Hunan Travel Guide (South-central China/China/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Hunan

Located in South-central China, Hunan is a landlocked province that boasts a rich cultural and natural heritage. The province has a long history and has played a significant role in Chinese politics and culture. The stunning natural scenery, coupled with the rich Chinese customs, makes Hunan an excellent destination for tourists looking to explore China’s cultural and natural diversity.

List of Places to Visit in Hunan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Hunan is home to many historical sites and museums that tell the history of the province and China. Some of the must-visit places include:

Mawangdui Han Tombs – This is a group of three tombs that dates back to the Han dynasty. It is an important archaeological site that provides an insight into ancient Chinese culture.
Yuelu Academy – This is one of the four ancient academies in China and dates back to 976 AD. It is a significant historical site that showcases Chinese education and scholarship.
Shaoshan – This is the birthplace of Mao Zedong, the former Chairman of the Communist Party of China. It is home to several historical sites, including Mao’s former residence, a museum dedicated to his life, and a memorial hall that honors his achievements.

Natural Attractions of Hunan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hunan is blessed with breathtaking natural scenery, and tourists can enjoy outdoor activities that include:

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – This park is located in the northwestern part of Hunan and is famous for its quartz sandstone pillars. Visitors can hike, take a cable car ride, or marvel at the stunning Avatar Hallelujah Mountain.
Furong Ancient Town – This picturesque town boasts traditional Chinese houses, ancient bridges, and waterfalls. Visitors can take a stroll down old streets and alleys, which transport them to ancient China.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge - Located in the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, this glass bridge is the longest and highest glass bridge in the world. Visitors can experience breathtaking views of the canyon while overcoming their fear of heights.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hunan

Hunan offers several hiking and biking routes that enable tourists to experience nature up close. Some of the most popular trails include:

Fenghuang Ancient Town to Dehang Miao Village Trek – This 48-kilometer trek allows hikers to enjoy stunning scenery that includes waterfalls, rivers, and traditional villages.
Jianbiu Peak Hiking Trail – This trail is located in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and takes around five hours to complete. It offers stunning views of the quartz sandstone pillars.
Changsha Bike Loop – This 47-kilometer bike loop takes visitors around the city of Changsha and passes many landmarks.

Best Things to Do in Hunan: Activities and Tours

Tourists can engage in various activities and tours, including:

Tianmen Mountain Cable Car Tour – Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Tianmen Mountain, the world’s longest cable car ride, at 7.5 kilometers long.
Hunan Cuisine Cooking Class – Visitors can learn how to cook traditional Hunanese dishes under the guidance of experienced chefs.
Fenghuang Ancient Town Night Cruise – Tourists can take a leisurely boat ride that enables them to view the town’s scenic beauty at night.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hunan

Here is a sample itinerary for tourists visiting Hunan for a week:

Day 1: Visit Shaoshan, Mao Zedong’s birthplace, and explore its historical sites.

Day 2-3: Hike the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park or ride the cable car to experience the stunning quartz sandstone pillars.

Day 4-5: Visit the picturesque town of Furong and take a night tour to savor its beauty.

Day 6: Take a cooking class and learn about Hunanese cuisine.

Day 7: Visit Yuelu Academy, one of the oldest academies in China, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Food and Drink Scene of Hunan

Must-Try Dishes

The cuisine of Hunan is known for its bold and spicy flavors. Some of the must-try dishes include:

Hunanese hot and sour fish soup – A signature Hunanese dish that combines spicy, sour, and savory flavors.
Ma Po Tofu – A popular Sichuanese dish that has its roots in Hunan cuisine. It consists of tofu, minced pork, and spicy sauce.
Stir-fried pork with fresh green pepper – A Hunanese dish that features spicy, diced pork and fresh green peppers.

Local Beverages

Hunan produces several local drinks that tourists can savor, including:

Hunan rice wine – A fragrant rice wine that complements spicy Hunanese cuisine.
Lapsang Souchong tea – This is a popular black tea that is smoked over pine wood and is a favorite among tea lovers.

Where to Stay in Hunan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hunan offers a range of accommodation options for tourists, including:

Luxury Hotels – Some of the top luxury hotels in Hunan include the InterContinental Changsha, Grand Hyatt Changsha, and Wanda Vista Changsha.
Hostels and Guesthouses – Budget-conscious tourists can opt for hostels and guesthouses such as the Fenghuang Kt Katu Youth Hostel, YinYuan Youth Hostel, and Hunan Forever Young Apartment.

What to Buy in Hunan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tourists can take home several souvenirs and local products that reflect Hunanese culture and customs. Some of the popular products include:

Jasmin silver needle tea – One of the rarest teas in China, it is grown in the high-altitude regions of Hunan and has a delicate, floral flavor.
Mao Zedong memorabilia – Tourists can buy Mao Zedong’s books, statues, and other memorabilia that highlight the influence of Mao’s ideology in China.

Local Culture and Customs of Hunan

Hunanese culture is a blend of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Some of the customs and traditions of Hunan include:

Dragon Boat Festival – This festival takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, and people eat Zongzi, a traditional snack made from glutinous rice.
Changsha Fire God Festival – Held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, this festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and involves the burning of effigies to appease the gods of the underworld.

Best Time to Visit Hunan

The best time to visit Hunan is in the fall (September-November), when the weather is pleasant, and the forests are at their colorful best. Spring (March-May) is also a good time to visit, when the flowers are in full bloom. Avoid visiting during China’s National Day holiday (October 1-7), when tourist spots are crowded and accommodation prices are high.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hunan

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions.
Try Hunanese cuisine.
Learn some basic Mandarin phrases.

Don’t:

Disrespect cultural and religious traditions.
Wear revealing clothes when visiting temples or other religious sites.
Take photographs or videos of the locals without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hunan

Hunan is a safe place to visit, and tourists do not face any significant safety concerns. However, as with any other tourist destination, tourists should be cautious and avoid flashing their valuables or carrying large sums of cash.

Health in Hunan

Tourists should be cautious about drinking tap water in Hunan and always drink bottled water. Carry a small first-aid kit with you that includes essentials such as insect repellent and sunscreen.

Getting to Hunan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hunan

Changsha Huanghua International Airport is the main airport in Hunan province, and it has both domestic and international flights. The airport is located around 30 kilometers from Changsha city center.

Bus Stations Near Hunan

Tourists can also reach Hunan by bus from several neighboring provinces. There are several bus stations in Hunan that connect it with other parts of China.

Other Options

Tourists can also take a train from any major city in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Wuhan.

How to Get Around in Hunan

Tourists can take buses or taxis to get around Hunan. The bus network is extensive and cost-effective, while taxis are more expensive but offer convenience and speed. Tourists can also rent a car with a driver to explore the province.

Where to Go Next from Hunan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tourists can explore several other destinations in the region, including:

Fujian Province – Fujian is located southeast of Hunan and is famous for its tea plantations and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Jiangxi Province – Jiangxi lies east of Hunan and is home to the stunning Mount Lu.
Guizhou Province – Guizhou is south of Hunan and boasts a rich cultural heritage and natural scenery.

Conclusion

Hunan is a gem of a province in China, and tourists will enjoy exploring its cultural and natural heritage. Tourists can enjoy stunning outdoor adventures, savor delicious Hunanese cuisine, learn about Chinese history, and participate in local customs and traditions. Plan your next trip to Hunan with our comprehensive travel guide.

Tongdao Dong Autonomous County

Zhangguying village