HUNAN PROVINCE
Hunan is the green heart of inland China, a land of mystical mountains, emerald rivers, and fiery cuisine. It is the birthplace of Chairman Mao and a cradle of ancient Chu culture.
This province blends the otherworldly sandstone peaks of Zhangjiajie with the timeless, stilted houses of Fenghuang. It is a region where dramatic nature meets deep, revolutionary history and vibrant ethnic traditions.
Most Popular Attractions
Natural Wonders & Mountains:
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: The inspiration for “Avatar,” featuring towering quartz-sandstone pillars and deep ravines.
Tianmen Mountain: Famous for the “Heaven’s Gate” natural arch and the winding 99-Bend Road.
Mount Heng (Hengshan): One of the Five Sacred Mountains of China, renowned for its Taoist temples and scenic ridges.
Langshan Mountain: A UNESCO site featuring spectacular Danxia landforms and red sandstone cliffs.
Suoxiyu Nature Reserve: Part of the Wulingyuan area, known for its limestone caves and the serene Baofeng Lake.
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area: Home to the “Hallelujah Mountain” and the world’s tallest outdoor elevator, the Bailong Elevator.
Yellow Dragon Cave (Huanglong Cave): A massive underground karst cave system with stalactites, stalagmites, and subterranean rivers.
M幕fu Mountains: A lush range offering excellent hiking and views over the border of Hunan and Jiangxi.
Ancient Towns & Cultural Heritage:
Fenghuang Ancient Town: A stunning riverside town famous for its wooden diaojiaolou (stilted houses) and Phoenix-like charm.
Yueyang Tower: An ancient architectural masterpiece overlooking Dongting Lake, immortalized in classic Chinese literature.
Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town: A well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty trade hub with traditional courtyard houses.
Qianyang Ancient Town: One of the oldest towns in China, offering a quiet, authentic glimpse into provincial history.
Dehang Miao Village: A traditional ethnic village set in a deep valley, known for its unique culture and the Aizhai Bridge.
Furong (Hibiscus) Town: An ancient town famous for a spectacular waterfall that drops directly through the village center.
Confucius Temple of Ningyuan: One of the largest and best-preserved temples dedicated to the philosopher in southern China.
Changsha City & Modern Attractions:
Orange Isle (Juzizhou): A long island in the Xiang River featuring a massive, iconic monument of a young Mao Zedong.
Hunan Museum: Home to the world-famous Mawangdui Han Tombs and the remarkably preserved Lady Dai.
Yuelu Academy: One of the four great academies of ancient China, located at the foot of Yuelu Mountain.
Mount Yuelu Park: A scenic city park housing historic temples, pavilions, and the Aiwan Pavilion.
Changsha IFS Tower: A symbol of modern Hunan, this skyscraper is the tallest building in the province.
Fiery Palace (Huogongdian): A historic venue combining a temple with a famous food street, perfect for trying stinky tofu.
History & Revolutionary Sites:
Shaoshan: The birthplace of Mao Zedong, featuring his former residence and a large memorial museum.
Huaminglou: The hometown and former residence of Liu Shaoqi, another key figure in modern Chinese history.
Aizhai Extra-Large Suspension Bridge: A modern engineering marvel connecting mountain tunnels high above a deep canyon.
Activities & Experiences
Hike the “Avatar” Mountains: Explore the towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the real-life inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.
Walk the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge: Test your courage on one of the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridges, suspended over the Grand Canyon.
Take the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car: Ride one of the longest cable car journeys in the world to reach the “Heaven’s Gate” arch and walk along the cliff-hanging skywalks.
Night Cruise in Fenghuang Ancient Town: Admire the stunning stilt houses (Diaojiaolou) lit up at night while drifting down the Tuojiang River in a traditional wooden boat.
Explore the Mao Zedong Birthplace: Visit Shaoshan to see the humble childhood home and museum of the founding father of the People’s Republic of China.
Attend a “Charming Xiangxi” Show: Watch a high-energy cultural performance in Wulingyuan featuring local minority folk dances, acrobatics, and the “Corpse Driving” folklore.
Learn the Art of Hunan Embroidery: Visit the Hunan Provincial Embroidery Museum in Changsha to witness the intricate “Xiang” style, famous for its lifelike tigers and flowers.
Feast on Spicy Xiang Cuisine: Take a food tour in Changsha to brave the heat of “Stinky Tofu,” Chopped Chili Fish Head, and spicy crawfish at a local night market.
