Geographical position and Climate of Hunan
Hunan Province is located in the south-central part of the People’s Republic of China, part of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and south of Lake Dongting (hence the name ‘Hunan’, meaning ‘south of the lake’). It is bordered by Hubei Province to the north, Jiangxi to the east, Guangdong to the southeast, Guangxi to the southwest, Guizhou to the west, and Chongqing Municipality to the northwest.
The province has a complex topography with mountainous regions in the east, west, and south, while the north and the center consist of rolling hills and plains. The Xiang River, a major tributary of the Yangtze, flows through the province and has historically been a key transportation route.
Hunan experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
Best time to visit Hunan
The best time to visit Hunan Province is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) months. During these periods, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Spring: The province is alive with vibrant colors as flowers bloom and the landscape turns lush and green. The temperature is comfortable, although it can be a bit rainy as the season progresses.
- Autumn: This season offers clear skies, cooler temperatures, and less humidity. It’s also the time when the leaves change color, providing spectacular autumn foliage, particularly in the mountainous regions like Zhangjiajie.
Visiting Hunan during these times allows you to avoid the extreme heat and heavy rains of the summer months, as well as the colder, less predictable weather of winter. Additionally, these seasons host various festivals and cultural events that can enrich your travel experience.
Travel to Hunan
By Air
- Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX): As the main airport in Hunan, it offers numerous domestic flights and some international connections. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or the metro to reach Changsha city center or other destinations within the province.
With Train
- High-Speed Rail: Hunan is well-connected by China’s high-speed rail network. Changsha South Railway Station is the primary hub for high-speed trains, with routes to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
- Regular Trains: For those on a budget or not in a hurry, regular trains are available and connect Hunan to various parts of China.
By Road
- Long-Distance Buses: Intercity buses run from neighboring provinces and cities to Hunan. The road network is extensive, making bus travel a viable option for reaching more remote areas.
By Water
- Yangtze River Cruises: Some cruises along the Yangtze River include stops in Hunan, particularly near the city of Yueyang, which is close to the famous Dongting Lake.
When planning your trip to Hunan, consider the convenience, cost, and travel time of each transportation option to determine the best way to reach the province based on your starting location and itinerary.
Places to visit
Important Information
Capital – Changsha
Largest City – Changsha
Territory – 210,000 km2
Population – 66,444,864
Time Zone – UTC+8 (CST)