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Hunan is a stunning destination, often likened to a heavenly paradise, boasting a rich ancient culture. Join Mytour as we uncover the most famous spots to visit in Hunan!
Situated between the tranquil flow of the Yangtze River and the ancient lands of China, Hunan is a convergence of breathtaking natural beauty and profound cultural heritage. The name "Hunan" originates from its geographical location, with most of its territory lying south of Dongting Lake.
This region is not only renowned for the majestic landscapes of Zhangjiajie or the ancient houses of Fenghuang Ancient Town but also preserves many precious historical relics from the Qin Dynasty. Let's embark on a journey through the top tourist destinations in Hunan with Mytour Vietnam's guide below!
1. Fenghuang Ancient Town - A Beloved Tourist Spot in Hunan
- Address: Fenghuang County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan
Nestled peacefully by the Tuojiang River, Fenghuang Ancient Town has long been one of China's most enchanting destinations. With over 400 years of history, it preserves its ancient charm in every roof, street, and the rich culture of ethnic minorities like the Miao and Tujia.
Strolling through lantern-lit streets and admiring the Diaojiaolou (stilted houses) along the riverbank is an unmissable experience. A boat ride on the river offers a complete view of the town. Additionally, historical sites like Huangsiqiao Ancient City and Wanshou Palace hold timeless charm. Joining the Miao people's bonfire festival or visiting nearby Miao villages are great ways to explore local life.
To fully appreciate the town's beauty, spend at least a day and night here. Planning your trip early, especially during national holidays, helps avoid crowds and price surges. Don't forget to savor local cuisine, featuring spicy Fenghuang dishes, and visit souvenir areas for buffalo horn combs or batik paintings as keepsakes.
2. Furong Ancient Town in Hunan, China
- Address: Yongshun County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province
Furong Ancient Town, also known as the "waterfall-hanging ancient town," is renowned for the majestic Furong Waterfall. This 60-meter-high and 40-meter-wide waterfall flows through the town's center, creating a breathtaking scene. The best time to visit is from April to October, especially during the rainy season from June to August when the waterfall is at its fullest.
Walking along the 2,500-meter-long Wuli Street, you'll be captivated by traditional wooden shops and houses that vividly showcase Tujia culture. A must-visit is the Tusi Residence, perched on a cliff beside the waterfall, and the Xizhou Copper Pillar, a significant historical relic of the Tujia community.
Additionally, Furong Ancient Town offers various activities like visiting the folk museum, enjoying Tujia cultural performances, and taking a boat ride on the Youshui River. Don't miss trying local specialties such as rice tofu and ginger candy!
3. Wulingyuan Scenic Area in Hunan
- Address: Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province
With its majestic natural scenery and diverse ecosystem, the Wulingyuan Scenic Area in northern Zhangjiajie is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Spanning 690 square kilometers, it includes four main areas: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxi Valley, Tianzi Mountain, and Yangjiajie Scenic Area.
Wulingyuan is renowned for its "Five Wonders," featuring peaks, rocks, valleys, waters, and limestone caves. Over 560 attractions draw tourists worldwide, offering activities like hiking, cave exploration, and insights into the cultures of the Tujia, Miao, and Bai ethnic groups.
To get here, take a bus from Zhangjiajie, which takes about 40-60 minutes. Within the scenic area, you can easily travel to various spots using cable cars, the Bailong Elevator, and tourist boats. Remember to wear comfortable sports shoes and bring plenty of water!
4. Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge in Hunan Province
- Address: Sanguansi Town, Cili County, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province
One of Hunan's top attractions is the famous glass bridge spanning a deep canyon. At 430 meters long and 300 meters high, it's the world's longest and highest glass bridge, offering stunning views of the valley below, with towering rock formations, clear streams, and lush greenery.
Besides challenging yourself on the bridge, there are other exciting activities like bungee jumping from dizzying heights or exploring trails leading to landmarks such as "Skywalk," "Heaven's Ladder," and the Sacred Stream Valley. The area also features a 600-meter-long slide for adventure enthusiasts.
For a smooth trip, prepare suitable footwear, water, sunscreen, and book your glass bridge tickets in advance. The ideal visiting time is around 3-4 hours, best during spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant.
5. Tianmen Mountain in Hunan, China
- Address: Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province
In 1992, Tianmen Mountain was designated as Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, covering a vast area with its peak reaching 1,518 meters. The mountain's name comes from Tianmen Cave, a natural cave at its base. Its breathtaking beauty and rich ecosystem make Tianmen Mountain an unmissable destination in Hunan.
