Changsha

Changsha is the capital of Hunan Province and extends across several districts on both sides of the Xiang River, with Yuelu, Furong, and Tianxin among the larger urban zones. The city includes parks, university campuses, residential and commercial areas, and historical sites distributed along the banks and on both sides.

The city became a major trading center during the Tang Dynasty and grew rapidly through river routes and regional markets. Later it served as a seat for administrative reforms and educational institutions that reinforced its role in the political landscape of China.

The western core around Yuelu Academy reflects classical Confucian learning culture, while the eastern sections along the river hold livelier commercial and residential quarters. Many streets today still display the traditional mix of tea shops, bookshops, and calligraphy workshops.

Changsha Huanghua International Airport connects the metropolis to other parts of China and Asia, while three main train stations serve regional and national rail services. The metro network makes it easier to move between different districts and also reaches most key sights.

The Tongguan pottery center created underglazed ceramics during the Tang Dynasty that were exported as far as West Asia and North Africa. These workshops used colored glazes on white clay, a technique that later influenced many other Chinese production sites.