The government of Changsha plans to develop the city into an internationally renowned tourist destination by 2020, officials said."Changsha, capital of Central China's Hunan province, is beautiful and very comfortable to live in. I have grown very fond of my life here," said Gantsooj, a Mongolian student who has spent two years studying Mandarin at Hunan University.In 2013, more than 1 million tourists from more than 80 countries and regions around the world visited Changsha, according to officials in the city tourism administration.Changsha is a place where ancient heritage sites mingle with modern skyscrapers that stretch up into the clouds.The Mawangdui Tombs of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), the ancient Yuelu Academy and its copper kiln are testaments to the city's 3,000-year history.Local tourism officials say one of the city's highlights is its beautiful natural scenery, which includes national forest parks, such as Dawei Mountain, and key national scenic spots, such as Yuelu Mountain and Juzi Island."Changsha city government has added more than 80 community parks in the past three years and 700,000 square meters of green space," said government officials.The city also has many varieties of flowers and plants planted in grassy medians along main roads and important areas, so the city appears as if it is in a perpetual state of springtime."It takes less than 15 minutes from home to find a park or roadside green space to take a rest, and it's quite common throughout the city," said Yi Jingping, member of the Changsha Committee of the CPPCC.The local government has paid special attention to ecological protection."Mountains and water are precious natural resources, and we have to protect them in the process of urban development," said Zhang Jianfei, the mayor of Changsha.Zhang also pointed out that it is the responsibility of the government to maintain a good ecological environment.The city government has built seven wastewater treatment plants over the past five years, and thousands of major restaurants have signed deals with professional companies to dispose of their daily waste, according to government officials.A 1,200-sq-km area on the west bank of Xiangjiang River was set aside as a model zone for ecological development by the Ministry of Environmental Protection in 2012.In addition to the desirable ecological conditions, Changsha is also famous for its distinctive cuisine."Changsha people are good at enjoying life and eating. I often see girls having various snacks while walking on the street, which is rare in Japan," said Horio Daijirou, an overseas student here from Japan.Tucked away in hidden allies, various local specialties draw guests from the four corners of the world.For instance, Pozi Street has many time-honored brands, such as the Fire Palace, which is 300 years old and famous for its preserved bean curd.The city's renowned steamed delicacies, tasty seafood and stewed soup take tourists to new frontiers of flavor.There is also a food belt along the Xiangjiang River, where tourists can savor local food while taking in the beautiful scenery.The city government is also promoting cultural development.The city is home to popular variety shows, such as the Happy Camp, which has been one of the top entertainment programs for 16 years.The local culture department will also invite various famous artists from China and abroad this year to perform opera, ballet, symphony, Peking opera and acrobatics.A weekend music and fireworks festival at Juzi Island has become a famous celebration nationwide.Other events, such as the first natural ecology expo and the Sakura celebration, are a special treat for tourists.Moreover, the city's foot massage service is something that tourists should not miss out on.Chinese traditional medicine practitioners recommend soaking feet in hot water, which is a hit with local people.The local government has also gone abroad to promote its tourism industry and has set up offices in such countries as Australia, South Korea and Japan to offer services, officials said.Cao Lijun, Party chief of Liuyang, welcomes visitors from around the world to the city, known as China's fireworks capital.Liuyang is a county-level city governed by Changsha.There is also a very famous song named Liuyang River, composed in 1950, which helps the city beckon numerous visitors.A karaoke favorite, the song is about the river and the nearby village of Shaoshan, where Chairman Mao Zedong was born.The Dawei Mountain National Forest Park, a national 4A scenery area, is located in Liuyang.It has the largest Rhododendron area in Central China.The Aiwan Pavilion, built in 1792 on Yuelu Mountain, was the subject of many famous ancient poems and also a favorite spot of Chairman Mao Zedong.Dawei Mountain in Liuyang, a city governed by Hunan's capital Changsha, has the largest Rhododendron area in Central China.A statue of Chairman Mao Zedong, a Hunan native, was erected on Juzi Island in the city. Zhou Baiping / for China Daily Cao Lijun (second from right), Party chief of Liuyang, known as China's firework capital, inspects a project site on Dawei Mountain. Photos Provided to China Daily Source:China Daily

