Introduction
Hubei ("North of the Lake," referring to its position north of Dongting Lake) sits at the geographic centre of China, straddling the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The province encompasses Wuhan (its capital and one of China's largest cities), the Three Gorges Dam (the world's largest hydroelectric project), the sacred Wudang Mountains (birthplace of Tai Chi and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Shennongjia forest reserve (the only place in China where reported sightings of a Bigfoot-like creature persist). Hubei's central position made it a strategic crossroads throughout Chinese history — many decisive battles of the Three Kingdoms era were fought here.
Discover Hubei
The Wudang Mountains (Wudangshan), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the spiritual centre of Wudang martial arts and Taoist monasticism. The mountain complex, developed primarily during the Ming dynasty under the patronage of Emperor Yongle (who also built Beijing's Forbidden City), contains 72 temples and monasteries connected by stone staircases through forests of ancient pine and cypress. The Golden Summit (Jinding), the highest point at 1,612 metres, holds a bronze hall cast in Beijing in 1416 and transported piece by piece to the mountaintop — its gilded surface catches the sunrise in a spectacle that draws Taoist pilgrims and photographers alike. The Nanyan (Southern Cliff) Temple complex, partially built into and projecting from a sheer cliff face, includes a bronze incense burner extending over the void that pilgrims once crossed on their knees. The Purple Cloud Palace (Zixiao Gong) at mid-mountain is the finest complete temple complex. Wudang martial arts schools offer short-term courses in Tai Chi and internal-style kung fu for visitors — sessions range from single mornings to multi-week residencies. The mountain is accessible from Shiyan city (2.5 hours from Wuhan by high-speed rail).
Travel Types
Wudang Mountains & Martial Arts
UNESCO-listed Taoist temples, the Golden Summit's bronze hall, cliff-face monasteries, and short-term Tai Chi and Wudang kung fu courses in the spiritual home of internal martial arts.
Three Gorges Dam & Yangtze Engineering
The world's largest hydroelectric dam, five-stage ship locks, and the gateway to Yangtze River cruises through the gorges — engineering and nature at a continental scale.
Shennongjia Wilderness & Wildlife
Golden snub-nosed monkeys, living-fossil dawn redwoods, Chinese giant salamanders, and one of the world's richest temperate forests in a remote UNESCO-listed mountain reserve.
Enshi Grand Canyon & Adventure
Glass skywalks over limestone cliffs, Asia's largest cave system, the 150-metre Incense Burner stone pillar, and Tujia minority stilt-house villages in Hubei's southwest.
Three Kingdoms & Ancient Chu Heritage
Jingzhou's complete Ming wall circuit, Chu kingdom lacquerware and silk from 2,400-year-old tombs, the Guan Yu cult, and the battlefield landscape of the Three Kingdoms epic.
Hubei Province Travel Notes
- •Wuhan sits at the centre of China's high-speed rail network — trains reach Changsha (1 hour), Zhengzhou (2 hours), Nanjing (3 hours), Shanghai (4 hours), Beijing (4.5 hours), and Guangzhou (4 hours). This makes Hubei one of the best-connected provinces for onward travel.
- •Wuhan is a 'furnace city' — summer temperatures (June-September) regularly exceed 38C with high humidity. Spring (March-May, cherry blossom season) and autumn (October-November) are ideal. Winter is cold and damp.
- •The Three Gorges Dam is best visited as a day trip from Yichang (2 hours from Wuhan by high-speed rail). Alternatively, book a Yangtze cruise that terminates or begins at Yichang — most pass through the dam's ship locks.
- •Wudang Mountains: plan at least two days for a proper visit. The mountain's temples and paths are extensive. Short-term martial arts courses (Tai Chi, Wudang sword, qigong) are offered by schools near the base — enquire at guesthouses on the mountain.
- •Shennongjia is remote — allow extra travel time. The small Hongping Airport has limited flights. Road access from Yichang (5 hours) or Wuhan (7 hours by car) passes through spectacular mountain scenery. The golden monkey viewing excursion requires booking at the park entry.
- •Cherry blossom season (mid-March to early April) in Wuhan is a national phenomenon. Wuhan University limits daily visitors and requires advance reservations. East Lake's Moshan Cherry Garden is a less crowded alternative with more trees.
- •Enshi Grand Canyon's glass skywalk is not for those with vertigo — it extends over a sheer drop. The Tujia villages nearby are best appreciated with a local guide who can explain the cultural context of the stilt-house architecture and festival traditions.
Cities in Hubei
1 city with detailed travel information