Hunan Province in China

Hunan Province covers an approximate area of 210,500 square kilometers and is situated in the middle area of the Yangtze River to the south of Dongting Lake. The name Hunan means “South of the Lake”. The capital of Hunan is the bustling city of Changsha.

From an economic and business point of view, Hunan is a major producer of grain in China, as well as being the largest producer of rice and ramie. Ramie, otherwise known as “China Grass” or “Chinese Plant”, is a flowering plant belonging to the nettle family that has been used for at least six thousand years, mainly in the production of fabric. Under ideal growing conditions, such as the conditions existing in Hunan, ramie can be harvested up to six times a year. Other major crops include tea, oranges, day lily, lotus seed, fragrant mushroom and pepper. Farmers in Hunan have also found pig-raising to generate significant income, making Hunan a leading producer of pork.

The Lengshuijiang area of Hunan is a principal centre for antimony extraction from a number of stibmite mines. Antimony is a fairly rare metalloid, which is used in the production of numerous products such as paints, enamels, ceramics, various alloys, electronics, flame-proofing and rubber, making it a much sought after commodity to the benefit of the economy. Hunan also has valuable deposits of rubidium, bismuth, stone coal, bolognian stone, eolite, manganese, vanadium, lead, arsenic and zinc, all of which contribute to the growth of the economy.

It is understandable that, with all the lucrative natural resources Hunan has to offer, many business people are drawn to the province. But it is not a matter of all work and no play when visiting Hunan. There are a number of noteworthy places to visit, whether you are the nature-loving type, or you want to look into the history and the culture of the people that are inhabitants of Hunan. For example, Wulingyuan Scenic area in Zhangjiajie is an area where nature-lovers will appreciate a unique landscape of lakes, streams, spectacular rock pinnacles and limestone caves. Also in Zhangjiajie is the historic village of Feng Huang Cheng, otherwise known as “Phoenix Town”, with its well preserved architecture which gives visitors an idea of what life was like in the past. The Hunan Provincial Museum, one of many interesting museums in the capital city, Changsa, will keep visitors enthralled for many an enjoyable hour. Other interesting attractions include Dongting Lake, Hupingshan National Nature Reserve, Mount Yuelu, Mount Hengshan and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Clearly the province of Hunan Province has endless possibilities and opportunities for the tourist and business person alike. Why not make Hunan your next destination?

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