avatar
mayaauroraSingapore

Stay Here! Found a Hidden Gem Hotel That Offers Free Travel Photography!

Trip Moment for BanShanBanShui (ChangShaYuelu Mountain University Town, Branch) shared by mayaaurora
Posted 30 days ago, helping 33 travelers with their trips
There are also 4 other Trip Moments about BanShanBanShui (ChangShaYuelu Mountain University Town, Branch) that can provide additional references for your trip
Hey lovelies🥰, I recently discovered an amazing hotel—Banshan Banshui Hotel🏨—and I just HAVE to share it with you! 🌳At first glance, this hotel feels like stepping into a landscape painting🖼️. Surrounded by lush green mountains and crystal-clear streams, it blends seamlessly with nature, as if Mother Earth herself crafted this serene retreat⛰️. 📸Here’s the highlight! This hotel offers an irresistible perk—complimentary travel photography!😎 For someone like me who wants stunning travel photos🌈 without splurging on a professional photographer, this is an absolute lifesaver🌟! 🎞️The hotel’s photographer is both professional and thoughtful🥳. Before the shoot, we discussed my preferred style, and during the session, they patiently guided my poses🤳 while capturing my most natural and beautiful moments. In the hotel garden🌸, they had me gently touch the flowers while gazing into the distance, resulting in artsy, fresh shots; on the lakeside boardwalk🌉, they captured me running freely against the wind, creating dynamic, energetic photos full of life🏃♀️. 🏨The hotel itself boasts top-notch facilities and service👍. The rooms are spacious, bright, and cozy🛏️, with every detail reflecting quality. The ultra-soft bedding ensured sweet dreams every night😴. The hotel restaurant was another delightful surprise🤩, serving authentic local dishes🍱 that left me craving more. 🌃Plus, the public areas are perfect for photography📷 and relaxation. The grand lobby, stylish lounges, and scenic viewing decks all make for stunning backdrops🎬. 💖My stay at Banshan Banshui Hotel wasn’t just about comfort and delicious food—it also gifted me a set of high-quality travel photos🌠. The experience was simply incredible! Lovelies, if you want a relaxing stay🛏️, mouthwatering local cuisine🍜, AND free, gorgeous photos📸, hurry and book Banshan Banshui Hotel! It’s guaranteed to create unforgettable travel memories🥳!
View original text
*This content is provided by our partner and translated by AI
Submit
0
Mentioned in this post
View more
I discovered a hidden gem of a lakeside hotel in Houhu, Changsha – it's so relaxing!
BanShanBanShui (ChangShaYuelu Mountain University Town, Branch)

I discovered a hidden gem of a lakeside hotel in Houhu, Changsha – it's so relaxing!

avatarGlobetrottingSoul_123
Between the lake's shimmering light and the mountain's colors, art and inspiration collide
Central South University

Between the lake's shimmering light and the mountain's colors, art and inspiration collide

avatarCHRIS WARREN
A Dreamy Hideaway by the Back Lake | In-Depth Check-in at Banshan Banshui Hotel
Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area

A Dreamy Hideaway by the Back Lake | In-Depth Check-in at Banshan Banshui Hotel

avatarWarpSpeed_678
Don't go to the wrong place! Direct route! Best photo spot at Orange Isle Head
BanShanBanShui (ChangShaYuelu Mountain University Town, Branch)

Don't go to the wrong place! Direct route! Best photo spot at Orange Isle Head

avatarPami 3480
This place is truly artistic!
Houhu International Art Center

This place is truly artistic!

avatarElizabethMcAllister732
The Most Instagrammable Spots in Changsha!
Houhu International Art Center

The Most Instagrammable Spots in Changsha!

avatarFIONA HARRISON
May Day Getaway: Experience a Poetic Corner of Changsha! Discover a Dreamy Hotel by Yuelu Mountain
Hunan Art Museum

May Day Getaway: Experience a Poetic Corner of Changsha! Discover a Dreamy Hotel by Yuelu Mountain

avatarSophiaParrishffxafd
Family B&B Spend Time|HBD Her Cute and Charming 3-Year-Old
Li Zijian Art Museum

