[2025 Xiangxiang Attraction] Travel Guide for Dongshan College (Updated May)

🏛️ Overview Located in Dongshan New City, Xiangxiang, Xiangtan, Hunan Province, Dongshan Academy was established in 1895. It was Mao Zedong's first place of study in his youth and a pioneer of modern education in China. As a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and National Patriotic Education Demonstration Base, the academy combines Hunan cultural heritage with revolutionary spirit. It features both Qing Dynasty Confucian architectural layout emphasizing "ritual and music harmony" and embodies educational principles of "integrity, sincerity, diligence, and frugality," making it a must-visit destination for exploring the footsteps of great leaders and experiencing the fusion of history and nature. 🌟 Key Highlights: A Dialogue Across Time from Academy to Revolution 🏫 Birthplace of New Hunan Learning • Mao Zedong's Former Study Site: Mao studied here in 1910. Original buildings including classrooms and dormitories remain preserved. A statue of young Mao gazing into the distance stands in the bronze statue plaza, recreating his ambitious spirit of leaving home to pursue his dreams. • Architectural Features: The academy follows the Eight Trigrams layout, with two main gates positioned at the "Qian and Kun" positions, symbolizing students' future influence. The lecture hall features Western-style glass windows, while the library preserves Qing Dynasty woodblock prints of the Complete Library in Four Sections. • Red Heritage: The exhibition hall displays Mao's manuscripts, classmate records, and revolutionary artifacts, bringing to life stories like the "Four Outstanding Students of Dongshan School." 🌿 Nature and Culture Coexistence • Dongshan National Forest Park: The academy backs onto mountains, with forest trails leading to Wangchun Pavilion overlooking the winding Lianshui River. • Zhuangyuan Bridge: A Song Dynasty bridge spans the Zhouxi River, shaded by century-old camphor trees. Legend says "crossing the bridge leads to success." • Lotus Pond Moonlight: In summer, lotus ponds surround the academy's east side, perfect for traditional costume photography and occasional encounters with art students practicing calligraphy. 🎓 Cultural Experiences: From Classroom to Stage • Chinese Classical Studies: Regular Analects readings and calligraphy workshops, with opportunities to experience the "First Writing Ceremony" in traditional robes. • Drama "Young Classmates": Live performances recreating scenes of Mao debating with classmates and composing poems on mountain hikes (combo tickets include performances). • Cultural Creative Workshop: Create "Dongshan Bookmarks" and make rubbings of academy stone inscriptions for unique cultural souvenirs. 📝 In-Depth Guide: Classic Routes and Hidden Experiences 🎫 Tickets and Opening Hours • Admission: Free entry, reservation required through "Dongshan School" WeChat account. • Hours: 08:00-17:30, closed Mondays for maintenance. • Recommended Routes: Half-day (3 hours): Zhuangyuan Bridge → Academy Gate → Mao's Classroom → Library → Bronze Statue Plaza Full-day: Morning academy exploration + afternoon Dongshan Mountain hiking + evening lotus pond light show. 🌸 Hidden Spots • Ancient Well Behind Academy: Crystal-clear water where Mao allegedly washed his brushes, with "Remember Your Origins" carved in stone. • Air Raid Shelter Site: Former WWII shelter converted to history exhibition hall, revealing the academy's wartime perseverance. 