Wuhan---Travel In China

Wuhàn (Traditional Chinese: 武漢, Simplified Chinese: 武汉) is the capital of Hubei province, the most populated city in central China, lies at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers.

Geography
The city comprises three towns - Wuchang, Hànkou, and Hànyáng which face each other across the rivers and are linked by three bridges. It is simple in geographical structure - low and flat in the middle and hilly in the south, with the Chang Jiang (Yangtze) and Han rivers winding through the city.

Wuhàn (Traditional Chinese: 武漢, Simplified Chinese: 武汉) is the capital of Hubei province, the most populated city in central China, lies at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers.

History
The area was first settled more than 3,000 years ago. During the Han Dynasty, Hanyang became a fairly busy port. In the 3rd centuries AD, walls were built to protect Hanyang (206 AD) and Wuchang (223 AD). The latter event marks the foundation of Wuhan. In 223 AD, the Yellow Crane Tower was constructed on the Wuchang side of the Yangtze River. Cui Hào, a celebrated poet of Tang Dynasty, visited the building in the early 8th Century; his poem made the building the most celebrated building in southern China. Under the Mongol ruler (Yuan Dynasty, Wuchang was promoted to the status of provincial capital. By approximately 300 years ago, Hankou had become one of the country's top four trading towns.

In 1911, Sun Yat-sen's followers launched the Wuchang Uprising that led to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China. Wuhan was the capital of a leftist Kuomintang government led by Wang Jingwei in opposition to Chiang Kai-shek during the 1920s.

The first Yangtze Bridge was built in Wuhan in 1957, thus connecting North and South China by railroad for the first time in history. Including its approaches, it is 5,511 feet long, and it accommodates both the double-track railway and a roadway.

The Yellow Crane Tower, which had been destroyed and reconstructed numerous times, was burned again in 1884. Reconstruction took place in 1981.

Economy

It is a sub-provincial city. The GDP per capita was RMB16,206 (ca. US$1,960) in 2003, ranked no. 114 among 659 Chinese cities.

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. Wuhan is a routine port for a Yangtze River cruise. Divided by the Yangtze, the city is known as the 'Three Towns of Wuhan' with Hankou and Hanyang on the west bank, and Wuchang on the east.


"I like to eat the delicious Re Gan Mian noodles; I like to wear the cotton jacket I bought in Han Zheng Street; I like to live near the flourishing Liuduqiao area; I like to cross each bridge over the Yangtze," writes a Chinese Wuhan resident. From this, you can see the locals' affection on this charming city.


Bronze Vessel in Hubei Provincial MuseumWuhan 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.), this was the land of the State of Chu (one of the seven warring states before Qin, in China'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, Hankou became one of the four best-known towns in the country. For centuries, this city 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.


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.
Two famous places for local Wuhan snacks 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 tops on travelers' 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. Chinese 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.


Yangtze River BridgeTime-honored Han Zheng Street and the bustling walking street near Hanjiang Road are two choices for shopping lovers. 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.


Put Wuhan on your itinerary; you will not be disappointed.