Hunan travel guide
Hunan Travel Guide

Hunan Province, located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River in southern China, is named “Hunan” due to its location south of Dongting Lake and is abbreviated as “Xiang” after the Xiang River, which flows through the entire province. Hunan has a rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back over 400,000 years. Archaeologists have excavated three tombs from the Western Han Dynasty at Mawangdui in Changsha, uncovering thousands of historical artifacts. These findings are crucial for the study of the Western Han period’s culture and history, and they also attract many tourists to Changsha today.

In addition to its archaeological treasures, Hunan is home to the picturesque Fenghuang Ancient Town in the west and Zhangjiajie, which gained global fame as the filming location for James Cameron’s movie Avatar.

Hunan’s ethnic minorities are primarily concentrated in the remote areas of western, southern, and eastern Hunan. Each minority group has its own language, customs, and religious beliefs. Particularly in the Xiangxi region, which includes Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Zhangjiajie, and Changde, ethnic minorities make up more than half of the province’s population. The unique cultural practices and traditions of these communities have become one of the province’s most notable attractions for visitors.

Most Popular Liaoning Attractions

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan Scenic Area)
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located in Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, and is renowned for its unique peaks, mysterious valleys, and beautiful...
Tianmen Mountain Zhangjiajie
Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie - The Gateway to Heaven
Tianmen Mountain (天门山) is Zhangjiajie’s second national forest park, covering a total area of 96 square kilometers, with a summit area of 2 square...
Yuelu Mountain
Yuelu Mountain - The Foot of Mount Heng
Yuelu Mountain (岳麓山) is a scenic area located along the banks of the Xiang River in the ancient city of Changsha. It features a landscape of low hills,...
Hunan Provincial Museum
Hunan Provincial Museum - Mawangdui Han Tomb Exhibition
The Hunan Provincial Museum (湖南博物院), established in 1897 during the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty, is one of China’s first national first-class...
Juzizhou Orange Isle Changsha
Juzizhou (Orange Isle), Changsha - Famous for Mao Zedong's Poem
Orange Isle (Juzizhou, 橘子洲头) is located in the heart of the Xiangjiang River in Changsha, covering an original area of approximately 17 hectares. The overall...
Yue Yang Tower
Yueyang Tower - One of the Most Renowned Towers in China
Yueyang Tower (岳阳楼) is located on the western city wall of ancient Yueyang, overlooking Dongting Lake with a view of Junshan Island. Originally built during...
Hengshan Mountain, Hunan
Hengshan Mountain, Hunan - One of the Five Sacred Mountains in China
Hengshan (衡山), also known as Nanyue (Southern Mountain, 南岳), is located primarily in Nanyue District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province. According to the Eastern...
Fenghuang Ancient Town
Fenghuang Ancient Town - A Phoenix Spreading its Wings
Fenghuang Ancient Town (凤凰古城, Phoenix Anicent Town), formerly known as Zhen’gan City, is named after the nearby mountains, which resemble a phoenix...
Dehang Miao Village A Gem Hidden In Mountains
Dehang Miao Village - A Gem hidden in Mountains
Dehang Miao Village (德夯苗寨), located in the picturesque region of Jishou City in Hunan Province, China, is a captivating destination celebrated for its...

Top Destinations in Hunan Province

Detailed Hunan Itineraries

Best Time to Visit Hunan

Hunan has a continental subtropical monsoon humid climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The spring and autumn seasons are relatively short, and the province experiences four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is between 15-18°C.

Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November): During these seasons, the weather is perfect, making it the best time to visit Hunan. You can stroll through Orange Isle in Changsha, or explore the ancient streets of Fenghuang Ancient Town. Whether you are admiring flowers or the colorful autumn leaves, these activities offer a unique charm.

Summer (June-August): The summer months can be scorching, so it’s not the best time to visit cities in high temperatures. However, it is perfect for outdoor activities like rafting. Places like Pingjiang River in Yueyang, and Mengdong River in Zhangjiajie offer a refreshing and thrilling experience, combining coolness with excitement for a memorable summer.

Winter (December-February): While winters in southern China can be cold, with snowy weather not ideal for traveling, the hot springs in Jiangya in Zhangjiajie offer a perfect way to relax. The temperature of these hot springs is ideal for warming up and soothing fatigue. Additionally, you can visit Mount Heng for a rare and picturesque snow view in southern China.

Hunan Local Food

Changsha rice noodles
Changsha Rice Noodles – A Taste of 2,000 Years of Tradition
Let me tell you about Changsha Rice Noodles (长沙米粉) – it’s something you absolutely have to try! These noodles are not just food, they’re...
Zhijiang duck
Zhijiang Duck - A Dish Dating Back to 700 Years Ago
If you visit Zhijiang in Huaihua, Hunan, you must try Zhijiang Duck (芷江鸭), a famous local dish with a history dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. It was once...
Changsha stinky tofu
Changsha Stinky Tofu – A Hunan Street Food Classic
If you walk around Changsha, you will definitely smell something strong in the air—that’s our famous Changsha Stinky Tofu! Some people say it was discovered...
Mao’s braised pork
Mao’s Braised Pork – A Dish with a Legendary Connection
If you want to taste authentic Hunan flavors, you have to try Mao’s Braised Pork (毛氏红烧肉). This dish comes from Xiangtan, Hunan, and it has a deep connection...
Hunan style stir fried pork with chili
Hunan-Style Stir-Fried Pork with Chili - The Soul of Hunan Cuisine
If you want to try real Hunan food, you can’t miss Hunan Stir-Fried Pork with Chili (湖南辣椒炒肉). This dish is super popular in Hunan – almost every...
Steamed fish head with chopped chili
Steamed Fish Head with Chopped Chili - A Hunan Classic
If you love spicy food, you must try Steamed Fish Head with Chopped Chili (剁椒鱼头). This dish comes from Xiangtan, Hunan Province, and is a great example...