🍜 Local Flavors: Hunan Cuisine Meets Mountain Specialties • Must-Try List: ◦ Dongshan Grilled Fish: Charcoal-grilled river fish with spicy peppers (15 yuan/serving at Academy Food Street) ◦ Mao-style Red-braised Pork: Tender and flavorful (48 yuan/serving at Dongshan Hotel Restaurant) ◦ Mugwort Rice Cakes: Fresh-made with fragrant mugwort (5 yuan each) • Snack Highlights: ◦ Sweet Oil Rice Balls: Golden and chewy (8 yuan/skewer) ◦ Perilla Peach Ginger: Sweet and sour summer special (10 yuan/serving) 🚗 Transportation Guide: Convenient Red Tourism Routes • Driving: ◦ From Changsha: Changzhi Expressway → Hukun Expressway → Xiangxiang exit (1.5 hours) ◦ From Xiangtan: Tanmeng Road → Dongshan Avenue, navigate to "Dongshan Academy" (30 minutes from city) • Public Transport: ◦ High-speed Rail: Taxi from Shaoshan South Station (40 minutes, 80 yuan) ◦ Bus: Xiangxiang Route 102 direct to academy (First bus 06:30, last bus 18:00) 🏡 Nearby Accommodation: Academy Stay and Mountain Retreat • Dongshan Residence: Converted century-old house overlooking academy eaves, breakfast + guided tour package 398 yuan/night • Cloud Mountain House: Hillside cabins facing Dongshan Mountain, afternoon tea available (from 498 yuan/night) • Value Options: ◦ Qingfeng Lodge: Designer guesthouse with floor-to-ceiling windows and floor heating, private hot spring pool included (880 yuan/night) ◦ Backpacker Camp: Tent/RV rentals, shared kitchen for BBQ (150 yuan/tent) 📸 Photography and Tour Suggestions • Photo Spots: ◦ Academy Gate Upward Shot: Wide-angle lens highlighting roof eaves with Zhouxi River and Zhuangyuan Bridge background ◦ Bronze Statue Silhouette: Capture Mao's statue against sunset • Combined Tours: ◦ Red Tourism Route: Dongshan Academy → Mao Zedong's Former Residence → Shaoshan Martyrs' Cemetery ◦ Nature Route: Academy → Dongshan Mountain → Maohu Ancient Town • Cultural Bonus: Annual "First Writing Ceremony" in September, featuring children in traditional dress reciting classics, continuing thousand-year cultural heritage. From the scholarly sounds of the Qing Dynasty to the spark of revolution, Dongshan Academy stands as a beacon across time with its spirit of "seeking truth from facts," fusing Hunan's cultural heritage with revolutionary faith. Whether tracing the footsteps of great leaders or seeking natural tranquility, there's always a story here waiting for you to continue.

🎇Xiangtan, a shining pearl on the Hunan plains, boasts thousands of years of history and culture, as well as beautiful natural scenery. Like a hidden gem, it exudes a unique charm, waiting for travelers to explore and discover. In March, Xiangtan enjoys a gentle spring breeze and lush greenery, making it the perfect time to travel. Here's a travel guide for Xiangtan in March, so you can fully appreciate the beauty of this city~ - Transportation Guide🚌 - External Transportation: Xiangtan is easily accessible by various means of transportation. If you are traveling from afar, you can fly to Changsha Huanghua International Airport and then transfer to Xiangtan by airport bus, high-speed rail, or taxi. You can also take the high-speed rail directly to Xiangtan North Station, with direct trains from many cities. - Internal Transportation: Public buses are an economical and convenient way to travel within Xiangtan, reaching most attractions. For more flexibility, you can also take a taxi or rent a shared electric bike. - Itinerary🏞 - Day 1: Shaoshan Tourist Area - Comrade Mao Zedong's Former Residence - Mao Zedong Square - Morning: After arriving in Xiangtan, head to the Shaoshan Tourist Area, the hometown of the great leader Comrade Mao Zedong, a place rich in red culture. Visit Comrade Mao Zedong's Former Residence, a typical Jiangnan farmhouse, and experience the environment where the great man grew up. - Afternoon: Visit Mao Zedong Square, pay respects to the bronze statue of Chairman Mao, and lay a wreath to express your reverence. There are also many souvenir shops around the square where you can choose some commemorative items. - Day 2: Peng Dehuai Memorial Hall - Dongshan Academy - Morning: Visit the Peng Dehuai Memorial Hall to learn about the life and deeds of Marshal Peng Dehuai. The hall displays many precious historical relics and materials. - Afternoon: Visit Dongshan Academy, a school with a glorious revolutionary tradition. Mao Zedong, Chen Geng, and others studied here. