Changsha overview

What started out as a port for river and rail cargo has turned into the cultural center of the Hunan province of China. Changsha has been an important commercial city in China for hundreds of years largely due to its proximity to the Xiang River in south central China. Like many cities in China, Changsha has developed rapidly and much of the ancient culture has now been replaced by neon Pizza Hut and McDonald's signs. Changsha is also one of the important creative centers for the Chinese television industry and many of China's most popular TV shows are produced in the city. Changsha also boasts what has been called the biggest Chinese restaurant in the world; the West Lake Restaurant that seats a mere 5,000 diners. Changsha is like a lot of other cities in China in that it is too crowded, but after visiting Beijing is will seem quaint.