Hubei Travel Guide (South-central China/China/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Hubei

Hubei is a culturally rich province in South-central China that attracts millions of visitors every year. The province is home to several natural and cultural attractions that make it a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to China. In this comprehensive travel guide to Hubei, we will highlight the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, local culture, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Hubei

Hubei has a lot to offer when it comes to tourist attractions. From culturally important museums to natural outdoor adventures, there is something here for everyone. Below is a list of some of the top places to visit in Hubei.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Three Gorges Dam: Located on the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydropower project in the world. Visitors can take a tour of the dam and learn about its history and construction.
Yellow Crane Tower: This tower is one of the most famous cultural attractions in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the Yangtze River and the city from the top of the tower.
Hubei Provincial Museum: This museum is home to over 200,000 cultural relics, including ancient weapons, pottery, jade, and more.

Natural Attractions of Hubei: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Shennongjia National Park: This park is home to several endangered animal species, including the Chinese Giant Salamander, the Golden Monkey, and the South China Tiger. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park, go hiking, or take a cable car ride to enjoy the stunning views.
Wudang Mountains: These mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are home to several ancient Taoist temples and palaces. Visitors can take a cable car or hike up the mountains to explore the temples and enjoy the scenic views.
East Lake: Located in Wuhan, this lake is the largest urban lake in China and is surrounded by several parks and gardens. Visitors can rent a boat or a bike to explore the lake and its surroundings.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hubei

Hubei has several hiking and biking routes that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Below is a list of some of the best routes to explore in Hubei.

Shennongjia Mountains: The mountains offer several hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. The most popular route is the Shennongdingshan Trail, which offers stunning views of the mountain range and the surrounding valleys.
Wudang Mountains: The mountains offer several hiking trails that lead to ancient Taoist temples and palaces. Visitors can also take a bike ride around the mountains to explore the surrounding villages and towns.
East Lake Greenway: This bike route is a 22-kilometer trail that takes visitors around East Lake and its surrounding parks and gardens.

Best Things to Do in Hubei: Activities and Tours

Hubei offers several activities and tours that are perfect for visitors of all ages. Below is a list of some of the best things to do in Hubei.

Three Gorges Cruise: This cruise takes visitors on a journey along the beautiful Yangtze River, giving them a chance to see the stunning scenery and learn about the history of the Three Gorges Dam.
Donghu Cherry Blossom Festival: Held annually in Wuhan, this festival is one of the most popular events in Hubei. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom trees and participate in several cultural activities and performances.
Hubei Opera: The Hubei Opera is a traditional opera that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful costumes and music while learning about the history and culture of Hubei.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hubei

For visitors who have a week to spend in Hubei, below is a suggested itinerary:

Days	Activities
Day 1	Visit the Three Gorges Dam and take a cruise along the Yangtze River
Day 2	Explore the Hubei Provincial Museum and the Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan
Day 3	Visit the Wudang Mountains and explore the ancient Taoist temples
Day 4	Go hiking in the Shennongjia Mountains and enjoy the scenic views
Day 5	Visit the East Lake and its surrounding parks and gardens in Wuhan
Day 6	Enjoy the Donghu Cherry Blossom Festival and other cultural activities in Wuhan
Day 7	Take a day trip to nearby cities, such as Changsha or Nanchang

Food and Drink Scene of Hubei

Hubei has a rich culinary tradition that is worth experiencing. Below is a list of some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Hubei.

Must-Try Dishes

Hot Dry Noodles (热干面): This is a popular noodle dish in Wuhan that is served with sesame paste, scallions, and chili oil.
Braised Pork Belly (红烧肉): This is a famous dish in Hubei that consists of slow-cooked pork belly that is served with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
Steamed Wuchang Fish (武昌鱼): This is a local specialty that is made with fresh fish and a spicy sauce.

Local Beverages

Maojian Tea (毛尖茶): This is a famous green tea that is grown in the mountains of Hubei.
Baijiu (白酒): This is a strong alcoholic beverage that is made from fermented grain and is popular in several regions of China.

Where to Stay in Hubei: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hubei has several accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Below is a list of some of the best places to stay in Hubei.

Wuhan Optics Valley Orange Island Youth Hostel: This hostel is located in Wuhan and offers affordable accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.
Wudang Mountain Resort: This resort is located in the Wudang Mountains and offers comfortable accommodation with stunning views of the mountains.
Shennongjia Forestry Hotel: This hotel is located in Shennongjia and offers comfortable accommodation for visitors who want to explore the nature reserve.

What to Buy in Hubei: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hubei is known for its handicrafts and souvenirs that make great gifts for friends and family. Below is a list of some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from Hubei.

Jiugong Bamboo Weaving Products: These are bamboo products that are made by local artisans in Hubei and include baskets, hats, and other decorative items.
Hubei Silk: This is a famous silk product that is made in Hubei and is considered to be of the highest quality.
Wudang Mountain Tea: This is a special tea that is grown in the Wudang Mountains and is known for its unique flavor and aroma.

Local Culture and Customs of Hubei

Hubei has a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated through several festivals and traditions. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, such as removing shoes before entering homes and temples and showing proper etiquette during meals.

Best Time to Visit Hubei

The best time to visit Hubei is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and comfortable. The Donghu Cherry Blossom Festival is held in March and April, making it a great time to visit Wuhan and enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hubei

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions.
Try local food and drinks.
Learn some basic Mandarin phrases.

Don’t:

Litter or vandalize public places.
Disrespect local customs and traditions.
Be loud and disruptive in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hubei

Hubei is a safe place to visit, but visitors should be cautious of pickpockets and scams in crowded areas. It is also recommended to avoid traveling to remote areas alone, especially at night.

Health in Hubei

Visitors to Hubei should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations and should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, as the province is known to have cases of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

Getting to Hubei: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hubei can be easily accessed by air, train, or bus. Below is a list of transportation options and logistics for getting to Hubei.

Airports Near Hubei

Wuhan Tianhe International Airport: This airport is the largest airport in Hubei and is located in Wuhan.

Bus Stations Near Hubei

Wuhan Bus Station: This is the main bus station in Wuhan and connects to several cities in Hubei and other provinces in China.

Other Options

Train: Hubei has several train stations that connect to other cities in China, including the high-speed rail that connects to Beijing and Shanghai.
Car Rental: Visitors can also rent a car and drive to Hubei from nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Hubei

Hubei has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trains, that make it easy to get around the province. Taxis are also available in major cities, and bike rentals are available for those who want to explore the cities at a slower pace.

Where to Go Next from Hubei: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hubei is surrounded by several provinces and cities that are worth visiting. Below is a list of some of the nearby destinations and excursions from Hubei.

Changsha: This city is the capital of Hunan Province and is known for its spicy food and beautiful parks.
Nanjing: This city is located in Jiangsu Province and is known for its rich history and cultural attractions.
Zhangjiajie: This city is located in Hunan Province and is home to the stunning Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Conclusion

Hubei is a beautiful province with a rich cultural heritage and several natural attractions that make it a must-visit destination in China. We hope that this comprehensive travel guide has given you a better idea of what to expect when visiting Hubei and has inspired you to explore this beautiful region.