. The majestic Wangjiang Tower at the top of the mountain is particularly photogenic. 3⃣️ Lujiang Academy (Free) Recommended visiting time: 1.5 hours (Opening hours: 8:30-17:30) An ancient academy built in the Song Dynasty, with a serene environment and lush greenery. Here, you can feel a strong learning atmosphere and understand the historical evolution and cultural contributions of the academy. 4⃣️ Zhuangyuan Island (Free) Recommended visiting time: 1 hour (Open all day) A river island named after the ancient prophecy "The island passes in front of the county gate, and Liling produces top scholars." The arch bridge and stone steps on the island were built during the Southern Song Dynasty and have a long history. 5⃣️ One Island Two Banks, Liling Gate (Free) Recommended visiting time: 45 minutes (Open all day) Liling Gate is the first of the nine major gates of ancient Changsha County, located on the south bank of the Lujiang River. It is one of the eight ancient scenic spots of Liling. Walking on the Qingyun Bridge, you can also catch a glimpse of Zhuangyuan Island and Wangjiang Tower. 6⃣️ Picking Porcelain Recommended visiting time: 30 minutes You can go to Meijia Ceramics, Huasheng, and Baihua Porcelain Factory to pick porcelain. Here, you can find cheap and beautiful cups and tableware.