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Hunan

As the birthplace of Mao Zedong, Communist Party cadres might wax lyrical about the sacred standing of Hunan (湖南; Húnán) in the annals of Chinese history, but it's the province's dramatic scenery that is the real draw. A magnificent landscape of isolated mountain ranges and jagged peaks envelops more than 80% of the province. The most astonishing example is found at the phantasmagorical Zhangjiajie, one of China's most surreal national parks. Here, as in other parts of the province, geological marvels thrust up majestically from green vales fed by tributaries in the fertile Yangzi River basin.

People have long made a home amid Hunan's natural wonders, taming the rocky slopes into terraces of lush fields, and their distinctive cultures live on in charming villages and towns, the most alluring being the historic riverside settlement of Fenghuang.

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Hunan.

  • National Park

    Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

    Among China’s crop of surreal landscapes, Zhangjiajie has got to be a contender for one of the most impressive. A forest of spectacularly weathered spires…

  • Old Town

    Qianyang Old Town

    If you've made it all the way to Hongjiang, don't overlook nearby Qianyang, another historic river town with a completely different architectural style…

  • Old Town

    Hongjiang Old Town

    The old town can be visited in half a day, and undulates in a delightful, higgledy-piggledy, often steep, maze of narrow stone-flagged alleys and lanes…

  • Mountain

    Heng Shan

    Seventy-two peaks spanning 400km comprise the Heng Shan range, but most visitors focus on Zhurong Peak, rising 1290m above sea level.

  • National Park

    Tiānzǐ Shān

    This area is at the top of the plateau near the Wulingyuan entrance, and enjoys many of the park's more spectacular viewpoints. It can be reached directly…

  • National Park

    Yángjiājiè

    Located on the backside of the park is this unexpectedly fun hike, which descends into a valley (beneath a cable car) before climbing back up a series of…

  • National Park

    Yuánjiājiè

    Located near the top of the Bailong Elevator (白龙天梯; Báilóng Tiāntī; one way ¥72), this scenic trail is a succession of one incredible panorama after…

  • Area

    Binglang Valley

    If you speak some Chinese and want to get well off the beaten track, this staggeringly beautiful mountain valley and its caves, natural arches and…

  • Waterfall

    Liusha Waterfall

    This lovely waterfall – very thin, but very tall indeed – concludes a lovely walk beyond the village. You can climb up behind the curtain of water, which…

  • Historic Site

    Former Residence of Mao Zedong

    Surrounded by lotus ponds and rice paddies, this modest mud-brick house is like millions of other country homes except that Mao was born here in 1893. By…

  • National Park

    Golden Whip Stream

    On the canyon floor, the Golden Whip Stream area is a peaceful, flat trail meandering 5.7km east from the Forest Park entrance to the Bailong Elevator …

  • Waterfall

    Furong Zhen Waterfall

    These dramatic falls give the town its unique character, especially when they're in full spate. The waters fall from one level to another before crashing…

  • Museum

    Hunan Provincial Museum

    Changsha's main attraction is this modern museum. There's a special focus on the Mawangdui Tombs, which were excavated nearby in the early 1970s,…

  • Bridge

    Hong Bridge

    In the style of the Dong minority’s Wind and Rain bridges, this attractive structure vaults the waters of the Tuo River and is illuminated at night. Like…

  • Bridge

    Stepping Stones

    Stones laid out for crossing the river. Not a great idea to cross them after too many glasses of the local strong stuff.

  • Buddhist Site

    Kaifu Temple

    This large and active temple in the north of town dates originally to the Five Dynasties period, with many additions during later dynasties. The imposing…

  • Mountain

    Tianmen Mountain

    Visible from anywhere in Zhangjiajie City, this distinctive mountain range features Tiānmén Dòng (天门洞), a prominent keyhole cut through the mountainside…

  • Park

    Tangerine Isle

    The most famous of the city’s parks is a 5km-long sliver of an island smack bang in the middle of the Xiang River. A reflective 32-year-old Mao…

  • Historic Site

    Yuelu Academy

    Students have been cramming for exams at the base of Yuelu Mountain west of the river since AD 976, when the academy was established as one of China’s…

  • Gorge

    Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

    The Grand Canyon's primary attraction is the world's highest (300m) and longest (430m) glass bridge, which famously closed a mere two weeks after opening…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Hunan.

  • Activities