Hunan, Province in South Central China.
Hunan is a province in south central China, covering more than 200,000 square kilometers of mountains, forests, and river valleys. The landscape shifts from flat plains near Dongting Lake to steep hills in the west and south.
The area appears in records from the Zhou dynasty, when indigenous groups lived across the land. Over the centuries, the region became an important center for rice farming and trade along river routes.
The name means south of the lake, referring to its position below Dongting Lake. Visitors notice the role of teahouses in daily routines and the preference for bold, spicy dishes in local restaurants and street markets.
Travelers usually arrive through Changsha, the capital, which connects by train and road to other major cities. Visitors exploring the interior should prepare for changing weather, especially in spring and autumn.
The soil contains more than 140 different minerals, which is unusual from a geological perspective. This diversity draws researchers from many countries and also influences farming practices across the region.
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