Hunan Province in South China is an amazing place filled with stunning scenery, a rich history, and delicious food.
From the towering spires of Zhangjiajie to ancient towns, to dishes that are so hot they’ll make your tongue numb, Hunan has it all.
No matter if you like getting outdoors or want to learn about China’s past or just love food, Hunan will have something for you.
Here are all the highlights that, to me, make Hunan a can’t miss place to visit.
Top 5 Most Popular Cities in Hunan
Changsha: The Dynamic Capital
Changsha is Hunan’s happening capital city, packed with history, culture, and contemporary appeal. From iconic landmarks to peaceful retreats, the city offers diverse experiences.
1. Yuelu Mountain
An urban oasis in the middle of Changsha, Yuelu Mountain is a great place to walk and explore some old temples. Be sure to visit the Yuelu Academy (it’s one of the country’s oldest).
Duration: 3-4 hours
Tips: The best time to visit is in autumn for cooler weather and colorful foliage.
2. Orange Island
An island on the Xiangjiang River, Orange Island is a scenic spot for a stroll or a lazy day. The giant statue of a young Mao Zedong is the island’s main attraction.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Tips: Go after dark when the light display is on full.
3. Hunan Provincial Museum
Delivering cultural relics, this museum even has Han dynasty Mawangdui tombs! A must-visit for any history buff.
Duration: 2-3 hours
It’s free to visit, but you may need to book in advance during high season.
Zhangjiajie: Nature’s Wonderland
Zhangjiajie is famous for its giant sandstone pillars and dramatic scenery that provided the inspiration for Avatar.
1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Home to breathtaking quartz sandstone peaks, the park offers scenic trails, glass bridges, and panoramic views.
Duration: 1-2 days
Tips: Begin your hike at sunrise to beat the bulk of the crowds, and take the cable car up for a more relaxed experience.
2. Tianmen Mountain
Home to the incredible 999-step Heavenly Stairs and glass skywalks, Tianmen Mountain is an adventure you won’t want to miss.
Duration: 5-6 hours
Tips: Book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
3. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
Walking across the world’s longest glass-bottom bridge is a thrilling experience with views of the canyon below.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Wear good walking shoes and don’t go when it’s raining (your view will be blocked!).
Fenghuang: A Step Back in Time
Fenghuang Ancient Town is a stunningly well-preserved town on the Tuojiang River, showcasing traditional life and ethnic culture.
1. Fenghuang Ancient Town
Explore cobblestone streets, admire traditional Miao architecture, and enjoy a boat ride along the river.
Duration: 4-5 hours
Tips: Come at night and see the town all lit up and many colors.
2. Hongqiao Bridge
A highlight and icon of the ancient town, the Hongqiao Bridge provides a nice lookout over the town and river. Great for photos.
Duration: 1 hour
Tips: Mornings or evenings are the best time to take pictures with less of a crowd.
3. Southern Great Wall
Originally erected to keep outsiders from invading, this wall is smaller and circles the town but includes historical information and nice viewpoints.
Duration: 1-2 hours
If you plan to walk a long portion of the wall, wear comfortable shoes.
Yueyang: Gateway to Dongting Lake
Yueyang is known for its rich history and beautiful lake views, offering a peaceful retreat from urban life.
1. Yueyang Tower
Another of China’s Three Great Towers, Yueyang Tower gives you impressive views of Dongting Lake and a look at ancient Chinese architecture.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Tips: Be sure to come on a clear day for unobstructed views of the lake.
2. Dongting Lake
China’s second-largest freshwater lake, Dongting Lake, is a birder’s and nature lover’s paradise.
Duration: 2-3 hours
For best views, take a boat at sunset around the harbor.
3. Junshan Island
With its historic and natural sites, Junshan Island only takes half a day to explore, making it a relaxing visit.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Tips: Pair a visit here with Dongting Lake for a full experience.
Hengyang: A Blend of Nature and Culture
Hengyang offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks, making it a worthwhile stop for visitors.
1. Mount Heng
One of the Five Sacred Mountains of Taoism in China, Mount Heng offers stunning vistas and is an important Daoist pilgrimage destination.
Duration: 5-6 hours
Tips: Hike early and bring hiking clothes.
2. Nanyue Temple
At the base of Mount Heng sits Nanyue Temple, the largest ancient architectural complex in the south, with impressive detail.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Tips: Visit during local festivals to witness traditional rituals.
3. Xiangjiang River Scenic Belt
A riverfront walkway perfect for evening strolls and soaking up the local vibe.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Visit at sundown for the prettiest images.
