Xiangtan: The Red Spark and Culinary Delights
If you haven't experienced the charm of Xiangtan's red culture and unique local customs, then a trip to Xiangtan is your perfect choice. This is the hometown of great leaders, boasting profound historical heritage, abundant natural landscapes, and numerous mouthwatering delicacies. Here's a Xiangtan travel guide:
Accommodation Recommendations
Luxury
Xiangtan Huayin International Hotel: Rating 4.9, adjacent to the Xiang River with stunning river views and Wanlou night scenery, located at No. 68 Shaoshan East Road (Hutan Square).
Xiangtan Panlong Villa Hotel: Rating 4.8, featuring a massive natural oxygen bar and premium services, at No. 1 Hongqi Avenue, Hedong.
Premium
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Xiangtan Wanlou: Rating 4.8, with 180° panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Xiang River and cityscape, located at Unit 1, Building 3, Tianyuan Xiyuan, No. 5 Liancheng Avenue.
Xiangtan Junyi MGM International Hotel: Rating 4.6, featuring luxurious American-style decor and hundreds of complimentary services, at No. 3 Jianshe Middle Road.
Food Recommendations
Liancheng Matou Naosui Rolls: A century-old delicacy with paper-thin wrappers, sweet flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Xiangxiang Baked Cake: Ivory-colored, instantly dissolving, fire-roasted aroma, refreshing taste, nutritious, and easy to preserve.
Zhonglupu Medicinal Candy: Made from premium rice, wheat, and sesame, with medicinal effects like "moistening lungs, nourishing yin, aiding digestion, and resolving phlegm."
Grandma Wen's Sweet Rice Wine: Soft and chewy glutinous rice with sweet, aromatic rice wine.
Xiangxiang Zhenfeng Spicy Braised Duck: Rich sauce flavor, moderate spiciness, crispy skin, firm meat, not greasy or fishy, with great chewiness.
Attractions
Shaoshan Tourist Area: Birthplace and childhood home of Chairman Mao Zedong, featuring Mao's former residence and memorial hall to experience red culture.
Xiangtan Museum: One of China's first research and practice education bases for primary and secondary students, showcasing Xiangtan's history and development.
Yaowan Historical and Cultural Block: Well-preserved ancient streets and docks with rich historical atmosphere.
Qi Baishi Cultural Tourism Area: Hometown of world-renowned artist Qi Baishi, featuring his former residence and beautiful natural scenery.
Chen Geng's Former Residence: Comprising three parts - residence, cemetery, and memorial hall, representing typical central Hunan architecture.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Morning: Visit Xiangtan Museum to learn about local history (2 hours recommended).
Noon: Try local specialties like Xiangxiang Baked Cake and Grandma Wen's Sweet Rice Wine near the museum.
Afternoon: Explore Yaowan Historical and Cultural Block, visit Tangxing Temple and Catholic Church (about 3 hours).
Evening: Enjoy Xiangxiang Zhenfeng Spicy Braised Duck and admire Yaowan's night views.
Day 2
Morning: Visit Shaoshan Tourist Area to see Mao Zedong's former residence (about 2 hours).
Noon: Taste Shaoshan specialties at local restaurants.
Afternoon: Watch the spectacular live show "China Produced Mao Zedong" (1.5 hours).
Evening: Stay overnight in Shaoshan to experience rural life.
Day 3
Morning: Visit Qi Baishi Cultural Tourism Area to see the artist's former residence and enjoy natural scenery (3 hours).
Noon: Sample local foods like Zhonglupu Medicinal Candy.
Afternoon: Visit Chen Geng's Former Residence to learn about the general's life (about 2 hours), then return to the city for departure.
We look forward to welcoming you to Xiangtan - this captivating land where you can follow in the footsteps of great leaders, experience profound culture, and savor delicious local snacks. Xiangtan is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Come and start your wonderful Xiangtan journey!