Changde

Changde is a prefecture-level city in northern Hunan province, China. It is located in the northwestern part of the province, bordering Dongting Lake to the east and the Wuling Mountains to the west. The city has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years and was an important administrative and economic center during various dynasties.

Geographically, Changde benefits from its position between fertile plains and mountainous regions, leading to diverse agricultural output, including rice, cotton, and tea. The Yuanjiang River, a major tributary of the Yangtze River, flows through the city, providing vital water resources and transportation routes. Changde's climate is subtropical monsoon, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, relatively dry winters.

The city is known for its natural beauty, particularly the scenic Taohuayuan (Peach Blossom Spring) national park, which is a popular tourist destination inspired by the famous prose poem of the same name by Tao Yuanming. Other attractions include the Changde Poem Wall, one of the longest of its kind in the world, and the remnants of the ancient city walls.

Changde's economy has diversified over the years, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and increasingly, tourism and services. The city is also a hub for transportation, with a well-developed network of railways and highways connecting it to other major cities in China. Changde has a population of over 6 million people, with the city proper accounting for a significant portion of this number.