Shaoyang is a prefecture-level city located in southwestern Hunan province, China. It borders Guangxi to the south and was formerly known as Baoqing (Paoking). The city has a recorded history spanning 2,500 years and serves as an important hub for commerce and transportation within the Hunan region.
According to the 2020 Chinese census, Shaoyang had a total population of 6,563,520 inhabitants. Of this population, 1,415,173 residents live in the built-up area, which consists of three urban districts and Xinshao County largely conurbated together.