I am hoping to visit Changsha in late November/early December 2009 to meet a Lady Friend. Any tips on where to visit in the area, where to stay etc would be most welcome. I should be in Changsha for 7 nights.

Every time I go on Google to look for flights from England, preferably Manchester, I am routed via Beijing. Is it not possible to travel via Hong Kong? There may even be a quicker route?