Hunan Province is best known in China as the birth place of Chairman Mao, but to outsiders the region is becoming known as one of China’s most scenic and naturally diverse regions. It’s located in the south/central part of China, bordering Hubei in the north, Jiangxi to the east, Guangdong to the southeast, Guangxi to the southwest, Guizhou to the west and Chongqing to the northwest.
Put simply, Hunan is a mammoth province and despite being home to approximately 65 million inhabitants, the region is blessed with some of China’s most astonishing scenery, with 80% of the province being coated in hills and mountains. It’s also home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites making this part of China increasingly attractive to foreign travelers.
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area is one of the biggest draws to region. Wulingyuan is deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an area stretching 26,000 ha. It is packed with over 3,000 narrow sandstone pillars and peaks broken up by gorges, streams, pools and waterfalls, making this part of China overwhelmingly stunning. Within Wulingyuan is Zhangjiajie Geopark, which has been listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark, testament to how extraordinary this area is.
For those looking for more traditional and classical scenes of rural Chinese living, Hunan does not disappoint. Fenghuang is another UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 200 ancient residences nestled within old winding passage ways and streets.
There’s plenty more on offer in Hunan province, including wonderful minority villages and untouched rural landscapes. Find out more by reading about our ‘Hunan Province: National Parks and Minority Villages’ tour:
https://www.exotravel.com/travel/china/tours/hunan-province-national-park-and-minority-%20vi/
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