The attractions in Changsha are quite varied, thanks to its long history and the diversity of events which have happened here. Undoubtedly the most famous former resident of Changsha is Mao Zedong, whose childhood home outside the city in Shaoshan welcomes visitors daily at a museum now known as Chairman Mao Zedong's Former Residence. His former office and another residence of his in the city are also open for visitors.

Visitors interested in the earlier parts of Changsha's history, should head to one of the city's museums. The Hunan Provincial Museum has exhibits ranging from Neolithic tools and pottery to Shang and Zhou bronze vessels. It also has many artifacts recovered from the Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs, which themselves attract large numbers of visitors. The tombs were discovered in the 1970s, containing a large number of well preserved artifacts from the Han Dynasty and the preserved mummies of the Marquis of Dai, his wife and a second male who archeologists believe was their son. Changsha Hunan Xiangxiu Museum, and Changsha Museum have smaller collections of cultural artifacts: the latter also has poetry and prose written in Chairman Mao's calligraphy. The geological history of the area can be explored in the Hunan Museum of Geology, which also has collections of dinosaur bones found in the Hunan province and a planetarium.

The city also has a rich collection of Parks and Gardens enjoyed by both visitors and locals. Yuelu Park, is known for its hiking routes and beautiful scenery, which is considered most beautiful during autumn when the leaves turn many shades of gold and brown. The sacred Hengshan Mountain is dotted with numerous Taoist and Buddhist temples, one of which – the Nanyue Da Miao is the largest in southern China, built to a design similar to that of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Heavenly Heart Pavilion located on Orange Isle in the Xiang River is another beautiful location where the views over the city are considered particularly beautiful.

The city also has one of the oldest libraries in China, which dates back as far as the Song Dynasty, several art galleries including the Hunan Art & Craft Gallery and a zoo where visitors can see both domestic and imported animals.

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