Wuhan

Oct,04 2012

Geography and Climate

Wuhan is the capital of Hubei province, and it is the biggest metropolitan and economic and political centre in the central China. The Hanjiang, the longest branch of Yangtze River, cut the city into three administrative districts which are Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang. The Wuchang district is on the east bank while Hankou and Hanyang lie on the west bank. Located at the east of Jianghan Plain, the city is a major transportation hub with dozens of railways and express ways passing through.

Because of its location in the northern sub-tropical area, the city has a moderate and humid climate with distinct seasons and abundance of rainfall. The annual average temperature is 16 centi-degrees with the mean precipitation of 1100 millimeters.

History and Culture

Wuhan has a long history which can be dated back 6,000 years to the period of Neolithic. The historical relics unearthed around the city have exhibited the brilliant Chu civilization. In the period of Pre-Qin (770B.C.-221B.C.), the region was a strategically important land of the State of Chu, one of the seven states in the warring period, and it is also the cradle of the prosperous Chu civilization. Emperor Sun, the king of Wu during the period of the Three Kingdoms, firstly based its state in the city and gave the name of Wuchang which means’ flourishing the country by the prosperous of military force’ in Chinese. By the time, merchants from Wuchang expanded their business through the Yangtze River and lake system to the entire country. Wuhan was once set as the municipality during the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, and had since then been the central city in south China. Today’s Wuhan is also a feature of Yangtze River cruise for visitors around the world.

As a birthplace of renowned Chu culture, distinct features have left by the ancestors in Wuhan. The local dialect, Chu opera, port culture of Wuhan, and street markets culture are recognized as intangible heritage by national authority. The city is also reputed for its diverse snacks, two famous places for local Wuhan snacks are Ji Qingjie night market and Hu Buxiang Breakfast Street. Jing Qingjie features its combination of tasting delicious food while enjoying classic performance by local musicians. Hu Buxiang supports the local tradition of eating breakfasts which are cheap and tasty at various stalls. Benefit from its intense water system, Wuhan abounds in fishes. Some snacks which are at top of tourists’ list include Re Gan Mian (hot noodles with sesame paste), steamed Wuchang fish and fried bean sheets etc.

Tourism

Wuhan is a renowned historical city and a welcomed destination for tourists. There are around 339 tourist sites in the city while most of them are located in the urban district. The most famous tourist spot in Wuhan is the Yellow Crane Tower, known as the No.1 tower under the heaven. Standing on the Snake Mountain, the tower borders Han Jiang and thus has a splendid view of the river through its windows. The tower was firstly built in the period of Three Kingdoms by the state of Wu, and since been visited by numerous celebrities and bachelors. The classic poems and inscriptions on the tower will cultivate tourists’ taste and inspire their spirit to compose poems. Tourists also visit the Hubei Provincial Museum in order to appreciate ancient Chinese history and culture. On exhibition of excavated bronze chimes, the museum has revealed the incredible achievements of ancient Chu people in music and metallurgy.

Rich in culture and history, Wuhan has some thriving and bustling working streets which are famous for its historical style buildings and abundance of specialties. Most tourists visit the Han Zheng Street, which is one of the oldest business circles in Wuhan’s history, to buy gifts for friends and family.

Education

Today’s Wuhan ranks in third position in China in the field of Science and Technology. More than 500 research institutes and universities give Wuhan powerful back up for its economy development. There are 82 universities and colleges in Wuhan, ranking 2nd in China, Wuhan University is the most reputed educational institute in the city.