Perched along the Xiang River, Changsha is the capital of Hunan
Province (south central China). With a history spanning some 3,000
years, it is a cultural and historical treasure.
Some of its oldest landmarks include the Yuelu Academy on the
slopes of Mount Yuelu. Built in 976, it's an institution of
learning whose legacy rivals the ancient English universities of
Oxford and Cambridge. It managed to survive under many dynasties,
including the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing.
The academy is pretty much on the Orange Isle's doorstep.
Visitors will have a difficult time choosing between the isle's
faces, with beautiful orange trees blossoming in spring, and
snowfall creating a delicate wonderland during winter. The Youth
Mao Zedong Statue stands on the island.
Indeed, the country's iconic former leader was born in the
village of Shaoshan, around 47 miles (77 km) outside Changsha. Mao
Zedong's hometown serves as a memorial for Chinese who wish to pay
their respects, and as a tourist site for anyone interested in
learning more about China's recent past.
The Mawangdui Han Tombs stand out among the city's many must-see
attractions. They contain the mummified remains of a woman from the
Western Han Dynasty. Added to this, the Hunan Provincial Museum has
more than 110,000 artefacts, ranging from the Neolithic Age to the
Qing Dynasty, as well as more objects from the tombs
themselves.
Historical significance aside, Changsha is modern and vibrant,
thanks largely to a rebuilding period after the Sino-Japanese War
and a widespread fire in 1938. It's also known as a 'garden city',
following the influence of a green programme begun to better the
environment and its dynamics with urban areas. Magnolias and
blossoms spring up throughout the region. That said, the city still
has a buzzing commercial district, with dozens of high rises and
financial centres.
Regarding its cuisine, Hunan is known for mouth-numbingly hot
and spicy flavours, even more so than Sichuan Province. Like any
south Asian city, numerous markets sell fresh food, and there are
many street vendors and restaurants.
For visitors looking to relax in nature, the Mount Dawei
National Forest Park offers clear waterfalls, running streams and
mountaintop lakes. Huan Martyr's Park is another option. The
pleasant lake is dedicated to those who passed away creating the
communist government. Thrill seekers will love bungee jumping at
the Window of the World.
