Hubei 湖北 — Gateway to the Three Gorges
Hubei sits at the heart of China, straddling the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The province is known for the Three Gorges Dam (三峡大坝) — the world's largest hydroelectric project — and Wudang Mountain (武当山), the Taoist martial arts center. The capital Wuhan is a major transportation hub and the city where the Yangtze and Han rivers meet.
Wuhan 武汉 — River City
Wuhan is China's seventh-largest city, formed by the merger of three towns: Wuchang (武昌), Hankou (汉口), and Hanyang (汉阳). The Yangtze and Han rivers divide the city into three parts.
Yellow Crane Tower 黄鹤楼
One of China's Four Great Towers, first built in 223 AD, reconstructed many times. The current tower (1981) is 5 stories, 51 meters tall, offering views of the Yangtze River and Wuhan. Immortalized in Tang dynasty poetry.
Admission: 70 RMB. Open: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Metro: Yellow Crane Tower Station.
East Lake 东湖
China's largest urban lake (33 km²), larger than Hangzhou's West Lake. The surrounding park is massive — hire a bicycle or take an electric cart. The Moshan scenic area and Cherry Blossom Garden are highlights.
Free (some attractions charge). Metro: East Lake Greenway Station.
Hubei Provincial Museum 湖北省博物馆
Home to the Zenghouyi Chime Bells (曾侯乙编钟) — a 2,400-year-old set of 65 bronze bells, the largest ancient musical instrument ever discovered. The museum also features the Sword of Goujian (越王勾践剑) — a 2,500-year-old sword that remains sharp. Chime bell performances are held daily.
Free (reservation required). Open: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Mondays). Metro: Hubei Museum Station.
Hubu Alley 户部巷
Wuhan's most famous food street. Try: Re Gan Mian (热干面, hot dry noodles) — Wuhan's signature breakfast; Dou Pi (豆皮, sticky rice wrapped in egg crepe); and soup dumplings.
Three Gorges Dam 三峡大坝
The world's largest hydroelectric dam, 2,335 meters long and 185 meters high. The dam created a 600-km reservoir and generates 22,500 MW of power. Viewing platforms offer perspectives of the massive structure and the ship locks (the largest in the world).
Admission: Free (viewing platform). Shuttle bus: 35 RMB. Open: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Located at Sandouping, 40 km from Yichang. High-speed train from Wuhan to Yichang East (2 hours).
Wudang Mountain 武当山 — Taoist Martial Arts
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's most important Taoist centers. Wudang is the birthplace of Wudang kung fu (internal martial arts, tai chi). The mountain features 72 peaks, 24 streams, and ancient temples built into cliffs. The Golden Hall (金殿) at the summit, built in 1416, is made of gilded bronze.
Admission: 130 RMB (peak season). Cable car: 90 RMB up, 80 RMB down. Open: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Access: Train to Wudangshan West (3 hours from Wuhan).
Shennongjia 神农架
A UNESCO World Heritage nature reserve in the Daba Mountains, known for its biodiversity and the mysterious "Wild Man" (野人, China's Bigfoot). The area features primeval forests, alpine meadows, and the Shennongding Peak (3,105m). Winter skiing available.
Admission: 140 RMB (core area). Access: Bus from Wuhan (6 hours) or Yichang (4 hours).
Practical Information
Classic Route: Wuhan (1-2 days) → Yichang/Three Gorges Dam (1 day) → Wudang Mountain (1-2 days) = 4-5 days.
Transportation: Wuhan Tianhe Airport (WUH). Wuhan is a major rail hub — high-speed trains to Beijing (4h), Shanghai (4h), Chengdu (6h), Guangzhou (4h).
Best Time: Spring and autumn. Summer is very hot (Wuhan is one of China's "Three Furnaces"). Winter is cold.
Food: Hot dry noodles (热干面), Doupi (豆皮), Wuchang fish (武昌鱼), lotus root soup (排骨藕汤).