Hunan capital hits milestone with 1 million visitors

A gala features music and fireworks near a memorial for renowned Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu (712-770), who once lived in the city. [Photo/China Daily]

When Changsha attracted a record 1 million tourists last year, it confirmed the city's status as a major global tourism destination, said Tan Yong, director of the Changsha tourism bureau.

"We will build Changsha into a happy city to attract more tourists from China and abroad," he said.

The city's goal is for its tourism industry to generate combined revenue of 100 billion yuan ($16 billion) annually.

The city has been named one of the happiest cities in China for five consecutive years, Tan said.

The city's forest coverage rate surpasses 50 percent, making for a superb ecological environment. In Changsha, tourists can find beautiful scenery and rich culture in one place, Tan said.

The city's convenient transportation system also greatly contributes to its tourism.

"The huge throughput of the Changsha Huanghuagang International Airport and well-developed railways can fully satisfy tourists' needs," Tan said.

The airport covers a total area of 210,000 square meters and can accommodate large A380 aircraft.

Its passenger-handling capacity hit 14.75 million last year, ranking among the top cities in central China.

The airport has a handling capacity of 28 million each year.

The railway system will make it possible for passengers to reach Wuhan within an hour, Guangzhou in two hours, and most other major cities within five hours.

Furthermore, a subway system will be available in October, Tan said.

"The hotel facilities have played an important role in tourism. Changsha has 84 star-rated hotels at the moment, including the St. Regis, the Westin, Kempinski, and Shangri-La," said Tan.