Hunan is situated in the southeast of China, north of Guangdong. It is best known as the birthplace of Mao Zedong and for its fiery food.

Hunan - which literally means "south of the lake" - is one of China's smallest provinces, and lies mainly south of Dongting Lake. The majority of its inhabitants are farmers, whose poverty inspired Mao Zedong's political views and his eventual founding of the Chinese Communist Party.

Chairman Mao was born in the village of Shaoshan, 90km (56 miles) south of the capital, which houses a museum to its most famous son. Tourists can also enjoy trips on the Xiang river which runs from the south to the north of the province and to the historical city of Yueyang on the shore of Dongting Lake, the second largest in China.

Hunan is also renowned for the liberal use of chili peppers in its food. Local favorites include spicy chicken and snake.