From Changsha to Zhangjiajie: Exploring the Wonders of Hunan, China

Hunan, a primarily agricultural province in South Central China, offers a unique blend of modern cities and natural wonders, from Changsha, the capital city, to the UNESCO Global Geopark of Zhangjiajie and many other locations that include historical sites and natural wonders that visitors are sure to enjoy.

The Dynamic City of Changsha, China

Changsha, China, is Hunan's vibrant capital, a busy metropolis of over 10 million residents. The city is divided by the Xiang River and holds historical significance due to its connections with Chairman Mao. Born just 43.5 miles away, Mao moved to Changsha at 18 to pursue his education. One must-visit location in Changsha is Orange Island, located in the middle of the Xiang River. Here stands a massive bust of a young Mao Zedong. This island also served as a relaxing retreat where Mao would swim after studying.

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The Hunan Provincial Museum is home to an extensive collection of historical artifacts and cultural relics. One of its exhibits features the mummy of Lady Dai (Xin Zhui) from the Han Dynasty, which is 2,000 years old. Discovered in the early 1970s, her body is incredibly well-preserved.

The Natural Beauty of Zhangjiajie

Taking a two-hour bullet train from Changsha leads to Zhangjiajie, which is a fantastic base for exploring some of the natural wonders that China is known to offer. In Zhangjiajie, visitors can enjoy foods like Stinky Bean curd and farmed salamander at numerous restaurants.

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Tianmen Mountain is accessible via the world's longest cable car ride. One notable feature is Tianmen Cave, often called Heaven's Gate, which is large enough for a fighter jet to pass through. The Glass Skywalk on Tianmen Mountain provides an adrenaline rush as visitors walk over transparent glass hundreds of meters above ground. A series of escalators inside the mountain lead up to the dramatic archway before descending 999 steps to another viewpoint.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park features a vast forest with sandstone pillars sprinkled among the trees. The famous Bailong Elevator allows travelers to ascend 1,070 feet in glass-sided splendor. A fun fact about this park is that the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain was renamed after James Cameron's film inspired by this landscape. For an added thrill, zip lines carry visitors across for unforgettable views.

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Baofeng Lake, often called the "Jade Pool of Heaven," lies at the base of these karst peaks. The lake's tranquil waters reflect verdant cliffs, while boat trips offer folk song serenades by locals in traditional attire. You can even rent outfits in the style of the indigenous Tujia people to have photos taken.