Changsha, the capital city of Hunan Province, sits on the banks of the Xiangjiang River. It is famed for profound Xiaoxiang culture, fiery authentic Hunan cuisine, revolutionary red heritage, ancient academies and trendy urban nightlife. Nicknamed one of China’s "Three Furnaces", it has distinct four seasons: mild spring/autumn (March–May, September–November) is the best travel window; summers are hot and humid, winters damp and chilly.