Wang Yuanyuan

    cheekywang@hotmail.com

    WUHAN, the capital of Hubei Province, is the most populous city in Central China. It lies at the east of the Jianghan Plain and the intersection of the middle reaches of the Yangtze and Han rivers.

    It is a major transportation hub, with dozens of railways, roads and expressways passing through the city, making it one of the country’s most important industrial cities and tourist attractions.

    There are three towns in Wuhan, including Hankou, Hanyang and Wuchang. Each town plays a different role in the city as economic, industrial and political and education centers. The three towns were separated by the Yangtze and Han rivers. Travelling across the river in a small ferry and experiencing a normal Wuhaner’s daily life is a good way of passing the time.

    Historical site

    With 3,500 years of history, Wuhan is older than Beijing, Xi’an and Nanjing. There are many historical sites in the city, most of which were built in the early 20th century.

    Yellow Crane Tower is the most important landmark in the city. First built in 223, the tower was built on the Wuchang side of the Yangtze River. The current version was rebuilt in 1981 as the original tower was destroyed in a fire. The top of the tower has a broad view of the surroundings and the Yangtze River. It is considered one of the “four great towers of China.”

    Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, built over the river in 1957, is another important landmark in the city. It plays a significant role in connecting the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway and China’s railway transportation. It was built with the assistance of advisers from the Soviet Union and the iron bridge itself represents the combination of Chinese and Soviet architectural styles.

    Jianghan Road shopping area is another must-go place. The area used to be a settlement for expatriates with a large number of European-style buildings built during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many historic sites, such as customs buildings or administrative buildings, are opened to the public.

    Wuhan was also an important base for the Republican resistance during the late Qing Dynasty and when the Kuomintang governed China. For this reason, Wuhan has preserved many sites that are of historical importance.

    Natural scenery

    Wuhan’s most famous natural scenic spot is East Lake. The city’s East Lake is six times the size of the iconic West Lake in Hangzhou. In the spring time, the shores of the lake became a sea of flowers. There are many ancient gardens and monuments by the lake and you can enjoy a beautiful bird’s-eye view of the lake from the top of Moshan Mountain. Visitors to the lake must not waste the opportunity to enjoy a cup of green tea and some fresh fish at the lake.

    In March and April, Wuhan University, one of the country’s leading institutions of higher education, hosts the famous oriental cherry blossom festival. Many other cultural activities are also held at the festival.

    Delicacies

    Like any major Chinese city, Wuhan has several famous delicacies. Many Wuhan residents have a long commute due to the size of the city, so it is popular to buy breakfast from a street vendor.

    Hot and dry noodles, duck’s neck, bean skin, rice cake, and fried doughnut are all among the dishes that have become famous.

    Hubei Province is known as “the province of 1,000 lakes,” and the lotus roots in Wuhan are delicious. Lotus root soup in Hubei is very different from the same soup when bought in other parts of the country.

    Transport: Take a flight from Shenzhen airport to Wuhan. The flight takes one and a half hours.