The Dongjiang Lake, a reservior in Chenzhou, is a new destination for sightseeing, relaxing, boating and rafting.

Rich cultures

"Going even further back in history, Hunan is a place where people can find various folk cultures of different ethnic groups in both tangible and intangible ways," said the tourism chief.

Of the total 56 ethnic groups in China, there are 51 living in Hunan, among which the Miao and Tujia people have contributed the most to Hunan's primitive folk culture.

Zhang said the ancient villages where they live in, the festivals they celebrate as well as the natural landscapes surrounding them all make Hunan a very attractive place for those who want to explore the "splendid, ancient Xiaoxiang".

He noted that one can find the talented craftsmanship of the Dong ethnic people in the many diaojiaolou, or wooden houses over the water, or see the Miluo River, where the Dragon Boat Festival originated.

He also cited the Tianmen Mountain－or the "Pillar of the South Heaven"－in Zhangjiajie to illustrate how local wonders have become known to the world. Because the area was used as an inspiration for the lush jungle environment depicted in the film Avatar, the place is also named Hallelujah Mountain, a name that should be more familiar to foreign tourists.

For a "happy Hunan", people can experience it from its unique yet delicious food as well as the fantastic nightlife in bars in several big cities.

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