Tour in Hubei

You are now almost in the center of this vast country. This center was a kingdom by itself, called Chu, in Spring and Autumn Period ( 770 BC- 476 BC). Since ancient times, it has been a well-developed area both in economy and in culture due to its superior location. Let's first look at a map of China. We see Hubei in the middle reaches of the Yangtze, with the ancient "Zhongyuan" (Central Plain) to its north, and the Dongtinghu Lake to its south. Most probably, you have noticed that Hubei province is a hub where China's two transportation arteries, the Yangtze River, and the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway meet. For those who love natural beauty, Hubei has green carpets of rice fields, clear lakes, blossoming cherry flowers in its east part, and wild mountains with primitive forests, caves, and cool fountains in its western part. But if you are more interested in historic events, travelling along the Yangtze will let you enjoy sights of ancient war sites, hear heroic stories of the ancient generals and warriors, and martyrs of the republican revolution led by Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

Most tourists reach the capital city, Wuhan, first by air. Driving downtown, through a modern city's hustle and bustle, don't forget that this city dates from the 11th century B.c. of Shang Dynasty (16th century B.C.- 11th century B.C.). It was ruled by the Kingdom of Chu during Spring and Autumn Period, later by the Kingdom of Wu during the Three Kingdom Time (220-265). In 1911, the Republican Revolution, led by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, won a most important victory here against the Qing rulers. Having been an important port for 2000 years, Wuhan is now China's 5th largest city, also a cultural center with a large number of universities and institutes.

When in Wuhan, the first thing to do is to drive to the Yellow Crane Tower, one of China's 3 largest ones, for a good view of the whole city and to look down at the great Yangtze below. The tower, built in the year 223 during the Three Kingdom Time, stands 51 meters high on the Snake Hill, overlooking the 1670-m-long Yangtze Bridge. The tower itself is grand and splendid, an inspiration for countless poets, including Li Bai. Opposite the tower, on the other end of the bridge, stands the Tortoise Hill, which is cover all over by green trees, with Temple of King Yu, and the high Wuhan TV Tower. For refreshing air, please take a boat ride on the East Lake. This vast lake has clear water and waving willows on its banks. IN early spring, land at the lovely Moshan Hill in the middle of the lake to admire the plum blossom and the sweet scent floating in the air. Two of the buddhist temples are also worth visiting. One is the Guiyuan Temple, built over 300 years ago, houses 500 life-size clay arhats, with vivid facial expresstions and distinct personalities reflected from different gestures. Another one, Baotong Temple, was built in 630. ON Hongshan Hill is a 45-meter-high, 7-storey pagoda built in 1279, with steep steps and an excellent view around. If you are interested in ancient history, the Museum of Hubei Province can not be omitted. The museum houses many precious archaeological pieces, including bronzes, weapons, lacquer, musical instruments, gold, and jade excavated from Zenghouyi Tomb (Marquis Yi of Warring States Period) 2400 years ago. There is a complete set of chime bells to be admired at.

Those who have read the novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" will find Chibi (Red Cliff) on the Yangtze an exciting war site. That is where, in the year 208, the three kingdoms had a fierce fight. Admirers of Zhu Geliang will naturally visit Longzhong, where the wise strategist farmed and read untill Li Bei, later King of the Shu Kingdom, visited him three times to invite him to be his adviser.

There are two mountains in eastern Hubei, both covered by green forests and veiled by mists. But Mt. Wudang is more connected with religion. It is a large Taoist center, with the Taoist temple, Temple of Purple Heaven. One of the most famous boxing exercises, Wudang Boxing, was created here by a Taoist monk, Zhang Sanfeng. Standing on top of the peak, Tianzhu (Heaven's Column), you can view the below mountain tops from a bronze hall. People who are tired of city's turbulent life will find in the quiet scenes and Taoist teachings tranquility and purity. Another mountain, Mt. Shennongjia (Ladder of Farming God), being a natural reserve, is a kingdom of plants and wild animals. For adventurous travellers, the reward is ancient pines, primitive forests veiled in mists and white clouds, splashing waterfalls, and views of precious animal species, including tiger, leopard, gold-monkey, and even panda. But whether the said "Wild Man" exists, no one can tell by now. Investigations are still underway. Maybe you can find out the answer to this intriguing mystery!