The Xiang River promenade runs along the eastern bank of the river through the city centre, connecting the Orange Isle Bridge in the north to the Du Fu River Pavilion in the south. The walkway is wide, tree-lined, and popular throughout the day with joggers, cyclists, and people taking the evening air. The view from the promenade toward Orange Island — with the Mao sculpture visible at the southern end of the island and the Yuelu Mountain forested silhouette behind it — is the classic Changsha vista.
The best time to walk the promenade is at dusk, when the city lights come on across both banks and the last light catches the river. The promenade connects naturally to the area around Jiefang West Road for evening food and bars. Several fishing platforms along the bank are used early in the morning by local fishermen. The promenade is free and always open; it is the most pleasant way to move between the city centre attractions if the weather allows.