Xiangtan, located in the southern part of Hunan Province along the Xiangjiang River, has a long history and rich cultural heritage. With over 2,000 years of history, Xiangtan has always been an important part of regional development and remains a center for industry, education, and culture today.

Xiangtan is famous as the hometown of China’s great leader Mao Zedong. The Mao Zedong Memorial Museum in Shaoshan stands in one of China’s most significant revolutionary historical sites – Shaoshan Chong in Shaoshan County, Hunan Province. This site attracts thousands of visitors annually and offers the best opportunity to learn about Mao Zedong, one of the most influential figures in Chinese history. Shaoshan is not only Mao Zedong’s birthplace but also holds deep revolutionary historical significance, profoundly shaping modern Chinese history. Xiangtan is also known for its beautiful natural scenery, with picturesque mountains and lush forests, making it an ideal destination for hiking and sightseeing.

Xiangtan’s cuisine is a shining jewel in Hunan cuisine, renowned for its fresh, spicy flavours and rich taste. A must-try dish in Xiangtan is the authentic Chairman Mao’s Braised Pork Belly, which is tender and melts in your mouth without being greasy. Another popular dish is Chopped Chili Fish Head, where the tender fish meat is perfectly complemented by the spicy kick of chopped chilli, leaving a lasting impression. In addition, local snacks like rice noodles, stinky tofu, and sugar oil cakes also offer a unique taste of the region, making them perfect choices for those seeking local flavours.

Xiangtan is home to rich educational resources and is one of Hunan’s important educational hubs. The city is the location of Hunan University of Science and Technology, a university with widespread influence in technology, engineering, and applied sciences. The university has trained numerous outstanding scientific and technical professionals, which is key in driving regional economic development and innovation.

Getting There & Away:

Xiangtan is located in the central part of Hunan Province and is easily accessible from major cities in China. The city has convenient transportation and a well-developed network of highways, railways, and waterways. Highways and national highways run through the entire region, connecting various parts of the country; Xiangtan Station and Xiangtan North Station provide high-speed rail, bullet train and other railway services. As an important inland port, Xiangtan Port relies on the Xiangjiang River waterway to achieve cargo transportation. Public transportation facilities such as buses, taxis, and shared bicycles are well-developed in the city, making it convenient for citizens to travel. In addition, Xiangtan is about 50 kilometres away from Changsha Huanghua International Airport, which offers domestic and international flights to over 100 destinations, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, as well as international cities such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. It takes about 40 minutes by car or bus to get from Xiangtan to Changsha Huanghua International Airport.