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural atmosphere. - Day 3: Zhaoshan Scenic Area - Yaowan Historical and Cultural District - Yuhu Park - Morning: Head to Zhaoshan Scenic Area, where the mountains are rolling and the trees are lush. Climb to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of the Xiangjiang River and breathe in the fresh air. - Afternoon: Stroll through the Yaowan Historical and Cultural District, taste various local snacks, and experience the charm of old Xiangtan. In the evening, take a walk in Yuhu Park, enjoy the night view, and experience the leisurely life of Xiangtan. - Must-See Attractions🌟 - Shaoshan Tourist Area: A red tourism destination and the birthplace of the great man, not to be missed. - Comrade Mao Zedong's Former Residence: The place where the great man was born and raised, highly commemorative. - Mao Zedong Square: Pay homage to the bronze statue of Chairman Mao and commemorate the great man. - Peng Dehuai Memorial Hall: Learn about the life of Marshal Peng Dehuai. - Dongshan Academy: Experience the time-honored academy culture. - Zhaoshan Scenic Area: Beautiful natural scenery, ideal for hiking and enjoying the view. - Yaowan Historical and Cultural District: Experience the historical charm and food culture of Xiangtan. - Yuhu Park: The most representative park in Xiangtan, a great place for a leisurely stroll. - Food Recommendations🍜 - Dengxin Cake: A traditional Xiangtan delicacy, shaped like a lampwick, white, soft, and sweet but not greasy. - Longpai Soy Sauce: A Xiangtan specialty soy sauce, used for cooking or dipping, with a delicious flavor. - Mao's Braised Pork: Made with pork belly, it has a bright red color and is rich but not greasy. - Chopped Chili Fish Head: Spicy and delicious, with tender fish and full of Hunan flavor. - Tangyou Baba: Soft, glutinous, and sweet, a Hunan specialty snack. - Clothing Guide👗 The temperature in Xiangtan gradually warms up in March, but there is still a large temperature difference between day and night. It is recommended to bring a light jacket, such as a windbreaker or thin sweater, with a shirt or T-shirt underneath. You can wear a single layer during the day, but you will need a jacket in the evening. Also, prepare comfortable sneakers for walking around. - Accommodation Recommendations🏨 - Xiangtan City: You can choose to stay in the city center or near attractions, with convenient transportation and complete surrounding facilities. Examples include Huayin International Hotel and Xiangtan Hotel. - Shaoshan: For an in-depth tour of Shaoshan, you can choose to stay in hotels or guesthouses near the Shaoshan Scenic Area, such as Shaoshan Hotel or Shaoshan Runze Oriental Culture City Inn. - Precautions⚠️ - When visiting red attractions, maintain a solemn and respectful demeanor and abide by the regulations of the scenic area. - Xiangtan cuisine is mainly spicy. If you can't handle spicy food, remember to inform the waiter in advance. - Take care of your personal belongings when using public transportation. - There may be rain in Xiangtan in March, so remember to bring an umbrella. 🎉March in Xiangtan offers a blend of red culture, natural scenery, and delicious food. I hope this guide will help you have a pleasant and unforgettable trip to Xiangtan and create wonderful memories~

12 Minutes from Changsha to Jiangnan, a Real-Life Dream of Splendor in Xiangtan There is a real "Jiangnan" around Changsha. The moment I stepped through the door, I was shocked by the scene in front of me. Everyone here was wearing Hanfu, and the buildings and everything here were like a real-life Dream of Splendor. A Tang Dynasty woman sat by the lake in front of a guzheng. When the guzheng began to play, I really felt like I had traveled back to the Tang Dynasty. Location: Wangbayuanzi Wild House, Yuetang District, Xiangtan City Transportation: Take a high-speed train from Changsha South Railway Station to Xiangtan North Railway Station (12 minutes), then take a taxi for 20 minutes (about CNY 30) This is actually a restaurant, but you can also drink tea here. The place is very large, and you can take photos even if you don't eat here.