Hunan, Heart of Chu-Han Culture and Red Culture

Written by Anthony
Last update April 25, 2026

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About Hunan

Hunan Province, abbreviated as “Xiang,” is located in central China, with a total area of 211,800 square kilometers.

It borders Jiangxi to the east, Guizhou to the west, Guangdong and Guangxi to the south, and Hubei and Chongqing to the north.

The terrain is varied, with the Nanling Mountains running east to west and a dense water network.

Hunan has a subtropical monsoon climate, with distinct seasons, abundant rainfall, and plenty of sunlight.

The province has a rich historical and cultural heritage, dating back to the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, and it is known for its unique Huxiang culture and red revolutionary resources.

The economy is driven by mining and agriculture, with strong growth momentum.

If you want help choosing routes, trip length, and the best places to combine on a first visit, see our Hunan Travel Guide.

Category	Detail	Category	Detail
Nickname	Xiang, Chu, Yuanxiang, Three Rivers of Xiang, Hunan	Administrative Code	430000
Administrative Level	Province	Location	Central China
Area	211,800 km²	Population	65.39 million (2024 end)
Subdivisions	13 cities, 1 autonomous prefecture	Capital	Changsha, Tianxin District, Xiangfu Road 8
Area Code	0731	Postal Code	410011-427000
Climate	Subtropical monsoon climate	Famous Attractions	Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic Area, South Yue Mountain, Fenghuang Ancient Town
Airports	Huanghua International, Hehua International, Taohuayuan Airport, Zhijiang Airport	Train Stations	Changsha Station, Changsha South, Zhuzhou Station, Zhuzhou West
License Plate Code	Xiang A – Xiang U	GDP	53.231 trillion yuan (2024)

Hunan Administrative Divisions Overview

Hunan’s administrative division follows a “13+1” model, consisting of 13 prefecture-level cities and 1 autonomous region (Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture).

The province covers 211,800 square kilometers and has a population of about 66.44 million (2022).

The province is divided into 122 county-level administrative districts, including 36 districts, 19 county-level cities, 65 counties, and 7 autonomous counties, with 2,597 townships.

Changsha, the capital, is the political, economic, and cultural center, while regional hubs like Yueyang, Hengyang, and Changde serve as transportation and industrial centers.

Xiangxi Prefecture and Zhangjiajie focus on eco-cultural tourism.

This well-structured administrative system ensures both central and regional development needs are met.

Cities in Hunan (Ranked By GDP)

Scenery in Hunan

Hunan’s tourism industry has experienced rapid growth, reaching over 1 trillion yuan in revenue in 2024.

The province’s tourism combines natural beauty, red culture, and modern urban vibrancy.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracts over 500,000 international visitors annually.

The province also boasts significant revolutionary landmarks, including Mao Zedong’s hometown in Shaoshan, drawing millions of visitors.

Cultural heritage is actively integrated into tourism, with attractions like Phoenix Ancient Town offering unique experiences.

Urban leisure thrives in Changsha, while new technologies like the “Shan Hai” digital museum enhance visitor experiences.

Transportation has expanded, with international flights and high-speed rail.

The international impact of Hunan’s tourism continues to grow, with events like the Luoyang fireworks at the Paris Olympics and plans for virtual tourism experiences.

Food in Hunan

Hunan cuisine is known for its bold flavors, particularly its combination of spicy, fresh, sour, and aromatic tastes, reflecting both the essence of Chu culture and the region’s unique geography.

The cuisine is defined by its three stages of spiciness: fresh chili, sour and spicy, and rich fermented flavors, with chili consumption in Hunan among the highest in China.

Fermentation techniques play a key role, with black tea, fermented soybeans, and sour rice soup contributing complex flavors to dishes.

The province’s diverse geography influences its cuisine, with fish from Dongting Lake, cured meats from the central hills, and fermented specialties from the west.

