Related Resources • Yellow Crane Tower • Photo Gallery • More Articles

Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province, with a population of over 7 million, is the largest city in Central China. Wuhan is comprised of three towns, Wuchang, Hankou and Hanyang, divided by the Yangtze and Han River (the largest branch of the Yangtze). The confluence of the two rivers is at the heart of Wuhan. Five bridges integrate the three towns together. The Wuhan Yangtze Bridge is the first one built across the mighty Yangtze River in 1957.

The history of Wuhan dates back to the Shang Dynasty 3,500 years ago. Hanyang became a busy port in the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). Walls were built to protect Hanyang and Wuchang between the first and third century. Hankou became one of the country's top four trading towns about 300 years ago so Wuhan had been famous as a prosperous commercial city till today. The city is also well known as a center of revolutionary activities since early this century, such as the movement against the Qing Dynasty led Dr. Sun Yat-Sen in 1911.

There are many scenic spots in Wuhan and the major attractions include Yellow Crane Tower, Guiyuan Temple and East Lake. Yellow Crane Tower (Huanghelou) sits on the top of Snake Hills. The tower was first built in 223 during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280). It was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the long history. The present tower was rebuilt in 1983.

Guiyuan Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple, which was first built in the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The temple is famous for its classic architecture and sculpture, and a rich collection of Buddhist doctrine.

East Lake, situated on the south bank of the Yangtze River, is the largest city lake in China. The lake is famed for its lucid water, abundant plants and unique gardens. The scenery of the lake is truly fascinating.

Printable version of this article

Photos Copyright © Jun Shan. All rights reserved.

Articles by Topic