The Heart of Revolutionary Spirit and Natural Grandeur
Hunan Province (湖南省) is located in south-central China, named after its location “south of the lake” — referring to Dongting Lake. It is known for its lush landscapes, spicy cuisine, and revolutionary heritage as the birthplace of Mao Zedong. With the Xiang River flowing through its heart, Hunan connects central China to the south and plays a key role in transportation, agriculture, and innovation.
Formation and Historical Background
- “Hunan” means “south of the lake”, referring to Dongting Lake.
- Home to the ancient Chu culture, with deep historical roots in poetry, philosophy, and mysticism.
- Strategically significant during various Chinese dynasties, including the Han and Tang.
- Important base for the Communist Revolution, especially during the 1920s–30s.
- Officially established as a province in the Yuan Dynasty and reorganized under Qing rule.
Administrative Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Province Name | Hunan Province (湖南省) |
| Provincial Capital | Changsha (长沙市) |
| Location | South-central China |
| Total Area | Approx. 211,800 sq. km |
| Population | Approx. 67 million (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone | China Standard Time (UTC+8) |
| Abbreviation | 湘 (Xiāng) |
| ISO Code | CN-HN |
Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2024) |
|---|---|
| Party Secretary | Shen Xiaoming (沈晓明) |
| Governor | Mao Weiming (毛伟明) |
| Provincial Legislature | Hunan Provincial People’s Congress |
| Administrative Body | Hunan Provincial People’s Government |
Administrative Divisions of Hunan Province
Hunan has 14 prefecture-level divisions, including 13 prefecture-level cities and 1 autonomous prefecture, which are further subdivided into districts, counties, and county-level cities.
- Changsha (长沙市) – Provincial Capital
- Districts: Furong (芙蓉区), Tianxin (天心区), Yuelu (岳麓区), Kaifu (开福区), Yuhua (雨花区), Wangcheng (望城区)
- Counties: Changsha (长沙县), Ningxiang (宁乡市), Liuyang (浏阳市)
- Zhuzhou (株洲市)
- Districts: Hetang (荷塘区), Lusong (芦淞区), Shifeng (石峰区), Tianyuan (天元区)
- Counties: Zhuzhou (株洲县), You (攸县), Chaling (茶陵县), Yanling (炎陵县)
- County-level City: Liling (醴陵市)
- Xiangtan (湘潭市)
- Districts: Yuhu (雨湖区), Yuetang (岳塘区)
- County: Xiangtan (湘潭县)
- County-level City: Xiangxiang (湘乡市), Shaoshan (韶山市 – hometown of Mao Zedong)
- Hengyang (衡阳市)
- Districts: Zhuhui (珠晖区), Yanfeng (雁峰区), Shigu (石鼓区), Zhengxiang (蒸湘区), Nanyue (南岳区)
- Counties: Hengyang (衡阳县), Hengnan (衡南县), Hengshan (衡山县), Hengdong (衡东县), Qidong (祁东县)
- County-level Cities: Changning (常宁市), Leiyang (耒阳市)
- Shaoyang (邵阳市)
- Districts: Shuangqing (双清区), Daxiang (大祥区), Beita (北塔区)
- Counties: Shaoyang (邵阳县), Longhui (隆回县), Xinshao (新邵县), Shaodong (邵东市), Xinning (新宁县), Suining (绥宁县), Chengbu Miao Autonomous County (城步苗族自治县)
- County-level Cities: Wugang (武冈市)
- Yueyang (岳阳市)
- Districts: Yueyanglou (岳阳楼区), Junshan (君山区), Yunxi (云溪区)
- Counties: Yueyang (岳阳县), Huarong (华容县), Xiangyin (湘阴县), Pingjiang (平江县)
- County-level Cities: Miluo (汨罗市), Linxiang (临湘市)
- Changde (常德市)
- Districts: Wuling (武陵区), Dingcheng (鼎城区)
- Counties: Anxiang (安乡县), Hanshou (汉寿县), Li (澧县), Linli (临澧县), Taoyuan (桃源县), Shimen (石门县)
- County-level City: Jinshi (津市市)
- Zhangjiajie (张家界市)
- Districts: Yongding (永定区), Wulingyuan (武陵源区)
- Counties: Cili (慈利县), Sangzhi (桑植县)
- Yiyang (益阳市)
- Districts: Heshan (赫山区), Ziyang (资阳区)
- Counties: Anhua (安化县), Taojiang (桃江县), Nan (南县)
- County-level City: Yuanjiang (沅江市)
- Chenzhou (郴州市)
- Districts: Beihu (北湖区), Suxian (苏仙区)
- Counties: Guiyang (桂阳县), Yongxing (永兴县), Jiahe (嘉禾县), Linwu (临武县), Rucheng (汝城县), Guidong (桂东县), Anren (安仁县)
- County-level Cities: Zixing (资兴市)
