Live Your Best Lives
Three Rivers and Four Rivers, Meet in Hunan
Hunan, located in south-central China, boasts an ancient city with over 2,000 years of rich cultural history. As early as the Spring and Autumn Period, it was a strategic location for the Chu State, which dominated the south. Blessed with picturesque scenery and a pleasant climate, Hunan boasts Yuelu Mountain, with its unique beauty, "frost leaves redder than February flowers," and the Xiang River, with its intertwined islands, "green as blue in spring." Hunan is home to the renowned Mawangdui Han Tomb, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the Yuelu Academy, a millennium-old institution of learning, and bamboo slips from the Three Kingdoms period. As the ancient saying goes, "Only in Chu is talent found, and nowhere is it more abundant than here."
Changsha is also a vibrant and vibrant city, known for its vibrant fashion and culinary scene. Hunan TV and the Super Girl and Super Boy competitions are nationally popular, and delicious snacks can be found everywhere in the streets and alleys. Whether you enjoy exploring history, admiring the spirit of youth, or simply wanting to satisfy your appetite, Changsha has something to satisfy you.
Suitable for all seasons
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China's first national forest park, combines magical beauty, grandeur, pristine beauty, and freshness. Its rock formations are renowned for their remarkable beauty. Thousands of overlapping, craggy peaks stretch across the park, each one awe-inspiring, each ...
Yuelu Academy
As one of the four most famous academies in Chinese history and one of the oldest institutions of learning in the world, its ancient traditional academy buildings have been completely preserved to this day. Every courtyard, every stone tablet, every brick and tile, and every lotus in the wind shines with the humanistic spirit tempered by time.
Phoenix Ancient Town
It is one of the top ten cultural heritage sites in Hunan Province. It was once praised by New Zealand writer Rewi Alley as the most beautiful small town in China. It is comparable to the ancient town of Lijiang in Yunnan and the ancient town of Pingyao in Shanxi Province, and enjoys the reputation of "Pingyao in the North and Phoenix in the South".
Recommended travel time: 3-5 days
Hunan is a historically significant province in China, known for its role in the ancient and modern periods. It was the home of famous figures such as Mao Zedong. Hunan boasts rich cultural heritage and is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, diverse ethnic groups, and spicy cuisine.
Hunan is located in south-central China. Major cities like Changsha (the provincial capital) are well connected by train, bus, and air travel. To explore other areas, such as Zhangjiajie or Fenghuang, buses or taxis are common options. For local transportation, metro systems exist in Changsha.
The province is open for visits year-round. The best times to visit are during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is pleasant and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter can be cold, especially in mountainous areas.
Entrance fees for different attractions vary. For example, Zhangjiajie National Park charges around ¥200 for entry, while other sites like Mawangdui Tombs have a lower fee. Tickets can be bought both online (via official tourism websites or travel apps) and offline at the attractions themselves.
It’s advisable to book tickets for popular attractions like Zhangjiajie National Park in advance, especially during peak seasons (spring and autumn). Booking 1-2 days in advance should be sufficient, though some high-demand periods might require earlier reservations.
Exploring Hunan requires at least 3-5 days, depending on the specific attractions you wish to visit. If you plan to visit multiple cities like Changsha, Zhangjiajie, and Fenghuang, a week would allow for a more relaxed and comprehensive exploration.
Guided tours are available at major attractions like Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang. Most tours are conducted in Mandarin, though some may offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides are available at some sites in multiple languages, including English.
A suggested itinerary is to start in Changsha for a day to explore the city, followed by 2-3 days in Zhangjiajie for hiking and exploring the national park. End with a day or two in Fenghuang Ancient Town to enjoy the riverside and historical attractions.
Night tours and light shows are available in places like Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang, especially during festivals. Zhangjiajie features a famous light show that highlights the park’s unique landscape. Fenghuang also offers evening strolls along the river to enjoy the town illuminated at night.
Popular attractions like Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang can get crowded, particularly during Chinese public holidays and summer. The best times to visit are weekdays during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), when the weather is mild, and fewer tourists are around.
Most tourist attractions in Hunan have basic facilities like toilets, food stalls, water fountains, and rest areas. Larger sites like Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang have ample restaurants and souvenir shops, while remote locations may have more limited options.
While major tourist attractions like Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang have facilities for elderly or disabled visitors, some natural sites may require physical exertion (such as hiking or walking on uneven terrain). It’s advisable to check accessibility information for each specific site in advance.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted in Hunan, particularly in urban areas like Changsha. Credit and debit cards are also commonly accepted. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors or in rural areas where mobile payments may not be available.
Vegetarian food options are available in Hunan, but vegan or halal-specific restaurants are more limited. It’s recommended to communicate specific dietary needs with restaurant staff, particularly in more rural areas.
Souvenir shops are abundant in tourist areas, offering items like Hunan chili sauce, tea, local handicrafts, and traditional embroidered goods.
