Changsha Introduction

Situated in the river valley along the lower part of Xiangjiang River, Changsha is the capital city of Hunan Province. The recorded history of Changsha can be traced back 3000 years. Tomb relics from the primitive periods witnessing the earliest human of activities have been discovered in this region.

Its total area is 11,800 square kilometers, with a population of more than 6,000,000.

Since about 150,000-200,000 years ago, there has been human being in Changsha. The New Stone Age entered into the Longshan Culture Stage in about 2500 BC. It is said that the primogenitors called Yan emperor and Yellow emperor once came to Changsha.
Changsha was charged by the ancient country named Sanmiao in Xia Dynasty. In the end of Spring and Autumn periods of China, the force of the country named Chu(Jingchu) entered into Changsha. In the mid-term of Warring States periods of China, the country Chu carried out political reform so it was very powerful, doing large-scale military action to south of itself and the whole land of Hunan province being contained in the map of Chu, Changsha became an important military state in the south of Chu which built cities in Changsha.

The scorching summer and cold winter are two distinctive seasons in this area. The summer comes around the later May with high heat and heavy humidity. The sweltering days of July and August are particularly stifling.
Changsha’s winter comes around November bringing little sunlight and heavy fogs. Although it is reported that the average temperature in winter is about five degrees, the winter days in Changsha can be severely cold as those in the northern China cities due to the great humidity carried by the river winds from Xiangjiang River. Llike Wuhan, the city has no heaters and we suggest travelers bring cotton and packed clothes, gloves and scarves and a hat for the windy days. Most of the rest days in a year are misty and cloudy.
Spring, during the months from March through May, is the best time to travel to the city. Likewise, September is a good time to visit, during the short but pleasant autumn period when the red maples on Long Island (Juzizhou) are in full blossom and the temperatures in this period are around 15C (59F) to 20C (68F).

Changsha is the political, economic and cultural centre of Hunan Province , China . Five districts— Furong, Tianxin, Yuelu, Kaifu and Yuhua, three counties- Changsha County , Wangcheng, Ningxiang and one city— Liuyang City are under its jurisdiction.

The village of Shaoshan, over 100 kilometers south-west of Changsha is a significant place for Chinese Communists for it was home to Chairman Mao Zedong. It is a good place to learn more about this great Chinese man. The old houses where he lived, a museum, a monument and other memorial spots are well preserved in the scenic area and create a kind of solemn atmosphere. Chinese come to pay their respects here during the memorial days. In addition, the city was home to other revolutionary leaders including Liu Shaoqi, Huyaobang and former Chinese prime minister, Zhu Rongji. Therefore, it acts as a good place to learn more about China’s recent history.