Hunan

Hunan is abbreviated as "Xiang" as the Xiang River runs through the province. The long-standing Huxiang culture boasts a rich heritage, and the famous inscription at Yuelu Academy reads, "Only Chu has talent, and it is most abundant here." The quartz sandstone peak forest landform of Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan is a global rarity, with 3,000 unique peaks jutting straight out of the ground. The floating Hallelujah Mountains that served as the prototype for the floating peaks in *Avatar* were filmed on location here.

Fenghuang Ancient Town is built along the Tuo River, with traditional stilted diaojiaolou houses reflected in the water, creating a poetic, picturesque night view. At Orange Isle in Changsha, you can watch the Xiang River flow northward; the vibrant red foliage on Yuelu Mountain is stunningly brilliant. Yueyang Tower overlooks the vast 800-li Dongting Lake. Hunan cuisine is aromatic, rich and boldly spicy, with chopped chili fish head and stinky tofu renowned across the globe.