Wuhan Introduction

Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Han River, Wuhan is a prosperous metropolitan in central China. It is the capital city of Hubei Province. Being a center of economy, politics, culture and finance, it is one of China's six most important cities. As a tourist city, Wuhan is both the starting and arrival station during your Yangtze River cruises.  

 
Wuhan City is interlaced by the Yangtze River and the Han River forming countless lakes and convenient waterways that extend in all directions. The two rivers separate the city into three parts. It is no wonder that it's called Jiang Cheng (a city in the water). Covering an area of about 8,467 square kilometers (2,092,241 acres), Wuhan has a population of about 7,850,000 people. Although most minorities can be found here, ethnic populations account for only a fraction of the total. It is a city in which many religions exist in harmony with each other. Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Christianism are all found here.

 
Climate and Weather
Possessing a humid subtropical monsoon climate, the climate of Wuhan City features moisture and four distinct seasons. It is hot in summer and cold in winter. The yearly average temperature is around 15.8^oC-17.5^oC (60^oF-64^oF). The hottest month is July with an average daily temperature of about 28.8^oC (84^oF), and the coldest month is January with a daily average of 3.7^oC (39^oF). The rainy season is June, July and August and the yearly waterfall is around 1,284 mm (4.2 feet). The best time to visit Wuhan City is March to June and September to November.

 
History
Wuhan enjoys a history of at least 3,500 years. As early as the Neolithic Period (10,000 years ago), it was a site of human activities. Panlongcheng Site lying in north of the city was proved to be the remains of the palace of the Fang Kingdom in the Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC). And in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Hankou, one of the three districts of Wuhan, was a busy port reputed to be 'one of the four famous towns' at that time. The city is also the birthplace of the Chinese democratic revolution. The Xinhai Revolution rose up in the Wuchang district in 1911 and overthrew the last feudalistic dynasty- the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

 
Tourism
Wuhan was listed as one of China's Historic Cities in 1986. There is rich natural scenery and historical relics. More than 330 scenic spots await your exploration. Yellow Crane Tower has built a reputation both home and abroad, and many celebrities set their foot on this Tower. The Guiyuan Buddhist Temple is the most famous Buddhist temple, outstanding for its collection of 500 statues of gold arhats. Wuhan City has no lack of lakes, with those that are dotted around the East Lake enjoying the greatest fame. Others like Moshui Lake, Moon Lake and the Lotus Lake are also worth visiting. Heptachord Terrace, Hubei Provincial Museum and the National Stone Museum are also well-known spots.

 
In addition, the Yangtze River Bridge is a spectacular here on which visitors can get good view and appreciate the beautiful city.