the Orange Isle
The Orange Isle, nestled in the heart of Xiangjiang River within the urban sprawl of Changsha, stands as one of the many alluvial sandbars downstream of the river and boasts the title of the world's largest inland island. It is not just a distinctive landmark of Changsha, but also a fountainhead of inspiration for Chairman Mao in his academic pursuits and poetic endeavors. Embraced by a rich history and profound cultural heritage, it is revered as "the cradle of Hunan culture."
The genesis of the Orange Isle dates back to the Jin Dynasty (305 A.D.), which has a history of more than 1,700 years. During the Tang and Song dynasties, it garnered its name for prolific oranges.
From afar, the Orange Isle resembles an unsinkable aircraft carrier gracefully cruising on the Xiangjiang River, a sight of grandeur and magnificence. At its tip, a statue of Mao Zedong in his youth stands tall, his eyes ablaze with vision, gaze fixed ahead as if contemplating the future. Each season here unfolds its unique charm: spring brings rippling waters and soaring gulls; summer blossoms with lotus flowers, a sight that delights the heart; autumn crowns the trees with ripened oranges, laden with fruit; and winter paints a picturesque scenery of "Dusk Snow over the River", one of the Eight Scenic Views of Hunan, as the river and snow merge into a harmonious vista.
Today, the Orange Isle scenic area is divided into four main zones: the Core Scenic Area, the Service Area, the Beach Park Area, and the Water Sports Area, offering facilities and services including sightseeing buses and a reservation system, so that visitors can better explore and experience the local culture. Admission is free, but advance booking is required.
Core Scenic Area
Asking-Heaven Platform & the Watching River Pavilion
Watching River Pavilion
At the southernmost tip of the Orange Isle stands a 3,000-square-meter plaza. In front of the plaza, there is a 350-square-meter fan-shaped Wen Tian Tai (Asking-Heaven Platform), inspired by the sentiments Mao Zedong expressed towards the heaven here in his youth. The Wang Jiang Ting (Watching River Pavilion), covering an area of 263 square meters, was initially built in 1968 and is an ancient-style structure combining pavilion and corridor.
Chairman Mao's Artistic Statue in His Youth
Chairman Mao's Artistic Statue in His Youth
The Artistic Statue of Chairman Mao is located north of Watching River Pavilion, facing southeast. Based on Mao's image during his youth in 1925, it captures the ambitious spirit of the great man. The statue stands at a height of 32 meters, a length of 83 meters, and a width of 41 meters, making it the largest artistic statue of a great figure in China. The base of the sculpture houses the Mao Zedong Memorial Exhibition Hall and Display Room, covering an area of about 2,000 square meters. These spaces are dedicated to collecting and exhibiting marble poetry monuments, various artifacts, classic paintings, sculptures, and photographic works related to Mao Zedong and other early revolutionary figures from Hunan.
Zhu Zhang Ferry
Zhu Zhang Ferry
Zhu Zhang Ferry is located in the Plum Garden, and is the historical site of the "Zhu Zhang Academic Discussion". During the Southern Song Dynasty, the Neo-Confucian master Zhu Xi visited Zhang Shi in Changsha from Fujian. The Yuelu Mountain and the Chengnan Academy were separated by a river, and the two often traveled back and forth across the Xiangjiang River, hence the name "Zhu Zhang Ferry".
Monument of Poem QinYuan Chun-Changsha
Monument of Poem QinYuan Chun-Changsha
Situated at the entrance of the core scenic area in the South Plaza, the Poetry Monument stands majestic, crafted from the natural stones. Emblazoned with Chairman Mao's celebrated poem "QinYuan Chun-Changsha", the monument's inscription exudes elegance and unfettered spirit. Its strokes flow gracefully, simple yet natural, embodying the essence of Mao's poetry and captivating the hearts of all who gaze upon it.
100-hundred-meter High Fountain & the Fireworks Square
the Fireworks Square
The water pool covers an area of approximately 8,000 square meters, and the fountain can spray water columns as high as 80 to 100 meters. The fountain comprises a single central jet and surrounding auxiliary jets, complemented by lighting and music to create an ideal viewing experience, painting a three-dimensional waterscape on the Xiangjiang River. The Fireworks Square, located to the east of the fountain, is a dedicated venue for fireworks displays during major festivals and celebrations. It stretches 500 meters from north to south and has an average width of 20 meters.
Beach Park Area
Beach Park
The Beach Park is located at the end of the Island, covering a total area of 18.24 hectares. With beach, swimming pool, indoor sports facilities, and outdoor amusement grounds, it caters to the needs of visitors of all ages and providing a venue for sports, leisure, and social interaction. Here, the laughter of children rings out like tinkling silver bells, as they build castles or bury themselves in the sand for fun. While the adults either lie leisurely on the beach, basking in the warmth of the sun, or sit in a hammock, savoring the rich aroma of coffee.
Travel Information
Location: Middle of Xiangjiang River, Changsha, Hunan Province
Open hours:
(November 1 - April 30) 7:30 -- 21:30
(May 1 - October 31) 7:00 -- 22:00
Recommended visiting hours: 2-3 Hours
Admission: Free of Charge
Sightseeing train charges:
RMB 40/person, students and seniors over 60 half price.
Beach Park: Charge according to the activities
Notes
The scenic area is larger, it is recommended to take the sightseeing train
The sculpture is regularly protected in closed form (October 8 - December 20), which will affect the visiting. Please learn more about the announcement of the scenic spot in advance.
No reserved vehicles or shared bicycles can enter the scenic area.
No pets, no drones.
The above information is for reference only. The specific prices and preferential policies may be adjusted according to the season, holidays and other factors, we recommend tourists to check the latest information through official channels before travel.
