Hunan, a province located in central China, is a fascinating blend of contrasts. It combines the ancient with the modern, the bustling with the serene, and the traditional with the trendy. The province is known for its mountains, rivers, lakes, and urban areas. It’s also the birthplace of China’s most revered leader, Chairman Mao. The peaks of Zhangjiajie National Park served as the inspiration for the film Avatar, particularly the striking pillar now called Hallelujah Mountain, which represented the floating mountains in the movie. Changsha, the capital city, is situated along the banks of the Xiang River, the largest river in the province. Many features of this vibrant province converge along Pozi Street in Changsha.
Walk along Pozi Street in Changsha
Pozi Street offers a glimpse of both traditional and modern China. Visitors can walk under a massive LED screen leading to a contemporary shopping mall or stroll past classic Chinese architecture to the busy courtyard in front of the ancient Fire Temple, now the Fire Temple Restaurant. Cultural dance groups perform here, adding to the lively atmosphere.
The street is lined with small stalls selling local delicacies, including cooked and flattened duck, a popular dish. A shabby alley adorned with red Chinese lanterns branches off into a traditional food market. The market features skewers of insects ranging from large scorpions to small mealy worms. For those not interested in bugs, there are also fresh vegetables such as sliced lotus root and baby Asian cucumbers.
Cruise along the Xiang River in Changsha
Changsha, the capital of Hunan, stretches along the Xiang River, also known as the Xiangjiang River. The city boasts a skyline filled with towering buildings and hotels, including the 50-story Meixi Lake Hotel. At night, the buildings along the riverbank light up in bright, ever-changing colors. Illuminated boats and working vessels move up and down the river, creating a dazzling display of reflections.
The cruise around Orange Island, famous for its high-quality oranges and the massive sculpted head of a young Chairman Mao, is a highlight. The statue’s shoulders are so large that an exhibition center has been constructed underneath.
Explore Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie
Catch a high-speed bullet train from Changsha to Zhangjiajie to see the stunning scenery around the town, including Tianmen Mountain. Part of the Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, this natural playground offers a full day of activities, starting with a ride in the world’s longest cable car to its peak.
Walkways from the top lead to the glass walkway, which extends from a sheer cliff face nearly 1500 meters above the valley below. Visitors must cover their shoes with provided cloth slip-ons to protect the glass. This sturdy construction offers thrilling views of the surrounding landscape.
Following the glass walkway, footpaths lead to a wooden plank road suspended on giant pillars along the cliff face. This provides clear views of the Tianmen Academy, built in 1352 on the holy site of the mountain.
The Heaven-Linking Avenue, with its 99 acute turns symbolizing the nine palaces of Heaven, zigzags below. Visitors can take a shuttle bus or ascend using twelve escalators. From the seventh escalator, they can walk onto a platform below the Heavenly Gate, an opening in the Tianmen Mountain. To descend to the square below, they can choose between a steep staircase of 999 steps or the last five escalators.
Watch the Mount Tianmen Fox Fairy Show in Zhangjiajie
This captivating show is set at the foothills of Tianmen Mountain, incorporating the area’s natural elements. It tells the love story of the Fox Fairy, a white vixen with nine tails, and a local woodcutter, despite her being promised to the Fox King. The audience is kept informed through illuminated information boards.
The Tianmen Fox Fairy Grand Theatre, the show’s stage, features ancient trees and the rocky canyon bed. It is divided into two sections: a village of wooden stilted Tujia houses representing the human world and a fantasy kingdom of foxes based on stones and caves. The large cast includes a choir in traditional dress that provides background singing, making for an evening of unforgettable entertainment.
Visit the Junsheng Sandstone Painting Gallery in Zhangjiajie
The Junsheng Sandstone Painting Gallery showcases the work of local artist Li Junsheng and his students. Junsheng, the founder of the sandstone painting technique, draws inspiration from the landscapes of Zhangjiajie, using natural materials like sand, pebbles, and plants. The gallery spans four levels, with the ground floor dedicated to Junsheng’s work. Here, visitors can appreciate the intricate 3D art and see a display of the colors developed from natural materials alongside a central feature made from raw materials used in the paintings.
English-speaking curators explain the development of sandstone painting, also known as “green painting” and “environmental painting.” Special wooden doors protect an exquisite scene representing the artist’s hometown. Junsheng, who came from a poor family, saved enough money to attend fine art school in Changsha. Inspired by colored stone decorations on house walls, he began painting with colored sand and stone. The ground floor art is available for photography, while the upper floors, where the art is for sale, do not allow photos.
Getting there
Hainan Airlines offers direct flights to Changsha, and a bullet train service connects Changsha with Zhangjiajie. Wendy Wu Tours, specializing in Asia, includes Hunan province in several of their diverse China tours.