News 2013-05-20 22:30 View：1472

Live reports of Hunan TV and Hunan Mango Radio about Iron Man’s extreme challenge have attracted millions of audience who are on the spot or sitting in front of the TV.Starting at 12 o’clock this noon on 18th May,“Iron Man ”-French climber Jean Michel Casanova,who performed thrilling and exciting stunts on the Hollywood blockbuster-Iron Man 3, has finally gone through the unpleasant weather condition and successfully conquered Bailong Ladder,the hightest ladders in the world.The whole climbing process lasts 68 minutes.On the scene there are reporters from mainstream media and tourists witnessed the unbelievable and suspensive process. When JeanMichel Casanova,whose Chinese name is Ma jin,arrived at 150 meter’s level,audience on the spot all spontaneously cheer him and cry for him.The live shot shows that he runs out of his energy when there are only 20 meters left.Voice from Majin’s earphone reveals that he continues on purely rely on his belief and ambition.Though,he is 46 years old now,he believes in human’s ability to conquer the nature and the whole world.Before climbing,Ma jin received the interview and said Bailong Ladder will be more difficult to climb than Eiffel Tower.Firstly,Bailong Ladder of Zhangjiajie is the highest ladder around theworld .Secondly,the steel structure headframes of Bailong Ladder are too smooth and big for him to clench.From the Guinness Book of Records,the Bailong Ladder is the fastest,highest and most carrying lift in the world. Ma jin’s challenge is with a height of 172 meters . He has climbed many high mountains and buildings,thus crowned as the best outdoor climbing coach in worldwide and once awarded as“Top 10 Climbing Photographers in the World”.By Aileen

News 2013-05-19 23:13 View：1582

“Since this July 1, tourists are requested to book tickets in advance for Zhangjiajie core scenic zones.”This piece of pleasing news was issued by Zhangjiajie Government in Changsha on May 16. Zhangjiajie will be the first scenic region in Hunan province to carry out this new tickets system.Vice mayor Cheng Danfeng who is in charge of Zhnagjiajie’s tourism said the website will open to the public soon and since July 1 tickets booking system will in full operation.Only if you booked online, you can take a valid certificate to handle the visiting procedures in wickets.Once this tickets booking system successfully implemented in Wulingyuan scenic zones, it will spread to Tianmen Mount, Yellow Dragon Cave,Baofeng Lake and the Great Canyons.Cheng Danfeng added that this measure has three advantages.Firstly, it meets tourists’ demand of a safe and satisfying trip in Zhangjiajie.Secondly, it can protect and keep sustainable development of environment.Thirdly, it promotes management ability of tourism managers.By Aileen

News 2013-05-19 23:06 View：1153

A boat floats in Tuojiang River by the ancient town of Fenghuang in Fenghuang County of Xiangxi Tu and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, central China's Hunan Province, April 29, 2013. Fenghuang witnessed rainfall on Monday, the first day of the three-day Labor Day holiday.A tourist walks on rocks in Tuojiang River by the ancient town of Fenghuang in Fenghuang County of Xiangxi Tu and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, central China's Hunan Province, April 29, 2013. Fenghuang witnessed rainfall on Monday, the first day of the three-day Labor Day holiday.Tourists walk on rocks in Tuojiang River by the ancient town of Fenghuang in Fenghuang County of Xiangxi Tu and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, central China's Hunan Province, April 29, 2013. Fenghuang witnessed a rainfall on Monday, the first day of the three-day Labor Day holiday.A woman enjoys the scenery by the side of Tuojiang River near the ancient town of Fenghuang in Fenghuang County of Xiangxi Tu and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, central China's Hunan Province, April 29, 2013. Fenghuang witnessed rainfall on Monday, the first day of the three-day Labor Day holiday.Source:Xinhua

