The airline we took this time was China Southern Airlines, one of the four largest airlines in China. It operates from Terminal 1 of Kuala Lumpur International Airport. In the past, my family and I always flew with AirAsia, which is based in Terminal 2.
We were able to enter the terminal at around 1 a.m., and we boarded the plane about half an hour later. Since it was New Year’s Eve, the plane was playing New Year songs. We found our seats and sat down. The flight attendants thoughtfully provided blankets, although it was optional whether you wanted to use them.
At around 3 or 4 a.m., the flight attendants began serving in-flight meals. You could choose between a Chinese or Western meal. I chose the Western option, which was similar to an English breakfast. After eating, I went back to sleep and woke up around six o’ clock. I saw the sunrise—it was beautiful. Shortly after, the flight attendant announced that we were about to arrive at Changsha Huanghua International Airport. We returned our seats to the upright position and landed in Changsha.
After passing through security, we collected our suitcases and cleared customs. We then met our tour guide, Xiaoxia. Once we boarded the tour bus, we headed to our first destination in Changde: Liu ye Lake.
Changde Liu ye Lake
The history of Liu ye Lake in Changde dates back a long time. It is not only the birthplace of Jingchu culture but is also rich in myths, legends, and connections to historical figures.
• Historical and Cultural Heritage: Liu ye Lake is a significant birthplace of Jingchu culture and has nurtured many historical celebrities such as Yang Sichang (a cabinet minister in the late Ming Dynasty), Kun Can (a prominent painter in the Qing Dynasty), and Liu Fuji (an advisor during the Wuchang Uprising).
• Famous Visitors: Poets and thinkers like Qu Yuan and Liu Yuxi visited the area and created many literary works inspired by it.
• Myths and Legends: Liu ye Lake is tied to well-known Chinese myths, including Chang’e flying to the moon, Houyi shooting down the suns, and Liu Hai chopping wood. These legends add a mysterious charm to the region.
• Geography: The lake is named “Liu ye,” meaning “willow leaf,” because its shape resembles one. It is backed by Sun Mountain to the north and faces the Yuanjiang River to the south, forming part of the larger Dongting Lake system.
• Tourism Development: The Liu ye Lake Tourist Resort, located in the northeast of Changde City, combines mountains, water, rural scenery, and urban elements in a single destination.
• Climate: Changde lies in a transitional zone between the mid-subtropical and northern subtropical humid monsoon climates. It has a warm climate with distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, and rainfall.
• Food Culture: Local cuisine mainly consists of rice, and residents have a strong preference for spicy food. Fish is also a specialty in the Liu ye Lake area.
In short, Liu ye Lake offers a deep cultural heritage, natural beauty, and tourism potential. It is often referred to as the Qingming Shanghe Tu of Changde for its vibrant and dynamic character.
Changde River Street
Our second destination in Changde was River Street. This cultural tourism district is modeled after the original river street along the Yuanjiang River from the old Changde era. It integrates tourism, commerce, culture, and history, becoming a cultural landmark of the city.
• Intangible Cultural Heritage: River Street showcases many local traditional crafts such as Changde silk string, Taoyuan embroidery, wood carving, incense making, and hemp painting.
• Historical and Cultural Display: The architecture and design of the street reflect the historic charm of old Changde, incorporating elements like sculptures and traditional buildings.
• Cultural and Commercial Integration: River Street combines culture, tourism, leisure, and retail, offering visitors a well-rounded experience.
• National Recognition: It has received honors such as “National Night Culture and Tourism Consumption Cluster” and “National Tourism and Leisure District,” affirming its significance in China’s cultural tourism landscape.
• Cultural Preservation: River Street plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Changde’s traditional culture, attracting many tourists eager to explore its rich history and artistic traditions.
In summary, River Street is more than just a commercial area—it’s a cultural showcase of Changde’s past and present, allowing visitors to enjoy entertainment while learning about the city’s heritage.
Changde Gaoshan Street
The third highlight of our trip was Gaoshan Street, located in the heart of Changde. It connects Renmin East Road with Jianshe East Road and has evolved from “Gao san Street” during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (around 1522–1566). For centuries, it has been the most prosperous commercial area in Changde. Gaoshan Street, Martyrs Street, and Xiao gao shan Street together form a key part of everyday life for the people of Changde.
Changde Pedestrian Street
• Since it was still early in the day, our guide Xiaoxia took us to an additional stop not included in the itinerary: Changde Pedestrian Street. The origins of this street go back to 1999, when Changde began reconstructing the old city. The new pedestrian street replaced the beloved “Delicious Street” that held fond memories for many residents.
• In 2001, the Wuling Pavilion Commercial Pedestrian Street was officially established. It was later designated as a model street for the national “Hundred Cities and Ten Thousand Stores – No Fakes” campaign. Another River Street area was also developed on January 1, 2017, located along the Chuan zi River.
After sightseeing, we checked into our hotel for the night, called Yunxi Hotel. We had our reunion dinner in a private dining room at the hotel, then rested and went to sleep. Can’t wait for tomorrow
