During the winter vacation, we set off on a self-driving trip with our two children. This journey across Hubei and Hunan started at Wuhan Jiangtan Sports Park. We experienced the poetic charm of the Yellow Crane Tower, the tranquility of East Lake, and the bustling vitality of Changsha. Finally, it drew a perfect conclusion with the lovely giant pandas at Yueyang China Giant Panda Garden.

February 20th · Wuhan Jiangtan Sports Park & Jianghan Road Pedestrian Street

We set off in the morning, had a simple meal at a highway service area at noon, and arrived at Jiangtan Sports Park in the evening. Located on the bank of the Yangtze River in Wuhan, the park allowed us to enjoy a pleasant stroll along the riverfront at dusk. The river breeze caressed our faces, and the expansive view made us feel completely at ease. As night descended and the lights came on, the water glistened spectacularly, creating a stunning scene. Here, we could sense both the grandeur of the Yangtze River and the warm, down - to - earth daily life of Wuhan residents, making it a highly recommended leisure destination.

In the evening, we went to Jianghan Road Pedestrian Street, one of the most prosperous commercial streets in Wuhan, which is known as the "Museum of 20th - Century Architecture in Wuhan". Stretching about 1,600 meters, it features historical buildings in European, Roman, Byzantine and other styles. The dazzling array of shops left us dazzled.

The tranquility of Jiangtan Sports Park and the bustle of Jianghan Road Pedestrian Street stood in sharp contrast, making me deeply feel the diversity and inclusiveness of Wuhan.

February 21st · Yellow Crane Tower & East Lake Ecological Tourism Scenic Area

In the morning, we set off for the Yellow Crane Tower. As the most famous of the Three Famous Towers South of the Yangtze River, it attracts countless tourists with its unique architectural style and rich historical and cultural connotations. We first visited Luomei Xuan and watched the grand imperial chime dance performance Crane Dancing Over the Chu Sky(鹤舞楚天).Then we queued to climb the Yellow Crane Tower,there were so many tourists during the vacation that it took us more than an hour to reach the top. Yet the moment we overlooked the scenery from the top, it was all worthwhile. The timeless poetry and the modern river city blended together, spectacular and unforgettable. After descending, we sat beside the misty lake and quietly enjoyed a wonderful bamboo flute performance.

In the afternoon, we drove to East Lake Ecological Tourism Scenic Area. As the largest urban lake in China, it boasts stunning lakeside scenery and is honored as the "urban green lung". We chose to cycle around the lake, letting the gentle breeze caress our faces and fully enjoying the peace and poetry of the city.

The grandeur of the Yellow Crane Tower and the gentleness of East Lake gave me a deeper understanding of Wuhan—a city with profound historical heritage as well as peaceful and beautiful natural scenery.

On the night of the 21st, we drove to Changsha. We hit heavy traffic and arrive at our hotel until midnight.

February 22nd · Pangu Fuyuan Helipad on Wanjiali Top Floor & Wuyi Square

Our first stop in Changsha was Wanjiali Plaza, a new urban landmark developed in the "commerce + culture + sightseeing" model.In the morning, we visited the Pangu Fuyuan Helipad on the top floor. It is the world's largest rooftop viewing platform of a single building, offering a panoramic view of the whole city. As the world's largest aerial helipad, it has 118 helicopter parking spaces and 8 landing points, and can accommodate multiple helicopters at the same time.At its four corners stand eight giant mythological bronze statues made of 260 tons of brass. The bronze statue and mural group combines traditional culture and modern art, serving as a cultural symbol that connects the past and the present, which attracts many tourists to take photos.It has convenient transportation, with subway access right downstairs.

After taking a short rest in the afternoon, we took the subway to Wuyi Square in the evening. As the core business district of Changsha, surrounded by Taiping Street, Huangxing Road, and IFS. With a high concentration of trendy businesses, internet-famous food, and a booming night economy, it fully demonstrates the vitality of Changsha.When we got tired from walking, we bought a bowl of classic black stinky tofu, which is crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and full of flavor. When thirsty, we ordered a cup of Cha Yan Yue Se, which is a perfect blend of milk and tea fragrance.

February 23rd · Wanjiali Cultural Park & Dulu Dulu Animal Theme Park

Wanjiali Cultural Park is located on the 11th floor of Wanjiali International Mall, covering an area of over 30,000 square meters. It consists of a 360 - meter outer art corridor, a 500 - meter inner cultural corridor, and a one - kilometer themed cultural exhibition hall.We first visited the wax museum in the inner corridor, where nearly 100 life - sized wax figures were realistically recreated. These wax figures range from political leaders and scientific giants to performing artists and sports stars.Then we toured the royal garden - style outer corridor, which features scattered pavilions and exquisite carvings and paintings.The model of integrating cultural displays into a commercial complex is innovative and impressive.

We initially planned to visit Orange Isle in the afternoon, but due to the rain, we switched to indoor activities and chose Dulu Dulu Animal Theme Park. It is an indoor interactive pet park that provides close - up feeding opportunities. All kinds of adorable little animals were charming and delightful, bringing us relaxation and comfort.

February 24th · Orange Isle

Orange Isle is an alluvial sandbar in the Xiangjiang River, located in Yuelu District, Changsha. With beautiful scenery and lush greenery, it is an ideal place for local residents to relax and take a walk. After arriving, we took a sightseeing train directly to the Young Mao Zedong Art Statue to take pictures. Standing at the head of the isle, we gazed at Yuelu Mountain in the distance and viewed the Xiangjiang River up close, surrounded by the gentle river breeze and verdant greenery. The presence of the great leader and the picturesque landscape of mountains, rivers and the city made me feel the tranquility and beauty of Changsha.After the visit, we drove to a snack street near Hunan Normal University and tasted Changsha rice noodles. After dinner, we drove to Yueyang.

February 25th · Yueyang China Giant Panda Garden

Today, our destination was the Yueyang China Giant Panda Garden, a large-scale panda-themed park with a significant number of giant pandas in Central China. It is equipped with 9 giant panda enclosures, a panda science museum, a panda hospital, a panda restaurant, a research and study workshop, along with complete supporting facilities such as ecological wetlands and landscapes. It integrates sightseeing, science popularization, and protection.Ten lovely giant pandas—China’s national treasures—live here. Shenshen and Manman are a twin pair among them. Some are munching on bamboo, some are taking a leisurely walk, and others are resting with their eyes closed. Just quietly watching them makes us feel happy.Finally, we visited the panda ice sculptures in the Panda Ice and Snow Hall and slid down the ice slide, concluding a wonderful day.

February 26th · Drive Back Home

We drove back home, bringing the journey to a perfect end.

This trip to Hubei and Hunan made me deeply experience the unique natural scenery and cultural allure of the two provinces. From the prosperity of Wuhan to the liveliness of Changsha and then to the serene tranquility of Yueyang, each city has its own unique charm and stories. This journey not only brought me precious memories but also deepened my understanding and love for this land.

Yours Truly

Chen Jing - Charmission Travel