Every flavor is an invitation from Xiangtan. As a key part of the "Hunan's Unique Flavors: Dining in Xiangtan" culinary tourism promotion event for the 6th Hunan Tourism Development Conference, the 2026 Hunan Culinary Tourism Promotion Season kicked off in Xiangtan on June 27. The event unveiled the "Explore Xiangtan Through Cuisine" premium travel route and the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan culinary tourism route.

The two routes captivate tourists with "freshness," integrating cuisine with culture. The routes link revolutionary heritage, Hunan's cultural traditions, and the vibrant rhythms of the four seasons into a tapestry that can be explored and savored. Outside the event venue, an array of Xiangtan's signature delicacies—such as dengxin "lampwick" cake, steamed naosui rolls (a snack made by wrapping a filling of pork fat and white sugar in semi-fermented dough), and Pang's handmade noodles—made their appearance, drawing guests to stop and sample them.

The "Explore Xiangtan Through Cuisine" route features delicious food at different seasons. The journey deeply integrates rice noodles in pork-bone broth from Xiangtan's Yaowan Old Street in the spring, Chairman Mao's braised pork from Shaoshan in the summer, farmhouse-preserved meat from Dingfeng Village in Xiangtan County in the autumn, and milky white diao fish (Culter alburnus) from Shuifu Reservoir in Xiangxiang City in the winter, with seasonal activities such as flower viewing and spring outings, Red (revolutionary)-themed study tours, rural experiences, and hot spring wellness. This creates a product lineup where "there are sights to see at all times and attractions to visit in every season."

In the spring, visitors can head to Xiangtan's Shibazong Street for a bowl of rice noodles with shredded pork in a slow-simmered pork-bone broth, stroll along Yaowan Old Street in Yuhu District, and then immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of Shentang Road in Yuetang District at night to savor crab claws and grilled meat. In the summer, visitors can pay homage to Mao Zedong's Former Residence, learn about military science at the Shaoshan Military Museum Park, taste classic flavors like Chairman Mao's braised pork and fire-roasted fish, and enjoy live performances of "The Most Memorable Shaoshan" or "China Has Mao Zedong" in the evening. In the autumn, visitors can tour the Peng Dehuai Memorial Hall to reflect on those momentous times. They can try pushing stone mills and dyeing indigo cloth at the "Thirty-six Workshops" in Xiangtan County, and then head to Dingfeng Village to sample authentic farmhouse-cured flavors. In the winter, visitors can refresh body and mind with Xiangxiang rice noodles, climb Dongtai Mountain, visit Dongshan Academy, take a boat ride through the misty waters of Shuifumiao Reservoir, and then savor a bowl of milky white, fragrant diao fish soup, letting warmth spread throughout the body.

The Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan culinary tourism route highlights a three-day tour to three cities. 

Day 1: The tour focuses on Changsha's historical culture and night market economy. Visitors can start the morning with a bowl of authentic rice noodles, then visit the Hunan Museum to learn about Hunan culture, and then head to the Fire God Palace Restaurant on Pozi Street to savor signature Hunan dishes like quick-fried julienne beef tripe. Visitors can continue their trip by ascending Yuelu Mountain and visiting the thousand-year-old Yuelu Academy, then turn onto Lushan South Road at the foot of the mountain to try affordable treats like Tianma beef patties, Tang you baba (deep-fried glutinous sweet rice dumplings), and stinky tofu. In the evening, visitors can head to Fisherman's Wharf to enjoy Hunan-style seafood and specialty barbecue by the river, and finally go to the Yangfan Night Market to feast on flavors from all over China.

Day 2: The tour then focuses on Zhuzhou's industrial heritage and pastoral scenery. Visitors can begin their journey with a bowl of Fangfang rice noodles, then climb Xianyuling Ridge to admire a thousand-mu lotus pond, and enjoy eco-friendly native pork at the Meat Processing Plant's No. 2 Canteen. In the afternoon, visitors can visit the Qingshuitang 1956 Industrial Heritage Park to sense the glory of Zhuzhou's industrial heritage. At dusk, visitors can experience the charm of the waterfront and savor Zhuzhou local cuisine at Little Zhouzhuang-Xiang Restaurant, known as "Little Jiangnan." As night falls, visitors can visit Hejiatu Night Snack Street for barbecue, sautéed frog with chili pepper, and spicy hot pot.

Day 3: The tour then highlights Xiangtan's Red culture and the night economy along the Xiangjiang River. Visitors can pay tribute to the great leader at Mao Zedong Square in Shaoshan and step into Mao Zedong's Former Residence to experience history firsthand. Visitors can climb Zhaoshan Mountain to enjoy the clouds and rosy mists, and at noon, savor delicacies like poached fish in chili oil broth and fish head steamed with chopped chili at Qizhenge Restaurant at the foot of the mountain. In the evening, visitors can enjoy local dishes at Tanzhou Courtyard in Yuhu District. Finally, visitors can go to Wanlou Youth Pier to experience the romance of the Xiangjiang night sky lit by a dazzling light show, bringing the journey to a perfect close at the juncture between venerable tradition and invigorating youth.

This article is from Hunan Provincial Government. www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: hunantoday