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Beautiful Hubei
Hubei Province, nestled in the heart of central China, is one of the key birthplaces of Chinese civilization. During the pre-Qin period, the Chu State, known for its philosophy and literature, produced figures like Laozi, Zhuangzi, and Qu Yuan. Over 800 years, the state of Chu cultivated a splendid Chu culture. Hubei also boasts a glorious revolutionary tradition, having made significant contributions to the victory of the Chinese revolution, from the Wuchang Uprising of 1911 to the founding of the People's Republic of China. During the New Democratic Revolution, 700,000 revolutionary heroes in Hubei sacrificed their lives.
Hubei is rich in water resources and is known as the "Province of a Thousand Lakes." The Three Gorges Project is the world's largest water conservancy project, and the Danjiangkou Reservoir is the starting point of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project's middle route. Hubei is the largest integrated transportation and communications hub in central China, known as the "China Overpass." Wuhan New Port is central China's first 100 million-ton port.
Hubei is a major base for science and education in China. As of May 2016, the province boasted 129 regular colleges and universities, with a total enrollment of 1.4018 million students. The province boasts two universities designated as world-class universities and five universities with world-class disciplines. Hubei's scientific, educational, and cultural strengths rank among the best in China, with the number of projects awarded National Science and Technology Awards ranking among the top four nationwide for seven consecutive years.
Subtropical monsoon humid climate
Best in spring and autumn
Wuhan University
This century-old prestigious university boasts numerous outstanding Republican-era buildings that blend Chinese and Western styles. Formerly the Ziqiang Academy, founded by Zhang Zhidong, it is part of the East Lake Scenic Area and has been recognized online as one of China's ten most beautiful universities. Situated on the edge of East Lake and surrounded by Luojia Mountain, the campus is shaded by lush greenery. Its palace-style buildings, a blend of Chinese and Western styles, are magnificent and elegant, with over 20 buildings designated as key national cultural relics.
The school is most famous for its cherry blossoms. Every spring in mid-March, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the campus attracts millions of tourists from all over the country to come and enjoy the flowers.
free
During the cherry blossom season (mid-March to early April), visitors are required to make a limited number of free reservations online with their real names. At other times, they can enter the campus freely.
Open all day
A student ID is sometimes required to enter and exit the campus at night.
Hubu Lane Snack Street
This is a century-old alley that is more than 100 meters long. In addition to Wuhan's local brand snacks, there are many delicacies that can be found in other places.
All day, free
Wuhan East Lake
It is located in the east of Wuchang, Wuhan, hence the name. It is the largest urban lake in China and now one of the urban lakes with the largest water area in China. It is divided into four areas: Tingtao Scenic Area, Donghu Moshan Scenic Area, Luoyan Scenic Area and Chuidi Scenic Area. The four scenic areas have their own characteristics: Tingtao leisure, Moshan flower viewing, Luoyan bird watching, and Chuidi mountain tour.
All day, free
Hubei is a historically rich province in central China, known for its strategic location along the Yangtze River. It is home to many ancient cultures, including the Chu culture. Key attractions like the Yellow Crane Tower and the Wudang Mountains are integral to Chinese heritage, while the Three Gorges Dam represents a modern engineering marvel.
Hubei is located in central China. Its capital, Wuhan, is well connected by air, train, and bus. You can reach Wuhan by high-speed train from major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, or by flying into Wuhan Tianhe International Airport. Once in the city, public transport, taxis, and walking are convenient ways to explore the area.
Most attractions in Hubei, including Yellow Crane Tower and Wudang Mountains, are open year-round. The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), as the weather is mild and the landscapes are most beautiful.
Entrance fees vary by attraction. For example, Yellow Crane Tower costs around 70 RMB, and Wudang Mountain charges around 120 RMB. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance of the attractions, though online booking is recommended during peak seasons to avoid long queues.
It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially for popular attractions like the Yellow Crane Tower or Wudang Mountain during holidays or weekends. Booking a few days in advance should be sufficient.
To fully explore Hubei, you’ll need about 3 to 4 days. A day or two in Wuhan for historical sites like Yellow Crane Tower and Hubei Provincial Museum, and a couple of days for nature trips to Wudang Mountains and East Lake should suffice.
Guided tours are available for most attractions, particularly in Wuhan and Wudang Mountains. Tours are typically available in Mandarin, but some may offer English-language guides during peak tourist seasons.
A suggested itinerary could start in Wuhan with a visit to the Yellow Crane Tower and Hubei Provincial Museum. Then, spend a day at East Lake before heading to Wudang Mountains for a more nature-filled experience.
Some attractions, like the Yellow Crane Tower, offer night views. In Wuhan, you can enjoy light shows along the Yangtze River at certain times of the year. Special tours are available at the Three Gorges Dam, particularly for those interested in the engineering aspects of the project.
Wuhan and other popular attractions can get crowded during weekends, public holidays, and the summer. The least crowded times are during weekdays in spring and autumn when the weather is still pleasant.
Most major attractions, including Yellow Crane Tower and Wudang Mountains, have basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, food stalls, and souvenir shops. It’s advisable to carry water if you plan to hike in the mountains or visit remote areas.
Attractions like Yellow Crane Tower and East Lake are generally accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with ramps and elevators available. However, some areas like the Wudang Mountains may require more effort due to their mountainous terrain.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted in Hubei, especially in cities like Wuhan. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants. It’s still a good idea to carry cash for smaller establishments or in more remote areas.
In Wuhan, you can find a range of restaurants offering traditional Hubei cuisine, including hot dry noodles (re gao), fish, and various local snacks. There are also cafes near popular tourist sites like East Lake and the Yellow Crane Tower.
Vegetarian options are available, especially at larger restaurants in Wuhan. Halal food is also available, particularly in areas with a Muslim community.
Wuhan has a variety of accommodations ranging from budget hotels to luxury options, particularly near tourist spots like East Lake and the Yellow Crane Tower. Booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons.
Souvenir shops are common at major attractions. Typical souvenirs include local handicrafts, tea, and food products such as pickled vegetables and dried fish.
