Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and bustling modern life. Located at the intersection of the Yangtze and Han rivers, Wuhan is a major transportation hub and a center for education and industry. This guide will take you through the must-see attractions, local cuisine, cultural highlights, and practical travel tips for visiting Wuhan.
Must-See Attractions
Yellow Crane Tower (黄鹤楼)
The Yellow Crane Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Wuhan. This historic tower, originally built in 223 AD, offers stunning views of the city and the Yangtze River. It has been rebuilt several times and is now a symbol of Wuhan's cultural heritage.
East Lake (东湖)
East Lake is the largest urban lake in China, offering beautiful scenery and numerous recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, cycling, and walking along the picturesque lake shores. The area also features botanical gardens, bird sanctuaries, and scenic spots like the Cherry Blossom Park.
Hubei Provincial Museum (湖北省博物馆)
The Hubei Provincial Museum is a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including the famous bronze chime bells of the Zenghouyi Tomb, ancient pottery, and relics from various dynasties. The museum provides insight into the rich cultural heritage of Hubei province.
Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge (武汉长江大桥)
The Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge is the first bridge to span the Yangtze River. Opened in 1957, this engineering marvel connects the Wuchang and Hanyang districts of Wuhan. The bridge offers panoramic views of the river and the city skyline.
Guiyuan Buddhist Temple (归元寺)
Guiyuan Buddhist Temple is one of Wuhan's most important religious sites. Established in the Qing Dynasty, the temple features beautiful architecture, serene gardens, and a vast collection of Buddha statues. It is a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.
Local Cuisine
Wuhan is famous for its delicious local cuisine, which is characterized by bold flavors and hearty dishes. Here are some must-try foods:
Re Gan Mian (热干面)
Re Gan Mian, or hot dry noodles, is Wuhan's signature dish. This savory noodle dish is made with sesame paste, soy sauce, garlic, and pickled vegetables. It's a popular breakfast food in Wuhan and a must-try for visitors.
Doupi (豆皮)
Doupi is a traditional Wuhan snack made from glutinous rice, minced pork, mushrooms, and other ingredients, all wrapped in a bean curd skin and fried until crispy. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish that reflects the city's culinary traditions.
Mianwo (面窝)
Mianwo is a type of savory fried doughnut made from rice flour and mung beans. These crispy treats are often enjoyed as a breakfast item or snack and are commonly sold by street vendors.
Wuchang Fish (武昌鱼)
Wuchang Fish is a famous dish from the Wuchang district of Wuhan. The fish is typically steamed with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that highlights the natural taste of the fish.
Cultural Highlights
Wuhan University (武汉大学)
Wuhan University is one of China's most prestigious universities and is renowned for its beautiful campus. The university is particularly famous for its cherry blossoms, which attract thousands of visitors each spring. The campus also features historic buildings and scenic spots worth exploring.
Jiqing Street (吉庆街)
Jiqing Street is a lively area known for its street performances, local snacks, and vibrant nightlife. It's a great place to experience the local culture, enjoy live music, and taste a variety of Wuhan's street food offerings.
Han Show Theatre (汉秀剧场)
The Han Show Theatre is a state-of-the-art performance venue that hosts spectacular shows combining acrobatics, dance, and technology. The theatre itself is an architectural marvel, designed to resemble a Chinese lantern.
Practical Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Wuhan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Getting Around: Wuhan has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, metro lines, and taxis. The metro is a convenient and efficient way to travel around the city.
Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. It's helpful to learn a few basic Mandarin phrases.
Accommodation: Wuhan offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Popular areas to stay include Hankou, Wuchang, and Hanyang districts.
Health and Safety: Wuhan is generally a safe city for travelers. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings.
Conclusion
Wuhan is a dynamic city that seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern urban life. Whether you're exploring its ancient landmarks, savoring its local cuisine, or experiencing its vibrant culture, Wuhan offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Use this guide to make the most of your visit to this fascinating city in Hubei province.
With Angelo Giuliano - on Myanmar, the Philippines and Taiwan; how the West is trying to burn down south-east Asia to contain China to maintain its hegemony over the world (keep it down and plunder its resources) ...
With Busola Deborah ...
Indeed - happiness is a choice. Why would one not be extremely grateful to be alive, and live with passion ? Dance, smile, laugh ! Good vibes resonate around the world.
PS : wonder why you never ever see real China on Western MSM ? ; )
HuBei province.
With Walk East ...
YT comment : "I'm from Australia. Wuhan looks beautiful. Thanks for showing me what Wuhan really looks like. Our media can't afford to show China without a dystopian filter. The more our media and US media keep attacking China, the more convinced I am that China is doing something right for itself and the more compelled I am to visit this beautiful country. Thanks again for your video!"
China on Saturday (26th December 2009) unveiled what it billed as the fastest rail link in the world -- a train connecting the modern cities of GuangZhou and WuHan at an average speed of 350 kilometres (217 miles) an hour.
The super-high-speed train reduces the 1,069 kilometre journey to a three hour ride and cuts the previous journey time by more than seven and a half hours, the official Xinhua news agency said.
Work on the project began in 2005 as part of plans to expand a high-speed network aimed at eventually linking Guangzhou, a business hub in southern China near Hong Kong, with the capital Beijing, Xinhua added.
"The train can go 394.2 kilometres per hour (245 mph), it's the fastest train in operation in the world," Zhang Shuguang, head of the transport bureau at the railways ministry, told Xinhua.
Over the next few years, 42 new high speed lines will be opened, totalling 13,000km.
See how even a cigarette balanced on its end stays upright on this super-smooth ride (video): http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8406910.stm
Report with large pictures : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1238496/Unveiled-Chinas-245mph-train-service-worlds-fastest--completed-just-FOUR-years.html
Also : http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091226/wl_asia_afp/chinatransportrail
The new Wuhan-Guangzhou train service travels at an average speed of 217 miles per hour and covers the 660 miles between Wuhan and Guangzhou in just three hours. The journey previously took almost 11 hours.
The Harmony Express is just the first step of an epic £480 billion project to build nearly 19,000 miles of new railways in the next five years, 8,000 miles of which will be tracks for high-speed trains. The high speed train routes to be rolled out during this Year of the Tiger, and in the two years that follow, will dramatically shrink the country, spreading economic development to the countryside.
Aboard the Harmony Express, and at Wuhan's brand new £1.5 billion French-designed railway station, everything is spotless.
For some, it is one of the most visible signs of how far China has come. By 2012 the train, which runs from the central hub of Wuhan to the capital of China's manufacturing, Guangzhou, will extend all the way to Beijing, allowing passengers to zip from one end of China to the other in under eight hours.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/7230137/China-steams-ahead-with-worlds-fastest-train.html
The new trains leave 29 times a day for Wuhan from a gargantuan train station on the outskirts of Guangzhou that opened on Jan. 30. With soaring steel girders, white walls and enormous skylights far overhead, the station, Asia’s largest, resembles a major airport.
The Wuhan-Guangzhou line cost $17 billion (116.6 billion renminbi); it has so many tunnels through mountains that at times it feels like a subway.
By 2012 China will have 3,000 miles of 215mph track (freeing normal rails for freight), whereas the US will have 84 miles of 186mph track, by 2014.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/13/business/global/13rail.html?pagewanted=1
