Capital city of Hunan province, Changsha (long sand) has been built on Xiang river, close to a long sand island which has given its name to the city. This city, one of China communism's birth place, is not really a place to stay unless you are interested in Mao Zedong's life. However, the hills at the western part of the city, close to the universities are worthy staying one or two days for who crosses China by train.