Changsha is the capital of Hunan Province. A famous old cultural city on the banks of the Xiangjiang River, it is cut through by the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway and has a population over one million.
  History recorded it as a city built on the basis of Changsha Prefecture set up under the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang after his unification of China in 221 B.C., and the city constructed in 202 B.C. by King Wu Rui, then reigning in Changsha. Major scenic and historical sites include Yuelu Hill, Orange Islet, Heavenly Heart Pavilion and the excavation site of a Han tomb at Mawangdui in eastern suburban Changsha.

  A well-preserved corpse of a woman who lived over 2,100 years ago was found from the tomb, in addition to such ancient rarities as weaponry, military books and maps, and silk paintings, books and articles of the Han Dynasty. Lush with green trees and beautiful scenery, Yuelu Hill poses attraction for its Aiwan pavilion, Yule Academy and King Yu Stele at the foot of the hill. Orange Islet is a sand island grown to oranges on the Xiangjiang River to make it an ideal swimming ground. Heavenly Heart Pavilion, an ancient city tower with green tiles, upturned eaves, red columns and painted beams, is a splendid sight.

  In addition, there are the Zhangjiajie Forest Park known for its picturesque scenery, weird-shaped peaks and tranquil water, and Yueyang Tower, known as the "First Tower Under Heaven", which used to be the Military Review Terrace where Lu Shu, a general of the state of Wu drilled sailors, in addition to Jiuyi Hill, Peach Blossom Wonderland and Quzi Shrine.

  Major hotels to serve foreign tourists are the Xiangjiang Hotel, Furong Hotel, Huatian Hotel, Changdao Hotel, Lushan Hotel, Changsha Hotel. Changsha's embroidery, Shaoyang's bamboo articles, Liuyang's stone carving and fireworks, Lingwu's Chinese alpine rush mats and other local arts and crafts are available in Changsha.

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