Population: 2,820,000
Area: 5,015 square kilometers (1,936 square miles)
Nationalities: Han
Administrative Division: 2 districts (Yuetang, Yuhu); 1 county (Xiangtan); 2 county-level cities (Xiangxiang, Shaoshan)
Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0732-58239321
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184
Bank of China: 0732-58222758
Location: Xiangtan is located in the central part of Hunan Province, the middle reach of the Xiang River. It is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Changsha and Zhuzhou. The three cities constitute the political, economic and cultural triangle of the province.
History: Establishing Xiangtan as a county began in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). From then on, its domain remains relatively stable in the following years. On the basis of the Xiangtan County, the government of the PRC established the Xiangtan City in 1950.
Physical Features: Compared with other parts, the terrain of the city is low and flat in the eastern and central regions. However, its relative relief is meek. The city is various in land type composition, including mountain area, hilly land, knolls, plain and water. Nearly eighty percent of the city land is below the altitude of 150 meters (492 feet).
Climatic Features: Enjoying a subtropical humid monsoon climate, Xiangtan has rich rainfall and abundant sunshine. The annual average temperature is about 17
C (63F).
When to Go: The April azaleas in Shaoshan and the red autumnal leaves in Zhaoshan Mountain are both attractive scenery of Xiangtan City.
Special Local Products: betel-nut, Dengxin Gao (wick rice cake), lotus seed
Scenic Spots:
Shaoshan Scenic Area: Shaoshan was a beautiful mountain village. It is well known as the home town of Mao Zedong. In the area, visitors can admire the Mao Zedong's Former Residence and the Water-dripping Cave.
Yuhu Park: Located in the Xiangtan downtown, the Yuhu Lake (Rainy Lake) in the park is a pluvial lake. Gathering willows, pavilions and halls, it is one of the most distinguished attractions of Xiangtan.
Tourist Tips: In Shaoshan Road (Middle) and Shaoshan Road (West), there are many buses departing from Xiangtan bus stations to Changsha and Shaoshan every 10 to 20 minutes taking about one hour. Buses to Wuhan in Hubei Province are also easy to get. It is about a four hour ride.
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Travelers' Voices on Xiangtan City
1.
Sep. 3,2009 05:44 Reply
Ms.Hop said:
Please, can anyone tell me what there is to do in Xiangtan -- is there anything nice to see or anywhere nice to go, or even to sit for a whil?
Sep. 6,2009 02:15
Ms.Anne replied:
You can see the scenic spots in the web page. In deed, this is not a very hot destination. It is well-known as the hometown of Chairmen Mao. You can see relative sites and see the countryside landscape here.
2.
Jun. 10,2009 18:05 Reply
Ms.DATA1000 said:
If you arrive at the Changsha airport in the early afternoon, there is a 4:00 pm bus that goes directly from the airport to Xiangtan for about 35 RMB. Another poster recommended Paragon Hotel. I have stayed there. The condition is pretty good, but it is across a wide river from central Xiangtan. The distance from Changsha to Xiangtan is about 28 miles.
3.
Jun. 9,2009 22:03 Reply
Ms.Shelby(China) said:
Hi Jerry,
The best way I know to go is to fly out of Pu Dong to Changsha Huanghua Airport and then take a taxi about 30 min into Xiangtan. I'm not sure how far it is in miles, but the plane ride is about 2 hours and cost about $100 US. As for hotels Maybe try Paragon Hotel or Xiangtan Huayu International Hotel Xiangtan. If you need anymore help let me know, I'm actually going there today from Shanghai. My email is Shelbyd@clemson.edu
4.
Jun. 1,2009 21:52 Reply
Mr.Jerry Beatty(United States) said:
I have been supporting a 20 year old girl in University in Xiangtan City and I am going to travel from Shanghai, China to this city in early august, 2009.
Could someone please tell me the best way to travel, how far in miles it is and the names of hotels that I can perhaps find on Google...
Kindest regards, Jerry Beatty