- Yongzhou (永州市)
- Districts: Lengshuitan (冷水滩区), Lingling (零陵区)
- Counties: Qiyang (祁阳县), Dong’an (东安县), Shuangpai (双牌县), Daoxian (道县), Jiangyong (江永县), Ningyuan (宁远县), Xintian (新田县), Jianghua Yao Autonomous County (江华瑶族自治县)
- Huaihua (怀化市)
- Districts: Hecheng (鹤城区)
- Counties: Zhongfang (中方县), Yuanling (沅陵县), Chenxi (辰溪县), Xupu (溆浦县), Huitong (会同县), Mayang Miao Autonomous County (麻阳苗族自治县), Xinhuang Dong Autonomous County (新晃侗族自治县), Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County (芷江侗族自治县), Jingzhou Miao and Dong Autonomous County (靖州苗族侗族自治县), Tongdao Dong Autonomous County (通道侗族自治县)
- County-level City: Hongjiang (洪江市)
- Loudi (娄底市)
- District: Louxing (娄星区)
- Counties: Shuangfeng (双峰县), Xinhua (新化县)
- County-level Cities: Lengshuijiang (冷水江市), Lianyuan (涟源市)
- Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (湘西土家族苗族自治州)
- County-level Cities: Jishou (吉首市)
- Counties: Luxi (泸溪县), Fenghuang (凤凰县), Huayuan (花垣县), Baojing (保靖县), Guzhang (古丈县), Yongshun (永顺县), Longshan (龙山县)
Summary:
| Level | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prefecture-level Divisions | 14 |
| County-level Divisions | 120+ |
| Township-level Divisions | 1,800+ |
Local Government Structure
- Prefecture-level cities and Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture are led by local People’s Governments and Party Committees.
- Urban districts handle city development; counties oversee rural policy, ethnic integration, and basic services.
Leadership & Governance
- Focus areas:
- Rural revitalization
- Ethnic minority development
- Ecological protection (especially in Zhangjiajie and Dongting Lake)
- Smart city initiatives in Changsha and Zhuzhou
Law Enforcement & Safety
- Managed by the Hunan Provincial Public Security Department
- Areas of emphasis:
- Rural crime prevention
- Ethnic stability and tourism safety
- Natural disaster response (floods, landslides)
- Emergency Numbers:
- 110 – Police
- 119 – Fire
- 120 – Ambulance
Economy & Industry
- Key Sectors:
- Agriculture: rice, oranges, tea, tobacco
- Manufacturing: heavy machinery, ceramics, textiles
- Tourism: Zhangjiajie, Wulingyuan, Mao’s birthplace
- Technology and automotive industries in Changsha, Zhuzhou
- GDP Growth (2023): Approx. 5.6%
Education & Institutions
- Major Universities:
- Hunan University (长沙)
- Central South University
- Hunan Normal University
- Strength in engineering, material science, medical and teacher education
Healthcare
- Leading Hospitals:
- Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
- Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital
- Changsha Central Hospital
- Mobile clinics and ethnic minority health outreach
Transport & Connectivity
- High-speed Rail:
- Beijing–Guangzhou (via Changsha)
- Shanghai–Kunming corridor
- Airports:
- Changsha Huanghua International Airport
- Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport
- River transport on the Xiang River and Dongting Lake system
Tourism & Attractions
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Avatar film inspiration
- Fenghuang Ancient Town, Dongting Lake, Shaoshan
- Wulingyuan Scenic Area – UNESCO site
- Red tourism, ancient temples, and cave systems
Culture & Lifestyle
- Strong roots in Xiang culture: Confucianism, poetry, folk music
- Minority groups: Tujia, Miao, Dong, Yao, Yaozu
- Cuisine: Spicy and sour – stinky tofu, chili fish head, steamed meat
- Festivals: Tujia New Year, Dragon Boat, Xiang Opera shows
Summary
Hunan Province is a rich blend of history, culture, mountains, and revolution. With its green mountains, ancient towns, fiery food, and reformist spirit, it is a true symbol of central China’s transformation — strong in tradition, bold in vision.