Changsha just hit something different.

Eleven Filipino journalists recently had a major media trip to China, stopping by the iconic Changsha Planning Exhibition Hall.

Let’s just say, this place has a vibe.

The exhibition hall at Changsha Riverside Cultural Park isn’t just your typical museum moment. It’s serving serious inspo with its mission to be a “window looking into Changsha” and a whole blueprint for its future.

The 9,255-square-meter spot is a massive tech, vibe, and knowledge treasure trove.

This is your guide to one of the must-see locations in Changsha.

The Changsha Planning Exhibition Hall breaks down Changsha’s identity through four jaw-dropping sections:

Changsha overview

An introduction to Changsha’s famous scenery and vibrant culture will kick off your trip.

The lobby’s Theme Screen Wall welcomes you with eye-catching images of the city’s breathtaking landscape, including the tranquil Orange Islet floating in its waters, the Xiang River flowing elegantly north, and Yuelu Mountain towering magnificently on its west bank.

After that, the Changsha Signatures Wall honors the city’s distinct character by presenting attractions like the intricate Chrysanthemum Stone Carvings, the Hunan Embroidery (one of China’s renowned four embroidery designs), and regional specialties like chili peppers and stinky tofu.

Finally, the Master Planning Model offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Changsha’s central urban area through an ecological model scaled at 1:1300.

Thanks to its multi-dimensional presentation system, you’ll see the harmonious blend of mountains, rivers and islets that define Changsha’s landscape.

Changsha history

Step into Changsha’s rich past, starting with the history of the City Structure, which traces the city’s evolution from the ancient Sanmiao Kingdom through its time as Tanzhou and its renaming as Changsha State in the Ming Dynasty.

Next, dive into the Recreation of the Old Taiping Street, where the bustling market, smithy, and teahouses bring the ancient streets to life, offering a sensory journey back in time.

Finally, explore the Conservation of Historical and Cultural City, showcasing iconic sites like Jinggang Town, Tongguan Town and Wenjiashi Town, each telling a story of Changsha’s heritage, with Tianxin Pavilion standing as a symbol of the city’s enduring legacy.

Plan corridor

Changsha is a city with ambitious goals in addition to its rich heritage. Discover the future with the VR Interactive Exhibition, where you may ride an electric bike, drive a sensor-controlled car, or tour Wuyi Road, Orange Islet, and Xiangjiang Road virtually.

With a wave of your arm, you may even cause azaleas to blossom on Dawei Mountain in the Distant Interactive Scene Cinema, a 3D movie of Changsha.

Last, the Digital Sand Table displays Changsha’s creative plans by providing a 3D representation of the city’s resources and upcoming initiatives.

Changsha in my eyes 2050

Discover what the future holds for Changsha in this exciting section.

Adventures Around the World lets you take a “tour” of six modern cities like Singapore, Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi, complete with an “air ticket” and “ID photo.”

Afterward, test your knowledge in a quiz. Changsha DIY invites you to visualize your ideas for the future through interactive holographic displays of homes, communities and city designs.

Last, explore the Photo Gallery, where local residents share their snapshots of Changsha’s beauty, showcasing themes like nature, cityscapes, leisure, art and memories.

If you’re already planning your visit to the Changsha Planning Exhibition Hall, here’s what you need to know: It’s located in the Changsha Riverside Cultural Park and is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last admission at 4:30 p.m.

The hall is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. It’s easy to get there: take the subway’s Line 1 to North Delta Station and get off at Exit 1, or take one of the buses that stop close to the venue, such as 804, 283, 906, or 237.