Climb Mount Heng (Hengshan): Visit one of China’s Five Sacred Mountains, home to ancient Taoist temples and Buddhist monasteries amidst sea-of-cloud views.
Visit the Ancient Academy of Yuelu: Walk through one of the four prestigious academies of ancient China, located on the scenic Yuelu Mountain in Changsha.
Take a Tea Plantation Tour: Head to the hills of Anhua or Junshan Island to learn about the production of Dark Tea (Heicha) and Silver Needle tea, including traditional ceremonies.
Local Tips & Transport
High-Speed Rail (HSR): Hunan is a major hub for China’s bullet trains. The Changsha South Railway Station connects you to Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang, and major cities like Beijing or Guangzhou in record time.
Maglev and Metro in Changsha: Changsha features a modern metro system and a Maglev line that connects the Huanghua International Airport (CSX) to the South Railway Station.
The Zhangjiajie-Sertar Express: New high-speed rail lines now connect Zhangjiajie directly to Fenghuang Ancient Town, reducing a 4-hour bus ride to a 1-hour train trip.
Taxis and Didi: While taxis are plentiful, downloading the Didi app (the Chinese equivalent of Uber) is highly recommended. It has an English interface and allows for seamless cashless payments.
Walking and Public Buses: In ancient towns like Fenghuang, walking is the only way to navigate the narrow alleys. In cities, public buses are cheap (usually 2 RMB), but routes are mostly in Chinese.
Embrace the Heat (Spice): Hunanese food is famous for Gan La (dry spicy). Unlike Sichuan food which is numbing, Hunan food uses fresh and pickled chilis. Always have a bottle of water or milk handy!
Dining Etiquette: It is common to “rinse” your bowls and chopsticks with hot tea or water provided at the table before eating. Large groups usually share dishes on a “Lazy Susan” (turntable).
Minority Culture: Hunan is home to the Tujia, Miao, and Dong ethnic groups. Respect local traditions, especially when visiting villages—ask for permission before taking close-up photos of elders.
Connectivity: Many Western websites (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp) are blocked. Download a reliable VPN before arriving in China, and install WeChat and Alipay for everything from communication to payments.
Avoid Golden Week: Try to avoid visiting during the first week of October (National Day) or Chinese New Year. Iconic spots like Zhangjiajie become extremely crowded, with wait times for cable cars exceeding 4 hours.
Hidden Gems:
- Dehang Miao Village: A stunning alternative to the more commercial Fenghuang, featuring the incredible Aizhai Extra Large Suspension Bridge nearby.
- Aiwan Pavilion: Located on Yuelu Mountain, this is one of China’s four famous pavilions and is especially beautiful in autumn when the maple leaves turn bright red.
- Orange Isle (Juzizhou): A massive park on an island in the middle of the Xiang River featuring an enormous, 32-meter tall young Mao Zedong statue.
- The Red Rocks of Guzhang: The “Red Rocks National Geopark” offers a surreal landscape of crimson jagged rocks that date back 450 million years, far less crowded than Zhangjiajie.
Language: English is not widely spoken outside of major hotels. It is helpful to have your destination addresses written in Chinese characters to show taxi drivers.
Top Restaurants
Yulong Big Pot Bullfrog 昱龙大盆牛蛙馆 [$15-$25] – A legendary hole-in-the-wall near Changsha’s Jiefang West Road known for its fiery “dry pot” bullfrog and hearty comfort food.
Shuangyanlou 双燕楼 [$5-$15] – Located on the historic Pozi Street in Changsha, this century-old shop is famous for its delicate meat wontons and traditional snacks.
Lao Ma Tou Stinky Tofu 老码头臭豆腐 [$3-$8] – Situated near the Tianxin Pavilion, this local haunt serves a softer version of stinky tofu with a rich, umami-packed dipping sauce.
Ju Wei Qu Ji 聚味瞿记 [$20-$35] – A local institution in Changsha since 2013, renowned for its perfectly spiced braised crayfish and vibrant, late-night atmosphere.
Huo Gong Dian 火宫殿 [$10-$25] – A sprawling complex in Changsha’s city center that originated as a temple; it is the ultimate destination for authentic stinky tofu and steamed fish head.
Xue Yi Rice Noodles 学义面粉 [$5-$10] – A humble noodle shop on Yuegong Street in Changsha where locals line up for a breakfast of spicy broth and pickled radishes.
