Changsha the capital of Hunan Province in south-central China located on the lower reaches of the Xiang River, a branch of the Yangtze River. Changsha, a cradle of Xiang Chu culture with population of 7.31 million, is national first historical and cultural city.
Changsha was important from the time of the Qin dynasty (221–207 BC). In AD 750–1100 Changsha was a major commercial hub, and its population increased greatly. Under the Qing dynasty, from 1664, it was the capital of Hunan province, and it was a major rice market. It was besieged during the Taiping Rebellion but never fell. Changsha was the site of Mao Zedong's conversion to communism. It was the scene of major battles in the Sino-Japanese War of 1937–45 and was briefly occupied by the Japanese. Rebuilt since 1949, the city is now a major interior port and a commercial and industrial center.
In recent years, Changsha has become an important creative center for TV and entertainment arts, with its many TV stations producing some of the most popular programs in China, including Super Girl. These programs have also brought a new entertainment industry, including singing bars, dance clubs, theater shows, as well as related businesses like hair salons, fashion stores, and hot spicy snacks at night (esp. in the summer time). While Changsha has developed into an entertainment hub the city has also become increasingly westernized and attracted a growing number of foreigners.
Changsha experiences a humid subtropical climate, with annual average temperature being 17.03 °C. The four seasons are distinct. The summer is not so hot, with heavy rainfall, and autumn is comfortable. Winter is overcast with lighter rainfall more likely than downpours; and is a little bit cold. Spring is especially rainy and humid with the sun shining.
Changsha is one of China's 20 most "economically advanced" cities, which has attracted a substantial level of foreign investment. Changsha became a center of China's aluminum industry. The city also has cement, rubber, ceramic, and papermaking plants and is a centre for many types of traditional handicrafts, producing Xiang embroidery, leather goods, umbrellas, and buttons. Coal is mined in the vicinity.
Changsha is well connected by roads, river, rail, and air transportation modes, and is a regional hub for industrial, tourist, and service sectors. There are mainly two railway stations, Changsha Railway Station and the Changsha South Railway Station. And there is one airport in the city, Changsha Huanghua International Airport.
There are many beautiful sights in Changsha you can visit, such as Mount Yuelu - Orange Continent, Changsha window of the world and many others. Yuelu Academy is located on the west bank of the Xiang River at the foot of Yuelu Mountain. Yuelu Academy, founded in 976 A.D., is one of four most renowned academies in Chinese history. It is famous for its excellence in talent cultivation during its long history. Today the academy is a part of Hunan University, and serves as the center for publication and research of ancient Chinese language, attracting many famous litterateurs, philosophers, and scientists to lecture there.
Population: 7.31 million
Temperature: average 17.03 °C (62.654°F)
