Changsha

Changsha is the capital of Hunan province and one of central China's most dynamic cities, set along the Xiang River. Known as the "Star City", it combines a long history with a lively contemporary culture built around food, media and entertainment.

The city's heritage spans more than 3,000 years and is closely tied to the ancient Chu culture. Yuelu Academy, founded in 976, is one of China's oldest academies of higher learning, while the Hunan Provincial Museum houses famous artefacts from the Mawangdui Han dynasty tombs. Tianxin Pavilion and the riverside Orange Isle, with its giant statue of a young Mao Zedong, are among the best-known landmarks.

Around Wuyi Square in the city centre, shopping malls, restaurants and historic streets such as Taiping Street and Pozi Street give visitors a taste of both old and new Changsha. Across the Xiang River, the Yuelu District offers university campuses, Yuelu Mountain trails and quieter neighbourhoods.

Changsha is a major manufacturing and media hub, home to companies such as Sany and Zoomlion as well as the Hunan Broadcasting System. Its nightlife and food scene are central to its identity, with Xiang cuisine, stinky tofu, spicy crayfish and late-night dining drawing both domestic and international visitors.

With Huanghua International Airport, high-speed rail connections and a growing metro network, Changsha is convenient for business and leisure travellers exploring Hunan and central China.