Hunan shines as beacon of cultural heritage

Government policies rejuvenating province's renowned tourism industry

Hunan, a province with some of the richest tourism resources in China, boasts stunning natural beauty and abundant cultural heritage. It was selected as one of the Top 10 Best-Value Destinations in the World by Lonely Planet magazine in 2018.

From the Tuojiang River flowing through Fenghuang Ancient Town in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture, the misty and picturesque Dongjiang Lake in Zixing, Chenzhou, and the maple forests of Zhangjiajie, to the majestic Hengshan Mountain, Hunan's magnificent natural scenery is intermingled with its long-standing history that captivates numerous literati and produces remarkable works of literature.

Hunan is also home to rich historical heritage, including the Mausoleum of Emperor Yan in Zhuzhou, known as the First Mausoleum of China, which attracts a large number of overseas Chinese annually. Famous sites such as Yueyang Tower, the temple of Qu Yuan and the Ma Wangdui ancient tomb from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) are widely recognized.

The flourishing of the thousand-year-old Yuelu Academy and Shigu Academy embody the profound history of Hunan culture. Furong Town, Yongzhou Ancient City, and Hongjiang Ancient City represent the development of southern cities in ancient China.