Xiangxi Folk Restaurant 湘西民间菜 [$15-$30] – Located near the South Gate of Zhangjiajie National Park, this rustic spot specializes in sour fish and smoked Tujia bacon.
Qin Da Ma Lao Zi Hao 秦大妈老字号 [$20-$35] – A 20-year-old staple near the Tianmen Mountain cable car serving traditional Tujia “San Xia Guo” (triple-ingredient hot pot).
Gongpopo Tujia Kitchen 龚婆婆土厨 [$15-$25] – Located in Zhangjiajie’s Yongding District, this cozy eatery is famous for its slow-stewed pig’s feet and farmhouse-style eggs.
Wei Sheng Restaurant 味道上 [$10-$20] – A Xiangtan favorite known for its minced meat rice noodles and secret-recipe bone broth that has fed the neighborhood for generations.
Xinhua Zhai 新华斋 [$5-$15] – A historic dessert shop in Xiangtan city center famous for its “lantern cakes” and osmanthus-infused glutinous rice treats.
Ten-Mile Fragrant Noodle Shop 十里香粉馆 [$5-$12] – A nostalgic wooden shop in Fenghuang Ancient Town serving soft, chewy noodles to locals for over a decade.
Daguodazaochaihuo Restaurant 大锅大灶柴火饭 [$15-$30] – Located near the South Gate of Fenghuang, this restaurant uses traditional wood-fired stoves to cook authentic Hunanese farmhouse dishes.
Zhaisao Dangjia 寨嫂当家 [$15-$25] – A busy spot in Zhangjiajie’s Huatincheng community known for its fast service and signature crock-pot chicken.
Black Classic 黑色经典 [$5-$10] – Though it has many outlets, the branch near Changsha’s ID Mall remains a local favorite for its “odor-free” crispy dark-skinned stinky tofu.
Xiangzi Old Restaurant 湘子餐馆 [$15-$25] – A well-regarded spot near Hongqiao in Fenghuang where the chef prepares classic Xiangxi bandit-style grilled fish.
Mao’s Specialty Restaurant 毛氏小馆 [$15-$30] – Located in the Wulingyuan district of Zhangjiajie, this spot specializes in the region’s famous braised pork belly and fresh mountain greens.
Tujia Wild Vegetable Restaurant 土家野菜馆 [$15-$25] – A green-focused eatery on Jinbian Road in Zhangjiajie featuring foraged wild vegetables and authentic mountain hot pots.
Lao Yang Tou Rice Noodles 老杨头粉店 [$5-$10] – A hidden gem in Chenzhou known for its signature spicy fish noodles that define the local breakfast culture.
Hejiaba Restaurant 何家坝饭店 [$15-$25] – A riverside favorite in Yueyang famous for its “steamed three treasures” using fresh catches from Dongting Lake.
Yixinyuan Private Kitchen 颐馨源私房菜 [$15-$30] – Tucked away near Zhangjiajie Railway Station, this family-run spot offers various home-style stir-fries and dry-pot fish.
Tangshi Xiangxi Specialty 唐师傅湘西名菜馆 [$20-$35] – A spacious restaurant in Wulingyuan known for its “Miao-style” blood duck and smoked meats.
Grandma’s Bamboo House 奶奶的竹屋 [$15-$25] – Located near the Yellow Stone Village cable car, this rustic spot is famous for its seasonal wild mushroom hot pots.
Cui Cui Miao Bing 翠翠苗饼 [$3-$8] – A tiny takeaway window in Fenghuang Ancient Town serving freshly pounded Miao-style pancakes with sweet or savory fillings.
Xiangnan Local Kitchen 湘南土菜馆 [$15-$25] – A popular community restaurant in Chenzhou focusing on the spicy, aromatic stir-fries typical of southern Hunan.
Wenheyou Superbitch 文和you [$20-$40] – A massive, seven-story retro-themed complex in Changsha that recreates 1980s street life, specializing in crayfish and nostalgic snacks.
Lu Ju 108 麓橘·108 [$25-$45] – Tucked away in a Changsha residential area, this modern space offers a refined, slightly milder take on Hunanese classics in a garden-like setting.
Mo Ming Restaurant 莫名酒楼 [$30-$50] – A trendy Changsha spot that pairs authentic local main dishes with creative desserts like matcha pudding crepes.
Spacelab 失重餐厅 [$35-$55] – Located in the Wanxiangcheng complex in Changsha, this high-tech restaurant uses “food rails” to deliver dishes to your table.
