Embarking on a journey through Hubei is not just a physical expedition but a dance with the soul of central China. Imagine winding through ancient capitals, tracing the echoes of centuries in the architecture and cobblestone streets. This isn’t just about visiting; it’s about breathing in the diverse landscapes that stretch from mist-covered mountains to the tranquil embrace of winding rivers. In this traveller’s tale, we invite you to be more than a spectator; become a part of the narrative that weaves through historic cities, cultural wonders, and the warm embrace of Hubei’s communities. Join us as we unearth the heart of this province, where every step is a connection with the past and a celebration of the present.
Unveiling the Scenic Landmarks of Hubei
Thinking about taking a trip to Hubei? Hubei is full of lush greenery, lakes, and mountains in the western part of the province. It’s been an important part of Chinese history, too.
Wudangshan – About 450km northwest of Wuhan, the Wudang Mountains are a famous Taoist sacred spot in China that’s known for its Wudang martial arts, stunning scenery and historic buildings. In 1994, the mountains were added to the World Cultural Site list due to their ancient building complex, which is known as “China’s Ancient Building Museum”.
Jingzhou Ancient City – Jingzhou is located a couple hundred kilometres southwest of Wuhan and used to be the capital of the Chu Kingdom during the Eastern Zhou period. Today, the city’s ancient walls are still standing, which were rebuilt in 1646 during the Qing Dynasty. The walls measure 11.28 km long, 3.75 km wide, 8.83 meters high and have 4,567 battlements, 26 forts, 6 soldier hideouts and 6 towers. It’s a pretty cool spot to check out!
Wuhan Yellow Crane Tower – The iconic Yellow Crane Tower has seen multiple reconstructions over the years and is located on Snake Hill by the Yangtze River in Wuhan’s Wuchang District. It’s been the symbol of Wuhan since 223 A.D. during the Three Kingdoms period and was a popular spot for famous people and poets to hang out and write.
Shennongjia – Sitting around 480km west of Wuhan, Shennongjia is well-known for its legendary ape-man myth, lush mountain ranges and medicinal plants. It’s made up of Shennongjia Nature Reserve, Yantian Scenic Area, Xiangxiyuan Tourism Zone and Yuquanhe Tourism Zone. It’s the only big patch of untouched land in China and it’s even on UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Three Gorges Dam Project Yichang – The dam, located in the Xilingxia gorge, one of the three gorges of the Yangtze River, is set to cover an area of 1 million km2 and able to contain a yearly runoff of 451 billion m3. It’s situated in a valley with solid granite bedrock, which makes it a great spot to build a dam.
Hubei Provincial Museum – Located in Wuhan’s Wuchang District, the Hubei Provincial Museum is a renowned museum in China. It was set up in 1953 and is made up of three sections – the Chime Bells Exhibition Hall, the Chu Culture Exhibition Hall, and the Comprehensive Exhibition Building. Covering an area of 40,000 square meters, it has an impressive array of 200,000 artifacts, including the Sword of Goujian, a collection of ancient bronze bells and the artifacts from the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng.
Xiling Gorge Scenic Area – Just four kilometers west of Yichang, Xiling Gorge Scenic Area is a huge tourist destination, covering 142 square kilometers. It stretches from Gezhou Dam in the east to Three Gorge Dam in the west. There’s plenty to do and see here, from temples and ancient villages, to streams, caves, waterfalls, and more.
Enshi Grand Canyon – Located around 585 km west of Wuhan, Enshi Grand Canyon is part of Qingjiang Canyon and situated in Banqiao Town and Tunbao Township in Enshi, Hubei. It boasts impressive karst topography, including caves, natural bridges and Tiankeng, which have all been created by the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone, dolomite and gypsum.
Hubei Cuisine Odyssey: A Culinary Expedition in Central China
Hubei food is one of the classic Chinese cuisines and is known for its freshwater fish, meatballs, and soups. Dishes are usually made up of many different components instead of just one. They usually have a fresh, slightly spicy taste, and keep the authentic flavour.
Steamed Wuchang Fish – In Ezhou, Hubei, the Wuchang fish is steamed with dried mushrooms, winter bamboo shoots, hams, shallot, ginger, and a few seasonings. It’s really tender and has a subtle flavor.
Mianyang Three Steams – In Hubei cuisine, they steam together three key ingredients – fish, poultry and veggies – which are often dusted with rice flour before cooking.
Hot Dry Noodles – Hot Dry Noodles are a huge hit in Wuhan. The yummy, oily noodles with their golden color make your mouth water just thinking about them. You can top them off with whatever seasoning you like.
Tri-Delicacy Doupi – In Wuhan, it’s a classic snack made from sticky rice and bean curd sheet stuffed with meat, eggs and shrimp, shaped into a square and fried in a pan. It’s got the flavors of egg, shrimp and meat all in one.
Hubei’s allure lies not just in its picturesque vistas but in the stories shared by locals, the flavors savored, and the hidden gems waiting to be discovered. May the echoes of your exploration inspire others to embark on their own adventures, discovering the heart of Central China with wide-eyed wonder and an open heart. Until our paths cross again, Hubei remains a treasure trove of experiences, promising a lasting imprint on every traveler’s soul. Safe travels and may the spirit of Hubei accompany you wherever your journey leads.
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