Changsha sits at the northeast of Hunan Province in south-central China. It is known for its warm climate and is the economic and political capital of Hunan. Thanks to its position as the central transport hub for Hunan, it is also easily reached by air, rail and road, with a limited passenger service bringing visitors by water.

Being the political and economic center in Hunan, Changsha is quite a large place occupying land of 11,800 sq. km. With a population of 5.63 million, Changsha is among the first group of Chinese cities which were selected as famous historical and cultural cities in the country and allowed to open-up to the outside world. Thus, it has become an important city in central China enjoying the fastest economic growth and immense vitality.

A cradle of the ancient Chu and Xiang civilizations rooted in central China, Changsha was the hometown of many great figures in both ancient and modern history of China, including Qu Yuan, Jia Yi, Zhu Xi, Zeng Guofan, Mao Zedong and Liu shaoqi. The city boasts countless discoveries of historical and cultural values. For example, unearthed here was the world-famous Mawangdui Tomb of the Han Dynasty, in which a female mummy and her jewelry, which are 2,000 years old, were discovered. Recently, 170,000 bamboo sticks that were used for printing books were found in an ancient tomb in Changsha. This discovery, harking back to the period from 220 to 280, is regarded as one of the most important archaeological discoveries in China so far. Changsha is also famous for being the home of Yuelu Academy which was established about 1,000 years ago.

Changsha people boast to be the best gourmand of China and here people spend a lot of time eating. Xiang Cuisine is one of the Eight Cuisines in China and has a fine and delicate appearance and a hot & sour taste and the heavy and hot taste is an equal competitor to the spicy food of Sichuan. Street dining and restaurants in the city make every visitor's mouth hot. No matter the featured snacks - 'Stinky Tofu' and 'Sisters Rice Balls' in Fire Palace or the famous spicy shrimps at Nanmenkou, the many types of delicious local food will not disappoint any guests.

Changsha people are also renowned for their acting and have created various traditional folk art performances of their own including the local operas, storytelling, drum opera, acrobatics and other dramatic styles. Everyone can feel their hospitalities and enthusiasm by their vigorous dances. Today, most of the entertainment houses in the city present dynamic and entertaining performances featuring a blend of the traditional essence and the modern flare. The neon lights of KTV squares, disco parlors, clubs and dancing squares illuminate the city at night. Dotted with all sorts of bars and pubs, Jiefang Xilu, although not as prosperous as Sanlitun Pub Street in Beijing, has its own styles. Romantic and quiet bars, dynamic show bars, teahouses, western style restaurants etc. People of all ages can find their ideal place to spend their leisure time.