Hunan, a mountainous province in southern China, was the early home of Communist leader Mao Zedong. The village of Shaoshan, where Mao was born in 1893, welcomes visitors to his mud-brick childhood house and the Mao Zedong Memorial Museum. In northwestern Hunan, the Wulingyuan Scenic Area is distinguished by thousands of quartzite sandstone columns, as well as caves, waterfalls and endangered wildlife.

Top Attractions:

1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Explore the surreal landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, known for its towering sandstone pillars, lush vegetation, and deep ravines. Don't miss iconic attractions like the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain and the glass-bottomed Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Skywalk.
2. Wulingyuan Scenic Area: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which encompasses Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, and Suoxiyu Nature Reserve. Explore hiking trails, glass bridges, and scenic viewpoints in this vast karst landscape.
3. Fenghuang Ancient Town: Step back in time in Fenghuang Ancient Town, a well-preserved ancient town known for its wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and traditional architecture. Explore historic sites such as the Phoenix Tower, visit local markets, and admire the Tuojiang River scenery.
4. Mount Heng (Hengshan): Visit Mount Heng, one of the Five Great Mountains of China and an important Taoist pilgrimage site. Explore temples, pavilions, and scenic viewpoints along the mountain trails, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
5. Orange Isle (Juzizhou): Relax on Orange Isle, a scenic island park located in the middle of the Xiangjiang River in Changsha. Stroll along tree-lined pathways, enjoy panoramic views of the river and city skyline, and visit attractions such as the Mao Zedong Statue.
6. Shaoshan: Explore Shaoshan, the birthplace of Chairman Mao Zedong and a pilgrimage site for Communist Party members. Visit the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, the Mao Zedong Former Residence, and other historic sites related to Mao's life and legacy.

Top Things to Do:

1. Hike in Zhangjiajie: Embark on scenic hikes in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Wulingyuan Scenic Area, exploring trails such as the Golden Whip Stream, Tianzi Mountain, and Yuanjiajie. Take a cable car ride for aerial views of the karst landscape.
2. Glass Bridge Adventure: Experience the adrenaline rush of walking on the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, one of the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridges. Enjoy panoramic views of the canyon and brave the transparent walkway.
3. Tianmen Mountain: Ride the cable car to the top of Tianmen Mountain, known for its natural archway called Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Gate). Climb the 999 steps to reach the cave, and admire breathtaking views from the summit.
4. Try Hunan Cuisine: Sample Hunan cuisine, known for its bold flavors, spicy dishes, and use of local ingredients such as chili peppers and pickled vegetables. Try specialties such as stinky tofu, spicy hot pot, and Chairman Mao's favorite dishes.
5. Changsha City Exploration: Explore the capital city of Changsha, visiting attractions such as the Yuelu Academy, Orange Isle, and the Hunan Provincial Museum. Experience vibrant nightlife in the city's bars, clubs, and entertainment districts.
6. Cultural Immersion in Fenghuang: Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Fenghuang Ancient Town, attending traditional performances, participating in local festivals, and learning about the customs and traditions of the Miao and Tujia ethnic minorities.