Hunan Cuisine: A Spicy Delight
1. Dong'an Chicken
Dong’an Chicken is a classic Hunan dish of succulent stir-fried chicken cooked with garlic, ginger, chilies, and vinegar. The result is a little spicy, a little sour, and incredibly fragrant, making it the ideal starter.
Where to Try: Dong'an County, Yongzhou, or high-end Hunan restaurants in Changsha.
2. Chairman Mao’s Red Braised Pork
This classic dish was reportedly one of Chairman Mao Zedong’s favorites, and it involves braising pork belly in soy sauce, sugar, and other spices until tender and caramelized so it melts in your mouth.
Where to Try: Shaoshan, Mao Zedong’s hometown, or traditional Hunan restaurants in Changsha.
3. Stinky Tofu
Stinky tofu in Hunanis fried to a crunchy golden and then doused in a mouthwatering spicy-and-tangy sauce.
It might smell bad, but it has a delicious fried exterior and a warm, soft inside that keeps both locals and visitors lining up.
Where to Try: Huogong Palace in Changsha or Taiping Street street vendors.
4. Steamed Fish Head with Chopped Chili
This steamed fish head is a visually dramatic dish piled high with large bright red pieces of chopped chili peppers, garlic, and fermented soybeans.
A perfect balance of spicy and umami, it’s Hunan dish par excellence.
Where to Try: Changsha’s Taiping Street or specialty local restaurants.
5. Spicy Crayfish
Spicy crawfish (Kouwei Xia) is a popular dish in food stalls or restaurants, with crawfish stir-fried in a spicy juice made of chili, garlic, spices, and other seasonings. Great for late-night indulging!
Where to Try: Changsha’s Wuyi Square night markets or local eateries.
Hunan's Cultural Experience
1. Attending the Tujia Hand-Waving Dance
The Tujia ethnic minority people perform the Hand-Waving Dance in large groups for celebrations of gratitude and joy. It involves rhythmic hand movements and colorful dresses.
Tips: See this lively dance at Zhangjiajie or during the annual Tujia New Year festivals.
2. Experiencing the Huagu Opera
Huagu Opera is a traditional Hunan folk art that combines folk songs and dance, creating a performance that’s highly comedic, incredibly vibrant, and should not be missed if you’re into Chinese performing arts.
3. Experiencing the Dragon Boat Festival on Dongting Lake
The Dragon boat Festival celebrates the occasion with a boat race on Dongting Lake as teams race with drums beating in the background and a boisterous atmosphere.
Tips: If you come during the Dragon Boat Festival(usually in June), you’ll be able to take in all the action. Prepare to get there early to claim your spot by the lake.
4. Joining a Tea Ceremony in Anhua
Anhua is also home to dark tea (Hei Cha), it also contains a traditional tea ceremony where you can learn the proper techniques for steeping and enjoy some of Hunan’s best brews.
Arrange a tea ceremony in Anhua at a teahouse or tea plantation for a local experience.
5. Exploring the Miao Ethnic Villages in Xiangxi
The Xiangxi Miao minority villages have traditional stilt houses, silver craftwork, and cultural shows. It’s a great place to go, explore local culture, and see how the Miao live.
Tips: For a unique photo op, find a local photography studio where you can rent Miao clothing!
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit Hunan
The best times to visit Hunan are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the temperatures are mild and comfortable.
The summer can be hot and humid, and winter is cold by comparison.
Transportation Tips
Air Travel: You can fly into Changsha Huanghua International Airport. It has domestic and international flights.
High-Speed Rail: Major cities are serviced by convenient high-speed trains, including Changsha, Zhangjiajie, and Hengyang.
Local Transport: There are local buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps.
FAQ
1. What is Hunan famous for?
Hunan is famous for its scenic beauty, spicy food, and the hometown of Mao Zedong.
2. How do I get to Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport is the city’s main airport and high-speed trains connect to surrounding areas.
3. How does Hunan cuisine differ from Sichuan?
Hunan cuisine is known for its dry heat and aromatic spices, while Sichuan cuisine uses numbing Sichuan peppercorns.
4. How long do I need in Hunan?
A 5-7 day itinerary is ideal to explore major highlights like Zhangjiajie, Changsha, and Fenghuang.
5. Is Hunan safe for travelers?
Hunan is a safe place generally, however standard travel precautions should still be used.
Conclusion
Hunan is a multifaceted place, filled with natural wonders, ancient history, and delicious food.
The province’s landscapes and cities are incredibly varied, and its diverse experiences makes it somewhere you can see imposing natural rock formations, wooden ancient villages, and of course, delicious Hunan cuisine.
It’s hard not love a place that has so much variety!