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Home > Yangtze Cruises > Wuhan
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Wuhan is capital of Hubei Province is a modern metropolis with unlimited possibilities. Wuhan is the largest hub city in Central China. It is a transportation hub for air, railway, as well as ferry Traffic. Wuhan is centrally located between Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Wuhan is divided the third largest river in the world, the Yangtze. Wuhan is a city to find both history, and natural wonder.
Archaeologists have discovered that Wuhan is an ancient city dated back over 3,500 years. In the period before the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC), Wuhan was located in the state of Chu and was the cradle for the Chu Civilization. Merchants starting here would follow the Yangtze River to expand business through the entire country. In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Wuhan became one of the four best known cities in the country due to its being the center for trade and transportation. Since 1927 Wuhan has comprised of three cities, Hanku, Hanyang, and Wuchang which are all located where the Han and Xunshi Rivers join up with the Yangtze River.
Shopping Wuhan is an excellent place for shopping. In this amazing city everything from traditional arts and crafts, to the most modern of fashions can be found. There are two main shopping districts in Wuhan. There is the bustling Hanjiang Walking Street located in the city center. Wuhan's walking street is longer than the famous Nanjing Walking Street in Shanghai. This is a haven for fashion, and food. There are over 200 shops housed in traditional buildings. Along this street are many fountains and statues depicting everyday life of the ancient Wuhan residents. Han Zheng Street or Cultural Street is a century old street. In 2000 the local government developed it into a shopping street. It has become the largest wholesale distribution center in central China. Xiang Gang Street (Antique Market). This street has been turned into a large antique market. A large array of stalls and shops sell traditional Chinese artwork, seal, curios, painting, furniture and treasures from an earlier time. Both locals and tourists enjoy looking for hidden treasures along this street. Wuhan also sports an impressive nightlife. Visitors and locals have many entertainment choices.
The local cuisine of Wuhan is different from food available in other parts of China. Wuhan's Hot-dry Noodles (Re Gan Mian) is said to be one of the five most famous noodles in all of China, and is Wuhan's resident's breakfast choice. Fried Bean Sheets (San Xian Dou Pi) has a stuffing made of meat, eggs, and shrimp. The stuffing is wrapped in Tofu (Bean Curd) sheet and fried. Fried Pie (Mian Wo) is a salty fried pie usually eaten with porridge or soybean milk for breakfast. Other snacks include Fried Lotus-Root Ball and fried Stinky tofu.
There is so much to see and do in this ancient city. A visitor would never be disappointed and would yearn to return again.
Yellow Crane Tower:
Yellow Crane Tower is one of the most famous towers in China. It was originally built in 223 AD during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280 AD). During its history, the Yellow Crane Tower has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. The current one was built in1986. The tower is 52 meters high with five stories. The architecture is in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) style. It is located on top of Snake Hill and gives you a 360 degree view. It overlooks Wuhan and has a magnificent view of the Yangtze River. The Yellow Crane Tower has inspired poets throughout history. In the Qing dynasty more than 300 poems were written about the tower.
Below is a famous ancient poem about the the Yellow Crane Tower.
(Meanings:
The ancient one flew off on his yellow crane,
Now this place is empty only Yellow Crane Tower remains.
The Yellow Crane once gone never returns,
White clouds for a thousand years empty and remote.
Boats and Hanyang trees reflect in clear water,
Lush vegetation thrives on Parrot Shoal.
At dusk I ask for news of home,
These mist shrouded waters heavy on my heart.)
Temple of Original Purity:
The Temple of Original Purity is one of the four largest Buddhist temples in Hubei. It covers an area of over 16,900 square meters. It was originally built in the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) by two monks. The temple was named after a Buddhist Sutra. The temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The present temple was built in the early Republic of China (1912-1949) period. The main halls of the temple are DaXiongBaoDian Hall, Arhat Hall, and Sutra Collection Pavilion. DaXiongBaoDian Hall is the temple's main hall. Enshrined in this hall is a large statue of the Buddha. The Arhat Hall first built in 1850 AD houses 500 statues of the Buddha's disciples. These sculptures were sculpted by two artisans from 1822-1831. The 500 Arhats is now the best preserved group carving in China. Sutra Collection Pavilion was built in 1696 AD. This structure was built for housing Buddhist scriptures and art treasures. In this hall a statue of the Buddha carved from a single block of white jade is the most awe-inspiring. Over 7000 Buddhist sutras are housed in this hall.
East Lake:
The East Lake is one of the largest tourist attractions in Wuhan. It is one of ten lakes located in the eastern suburbs of Wuhan. It covers an area of over 87 square kilometers. East Lake has been nicknamed"the lake of 99 bays"due to its shoreline's many bends. In the spring the shores of East Lake is a garden of flowers. Around East Lake a visitor can find many beautiful gardens. The Peach Blossom Garden, Cherry Blossom Garden, and Plum Blossom Garden are especially beautiful as their flower petals blanket the ground around the lake. Each of these gardens bloom at different times ensuring that a visitor will get to see the beauty of these gardens no matter what season they visit Wuhan. Many beautiful pavilions and towers line the shores making ideal spots for a weary visitor to rest and soak up the beauty of East Lake
Hubei Provincial Museum:
The Hubei Provincial Museum, established in 1953, has over 200,000 artifacts. It is one of the leading museums in China. The highlight of the museum is the artifacts from the tomb of Marquis Yi who lived in the fifth century BC. In 1978 more than 15,000artifacts were excavated from his tomb. In the tomb of Marquis Yi a series of bronze bells were uncovered. The set of 65 bells are the heaviest musical instrument in the world. The bells display unparalleled craftsmanship, and even after thousands of years still have a superb tone quality. Visitors to the museum can hear a recording of these ancient bells being played. The museum also has on display ancient bronze wares weapons, and a beautiful collection of lacquer ware.
| China Regal Cruises Chongqing to Wuhan (4 nights & 5 days) Wuhan to Chongqing (5 nights & 6 days) Yangtze Chongqing to Wuhan (4 nights & 5 days) |
Victoria Cruises Chongqing to Yichang (3 nights & 4 days) or Yichang to Chongqing (4 nights & 5 days) Chongqing to Shanghai (6 nights & 7 days) Shanghai to Chongqing (8 nights & 9 days) |
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