The Hunanese have long been known for temperaments that, similar to their cuisine, are salty and fiery. The history of Changsha is therefore very much marked by the suppression and violent retribution of its people.

The most famous of the fiery Hunanese is probably Chairman Mao, who stayed in the city during a period between 1911 and 1923.

Divided unevenly by the slow-flowing Xiang River, modern day Changsha is welcoming tourists from around the world. The fiery Hunanese are surprisingly friendly when you get to know them, and the chance to trace Chairman Mao's youth has to be somewhat tempting.

Chinese Net Friends' Reviews:
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Go definitely to Huogongdian Restaurant£¨0731-5817591 No.78 Pozi Street Changsha city£© to have the authentic local Hunan Dishes. A dinner for six persons costs RMB380. Though a bit expensive, the food was very very delicious. Recommended dishes: Fish Head King (Yutou Wang), Fermented Beancurd (Chou Doufu), Little shredded meat (Xiao Chaorou). Every dish was delicious!
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In the morning eat Changde Beef Rice Noodles. As for the scenic spots, I went to Shaoshan and Yuelu Ancient Academy. Yuelu Ancient Academy is a peaceful place to read alone.
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To have Hunan Dishes, go to Shuguang Road. Ask the taxi drivers for directions. Shugang Road is a street of Hunan Dishes. The nightlife of Changsha is very developed, starting from 9 pm every day. If you want to listen to some songs, go to Red Sun (Hong Taiyang), Great Zhonghua (Da Zhonghua) and Tianhan Theater (Tianhan Juyuan). The performance starts at 9pm, but arrive there in advance (at least half an hour), or it will be very crowded. To entertain yourselves in bars, go to Middle Jiefang Road (Jiefang Zhonglu).

Climate:
Changsha belongs to a climate that is almost subtropical, with long, hot and humid summers. June through August is the rainy season. Annual average temperature is 17.5 degrees C., with an annual average rainfall of 1387mm, and an annual average frost free period of 280 days.

Autumn is probably the best time to visit, when temperatures hit between 15 to 20 degrees C.. In spring the weather tends to change very rapidly, so it is worth bringing more clothing with you. In the coldest days of winter, Changsha averages around 5 degrees C..