As the cool breeze signals the end of summer, autumn light spreads across the three Xiang regions, bringing a fresh wave of cultural and sports events. From intense league matches and energetic mountain races to vibrant street markets and captivating opera performances, there is something for everyone. Make the most of this pleasant fall weather by gathering family and friends to explore the diverse weekend experiences that Hunan has to offer.
Watch the Games
The sixth round of the 2026 Hunan Football League (Xiang Super League) unfolds this weekend, with seven matches promising thrilling action. Head to the stadium with your fellow fans to cheer on your local team. The matchups feature Zhuzhou versus Yiyang, Chenzhou versus Shaoyang, Huaihua versus Changsha, Loudi versus Hengyang, Xiangtan versus Xiangxi, Yueyang versus Zhangjiajie, and Changde versus Yongzhou. Hosted at various sports grounds across Hunan, tickets are priced at an affordable 9.9 yuan. For those unable to attend in person, live broadcasts will be available on the Red Net and Moment News app.
The 15th Hunan Provincial Games continues its exciting run, with numerous competitions underway as athletes from across the province compete fiercely. This weekend, events such as water polo, swimming, chess, basketball, croquet, and track and field will take center stage. While swimming and athletics deliver high-energy action, chess and croquet offer tests of strategy and precision. Spectators are invited to soak in the passionate atmosphere at the various competition venues in Yiyang City, with the Games running until September 16.
The "Peak Hunan 2026" mountain race at Lanshan Station features three categories: men's and women's competitive runs, plus a hiking group, catering to both elite athletes and casual participants. Runners will traverse landmarks like thousand-year-old moss forests and bird observation stations while enjoying panoramic views of clouds and peaks at the Hunan-Guangdong border. After crossing the finish line, visitors can explore the Qianhu Yao Village and the source of the Xiang River, savoring local delicacies such as Lanshan blood duck. It's a perfect blend of sport and cultural tourism amidst nature.
Leisure and Shopping
The acclaimed nationwide phenomenon "Dawa Guaishi" art market makes its debut in Central China this weekend in Changsha. Featuring over 240 original, handmade, and vintage brands from across the country, the market offers a one-stop experience with second-hand flea stalls, live band performances, and immersive interactive activities. Expect to uncover unique vintage clothing, quirky crafts, niche accessories, and retro toys, making every stroll a treasure hunt. Held at Haixin Plaza in Changsha, admission is free, running from Friday to Sunday, September 11-13.
The "Play in Huaihua·Pick Autumn" intangible heritage craft flea market adds a new attraction this session: an ancient-method tea seed hair care stall offering natural herbal experiences. Classic craft booths featuring woodwork, paper cutting, cloisonné, and gourd pyrography remain permanent fixtures, greeting visitors every time. Traditional items such as bamboo weaving, pottery, leather goods, crispy candy, and pickled vegetables abound, waiting for connoisseurs to appreciate their charm. The event takes place at the Huaihua City Museum on Saturday, September 12.
Arts and Culture
The musical drama "Cat God in the Forbidden City," adapted from a beloved picture book, tells a heartwarming story of time travel and enduring bonds. It follows a cat named "Baobeier," whose deep attachment to his human companion leads him to journey back hundreds of years to the Forbidden City, where he transforms into a palace cat named "Xiao Dongxi." In the early days of the Palace Museum, he befriends feline friends like "Da Ju" and "Ju Qi," alongside "talking" artifacts that represent different historical memories. Through the cat's unique perspective, audiences witness the changing seasons, the passage of history, and the timeless beauty of friendship, companionship, memory, and eternity. Performances are scheduled for Saturday, September 12, at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM in the main theater on the third floor of Hunan Grand Theater, with tickets ranging from 39.9 to 280 yuan.
The 2026 "National Theatre Digital Cinema" screening season continues with two monumental works by renowned director Tian Qinxin of the National Theatre of China hitting the screen on September 12. "Ming: Those Ming Dynasty Stories," first staged in 2008, makes its public debut in high-definition restored format. Following at 7:30 PM, "Su Causeway Spring Dawn," which premiered in 2024 and dazzled the theater world with its Song Dynasty aesthetics, will also be shown. Both screenings take place at the fourth-floor small theater of Hunan Grand Theater, priced at 80 yuan per person or 136 yuan for two.
The globally adored "Aussie superstar" Bluey descends upon Changsha this Sunday, September 13, as her 2026 China tour kicks off with the BBC-authorized interactive stage show "Bluey's Big Treasure." This family-friendly production transforms the stage into a playground, allowing kids to jump and play along with the animated icon minus the screen. Performances start at 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM at the Meixi Lake International Culture and Arts Center Grand Theater, with ticket prices ranging from 60 to 480 yuan.