Wuhan Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 武汉 (wǔ hàn )
Population: 12,000,000
Area: 8,596.15 square kilometers (3,318.99 square miles)
Location: in the west of Hubei Province, central China
Administrative Division: 13 districts (Jiang' an, Jianghan, Qiaokou, Hanyang, Wuchang, Qingshan, Hongshan, Caidian, Jiangxia, Huangbei, Xinzhou, Dongxihu, Hannan); 1 county (Suixian); 1 county-level city (Guangshui)
Area Code: 027
Zip Code: 430000
GDP (2019): CNY 1,622.321 billion (USD 235.153 billion)

Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei Province in central China, is situated on Jianghan Plain, a river-crossed fertile land created by the Hanjiang River joining the Yangtze River. This is a routine port for a Yangtze River cruise. Divided by the Yangtze, Wuhan is known as the 'Three Towns of Wuhan' with Hankou and Hanyang on the west bank, and Wuchang on the east.

Being an important industrial base in China, Wuhan has developed a complete industrial system of iron and steel, automobile, optoelectronics, chemical industry, metallurgy, textile, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and medicine. This city is also China’s main transport hub as its high-speed rail network radiates most cities of China and flights to the world. It takes about 5 hours to Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Shenzhen and Hong Kong by train while there are 40 direct overseas routes to four continents. Moreover, Wuhan is an important science and education City in China. The number of colleges and universities ranks third in China.

Beautiful cherry blossom, wonderful lake and river views and abundant snacks all add unique charm to Wuhan. In March, cherry blossoms in full bloom in Wuhan University and Mo Mountain attract tourists from all over the country. And the picturesque East Lake and night scenery of Yangtze River will make you intoxicated. All kinds of breakfasts in Hubu Alley are particularly attractive. A bowl of Hot and Dry Noodles is an indispensable delicacy in the life of Wuhan people.

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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.), it was the land of the State of Chu (one of the seven warring states before Qin, in the country'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 (1644 - 1911), Hankou became one of the four best-known towns in the country. For centuries, Wuhan 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.

The uprising voice of the Revolution of 1911 was heard here firstly. The revolution which aimed to overthrow the autocratic monarchy of the Qing Dynasty (1636 - 1912) and establish the Republican government is one of the great events in modern China.

Bronze Vessel in Hubei Provincial Museum

Yellow Crane Tower

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. Travelers going to Wuhan can also visit these attractions:

 

Two famous places for local snacks in Wuhan 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 top on visitors' list include Re Gan Mian , 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. 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 Cuisine
 Featured Snacks
 Western Style Food
 

Yangtze River Bridge

Time-honored Han Zheng Street and the bustling walking street near Hanjiang Road are two choices for shopping lovers in Wuhan. 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 disco parlors, karaoke rooms, bars and pubs and other interesting places.
 
 144-hour Visa-free Transit in Wuhan has been implemented at Tianhe International Airport. Passport holders from eligible countries, such as USA, Russia, United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea and Singapore, can enjoy up to 144 hours free transit when they take an international transfer at the airport. 

 See more Top 10 Things to Do in Wuhan
 
 Recommended Tour Itineraries of Wuhan:
Hiking Adventure
Golf Vacation 
 

Further Reading
9 China Famous Cities for Study Tour

China Population by City: List of 50 Most Populated Cities