Hunan Province

Hunan is situated in the south of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Its name, meaning 'south of the lake', was derived from the fact that the province is located south of the Dongting Lake, the second largest freshwater lake in China. Because of the Xiang River, which flows across the province from south to north, Hunan is also called 'Xiang' in short. Hunan has a long history, its landscape is magnificent, and it is home to numerous men of great renown. Changsha and Yueyang are national famous historical and cultural cities. There are also 25 national and provincial scenic resorts, 22 nature reserves at or above the provincial level, and large numbers of places of cultural interest. Hunan is the home province of Mao Zedong, founder of the People's Republic, and numerous other outstanding historical figures. Hunan abounds in mountain delicacies, melons and fruits and arts and crafts. The Xiang embroidery is one of the four major schools of Chinese embroidery. The chrysanthemum stone carvings are much sought after objects for art collectors and tourists alike from all over the world.