Family B&B Spend Time|HBD Her Cute and Charming 3-Year-Old

avatarPositiveVibes%
First time at Changsha IFS? Avoid the hassle
I've mapped out the perfect route.
From the entrance to the rooftop, it's a straight shot with no backtracking.
5 photo spots, done in 1.5 hours📸
Your social media feed will be on fire after this‼️
1️⃣ Hong Kong-style "Changsha" photo wall (Next to Changsha Spring, KKV 2nd floor)
📍 How to find it: Exit Wuyi Square Metro Station and head south (toward IFS). You'll see a KKV on your right near Changsha Spring 👉🏻. The wall is right at the top of the stairs on the 2nd floor!
2️⃣ Rainbow wall (Yonghua Building)
📍 How to find it: Search for "Yonghua Building" on your map. The rainbow wall is diagonally opposite, and you can easily stop by on your way out of IFS.
▫️ The colorful gradient wall is super photogenic. Wear solid colors or white to make your outfit pop. Use the whole wall as a background for full-body shots.
3️⃣ GM giant face (L1 floor)
📍 How to find it: Take the escalator from LG1 to L1. Look for the GENTLE MONSTER (GM) store; the giant face is right at the entrance.
4️⃣ KAWS sculpture (L7 floor, Sky Garden)
📍 How to find it: Go back to the mall atrium and find the "express elevator." Press L7. When you exit, you'll be in the Sky Garden. The two 8-meter giant figures are right next to the mstand coffee shop.
▫️ After 5:30 PM, the setting sun gives the giant figures a golden outline—the vibe is unmatched.
5️⃣ Viral big screen (L7 floor, next to the express elevator)
📍 How to find it: On the same floor as the KAWS sculpture, right next to the express elevator. Turn around and you'll see the naked-eye 3D screen.
▫️ It scrolls "Changsha." Standing in front of the screen for a photo creates a great vibe.
🗺️ Complete route:
Metro Line 1/2 Wuyi Square Station → Enter IFS and head south → KKV next to Changsha Spring, go up to the 2nd floor → Hong Kong-style wall (staircase entrance) → Rainbow wall (Yonghua Building) → Go down to L1 → GM giant face (GM store entrance) → Find the atrium express elevator to L7 → Exit to KAWS (next to mstand) + viral big screen (next to the elevator)
📌 Practical info
📍 Address: 188 Jiefang West Road, Furong District (Changsha IFS)
🚇 Transportation: Metro Line 1/2 Wuyi Square Station, direct access to the mall
🕐 Time: Mall opens at 10:00 AM, rooftop opens at 10:30 AM; the whole photo tour takes about 1.5 hours
🎫 Admission: All free, direct access to the Sky Garden
💡 Quick tips
▪️ Try to go in the morning to avoid crowds; you basically won't have to wait in line—it's super smooth.
▪️ The rooftop KAWS is less crowded on weekdays. Go right when it opens at 10:30 AM for the emptiest shots.
WuYi Plaza

First time

avatar_TI***f3
I originally just came to see the "Lady Xin Zhui's banquet" VR exhibition.
But after coming out,
I spent almost an hour browsing the Hunan Museum gift shop...
Friends planning to visit the Hunan Museum this summer,
don't miss these 4 gift shops👇
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Contender 1 | Large gift shop on the 1st floor to the right
This is likely the largest gift shop area in the museum.
It has everything from figurines, bags, and stationery to various collection-inspired merchandise,
perfect for first-time visitors to just walk through.
The pro is that it's comprehensive.
The con is that it's so comprehensive it's easy to get overwhelmed,
and some products aren't exactly cheap.
It falls into the category of:
"If you want to buy something, you'll definitely find it, but it might not be the best value."
Recommendation rating: ⭐⭐⭐
· —
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Contender 2 | Small fridge magnet shop at the special exhibition exit
It's not big.
But fridge magnet fans won't be able to walk away.
It feels like all the most popular fridge magnets,
badges, and small charms from the entire Hunan Museum have been condensed here.
It's a classic case of:
the shop is small,
but it's very comprehensive.
The fridge magnet wall is theirs!
If you have limited time,
and want to buy souvenirs quickly,
· —
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Contender 3 | Gift shop at the entrance of the "Lady Xin Zhui's banquet" VR exhibition
The biggest surprise today.
It's also my personal favorite.
The overall design is clearly more youthful.
Fridge magnets, bookmarks, journals, blessing cards, bracelets...
everything is stuff young people will like.
And the most important thing:
the prices are really friendly.
I was just at the banquet with Lady Xin Zhui in the VR,
and now I can take home the same merchandise.
This experience is amazing.
It falls into the category of:
"Want it, so I got it."
PS: If you see the VR exhibition now, it seems there's an event where you can get a free fridge magnet!
· —
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Contender 4 | Digital Han Life on the 4th floor
If the first 3 shops are for shopping,
this one is more like browsing a lifestyle space.
You can drink Cha Yan Yue Se,
you can rest,
and you can look at design-focused cultural and creative products.
The black cat series is ridiculously cute.
I couldn't help myself,
and ended up taking home a black cat plushie and a collaboration bag.
The number of products here isn't the highest,
but the aesthetic is definitely the ceiling of the whole museum.
Plus, it's not crowded.
It's the kind of hidden gem that many people miss when they come to the Hunan Museum.
· —
Summary:
🏆 Most fun shopping: Lady Xin Zhui VR exhibition shop
🏆 Best for photos: 4th floor Digital Han Life
🏆 Must-visit for fridge magnet fans: Special exhibition exit shop
🏆 Most comprehensive selection: 1st floor large gift shop area
I originally just came to see the exhibition.
But I ended up leaving with a pile of cultural and creative products.
I have to say,
the most dangerous place in the Hunan Museum,
might not be the exhibition halls at all.
It's the gift shops. 😂
Hunan Museum

