Changsha, in recent years, has seen a mini explosion in the number of commercial properties with revamped facades. These frontages hark back to a retro 'HK-style' array of dazzling lights and signs. Usually constructed atop a row of restaurants or along a short pedestrian street, these building covers are massively photogenic. As such, we here at WNIC have put together a mini 'old-style Changsha facade' photo-route where you can go explore, mingle (crowds can swell in some parts) and photograph away these extremely impressive commercio-art facades.

Covering some 40,000 square metres, we can introduce the biggest restaurant in China and one of 'the big five' in the world. Expect a maze of terraces, ponds, photogenic halls, Chinese artwork and elaborate shows, along with top-notch but honest and good old Hunan style dishes. This Goliath sits just a stone's throw from the Window of the World theme park and Hunan TV station and is modelled on Beijing's Forbidden City. We have heard that a minimum of 1500RMB is needed on orders. It has five kitchens and 300 chefs. Each week they get through around 700 chickens, 1200kg of pork, 200 snakes, 5600kg vegetables and 1000kg chillies. Get there from Malanshan Station (L5) and walk for 5 minutes; If driving, park right outside. You can copy/paste and browse their official website for yourself: www.xihulou.com

Also known as the 'Goodnight Home Park', this absolute gem of a park is located in the south west of the city. The famous cherry blossoms come to life in spring and the dazzling floral display extends through the summer. Don't expect too much during the colder months though. Throughout the year, the management company changes the flowers according to the seasons. It is said that night photos are even more stunning. This is a privately managed complex of buildings and therefore may be subject to a fee and/or opening/closing times. There are two entrances. Nearest metro is Yangguang (L3) followed by a short taxi or ebike ride along the main road.

Check out this video of the cherry blossoms in early 2024: 长沙拍樱花不用去武汉，航拍长沙晚安家居文化园樱花2024_哔哩哔哩_bilibili

Imagine a church. Imagine the most spectacular shapes. Now imagine you're there doing some badass photography. Well, this post-modern, under-development church ('Church of Light') in the far southern suburbs of Changsha next to Xianguling Park, boasts contours and shadows to inspire any photographic venture. You can really have an artistic splash here ...if you can get in! Not open to the public per se, but when the door is open, it seems permitted to enter and enjoy the structure to it's finest. We wouldn't say this is a tourist spot, nor a proper outing as such, but more of a back door, off the beaten track, chance to explore a fascinating and devine piece of art. This is going to be a powerhouse of a religious building. Easily reached from L1 Zhongxin Square. Take a chance, go explore!

This last one is a bit of a wildcard and not so near to Changsha. About an hour or so, and closer to Xiangtan, is this working railway engine yard for older locos and carriages. Indeed, the perfect thing for train spotters and anyone looking to explore retro tech and trains. Great for photos. You'll find many semi-abandoned engines in this fairly easy to access gem, but do bear in mind that it's not a bone-a-fide tourist location. Below, we have given the name, address and directions from netizens in Chinese, for clarity. We also don't for sure know if you can climb onto the engines but we have found plenty of online pics of people doing so. We advise going with a Chinese person 'just in case'. The info here is from various online sources of this place. Check online before heading out to this beauty.