Zhong Yuan Region (Central China inc Hunan)

Hunan has long been the centre of growth due to its agricultural appeal and the Ming Dynasty encouraged this. This area is the home to some of the most well known communist leaders including Mao Zedong.

Changsha can trace its origins back 3,000 years and is located on the Xiang River and being strategically placed is a major trading centre for agriculture.

Shoashan is located about 130kms south west of Changsha and is where Mao was born. Today it still retains the traditional adobe houses despite western culture creeping in.

Hengyang is Hunan's second largest city. It is an important city for China for its lead and zinc industries.

The climate in China is so often varied. It experiences extreme cold during winter and the unbearably hot during summer, the warmest regions being in the south. During summer you can experience heavy down pours.