Dongting Lake covers an area of 2,820 sq km and is the 2nd largest freshwater lake in China. Located in the mid reaches of the Yangzi River, the lake extends between Hunan and Hubei provinces. Edged with reeds and lotus ponds, the magical lake is known as the setting of many traditional fairy tales and legends.

There are several islands on the lake, the most famous being Junshan Island, known for its silver needle tea.

One of China's most beautiful nature reserves, Zhangjiajie has wonderful hiking trails in a serene environment of staggering natural beauty.
 
The Forest Park was established by the state council in 1982 as the 1st national forest park of China. The park is known for it's unique landscape with lush forests dominated by quartzite sandstone pillars. Bubbling brooks and charming lakes wind around the area and connect giant caves.

Located in the eastern suburbs of Chansha, the Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs were uncovered in 1972. The tombs, which date back some 2,100 years to the Western Han dynasty, contained the remains of the Marquis Dai, his wife and son, and their most prized possessions.

Among the more than 3,000 relics unearthed, there was a complete text of the Daoist classic 'I Ching' written on silk. Of all the remains, the most astonishing was the corpse of Zin Hui, the Marquess of Dai. Most of the artifacts including the corpses can now be found in the Hunan Provincial Museum.