Hunan

Hunan is a landlocked province in south-central China. It covers about 210,000 square kilometers and has a population in the tens of millions. The capital and largest city is Changsha. The name Hunan means "south of the lake," referring to Dongting Lake.

Geography and climate: The province is largely hilly and mountainous, with the Dongting Lake plain in the east and the Wuling Mountains in the west. The Yangtze River forms part of its northern boundary. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot summers, mild winters, and abundant summer rainfall.

History and notable sites: The area was part of the ancient Chu state during the Spring and Autumn period. It became part of imperial China and modernized in the 19th and 20th centuries. Hunan is the birthplace of Mao Zedong (Shaoshan) and has a notable revolutionary heritage.

Economy and culture: The economy is diversified, with agriculture (rice, tea, citrus) and growing manufacturing in machinery and electronics. Hunan cuisine, known as Xiang, is one of China’s eight regional cuisines, recognized for spicy, fragrant flavors. The province is home to many ethnic groups, including Tujia and Miao. The Xiang Chinese language and its dialects are prevalent.

Tourism and sights: Zhangjiajie’s Wulingyuan area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for pillar-like sandstone formations. Other attractions include Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, and Yueyang Tower by Dongting Lake. Changsha hosts Yuelu Academy and several universities.