Wuhan, the provincial capital of Hubei Province, is the largest metropolis in central China. It was once lauded as the Chicago of the East. Divided by the world’s third longest river Yangtze River and its largest tributary Han River, Wuhan is made up of Wuchang District, Hankou District and Hanyang District. Hankou is the most bustling business quarter of Wuhan as well as the trading center of central China; Wuchang is the center of higher education institutions and the representative of cultural Wuhan; Hanyang is prime developing district. Wuhan occupies an area of 8,494 square kilometers with some 10.02 million residents. Dotted with almost 170 lakes, the city of Wuhan is also known as Riverside City. Located in the heart of China and crisscrossed by Yangtze River and Beijing-Guangzhou Raiway, Wuhan boasts an important industrial base and the transport hub of China. The Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge is the first bridge on Yangtze River. Wuhan is also a place where visitors will encounter with history and culture at each and every glimpse. It is the location where the classical allusion of High Mountains and Running Water took place; it is the place where the first shot of 1911 Revolution was took; it is the hometown of White Clouds and Yellow Crane; it is the birthplace of modern industry; In the year of 1986, it was listed as a National Historical and Cultural City by the State Council.
The well-known Yellow Crane Tower, a Wuhan landmark, is one of the most recommended things to do for travelers. Inscriptions by famous poets and literati from ancient dynasties adorn the tower. A climb to the top nets a bird's view of the entire city. Second in importance is Guiyuan Buddhist Temple (Temple of Original Purity). One of the four important Buddhist temples in China, it is known for its perfect architecture, excellent sculptures, and rich collection of Buddhist doctrine. In Wuhan, you can go to visit Chairman Mao Zedong's Villa. The villa adjacent to the East Lake was built as a retreat house for Chairman Mao and other privileged ruling members of the Politburo. Mao nicknamed it "Home of the White Clouds and Yellow Cranes" where he enjoyed the quiet ambiance and great relief it offered. Located at Simenkou, Wuchang District, Wuhan City, Hubu Alley is a snack street where you are able to enjoy various delicacies such as Hot and Dry Noodles, Rice and Meat Pancake, Hutang Rice Noodles and Soup Dumplings.
