A place of happiness and vitality
Changsha, capital of Hunan province, is a city of fierce energy and warm hospitality. On Yuelu Mountain, the ancient Yuelu Academy — one of China's four great ancient academies — has educated scholars for over a thousand years, and the autumn maple leaves of Aiwan Pavilion are a sight to behold.
The city is deeply connected to modern Chinese history. Orange Isle (Juzizhou) in the middle of the Xiang River is famous for the youthful poetry of Mao Zedong, who studied in Changsha, and the city preserves museums and memorials dedicated to the revolutionary era. The Xiang River itself splits the city into old and new, history and hustle.
Changsha is now a cultural and culinary phenomenon. Its stinky tofu, crayfish, and spiced street food draw foodies from across China, and the city's nightlife and entertainment scene have earned it a reputation as the happiest city in the country. With high-speed rail connections, it's an easy and exciting stop.