I original

avatar_TI***ja
Today's cat 🐱 plog - Changsha edition!
Finally checked off the Youth Mao Zedong Statue at Orange Isle! ✨
I've put together a practical, tried-and-tested travel & photo guide. If you're planning a trip to Changsha, just follow these tips!
🚇 Transport guide
Subway Line 2 to Juzizhou Station, Exit 2, is the best way to reach the park entrance directly.
❌ Driving or taking a taxi during holidays is not recommended. The Xiang River Bridge gets extremely congested, and private cars cannot drive directly to the core area of the statue.
After entering the park, it's still 3 km to the statue. Walking is exhausting and exposes you to the sun, so definitely buy a ticket for the sightseeing train!
Tickets are CNY 40 round-trip, and CNY 20 for students with ID. The trains run on a loop with hop-on/hop-off service, so there's no need to rush for the first train.
⏰ Best time to visit
1. Enter between 6:00 AM–8:00 AM: Fewer tourists, cooler temperatures, and you'll perfectly avoid the scorching summer sun.
2. Evening 5:30 PM–6:30 PM: The soft sunset light creates a perfect atmosphere, and you can enjoy the Xiang River night view after taking photos.
(The hour around sunset is best for photos!)
📷 Niche photo spots | Avoid the crowds at the front
1. Riverside beach on the side of the statue: Shoot from the side to avoid the crowds at the front; there's plenty of room for composition.
2. Shrubbery in front of the statue: Use a low-angle shot to capture both yourself and the full view of the statue.
3. Carved window frames at Wangjiang Pavilion: Use the Chinese-style frame composition. Watch out for backlighting; it creates a very cinematic feel.
⚠️ Essential packing list
Sun protection! Sun protection! Sun protection! The UV rays in Changsha are very strong during the day.
Power bank, sun hat, sunglasses; it's windy by the river, so you might want to bring a light jacket.
❗ Important tips to avoid pitfalls
1. Don't trust the "shortcuts" recommended by people soliciting business on the roadside; they are all scams.
2. Picking the ornamental oranges on the island is prohibited; you will be fined if caught.
You have to visit the head of Orange Isle at least once when you come to Changsha. Watch the Xiang River flow north and experience the unique romance of this city. 🌿
Orange Isle Scenic Area

Today's ca

avatar_TI***y1
Day 1 Arrival | Food and shopping route (downtown commercial area + night market)
Afternoon: Arrive at Changsha South from Jiaxing South ➡️ Drop off luggage at the hotel
Take the subway directly to the hotel to rest and avoid the midday heat.
IFS (International Finance Square). You can stop by to take photos at the black and white Changsha wall.
Check out the KAWS sculpture on the 7th floor and various Changsha walls. You can get Cha Yan Yue Se inside the mall without waiting in line. For dinner, I ate at Luxiang Town; the price and taste were good, and you can order non-spicy dishes. I also ran into some WMLS seeing off Wozi; I'm a WMLS too ✌️.
Taiping Old Street + Pozi Street
Just walk around, don't eat on the main street! The main street has high markups, so duck into the alleys to find local snacks; check out Black Classic Stinky Tofu and sugar oil baba.
⚠️ Tip: Only take photos at Huogongdian; don't eat there.
Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street
Check out the giant neon sign
Day 2 Landscape and culture route | Yuelu Mountain + Orange Isle
Orange Isle Scenic Area (book 3 days in advance)
Arrive at 7:00 AM. You must buy the CNY 40 round-trip sightseeing train ticket. The whole route is 6 km, so walking is not recommended
Check out the statue of young Chairman Mao at the terminal and take photos on the riverside lawn
Yuelu Mountain (enter from the South Gate, energy-saving route)
Get off at "Hunan University Station" on the subway line and enter the park from the South Gate;
Lazy option: Take the sightseeing car directly to the summit and walk down; if you have enough energy, you can take the cable car up and the slide down.
Check out: One of the four famous pavilions, "Aiwan Pavilion," and the thousand-year-old Yuelu Academy (separate ticket required). Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Xiangjiang River and the whole city.
Lushan South Road Food Street
Day 3 Cultural depth + niche artsy spots | Provincial Museum + Old Street
Hunan Museum (book 5 days in advance)
We took a taxi there. I recommend renting an audio guide. We entered at 9:30 AM; it wasn't crowded, and we didn't have to wait in line.
Core exhibition areas: Mawangdui Han Tombs, plain silk garment, T-shaped silk painting, and Xin Zhui artifacts. Experience the Western Han Hunan culture.
Lunch,
Wudie Stinky Tofu, Jinji Sugar Oil Tuotuo, and lard noodles—affordable and authentic.
Chaozong Street (a quiet, retro old street great for photos)
Green brick alleys, creative shops, and red walls for photos. It's quieter than Taiping Street and suitable for buying souvenirs (Cha Yan merchandise, soy sauce duck). Also bought Jinli Men snacks for the high-speed train; they were cheap and had large portions. Didn't go to Snack Kingdom because the queue was too long and it was too hot.
4:32 PM high-speed train back to Jiaxing.
Hunan Museum

Day 1 Arri

avatar_TI***d5