Hunan Day 8 Explore Changsha - Orange Island & Yuelu Academy

Changsha長沙 (long sand) is the capital and most populous city of Hunan province in the south central part of the People's Republic of China. It was a short drive from our hotel to Orange Island Park.

Orange Island Park is 5km long surrounded by Xiang River which was silted up by sand and stones in 305 A.D. It is popularly known that Maozedong and his friends used to swim in the River Xiang during their younger years in Changsha.

All freshen up and ready for another good day of sightseeing in Hunan.

In a shutter bus from the vehicle parking area to the desired spot of interest as guided by Little Duck & Leo.

A view into the beautiful and relaxing landscape at the park.

Here you are, the Young Mao Zedong statue standing a height of 32 metres tall, most iconic landmark in the island and was built in 2009. By the way, Hunan is the place where Maozedong was originated, born in Shaoshan about 80km from Changsha and studied in Changsha.

 In 1925, Chairman Mao Zedong, the founder of the People’s Republic of China, revisited Orange Island and wrote a famous poem, “Changsha Tune – Spring in a Pleasure Garden”, to praise the place and express his willingness to build a new country. In 1960 a park was established on the island and two years later it was opened to the public, named as Orange Island Park.

Maozedong began his revolutionary career in Hunan and the rest was history while Lisa and Lai Yoong posing with the young and handsome soldiers with Maozedong eyeing on them.

While Jo flirted with young Maozedong.

I had my share of fun, taking a wefie with the youthful guards.

Some of the many paintings of young Maozedong seen at the Exhibition Hall.

I took the chance to show off my Chinese name on the electronic screen with my own calligraphic strokes.

Lai Yoong's calligraphy skill was much nicer than mine.

Lunch at one of the famous restaurants in Changsha.

Nice ambiance and fabulous food on its way to the table.

Some of dishes we had, one of them was the stinking tofu but not as strong as the one in Taiwan.

Our second visit of the day was the famous Yuelu Academy located somewhere at the foot of Yuelu Mountain. There were an entrance fees imposed which was all taken care by our Tourist Guide, Little Duck.

This is the main entrance into the old academy full of historical details especially on those Chinese characters at the entrance door.

Yuelu Academy is one of the four most prestigious academies over the last 1,000 years in China, it is now known as Hunan University.

The ladies from our tour at the gorgeous Confucius Temple.

Ewe Kiang taking a snap shoot at the main hall.

Confucius at the courtyard where his philosophy, Confucianism emphasized on personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity.

There are many moon shaped gates, meticulously manicured landscape and courtyards that we went through, all of them are really classical and ancient.

The old oriental architecture is amazingly pretty and carefully restored. 

And lastly a pond nearby before we left the Yuele Academy.

Looks like I was a "part-time" guide in this tour. Anyway I find that Yuelu Academy is too academic for me nevertheless I enjoyed spending time feeling the ancient China and seeing the well preserved buildings.

Hunan Day 7 Fenghuang Ancient Town 鳳凰縣 to Changsha

All packed and was ready to check out from Feng Huang Cheng Hotel, the weather was fine but no more snowing like on the previous day.

As required to gather at the hotel lobby for the next destination which will be Changsha.

We had a last minute photo shooting before we had to walk to the awaiting bus.

Meanwhile Chor Choo trying to carry fruit baskets like the local seller used to practice daily. 

An enjoyable walk to our bus with a beautiful river side scenery along Tou Jiang River.

The porters assisted us with our bags to the bus and we left Fenghuang Ancient Town couple minutes after 10am. It was going to be a long journey for the day and estimated to be a distance of about 450km.

A stop somewhere midway for a toilet break and stretching exercise after a long sitting in the coach.

The local helping themselves with food at the pit stop while our lunch would have to wait for the next stop before reaching Changsha.

At last our lunch will soon be served at this location and it was indeed a late lunch.

It was a big restaurant but we were the only occupying table at this late hour for lunch.

Finally we arrived at Grand Mercure Changsha, the same hotel we stayed on our first night. Time was already in sixish and indeed a long bus journey for the day.

Immediately after checking into the hotel we took a stroll to out dinner place.

The restaurant with a Red Army theme called Renmingongshe Dashitang 人民公社大食堂 for a dinner at ZiJing Street GPS : 28.197752, 112.975825.

The dinner was another awesome indulgent and again with some local beers to compliment the meal.

All were hideous and were concentrating on their meals. Bon Appetit. 

Some of us were gamed for a walk to an old street with lot of shopping activity. The gateway of Taiping Street