Embark on a journey to Hunan province — a land where misty mountains meet spicy cuisine, ancient towns echo with history, and vibrant traditions breathe life into every corner.

This guide will take you through the must-visit cities: Changsha's urban energy, Zhangjiajie's Avatar-like landscapes, Fenghuang's riverside romance, and Shaoshan's revolutionary roots. 

Getting to Hunan from Shanghai

By Air

You can take a direct flight from Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to Changsha Huanghua International Airport. The flight duration is about 2 hours. Major airlines like China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and Hainan Airlines offer daily services.

By High-Speed Rail

For tourists who prefer to travel by rail, high-speed trains from Shanghai Hongqiao to Changsha South Railway Station run frequently throughout the day. The trip takes 5 to 6 hours, offering comfort and scenic countryside views of eastern and central China.

Cultural & Natural Highlights

Changsha – A City That Never Sleeps

As the capital of Hunan, Changsha is a vibrant city brimming with history, street food, and youth culture. It's home to Yuelu Academy, one of China's oldest academic institutions, and a thriving night life along Taiping Street and Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street.

Changsha's night markets are bursting with bold, fiery flavors — a paradise for spicy food lovers. Don't miss iconic dishes like stinky tofu and Hunan-style spicy crayfish.

Zhangjiajie – Scenery Straight from a Fantasy Film

Wulingyuan Scenic Area

Famed for inspiring the floating mountains in Avatar, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features towering quartz sandstone pillars, dense forests, and dramatic cliffs.

Tianmen Mountain

Take the world's longest cable car on a breathtaking ride above cliffs and forests, then test your courage on the thrilling glass skywalk suspended along the edge of the mountain. If you dare to look down, you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping panoramic views that feel truly out of this world.

Fenghuang – A Step Back in Time

Nestled on the banks of the Tuojiang River, Fenghuang Ancient Town is one of China's most photogenic old towns. Wooden stilt houses, ancient bridges, and peaceful boat rides paint a scene of timeless charm.

Stay overnight to enjoy Fenghuang's lantern-lit streets and riverside bars, which offer a magical contrast to the town's daytime tranquility.

Shaoshan – The Hometown of Mao Zedong

For history lovers, Shaoshan offers a journey into the heart of modern China's revolutionary legacy. Walking through Mao Zedong's Former Residence and exploring nearby monuments, visitors can trace the footsteps of the great revolutionary and learn more about the historic turning points that defined 20th-century China.

Final Tips

Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are ideal for comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be humid and hot, especially in cities like Changsha.

Transport within Hunan: High-speed rail links most major cities like Changsha and Zhangjiajie.

For mountainous or rural areas like Fenghuang, consider hiring a local car or joining small group tours. Only Changsha currently has a subway system for urban transport.