News 2013-05-19 14:21 View：2103

The activity of french “iron man” Jean Michel Casanova chanllenging Bailong ladder has entered the final countdown of 50 hours. Hunan satellite TV and ETV are in the preparation, the staff is trying the installation and debugging equipment, the work of other items go on smoothly as planned.The climbing activity is scheduled to take place on May 18th, when 12. In order to ensure the activity to be held successfully, the Bailong ladder will be shut down for 3 hours on 11 o′clorck to 14 o′clorck of that day. Hunan satellite TV and hunan ETV will have a live broadcast at 12 to 13.Weather forecast shows that on 18th, zhangjiajie will have a cloudy day with light rain. It presents a challenge for the “iron man” to challengen the bailong ladder steel activities. “Iron man” recently has conducted a number of drills, but he has confessed to climb the ladder with courage, but no chance. Will he create miracle in zhangjiajie? The answer will be announced after a day.Translated by Sophia

News 2013-05-18 23:09 View：1025

Sunshine in early summer in Zhangjiajie is warm and soft. On one Sunday morning, accompanied with several bosom friends, I took a trip in the Dragon and Phoenix Terrace which located in Luoshui, northwestern of Zhangjiajie city.We arrived after two hours’ driving. It is the very early summer when grasses are green and tender, flowers are in blossom. Crops in the terrace are healthy and verdant .On both banks of Luoshui’s country road, it is easy for us to catch a glimpse of insects and wild plants. Look, here was a beautiful butterfly and an unidentified red wild flower.Wind in the Dragon and Phoenix Terrace gently caressed our faces, the air we breathe in is refreshing and clean. When standing on the top of a hill, we were totally shocked by the gorgeous and extensive scenery in our eyes. The winding and curving terraces are just like dragons and phoenixes dancing together. And it is really worthy of the name -The Dragon and Phoenix Terrace.In different period or seasons, the dragon and phoenix terrace presents us different sceneries. For instance, in rainy days, the terraces filled with water are as bright as mirrors. In the spring time, it is reviving and subtle. Its summer sceneries are warm and refreshing. However, it is golden and enchanting during the autumn season. And it is as white as a palace in winter.Metropolis life is too cold to live with. If possible, a trip in countryside, like in the dragon and phoenix terrace in Luoshui, Zhangjaijie will present you a brand-new and pleasant world.By Aileen

News 2013-05-18 23:04 View：1203

“Zhangjiajie is nothing less than a fairy land” After three days’ traveling in Zhangjiajie, in which a group of Australian traveling delegation paid their trip for the first time cannot help praising the fabulous sceneries in Zhangjiajie. The abundant travel resources and unique “Zhangjiajie landform” received their full of praises,“The Pandora wonderland in AVATAR really deserves its reputation”During this inspection period, Australian delegation gave their priority to Yuanjiajie, the Pandora wonderland. Wherever in Yuanjiajie; they were deeply attracted by the beautiful spots.“It is no wonder that AVATAR framing in Zhangjiajie” Besides, they also experienced other natural spots and cultural programs. Such as Tianzi Mount, Yellow Dragon Cave, Golden Whip Stream and Baofeng Lake, as well as the most typical traditional programs–Fairy Fox and Charming Xiangxi.Negotiation and mutual communication related to tourism cooperation, development on travel lines from Macao to Zhangjiajie and market image promotion were organized. From the aspect of Australian delegation, more Zhangjiajie promotion delegations will be warmly welcomed. Hereby, more and more Australian citizens will have a clear understanding of Zhangjiajie sceneries and look forward to visiting Zhangjiajie.By Aileen

News 2013-05-18 23:00 View：1610

The other day, the program Walking Round the World from Xinhua News Agency CNC made a marketing report named Stepping in Zhangjiajie on its landscape.CNC is TV network directed by Xinhua News Agency,catering to overseas broadcast.As reported,it is the first thematic marketing report on Zhangjiajie to the whole world via IPTV.This feature program Stepping in Zhangjiajie is divided to two episodes,lasting 23 minutes and 29 seconds totally.It sheds light on the forming process of the world natural heritage Wulingyuan peak forest,animal and plant resources in core scenic spot,climatic characteristics,landform scenery in all seasons,folk customs,etc.At the same time,it also puts emphasis onYellow Dragon Cave,Baofeng Lake,Tianmen Mountain and Jiutian Cave.Translated by Becky

News 2013-05-18 15:25 View：914