The sightseeing routes combine cable cars, buses, and escalators, making it easy to explore every area. All you need is a ticket and a pair of comfortable shoes.
The highlight of Tianmen Mountain is the world's longest cable car system (7,455 meters), offering panoramic views as it takes visitors to the summit. From the cable car, you can admire the 99-bend road, a remarkable architectural feat. At the top, you can experience the thrilling glass skywalk, walking high above the ground. Additionally, Tianmen Temple, a Buddhist center in western Hunan, is a must-visit for spiritual reflection.
6. Hunan Provincial Museum
- Address: No. 50, Dongfeng Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan Province
If you're passionate about history and archaeology, the Hunan Provincial Museum is a must-visit destination. Established in the early 1950s, the museum spans 51,000 square meters and is the largest historical and art museum in Hunan. It opens daily from 8:00 to 17:45, except Mondays, and offers free admission. You can take bus numbers 112 or 136 to get here.
The museum frequently hosts fascinating exhibitions. You'll find bronze artifacts from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, ceramics from various eras, calligraphy, paintings, and modern relics. The Mawangdui Tomb exhibit is particularly impressive, featuring over 3,000 artifacts and a well-preserved female mummy, considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Additionally, the museum showcases the top ten archaeological finds of the province, including many national treasures.
7. Yuelu Academy in Hunan
- Address: Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area, west bank of the Xiang River, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Province
Located at the foot of Yuelu Mountain in Changsha, Yuelu Academy is a destination steeped in history and culture. Built in 976 AD during the Northern Song Dynasty, it has undergone centuries of development and transformation before officially becoming Hunan University in 1926.
Currently, this site is a national-level cultural relic, blending natural scenery with ancient architecture. To reach Yuelu Academy, take bus routes 808, 303, 803, 112, 1, or 202 from downtown Changsha.
Entering the 21,000-square-meter campus, the buildings are arranged along a central axis, exuding grandeur and solemnity. The main gate, Hexi Courtyard, lecture halls, and the royal library tower are sequentially aligned, creating a scholarly atmosphere.
Surrounding areas, such as classrooms, the Confucian Temple, assembly halls, and memorials, further enhance the historical significance of this place. The architecture, with its traditional tiled roofs and stone tablets inscribed with ancient Chinese characters, reflects the golden era of Chinese education.
8. Former Residence of Chairman Mao Zedong in Hunan
- Address: Shaoshan, Xiangtan, Hunan Province
The former residence of Chairman Mao Zedong is a historically significant site nestled in the lush valley of Shaoshan. Known as Shangwuchang, it is a traditional southern Chinese farmhouse built with clay bricks and gray tiles, combining wood and earth. This is where Mao Zedong was born in 1893 and spent his childhood.
Although destroyed in 1929, the house was restored in the 1950s and recognized as a National Historical Site in 1961. The residence has been fully reconstructed, including Mao's bedroom, his parents' and siblings' rooms, as well as functional spaces like the living room and kitchen. Historical artifacts such as beds, cabinets, tables, chairs, kitchen utensils, millstones, and farming tools are preserved.
Visiting here, you can sense the atmosphere of Mao Zedong's childhood through the remaining artifacts and gain deeper insights into his early life and Chinese history.
9. Mount Hengshan in Hunan
- Address: Nanyue District, Hunan Province
Located in Nanyue District, Hunan Province, Mount Hengshan is a convergence of Taoism and Buddhism, home to over 200 ancient temples and monasteries. Taoism here dates back to the Han Dynasty, while Buddhism flourished during the Liang Dynasty, creating a rich cultural and historical space. Each structure here carries profound historical and cultural significance, offering visitors a sense of tranquility and spiritual enlightenment.
The deity of Hengshan is Zhu Rong, the fire god, revered and worshipped by locals. He taught humans how to use fire, contributing to the survival of the region. Beyond its spiritual value, Hengshan boasts majestic landscapes, with highlights like the 1,300.2-meter-high Zhurong Peak, the Martyrs' Memorial, and the Diamond Pagoda.