Shierwei 十二味 [$20-$40] – A modern, elegantly designed restaurant in Fenghuang Ancient Town that puts a contemporary spin on Xiangxi mountain cuisine.
Zhaizilidebobocai 寨子里的钵钵菜 [$20-$35] – A stylish riverside restaurant in Wulingyuan famous for its signature bowl dishes and stunning evening views of the water.
Fei Da Ma Stir-Fried Pork 费大妈辣椒炒肉 [$20-$35] – A popular modern chain that has perfected the “Lajiao Chaorou” (pork with chili), focusing on high-quality ingredients and consistency.
Hunan Crayfish King 湘江湖小龙虾 [$30-$50] – A prominent spot along Changsha’s Fisherman’s Wharf that offers innovative crayfish flavors like garlic butter and salt & pepper.
Suoxi Mountain Village 索溪山寨 [$25-$45] – An “eating culture museum” in Wulingyuan that serves traditional ingredients like black fungus and rock-ear chicken in a modern gallery setting.
HolyShift [$30-$60] – A fusion restaurant in Changsha’s modern district that combines Western techniques with bold Hunanese spices and live music.
Tang Shao Ye 糖少爷 [$10-$20] – A modern dessert boutique in Changsha reimagining traditional sugar oil cakes with new fillings and aesthetic presentation.
Ivantxu Changsha [$40-$60] – A creative bistro in the city center that experiments with the boundaries of Hunanese flavor profiles and Western plating.
Shinn Yen 湘映 [$60-$100] – Located inside the W Hotel Changsha, this high-end restaurant offers a sophisticated, avant-garde interpretation of Hunanese cuisine with world-class service.
Xiang Jun Lou 湘郡楼 [$50-$90] – One of Changsha’s most prestigious dining rooms, famous for its refined “braised pork with preserved vegetables” and formal banquet style.
Feng Chinese Restaurant 丰味中餐厅 [$45-$80] – The signature restaurant of the Pullman Zhangjiajie, offering top-tier Hunanese gastronomy in a graceful, quiet environment.
W Changsha Tropics [$40-$70] – A luxury all-day dining venue in Changsha known for its premium seafood buffets and modern Hunanese fusion dishes.
West Lake Restaurant 西湖楼 [$40-$80] – Once the largest restaurant in Asia, this palace-like complex in Changsha offers grand banquet experiences featuring imperial-style Hunan cuisine.
Phoenix Chinese Restaurant 凤凰中餐厅 [$50-$90] – Located in the Country Garden Phoenix Hotel in Zhangjiajie, providing an elegant setting for authentic Tujia and Cantonese fusion.
Mao Jia Fan Dian 毛家饭店 [$30-$60] – The original “Red Tourism” restaurant in Shaoshan, offering high-end versions of Chairman Mao’s favorite dishes in a museum-like setting.
Cliffside Restaurant 悬崖餐厅 [$70-$110] – A highly exclusive spot halfway up Tianmen Mountain accessible by reservation only, offering wild rabbit and spring water tofu overlooking the abyss.
Nanmenkou Food Street 南门口 [$10-$25] – Not a single restaurant, but a historic Changsha street perfect for a “tapas-style” crawl of stinky tofu, skewers, and spicy snails.
Fisherman’s Wharf 渔人码头 [$25-$50] – A massive riverside area in Changsha with dozens of seafood and crayfish joints, offering a lively, outdoor local atmosphere.
Hourong Street 后溶街 [$10-$20] – Known as the “local youth’s night canteen” in Zhangjiajie, this street is packed with vendors selling everything from spicy hot pot to wild mountain herbs.
Pozi Street Market 坡子街 [$10-$30] – One of the oldest commercial streets in Changsha, home to dozens of small shops serving authentic “Xiang” snacks and traditional pastries.
Wulingyuan Night Market 武陵源夜市 [$15-$30] – A bustling market near the park entrance famous for iron-grill tofu and fresh river fish caught from the Suoxi River.
Lin Wu Duck House 临武鸭店 [$20-$35] – A local favorite in Chenzhou city specializing in the famous Linwu duck, served smoked, braised, or in a spicy pot.
Yueyang Lou Traditional Eats 岳阳楼老味道 [$20-$40] – Located near the famous Yueyang Tower, this spot focuses on “steamed fish head” and local delicacies from the nearby lakes.
