In 1970, Hua Guofeng joined in rice transplanting in the suburbs in Changsha.

In the 1950s, Hua Guofeng had more opportunities to meet with Mao Zedong, as he was promoted. In June 1956, Hua Guofeng became a member of a provincial Party committee. In August 1957, Hua was the minister of the united front of the provincial Party committee. In July 1958, he became the vice governor of Hunan province. After the Lushan Conference in 1959, the Hunan provincial Party committee reorganized. Mao Zedong nominated Hua Guofeng as the member of the Hunan provincial Party standing committee stating that Hua Guofeng was an honest man who engaged himself wholeheartedly in the work. That year Hua was as the youngest provincial leader, at only 38 years old.

"Hua Guofeng is an honest man", Mao Zedong said, stating Hua's realistic style and earnest spirit were present in work. Mao maintained this assessment until he died and this was also an important reason for Mao's choosing of Hua.