PART 1: 5 Hidden Gems in 长沙

'WenHeYou' is an old-style marketplace-cum-restaurant which harks back to a time when many were growing up locally. The impressively maintained (refurbished) exterior -which actually makes up the retro interior- of the 'restaurant' is adored with old posters, facades and has ample dining options to satisfy any nostalgic palate. For foreign visitors however, it is the chance to experience an older setting, complete with cable car and high level walkways, from a few decades ago. it is located on the corner of the Hisense Mall in downtown Changsha, next to the Grand Hyatt Changsha. Online booking is necessary though and crowds get too much in evenings and weekends.

Another newly renovated old-style commercial shopping and food area is located close to MaWangDui metro station and features delightful, quaint stores, small eateries with classic crayfish dishes and the chance to dress in traditional 'Hanfu' costumes, a new and fast-growing craze among the younger types across China (you can choose from several 'Hanfu' stores which provide make up and dress up services). This is a great place to chillax beside a shopping mall.

Hidden in the northern district of Changsha is a small but stunning, privately run lotus garden, quietly resting on a calm lake where one can enjoy boat rides and get some great pics of nature. You might want to bring a mosquito repellent during the summer months, but we'd say it's worth it. Tickets: 15RMB (we have been told that children go free) and boat trips are 50RMB for 30mins. Arrive early morning for the best lotus flower blooming time of the day. You can buy locally grown vegetables and fruits. Accessible by car. Note: the blossom time is usually July-August. In other months these gardens might still be worth a short visit.

Right in the middle of the roundabout where ZhongShan Rd and Huangxing North Rd meet, beside the La Nova mall, stands this church-looking building. In fact, the 'Sun Yat-sen Memorial Pavilion', better known as the Zhongshan Pavilion, holds a curious secret: photos, info and artefacts related to the great man. Open times are a bit hit and miss and as far as we're aware, it's free entry. But, attention, there is no crossing over this busy traffic island. Take care! This is the type of building which should have been swept away with all the changes over the last few decades but somehow survived (thankfully). Afterwards, you could visit the pedestrian food street and check out some of the funky rooftop restaurants and take in sweeping views of the neighbourhood. At night, this food street becomes a big photo magnet with it's now-famously photographed facade of neon lights.

We have discovered a great, little lakeside retreat a short car ride from the last stop on L1 (from there, catch a Didi). This nature paradise boasts glamping tents, grassland, meeting rooms, outdoor BBQs and enough nature to fill your boots. Although overnight stays are currently not an option, they do offer two 6-hour packages: either 10:30am-5pm including lunch and fruit snacks or 2-8pm with dinner instead, for 288RMB pp. Their musician may also join in the fun. Note: all participants must book prior to arrival. Arrival without booking may be refused. You might also want to ensure you can get a Didi back if late at night.