10. Yueyang Tower in Hunan
Address: Dongting North Road, Yueyanglou District, Yueyang, Hunan Province
Located at the west gate of the ancient Yueyang city, Yueyang Tower carries profound historical and cultural significance in Hunan Province. Built in 220 by General Lu Su of the Wu Kingdom, it was initially named Nanlou. After multiple restorations across dynasties, it was officially named Yueyang Tower and gained fame through Fan Zhongyan's "Memorial to Yueyang Tower" during the Song Dynasty.
The 19-meter-high tower features three wooden floors with delicate curved roofs, and its top resembles an ancient warrior's helmet. From here, the poetic scenery of Dongting Lake unfolds. Surrounding areas include Xianmei Pavilion, Sanzui Pavilion, and Du Fu Memorial Hall, each tied to historical tales. The tombs of Xiao Qiao and Lu Su nearby are also notable attractions.
11. Dongting Lake in Hunan
- Address: Northeast Hunan Province
Renowned for its ever-changing seasonal beauty, Dongting Lake is China's second-largest freshwater lake, located in northeastern Hunan Province. Its area fluctuates with the Yangtze River's flood seasons, creating unique floating land formations. The lake is divided into five sections: East, South, West, North, and Datong Lake.
The East section, the widest, is home to millions of birds, fish, and plants. From October to March, it's an ideal spot for birdwatching. The South section, near Yuanjiang City, is famous for its poetic fishing villages and mist-covered waters. The West section, where the West Dongting River meets the Yangtze, offers a majestic view of bustling boat traffic.
Junshan Island in the middle of the lake attracts visitors with its 72 mountain peaks and traditional festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival. Exploring the island, enjoying Junshan tea, boating, and birdwatching are popular activities here.
12. Orange Island in Hunan
- Address: Xiang River, Changsha, Hunan Province
Hunan is not only famous for its towering mountains but also home to the country's largest inland island—Orange Island. Situated in the romantic Xiang River, the island is named after its sweet orange orchards. It boasts stunning scenery and a variety of recreational activities.
The island's scenery changes with the seasons: in spring, you'll see seagulls soaring, summer brings brilliant sunshine, autumn is filled with the fragrance of oranges, and winter covers the landscape in a blanket of snow, all contributing to one of Hunan's eight most stunning views.
Orange Island Park, opened in 1962, is a popular attraction here with areas like the Southeast Asian-style Beach Park, a 100-meter-high fountain, a statue of Mao Zedong, and ancient trees. This is also where Mao Zedong composed his famous poem "Changsha - Spring in the Garden of Joy."
You can reach the island via Metro Line 2 or by bus. While entry to the park is free, there are additional fees for the Beach Park and sightseeing buses.
13. Mawangdui Archaeological Site in Hunan
- Address: 89 Guhan, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan Province
Mawangdui, a prominent archaeological site in Changsha, Hunan, attracts history enthusiasts. Three tombs were excavated between 1972 and 1974, revealing over 3,000 artifacts from the Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 24 CE). Notably, the site includes a nearly intact mummy preserved for over 2,000 years, a marvel of medical and archaeological science.
The artifacts include a variety of items such as silk, lacquerware, ceramics, and weapons. Notably, the silk garments from Tomb No. 1 are remarkable for their lightweight material, with a 1.28-meter-long robe weighing only 49 grams. The coffin in Tomb No. 1 features intricate animal and deity patterns, showcasing high artistic value. The map found in Tomb No. 2 is equally impressive, with drawing techniques resembling modern cartography.
Most artifacts are now displayed at the Hunan Provincial Museum. To reach Mawangdui, take bus numbers 112, 204, 501, or W108 to Mawangdui Yiyuan Station, or buses 19, 142, or 147 to Mawangdui Lu Lingxiao Lukou Station.
Hunan is a paradise where the majestic beauty of mountains and the charm of rivers converge. Here, the pristine landscapes of Zhangjiajie blend with the ancient and tranquil atmosphere of Fenghuang Ancient Town, creating an unforgettable exploration experience. Additionally, you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of Orange Island, step back in time at the Hunan Provincial Museum, and visit Mao Zedong's former residence.
If you want to travel through China like a local, take some time to check out the super helpful travel guides on Mytour Blog: Latest Guide to Zhangjiajie Travel, Detailed Guide to Fenghuang Ancient Town, Updated China Entry Procedures for 2024, 20 Famous Chinese Scenic Spots You Shouldn't Miss, 25 Must-Try Chinese Specialty Dishes, and more.
Pack your bags and book your flight for an unforgettable Hunan travel adventure!
