Located the lover reaches of the Xiangjiang River, Changsha is the capital city of Hunan and the political, economic, and cultural center of the province. Most tourists from both home and abroad usually visit the city before they go to other parts of the province. As one of the first Cities of Historical and Cultural Significance in China, Changsha boasts scenic spots such as the Yuelu Academy of Classical Learning, the Orange Island, the Mawangdui Tombs of the Han Dyanasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.), the Wu Bamboo Slips of the Tree Kingdoms Period (220 – 280), and the Former Residence of Jia Yi.

Aiwan Pavilion

The Aiwan Pavilion, formerly named Red-Leaf Pavilion, stands on the Yuelu Hill, it was built in 1792 by Luo Dian, a noted economist in the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912). Luo lectured at the  Yuelu Academy of Classical Learning for 30 years, and won praise from the Qing government. He then built the pavilion in the Breeze Valley, where he often visited for a relaxation.

Yuelu Academy of Classical Learning

Built in 976 at the eastern foot of  the Yulu Hill, it was on of the four most famous academies during the Song Dynasty. During the Southern Song Dynasty, Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi both renowned neo-Confucianism scholars, lectured at the academy winning  it the reputation “a place in Hunan where great scholars assembled.” On the front gate are hanged couplets that read “The Kingdom of Chu, unique home of talents; The Academy of Yuelu, the very cradle of all. “Historical relics in the academy include the Lecture Hall, the Six-Gentlemen Hall, the Four-Admonition Pavilion, the Xiangshui Classic-Revising Hall, and the Hexi Terrace.

Hunan Provincial Musem

Situated at the entrance to Deya Street, west to Martyr Park, it is the largest museum combining history and arts. Displayed in the museum include the Pits of Mawangdui Tombs, the Mawangdui Tombs of the Hang Dynasty, and the Replicas of Ancient Tombs, as well as a silk garment as thin as the wings of a cicada, an intact gown with patterns embroidered with colored threads, exquisite and gaudy embroideries, and wooden figures.

Mawangdui Tombs of the Han Dynasty

Located in the eastern suburb of Changsha City, the tombs compose the cemetery of the family of Tuo Hou, a prime minister of the Chagnsha Kingdom, during the early Western Han Dynasty. There are three tombs. Although more than 2,100 years old, the female corpse unearthed from the No.1 tomb remains undamaged and normally colored. Some of her joints are still moveable, and soft  tissues are still flexible, which are closely similar to a person who died just a while ago. There are also man rare textile products as carbaso, silk, and voile. Besides a number of painted earthenware and figures, there is a relief map unearthed in the No. 2 tomb, which drawings are similar to a modem map. From the No. 3 tomb are unearthed 28 silk scrolls recording ancient philosophy, history and technology. They are precious historical references.

Wu Bamboo Slips in Zouma Building

There are a total of 170,000 bamboo slips unearthed at the Zouma Building in Changsha, which were governmental archives of Changsha Prefecture during the reign of Sun Quan of the Wu State. They are significant references to study the history, social and economic systems, and land and tax policies of the Three Kingdoms Period. They are as valuable as inscriptions on bones or tortoise shells of the Shang Dynasty, documents discovered in Dunhuang, and the Qing ministerial archives.

Tianxin Pavilion

Situated at the southeast corner of Changsha, the Tianxin Pavilion stands at a high location. Here, one can view the entire city and look down at the Xiangjiang River. There are corridors in the front and rear of the pavilion, and on the third floor is hung a bell. As the only ancient castle in Chagnsha, the 17.5-metere-high pavilion is decorated with granite carvings of antique touch.