Orange Isle (Juzizhou, 橘子洲头) is located in the heart of the Xiangjiang River in Changsha, covering an original area of approximately 17 hectares. The overall developed land area of the scenic spot now spans 91.64 hectares, making it the largest alluvial sandbar among many in the lower reaches of the Xiangjiang River. Often referred to as “China’s No.1 Isle,” the island stretches from south to north, crossing the river’s center. To the west, it faces Yuelu Mountain, and to the east, it overlooks Changsha city. Surrounded by water on all sides, the island extends over ten kilometers, with a narrowest width of about 40 meters and a widest point of approximately 140 meters, resembling a long, narrow island.
Orange Isle is believed to have formed in 305 AD during the Yongxing period of Emperor Hui of the Jin Dynasty. It emerged due to the accumulation of sand and stones carried by swirling currents. The isle gained significant fame in 1925 when Mao Zedong, returning to Hunan to lead the peasant movement after his time in Guangzhou, revisited the isle during autumn and composed the famous poem “Changsha, To the Tune of Qin Yuan Chun.”
The scenic area is home to thousands of plant species, including 143 rare and precious varieties, as well as many rare animals such as gulls, foxes, and badgers. Notable attractions within the area include the Youth Mao Zedong Art Sculpture and Wentian Platform.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Juzizhou (Orange Isle)
- Vlog about the Orange Isle
- Other Notable Attractions in Changsha Downtown
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Juzizhou: Free Beach Park: 50 RMB Sight-seeing Bus: 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.00 – 22.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0731-88882152 |
Location and Transportation
Juzizhou (Orange Isle) is located at No. 2 Juzizhou Head, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, in the center of the Xiangjiang River. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 109 and get off at Juzizhou Scenic Area Stop (橘子洲景区站).
Metro: The closest metro station to the attraction is Juzizhou Qinglian (橘子洲·青莲) on line 2. After getting out of the station, you will be standing at the center of the isle.
Highlights of Juzizhou (Orange Isle)
Wentian Platform
Wentian Platform is a significant spot on Orange Isle with deep historical ties to Mao Zedong. From 1913 to 1918, during his time as a student at Hunan First Normal University, young Mao Zedong often crossed the Xiangjiang River with his classmates to Orange Isle. Here, he would engage in various activities and reflect on how to change the old world and build a new China. It was on this very spot that Mao frequently stood, pondering the future of his country. The establishment of Wentian Platform commemorates Mao’s aspirations, which eventually became reality, symbolizing his determination and vision for a new China.
Beach Park and Fountain
The Beach Park, located within the Orange Isle Scenic Area in downtown Changsha, covers an area of approximately 0.133 square kilometers. It is home to China’s first waterfront sports and leisure park within an urban core. The park is divided into two main sections: one dedicated to outdoor sports and cultural leisure activities, and the other to indoor sports and recreation.
One of the park’s most striking features is the Hundred-Meter Fountain, which reaches the height of a 30-story building when in operation. This towering fountain, situated in the center of Orange Isle, is a spectacular sight, especially during major holidays and events. Residents on both sides of the Xiangjiang River can witness the fountain’s impressive water jets soaring into the sky, creating a breathtaking display visible from the main avenues of Changsha.
Youth Mao Zedong Art Sculpture
The Youth Mao Zedong Art Sculpture stands prominently at the head of Orange Isle in Changsha. As the most significant landmark within the Orange Isle Scenic Area, this sculpture is based on the image of Mao Zedong in his youth, capturing his ambitious spirit and the vigor of his early years. Approved by the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in February 2007, the statue stands 32 meters tall, 83 meters long, and 41 meters wide. It symbolizes Mao’s youthful aspirations and determination to change the world.
Orange Isle Park
Orange Isle Park covers an area of 14.2 hectares and is accessible via a dedicated bridge that extends from the Xiangjiang Bridge directly to the island. At the head of the isle, facing the river, is the Wangjiang Pavilion and a scenic corridor. In front of these structures stands a giant white marble monument, engraved with four large characters handwritten by Chairman Mao: “Orange Isle Head” (橘子洲头). Additionally, the monument features an excerpt from Mao’s famous 1925 poem “Changsha, To the Tune of Qin Yuan Chun,” which includes the lines: “Standing alone in the autumn chill, the Xiang River flows northward. At the head of Orange Isle, I see the myriad hills drenched in crimson, and layers of forests dyed in color.”
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