Zeng Fu Shi Private Kitchen 曾府食府 [$25-$45] – A well-regarded home-style restaurant in Hengyang known for its authentic “Hengyang fish powder” and spicy beef stir-fries.
Yongzhou Blood Duck Hall 永州血鸭馆 [$20-$35] – A traditional spot in Yongzhou city center specializing in the province’s most famous “blood duck” dish—spicy, dark, and incredibly flavorful.
Anhua Tea House & Kitchen 安化茶乡人家 [$15-$30] – Located in the tea-growing region of Anhua, this restaurant incorporates local dark tea into its smoked meats and stews.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
S-S-S (Sip, Savor, Soul) 饮酒思源: Tucked away in the Furong District, this speakeasy-style bar is known for its meticulous craftsmanship and seasonal cocktails inspired by local Hunanese ingredients.
The Alchemist 炼金术: Located in the trendy Wuyi Square area, this bar features a laboratory-themed aesthetic where bartenders use dry ice and infusions to create “potions.”
Charlie’s Bar 查理酒吧: A classic, wood-paneled establishment in the Kaifu District that offers a massive selection of single-malt whiskies and old-school jazz vibes.
ROOTS Bar 根源: Situated near the Xiang River, this minimalist spot focuses on “farm-to-glass” cocktails, utilizing unique local herbs and spices.
Fannof 凡诺: A chic, high-end cocktail lounge in the North Kaifu district known for its panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and experimental mixology.
The 12 Bar 12号酒馆: Located in the Jiefang West Road area, this intimate venue is famous for its bespoke service—there is often no menu, and drinks are made based on your mood.
Hulu Bar 葫芦酒吧: Found in the historic Chaozong Street, this bar blends traditional Chinese architecture with modern spirits, serving drinks in gourd-shaped vessels.
Whisky & Cocktail Bar (W Hotel) W酒店酒吧: Perched high in the Yuhua District, this glamorous venue offers avant-garde cocktails and a vibrant social scene for the city’s elite.
The Reservoir 水库: A moody, industrial-style bar in the Tianxin District that specializes in gin-based drinks and craft infusions.
Old Fashioned Bar 老式酒吧: Located near the University Town, this spot is beloved by students and locals for its unpretentious atmosphere and perfectly executed classic cocktails.
Flow Cocktail Bar 涌流: A sleek, modern space in the Binjiang CBD that offers a quiet escape with sophisticated drinks and views of the skyline.
Z-Cool 这里的酒: A popular hangout in the southern part of the city, known for its creative “Hunan-fusion” drinks that occasionally incorporate spicy elements.
Mokihi 木其: A Japanese-style bar in the heart of the city center focusing on precision, hand-carved ice, and premium spirits.
The Common 凡人: A cozy, community-focused bar near Yuelu Mountain, perfect for a relaxed drink after exploring the nearby scenic areas.
Aura Rooftop Bar 灵气天台: Located on the top floor of the IFS Tower (Changsha’s tallest building), providing the ultimate luxury cocktail experience with an unmatched view of the city.
Super Monkey 超级猴子: A massive, high-energy megaclub on Jiefang West Road featuring world-class lighting rigs and top international EDM DJs.
PLAY HOUSE 播放室: One of Changsha’s most iconic nightlife landmarks, this enormous venue in the Furong District is famous for its rotating stages and immersive audio-visual shows.
MIU Club 缪俱乐部: A trendy, high-end club in the city center known for its futuristic design and a loyal following of the city’s fashionable youth.
Space Plus 太空中心: Located in the newer development zones of Changsha, this club offers a massive dance floor and focuses on hard-hitting electronic dance music.
Panda Club 熊猫俱乐部: A high-energy venue in the Wuyi Square district that features frequent live performances, dancers, and a mix of hip-hop and commercial house.
0731 Club 0731俱乐部: Named after Changsha’s area code, this club in the Tianxin District celebrates local “C-City” culture with energetic sets and a local flair.
Dr. Oscar 奥斯卡: A theatrical nightclub concept in the Kaifu District that combines circus-style performances with a high-octane clubbing environment.
Illusion Club 幻觉: A dark, atmospheric techno-focused club hidden in the basements of the city center, catering to those looking for an underground vibe.
H Linx 汉克斯: A luxury clubbing destination in the Furong District featuring VIP table service, expensive champagne, and a more “see and be seen” atmosphere.
Sway Club 摇摆: A lively spot known for its hip-hop nights and R&B music, located right in the heart of the Jiefang West Road entertainment strip.