
Moon Island Park
A green oasis in the Xiang River, Moon Island Park offers lush gardens, the iconic Young Mao statue, and stunning city skyline views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds

Moon Island Park
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A green oasis in the Xiang River, Moon Island Park offers lush gardens, the iconic Young Mao statue, and stunning city skyline views.
"A beautiful island park to explore, especially at night for fantastic city skyline views."

🚶♀️ Walk or Bike for Best Exploration
Explore the island's charm at your own pace by walking or renting a bike. :athletic_shoe:
🌃 Night Views are Magical
The city skyline lights up beautifully at night, offering stunning photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Young Mao Zedong Statue
Central Changsha
A monumental statue of a young Mao Zedong, a key landmark drawing many visitors.

Citrus Groves and Gardens
Throughout the island
Wander through beautifully maintained citrus trees, willows, and maples, especially vibrant in autumn.

Changsha City Skyline at Night
Riverfront
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the illuminated city skyline from the island's edge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit for Fewer Crowds
Navigating the Island
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike for Best Exploration
Explore the island's charm at your own pace by walking or renting a bike. :athletic_shoe:
🌃 Night Views are Magical
The city skyline lights up beautifully at night, offering stunning photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Shuttle Service Available
Use the shuttle or road train for convenient transport around the island. :bus:
🍊 Fruit Season Delight
Visit during fruit season (late autumn) to see ripening oranges, pomelos, and kumquats. :tangerine:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike for Best Exploration
Explore the island's charm at your own pace by walking or renting a bike. :athletic_shoe:
🌃 Night Views are Magical
The city skyline lights up beautifully at night, offering stunning photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Shuttle Service Available
Use the shuttle or road train for convenient transport around the island. :bus:
🍊 Fruit Season Delight
Visit during fruit season (late autumn) to see ripening oranges, pomelos, and kumquats. :tangerine:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Moon Island Park is appreciated for its role as a green lung in Changsha, offering beautiful natural scenery with diverse trees and fruit orchards. Visitors enjoy the iconic Young Mao statue and the spectacular illuminated city skyline views at night, often enhanced by river tours. While generally a pleasant escape, some find the park's attractions beyond the statue and night views to be somewhat average.
"Oranges, pomelos, kumquats & young Mao.
A thin strip of island in the middle of Xiang river of about 5 x 0.3km in size. A strip of green lung, one that is beautifully designed & well-maintained citrus trees, willows, maples and gingko trees.
After a 3.5km ride from the start point, we reached Mao's "8341" busk that somehow reminded me of Beethoven. Funnily, I was more in awe of the tree lined boulevards, and the season is just right. Saw many fruits that are just about 2 weeks of ripening.
Definitely a great place to visit for a stretch of shinrin yoku, if there are less people/tourists around."
David Oon
"Considered a must visit in Changsha mostly because of the young mao statue otherwise there isn’t much here. Once you are here you can use the QR code to get your reservation. You pay for a shuttle service to take your around the island unless you want to walk instead."
Allen Lin
"Nice place to visit, especially at night.
Road train to take you around, also river tours around island.
Young Mao Zedong statue and other sites lit up.
Fantastic views of city skyline lit up at night."
Andy “Tiny & Pebbles on Tour” Davyhulme
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Moon Island Park is located in the middle of the Xiang River in Changsha. You can reach it by ferry or by crossing one of the bridges. Many visitors opt for a taxi or ride-sharing service to get to the river access points.
While there isn't direct public transport onto the island itself, you can take buses or metro lines to reach the riverbanks near the park. From there, you'll need to arrange a ferry or other boat service.
Driving directly onto Moon Island Park is generally not permitted. You'll need to park your car on the mainland and then take a ferry or boat to access the island.
Once on the island, walking is a great way to explore. For longer distances, consider the island's shuttle service or road train. Bike rentals are also available.
Yes, river tours are a popular option, offering unique perspectives of the island and the Changsha skyline, especially at night.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Moon Island Park itself is generally free, but there might be charges for specific attractions or services like the shuttle, road train, or boat tours.
The park is typically open throughout the day and into the evening, allowing visitors to enjoy both daytime scenery and nighttime illuminations. Specific attraction hours may vary.
The statue is a central feature of the park, and access to view it is usually included with park entry, which is often free.
It's advisable to check locally for reservation options for river tours, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you get a spot.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but it's always worth inquiring about group rates or special promotions if applicable.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, admire the diverse flora including citrus trees and willows, see the Young Mao statue, fly kites, jog, and enjoy the city skyline views.
Yes, it's a great place for families to enjoy open spaces, recreational activities like kite-flying, and a pleasant environment for a day out.
The park features a variety of trees, including citrus trees (oranges, pomelos, kumquats), willows, maples, and gingko trees, creating a beautiful green lung.
It can get crowded on weekends and public holidays, especially with local families. Weekdays offer a more tranquil experience.
'Shinrin yoku' means forest bathing. Moon Island Park's natural setting with its trees and river views offers a good opportunity for this relaxing experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The illuminated city skyline at night is a major highlight for photography. The Young Mao statue and the lush greenery also offer great photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The city skyline views at night are fantastic and provide a dramatic backdrop for photos.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting for the park's natural scenery. Nighttime is best for city skyline shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone.
Capturing the contrast between the natural island landscape and the modern city skyline, especially at dusk or night, is highly recommended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the greenery, and consider visiting during the day to explore the citrus groves and enjoy the pleasant weather. The park provides a safe and engaging environment for a family outing, offering a break from the city bustle.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to experience the park at its most serene. The 'shinrin yoku' aspect of the park is particularly beneficial for solo visitors seeking a mindful experience. Don't forget to capture the stunning city skyline views, especially as evening approaches.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with capturing the contrast between the natural island environment and the modern urban backdrop. The Young Mao statue also presents a unique subject. Consider a river tour in the evening for unparalleled skyline perspectives.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Young Mao Statue
It's important to note that while the statue is a focal point, the park's appeal extends far beyond it. The island is designed as a 'green lung' for Changsha, offering a respite from the urban environment. This duality of historical monument and natural sanctuary is what makes Moon Island Park unique.
Exploring Moon Island Park's Natural Beauty
The park's design encourages 'shinrin yoku' or forest bathing, offering a peaceful escape for those seeking relaxation and a connection with nature. The tree-lined boulevards and open spaces are perfect for leisurely walks, jogging, or simply enjoying the fresh air. The seasonal changes in foliage, especially the autumn colors, add to the park's visual charm.
Whether you're interested in the botanical variety or simply seeking a tranquil environment, Moon Island Park provides a refreshing natural experience within the city. It's a place where the urban landscape meets natural beauty, offering a balanced retreat for all visitors.
Evening Enchantment: City Views and River Tours
To fully appreciate these views, river tours are highly recommended. These tours offer a unique perspective of the city lights reflecting on the Xiang River, with the island itself providing a serene foreground. The combination of the tranquil island atmosphere and the vibrant urban panorama makes for an unforgettable evening experience.
Taking a boat trip around the island in the evening allows you to capture the full grandeur of Changsha's nocturnal beauty. It's an ideal activity for couples or anyone looking for a romantic or visually stunning experience.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit