Changsha

Author: Editorial Committee of "China Travel Guide"
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2000-12-01
Features: Changsha is not only a unique historical and cultural city but also a modern provincial capital with a population of over one million. As the capital of Hunan Province, it serves as the political and cultural center of the province and an important transportation hub in Central China. The name "Changsha" dates back to the Western Zhou Dynasty and is known as one of the "Historical Cities of Chu and Han." With a history of over 3,000 years, the ancestors of Changsha traveled through hardships and opened up the banks of the Xiang River. Throughout various historical stages, they left behind an extremely rich tourism resource. From a bird's-eye view of the entire city, the Zhulu Mountain serves as a screen, while the Xiang River forms a belt. Renowned figures have shone here innumerable times. Changsha is a famous historical and cultural city, boasting 6 national-level protected cultural relics sites and 45 provincial-level protected cultural relics sites. It is one of the first 24 historical and cultural cities and open tourist destinations announced by the State Council. The unearthed artifacts from the famous Mawangdui Han Tomb are hailed as treasures of the world; the thousands of Wu-era bamboo slips discovered are called the fifth greatest archaeological discovery, attracting countless domestic and international tourists. The Tianxin Pavilion, which overlooks the entire city, and Kaifu Temple, built during the Five Dynasties period, are all well-maintained and open for visitors. Revolutionary memorial sites such as Qingshui Tan, Normal School, and the Chuanshan Xueshe have become classrooms for patriotism education.