Hunan’s food embodies the spirit of boldness and innovation, from the rich flavors of Mao’s red-braised pork to the unique dining experiences of local festivals.

Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hunan Overview

Hunan’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH) has flourished in recent years, with a robust protection system, dynamic innovation, and growing international influence.

By 2025, the province will have 137 national and 522 provincial ICH projects, creating a three-level protection network with over 300 ICH workshops.

The province has also trained more than 50,000 young and middle-aged inheritors.

Active inheritance is promoted through initiatives like “ICH six enters,” benefiting millions.

Technological advancements and cultural tourism integration, such as the “Video Supercomputing” project and AI-assisted bamboo weaving, have further accelerated ICH innovation.

Hunan’s ICH has now gained global recognition, with cultural products reaching international markets and engaging in cross-cultural exchanges worldwide.

Attractive ICH in Hunan

China Province Basic Info

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FAQs About Hunan

What kind of food is Hunan?

Hunan cuisine, one of China’s eight major culinary traditions, is known for its spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors. It uses ingredients like chili, pickled chili, and Sichuan pepper, with dishes like spicy fish head and stir-fried beef.

What is Hunan flavor?

Hunan cuisine is famous for its spiciness, with a balance of fresh and sour flavors. It uses fermented chili, garlic, ginger, and fermented beans to create rich, layered tastes, such as sweet-spicy pork and mildly spicy stir-fried meats.

Is Hunan the same as Szechuan?

No, while both cuisines are known for their spiciness, Hunan cuisine emphasizes fresh chili and sour flavors, whereas Sichuan cuisine focuses on the numbing and spicy combination of Sichuan pepper and dried chili.

What is the difference between Hunan chicken and kung pao chicken?

Hunan chicken typically features stir-fried chicken with peppers and garlic, offering a fresh, salty, and spicy flavor. Kung Pao chicken is a Sichuan dish made with chicken, peanuts, dried chili, and Sichuan pepper, known for its sweet and spicy taste.

What is Hunan famous for?

Hunan is famous for its flavorful cuisine, natural landscapes like Zhangjiajie and Hengshan, red culture with sites such as Mao Zedong’s hometown, and intangible cultural heritage like Xiang embroidery and Miao silver crafting.

Which is better, Hunan chicken or Szechuan chicken?

It depends on personal preference. Hunan chicken offers fresh, spicy flavors, while Sichuan chicken is known for its numbing, spicy complexity. Choose Hunan chicken for a sour-spicy experience and Sichuan chicken for bold, intense flavors.

Anthony

I’m Anthony, the founder and editor of The China Journey. I create practical, experience-based guides covering travel, food, and culture across China, with a focus on helping international travelers make clear planning decisions.

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Travel Guide

Hunan, Heart of Chu-Han Culture and Red Culture

Table of Contents

About Hunan

Hunan Administrative Divisions Overview

Cities in Hunan (Ranked By GDP)

Yueyang

Changde

Hengyang

Zhuzhou

Chenzhou

Xiangtan

Shaoyang

Yongzhou

Yiyang

Loudi

Huaihua

Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture

Scenery in Hunan

Food in Hunan

Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hunan Overview

Attractive ICH in Hunan

Tujia Dongdongkui

Dragon Dance

Xiangxi Miao Drum Dance

Xiang Opera

Baling Opera

Hunan Shadow Puppetry

Shaodong Puppet Show

Qiju Opera

Meishan Martial Arts

Xiang Embroidery

Xiangxi Miao Embroidery

Huayao Embroidery

Baoqing Bamboo Carving

Chrysanthemum Stone Carving

Miao Painting

Tujia Brocade Weaving

Blue-Printed Cloth Dyeing

Miao Silver Crafting

Liuyang Fireworks Crafting

Dong Brocade Weaving

Liuling Under-Glaze Five-Color Porcelain

Black Tea Crafting

Changsha Kiln Copper Official Porcelain

Emperor Yan's Tomb Ceremony

Huo Gong Dian Temple Fair