Hubei province may have had some negative media attention in recent times, but any truly objective and open-minded individual would appreciate that all turns of history are a convolution of innumerable factors and circumstances. That aside, the province is a surprising treasure-trove of attractions. With a balanced mix of nature, history and modernity, Hubei will leave your travel bug satisfied.
Wuhan
The provincial capital of Hubei province, Wuhan may have an unfortunate stigma attached to it for some time to come. That being said, we cannot encourage you enough to be your own judge: Wuhan is a city like any other, with a population of hard-working and conscientious individuals who possess the worries, love and aspirations shared by all mankind. We hope that one day we will all seize the wisdom to reserve judgement against one-another.
Unknown to most, Wuhan is actually one of the cherry blossom capitals of the world. If choice permits, visiting Wuhan mid-March to early April is an incredible time to explore the city: during this period much of the city is graced with blossoms of pink and white. The East Lake Cherry Blossom Park located in the East Lake Moshan Scenic Area is the must-see during cherry blossom season. The park here is Japanese-inspired, with more than 10,000 cherry blossom trees scattered throughout.
Wuhan University is also a favourite during the cherry blossom season. If you find yourself visiting outside of the cherry blossom season, Wuhan University is still worth exploring: the university is one of the most historical and beautiful in China (with literal mountains and forest within it).
The Yellow Crane Tower is the landmark of Wuhan. The 52 meter (168 feet) high tower is a dazzling architectural accomplishment. Be sure to make your way to the top of the tower for spectacular views of the Yangtze River and Wuhan’s three districts.
A couple hours drive from downtown Wuhan, the Mulan Grassland is a pristine (as the name suggests) grassland. It is said that the Mulan Grassland is where the young Hua Mulan learned to ride horses, fight, and sling arrows (yep, that is the Mulan from Disney!). Embark on your own Mulan-style adventure and partake in equestrian sports or archery. If possible, try to visit in spring to witness the plethora of flowers in blossom.
Shiyan
Situated in the northwest of the province, Shiyan’s primary attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Wudang Mountains. The Wudang Mountains are among the most distinguished Taoist mountains in China, and they are also home to one of the important martial arts schools in China. For all the martial artists out there, you can enrol in specialist training courses to perfect your skills. For all the amateurs out there, the martial arts school also offers more basic training (so you do have the chance to live out your karate kid fantasies). Besides that, the mountains are just overall amazing and worth a visit for the view.
Jingzhou
South of the province, and with the Yangtze River running through it, the main draw card of Jingzhou is its ancient city. The Ancient City of Jingzhou is surrounded by a well-preserved wall, most of which was constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The 2,000 year old history of this ancient city can be explored through its collection of valuable cultural relics.
Enshi
Enshi is the undoubtable natural wonderland of Hubei province. Close to 70% of the greater Enshi region is covered in rainforest, and the multitude of plant species found here is botanist-level (the area is even known as the “Herbal Medicine Capital” of China). Enshi is also famed for it multiculturalism: 28 ethnic minorities call the region home, and visitors are encouraged to appreciate ethic architecture, local customs and festivals. A true hidden gem of Chinese tourism, a visit to Enshi is sure to keep you busy.
The Enshi Grand Canyon is truly grand. Flanked by vertical rock cliff, trekking down into the canyon gorge will leave you in awe of natures might. Some of the trekking paths here are not for the faint-hearted: the sheer vertical drops in some areas will push your vertigo to the limits.
Easily reached from Enshi city centre, the Enshi Suobuya Stone Forest Scenic Area is an impressive karst formation worth exploring. The gravity-defying rock formations here are complemented by the dazzling firefly show at night (yes, that’s real fireflies at night doing their thing…).
Also within a day-trips reach from Enshi city centre, Pingshan Grand Canyon is a almost too-perfectly preserved natural scene. The impossibly clear water here is flanked by towering cliffs on all sides. The area was also of significance to the Tusi leaders who once dominated here.
Located in what you would call Enshi city centre, the Enshi Tusi City is the largest and best-preserved Tusi site in China (the Tusi system was a hereditary political system put forward by feudal emperors in ancient China). The Tusi City is a celebration of the Tujia indigenous culture, and the city’s gate tower, castles, temples and residence are an exquisite example of Tujia customs, history and culture.
Finish a visit to Enshi with the Tenglong Cave. The cave covers a huge area and was formed over hundreds of millions of years. One of the world’s super caves, Tenglong Cave is the seventh longest cave in the world (basically, it’s enormous).
Yichang
Yichang city is located in the south west of the province, along the Yangtze River. This is the home of the Three Gorges Dam: the world’s largest hydropower station and water conservation project. Head to the Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area to appreciate the true scale of this engineering wonder. After gawking at what mankind can build, you can take in the natural equivalent at the Qingjiang River Gallery. Take a ferry along the river here and appreciate the majestic views abound.
