Wuhan

Wuhan is the capital of Hubei province, and is the most populous city in central China. It is a major transportation hub, making it well-linked to major Chinese cities. Now Wuhan is recognized as the political, economic, financial, cultural, educational and transportation center of central China.

Geography and Climate

Wuhan is low and flat in the middle and hilly in the south, with the Yangtze and Han rivers winding through the city. The metropolitan area comprises three parts - Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang, commonly called the "Three Towns of Wuhan" (hence the name "Wuhan", combining "Wu" from the first city and "Han" from the other two). The consolidation of these three cities occurred in 1927 and Wuhan was thereby established. These three parts face each other across the rivers and are linked by bridges, including one of the first modern bridges in China, known as the "First Bridge". 

Wuhan's climate is humid subtropical with abundant rainfall and four distinctive seasons. Wuhan is known for its oppressively humid summers, with temperatures ranging between 25-33°C. Spring and autumn are generally mild, while winter is cool with occasional snow. The average annual temperature is around 16°C.

History

Wuhan is a city with both an ancient history and a thriving present. Historic relics excavated from ancient tombs tell the city's long history dating back 3,500 years. In the period of Pre-Qin (770 B.C. - 221 B.C.), this was the land of the State of Chu (one of the seven warring states before Qin, in China's first feudal dynasty) and was the cradle of the brilliant Chu Civilization. Starting here, merchants followed the great Yangtze River and lake network to expand businesses throughout the entire country.

In the Qing Dynasty, Hankou became one of the four best-known towns in the country. For centuries, this city has been the center of trade and transportation in central China. Today it is an important hub in central China and a feature of Yangtze River cruises for sightseers and businessmen traveling from Sichuan to Shanghai or Hong Kong.

Universities

Wuhan is home to some of China's finest universities, including Huazhong Normal University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Wuhan University.

Attractions

Wuhan is the place to find both history and natural wonders. Hubei Provincial Museum and Yellow Crane Tower are two places to appreciate ancient Chinese history and culture. In the museum, chimes excavated from tombs reveal the incredible achievements of ancient people in music, acoustics and metallurgy. The classic poems and inscriptions on the tower, (although unrecognizable to most Westerners) can inspire your spirit as you pretend to be a poet with a bird's-eye view of the river from the tower window. In addition, the famous Villa of Chairman Mao Zedong on the scenic bank of East Lake, Wuchang, is an ideal place for Westerns to learn more about him.

Two famous places for local Wuhan snacks are Ji Qing Jie night street and Hu Bu Xiang breakfast street. Ji Qing Jie features all kinds of special foods plus entertainment at table by classical folk musicians. Snacks tops on travelers' list include Re Gan Mian (hot and dry noodles), Steamed Wuchang Fish and Fried Bean Sheets. Street stalls in Hu Bu Xiang support the local habit of Guo Zao (having breakfast at street stalls with their cheap tasty food and vendors' skillful performance). Benefited from rivers around, Wuhan cuisine earns its reputation especially from fish. Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong in his poem wrote: "I have just drunk the waters of Changsha Come to eat the fish of Wuchang." Streamed Wuchang Fish is a must for epicures.

Hubei Provincial MuseumTime-honored Han Zheng Street and the bustling walking street near Hanjiang Road are two choices for shopping lovers. Comb through dazzling shops housed in traditional Chinese buildings and find special gifts for friends and family. Even the most fastidious shopper will be satisfied.

Wuhan is also a city with impressive nightlife. Today people have more entertainment choices than ever before. Instead of watching TV at home, locals go to the cinema with friends, or spend the evening at restaurants, nightclubs, karaoke rooms, bars and pubs.

"I like to eat the delicious Re Gan Mian noodles; I like to wear the cotton jacket I bought in Han Zheng Street; I like to live near the flourishing Liuduqiao area; I like to cross each bridge over the Yangtze," writes a Chinese Wuhan resident.