Hubei Travel Guide, How to Plan a Trip to Hubei

Hubei Province, abbreviated as "E" and also known as "Chu" or by the poetic name "Land of Jingchu", has Wuhan as its capital. Located in central China, it borders Anhui to the east, Chongqing to the west, Hunan to the south, and Henan to the north. Settled in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, north of Dongting Lake, thus it is called Hubei (North of Lake). Because traveling from Hubei to any other part of China never requires crossing more than one province, Hubei is often called the "heart of China".

Topographically, Hubei is surrounded by mountains on the east, west, and north, with a low-lying center that forms an incomplete basin opening slightly to the south. It is famed as the "Province of a Thousand Lakes", home to 755 lakes and 4,228 rivers of various sizes. The Yangtze River runs west to east across the entire province, while the Han River flows from north to south to meet the Yangtze in Wuhan.

History and culture, what should know

During the Warring States period, Hubei was under the jurisdiction of the State of Chu, which left behind 800 years of splendid history and gave rise to the brilliant Chu culture, making Hubei its cradle. The province is not only steeped in historical heritage but also boasts a proud revolutionary tradition. In 1911, the Wuchang Uprising broke out here, a momentous event that ignited the Xinhai Revolution and sounded the prelude to the birth of modern China.

Hubei is also a land that has produced countless illustrious figures. The patriotic poet Qu Yuan, the envoy of national friendship Wang Zhaojun, the landscape poet Meng Haoran, the revered medical sage Li Shizhen, and the democratic fighter Wen Yiduo all left indelible marks on this land's rich tapestry of history and culture.

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Top attractions, what must see

On the Yellow Crane Tower, drifting clouds leisurely pass by, and in a fleeting moment, the vast panorama of river and sky unfolds. In the deep gorges, tranquil lakes ripple with jade-green waves, painting the grandeur of the land of Chu across the ages. Hubei, this land that bridges the north and south, links the east and west, is endowed by nature with enchanting landscapes and enriched by history with profound cultural depth.

The Yangtze River is the flowing soul of Hubei. Fish dart beneath its clear waters, finless porpoises frolic in its waves, nurturing generations of Jingchu people and sustaining the enduring Jianghan civilization. Mount Wudang, hailed as "the greatest of Taoist mountains", stretches 140 li (about 70 km) with its magnificent ancient architectural complex, known as a living museum of China's classical construction achievements. Shennongjia, the "Roof of Central China", boasts pristine natural scenery and diverse wildlife, earning it a place on the World Heritage List. Enshi Grand Canyon, famed for its "majestic, perilous and graceful" beauty, features a rare compound karst landscape that stands as a testament to the region's timeless geological transformations.

• Top attractions in Hubei »

Food and restaurants, what and where to eat

From the bustling city streets lined with snack stalls to the everyday home-cooked dishes, from the distinctive fresh catches of rivers and lakes to the wild delicacies from deep mountains and forests, Hubei's vast array of cuisines comes in countless varieties and styles. Yet all of them seamlessly blend into the local way of life and customs, forming an essential part of Hubei's unique flavors, a culinary allure that captivates both domestic and international visitors.

When people think of Hubei, what often comes to mind is its reputation as the "province of a thousand lakes" and a "land of fish and rice". Indeed, with its extensive waterways, Hubei boasts an abundance of aquatic products. But when it comes to Hubei cuisine, many may not be as familiar. Unlike Shandong cuisine's salty richness, Sichuan cuisine's tingling spice, Hunan cuisine's fragrant heat, or Cantonese cuisine's delicate refinement, Hubei, by virtue of its special geographic position, absorbs flavors from both north and south of the Yangtze, while cultivating its own distinctive character.

Steamed Wuchang fish is tender and aromatic; oil braised crayfish from Qianjiang bursts with flavor; Jingsha turtle soup is both nourishing and delicious; and Wuhan's hot dry noodles are rich with sesame paste fragrance. Each dish carries the unique tastes of this land of Jingchu ensuring there is always a bite that warms the heart.

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Best things, what to do in Hubei

Hubei, this enchanting land nestled in the heart of China, draws visitors from all corners of the country and beyond. Whether it's breathtaking mountains and rivers, historical and cultural relics, or distinctive local delicacies, all promise to leave you with unforgettable travel memories.

Cycle along the East Lake Greenway to explore the beauty of East Lake, admire the romantic glow of sunset at Lingbo Gate, immerse yourself in seas of cherry blossoms in the exuberant spring, or feel the thrill of speed and adventure on the snowy slopes of Shennongjia. Here, there are endless scenic wonders to behold, rich cultures to experience, and countless delicacies to savor. Set foot on this land, and you will embark on an unforgettable journey, gathering moments of heartfelt emotion and cherished memories.

• Best things to do in Hubei »

Luxury hotels, where to stay in Hubei

By the banks of the Yangtze River, in the land of Jingchu, the enchanting province of Hubei is home to countless natural wonders and cultural treasures. As you explore Hubei's magnificent landscapes and the millennia-old charm of Chu culture, a perfect place to stay will make your journey even more delightful.

The Wanda Reign by East Lake enjoys picturesque lake and mountain views, conveniently close to the bustling Han Street and the cultural heritage of the Hubei Provincial Museum. Fairmont stands tall in the new urban core, crafting a serene haven of ultimate elegance in the heart of the city. Traveling upstream, the Crowne Plaza and Grand Mercure proudly overlook the Yangtze River, offering sweeping views of the grand gateway to the Three Gorges right from your window, an ideal base for exploring the Three Gorges Dam and the scenic Qingjiang Gallery.

• Luxury hotels and accommodations in Hubei »

Weather, the best time to visit Hubei

Hubei is located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and experiences a subtropical monsoon climate, with characteristics of a transition zone from subtropical to warm temperate. The average annual temperature across the province ranges from 15 to 17°C. In summer, temperatures on the Jianghan Plain can soar above 40°C, earning it the nickname "one of China's furnaces", while the damp cold of winter can be equally daunting. Due to its varied terrain, areas such as southern Shennongjia receive the most rainfall in the province, and the Jianghan Plain is prone to floods during years with prolonged plum rain seasons. Therefore, the best times to visit Hubei are in spring and autumn.

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Customize Your Jing-Chu Hubei Tour

If you are interested in the Hubei itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Hubei Tour, please visit our Hubei Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Hubei Trip

Three Gorge

• Travel Guide: attractions, weather, culture, etc.
• Weather: best time and seasons to visit Hubei
• Top attractions: sightseeings to watch in Hubei
• Local culture: brief history, folk culture, food, etc.
• Top destinations: best places to visit in Hubei
• Unique perspective: top interesting things to do
• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Hubei
• Luxury hotels: accommodation to stay in Hubei
• Hubei Tours: customized tours for your reference