Changsha, a city of mountains and rivers, is endowed with a picturesque landscape and graceful natural environment. It is also famed for being the birthplace of Mao Zedong. The capital city of Hunan province may not be as world famous as Beijing, Nanjing or Xi'an, but still has a rich historical heritage that can be seen in the remains of the old city wall, tomb sites, religious temples and centuries-old buildings.

A massive statue of Mao Zedong on Orange Isle Park towers over the Xiangjiang River. Gong Cheng / For China Daily

Situated in the river valley along the lower part of Xiangjiang River, a branch of the Yangtze River, Changsha has a long past stretching back more than 2,000 years and was home to other important historical figures including Minister Qu Yuan from the Chu state and the poet Jia Yi.

Qu Yuan's death is today commemorated by the Dragon Boat Festival and Jia Yi is remembered as an influential Confucian scholar and government adviser during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24). It has been designated as one of the "Famous Cities of History and Culture" evaluated by the central government.

In recent years, Changsha has become an important creative center for television and entertainment, with many of its TV stations producing some of the most popular programs in China. The 2004 Super Girl show, a Chinese female version of the UK Pop Idol, was the most watched program ever to air on Chinese TV.

TV has helped to develop a new entertainment industry within the city that includes singing bars, dance clubs and theater shows. Hair salons, fashion stores, and hot and spicy snack bars have boomed as locals enjoyed the nightlife in a city often regarded as the entertainment capital of the country. Here are five sites worth checking out:

1. Yuelu Academy

This historical landmark is one of China's most prestigious academies and has been a famous institution of higher learning and culture for more than 1,000 years.

The academy, which was set up in 976, is the only ancient Chinese academy of classical learning to have evolved into a modern institution of higher learning. The historical transformation from Yuelu Academy to Hunan University can be seen as the epitome of the development of China's higher education. The beautiful period architecture takes a visitor back to the time of the robe-wearing ancient scholars of southern China.

2. Xiangjiang River

The Xiangjiang River flows through the city and is surrounded by tranquil mountains making it excellent location for morning and afternoon strolls.

Along the river, a scenic belt stretches from Heishipu Bridge in the south up to the Yueliang Island in the north. The area is noted for recreational spaces and sculptures, coupled with various facilities, such as public squares, sculptured landscapes and colorful lights.

Orange Isle Park is an islet located in the river and is one of the major scenic spots along this scentic route. The park is an integration of gardens, entertainment centers, sports facilities and cultural centers and is a popular site for summer vacations. During his youth, Mao Zedong spent a lot of time here walking on the riverbank, swimming and sunbathing.

3. Shaoshan village

The village of Shaoshan, about 130 kilometers south-west of Changsha, is the hometown of Chairman Mao Zedong and has become a memorial site for Chinese people.

Local people have erected a statue of Mao, have preserved his house, and have set up a museum. Many Chinese come to pay their respects during their holidays.

Despite the crowds, Shaoshan has not lost its quaint pastoral charm, which is characterized by traditional adobe houses, which are nestled between green hills and lush paddy fields. Visitors can also visit the childhood home of another high-ranking, though admittedly less famous Communist Party of China leader, Liu Shaoqi.

4. Tianxin Pavilion

Tianxin Pavilion is located in the northeast corner of Changsha, inside the ancient city wall at the intersection of Chengnan Road and Tianxin Road. Covering an area of 846 square meters, the three-story structure with its green tiles, protruding eaves and painted pillars, sits in harmony with the city wall, the park and other surrounding buildings. From the pavilion, a visitor has sweeping views of Miaogao and Yuelu mountains as well as the whole city.

Built in the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty, it was destroyed by a fire in 1938, and rebuilt in 1983 with much care taken to recreate its original appearance. Many people come here to read books, view the scene and taste the tea.

5. Taiping Street

Taiping Historical and Cultural Block, situated in Tianxin District of the city, boasts preserved streets from the old world.

The 380-meter block is a true reflection of Changsha's traditional style during the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty.

There are 87 shops, which are featured along the main street of the block and many of these stores are famous for calligraphy and painting, antiques and folk handicrafts. A number of noted calligraphers, painters as well as artists in seal cutting and facial make-up have established offices here.

The exquisite stone arches, traditional folk houses, charming ancient stages and rows upon rows of stores all contribute to the atmosphere of urban life, showing a picture of booming business, folk customs and features of Hunan culture.