Xiangtan Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 湘潭 (xiāng tán)
Population: 3,000,000
Area: 5,006 square kilometers (1,933 square miles)
Location: in the central area of Hunan Province, south-central China
Administrative Division: 2 districts (Yuetang, Yuhu); 1 county (Xiangtan); 2 county-level cities (Xiangxiang, Shaoshan)
Area Code: 0731
Zip Code: 411100
GDP (2018): CNY 216.14 billion (USD 32.66 billion)

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. It only takes half an hour from Changsha Huanghua International Airport. The three cities constitute the political, economic and cultural triangle of the province. As an important birthplace of Hunan culture, Xiangtan has cultivated more than 140 historical and cultural celebrities, such as Chairman Mao, General Peng Dehuai and modern Chinese painting master Qi Baishi. The Mt. Shaoshan, the place where Mao Zedong grew up, has become the most famous scenic spot in Xiangtan, with Mao Zedong's former residence as the main highlight. Xiangtan is also the hometown of Xiang lotus seed. The plump Xiang lotus seed with fine texture and sweet fragrance in Xiangtan was once a tribute served to the emperors in ancient times. Besides, Xiangtan is an important industrial base in Hunan and even the whole country, featuring a strong scientific and educational strength.

Enjoying a subtropical humid monsoon climate, Xiangtan has rich rainfall and abundant sunshine. The annual average temperature is about 17C (63F).
 
 When to Go: The April azaleas in Shaoshan and the red autumnal leaves in Zhaoshan Mountain are both attractive scenery of Xiangtan.

 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 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).
 
 Special Local Products: betel-nut, Dengxin Gao (wick rice cake), lotus seed