The province of Hubei is located in central China along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Its topography is diverse, encompassing a lake-rich lowland in the southeast and hills and mountainous landscapes such as Wu Shan and Wudang Shan in the west/northwest, and Tongbai Shan and Dabie Shan in the northeast. However, the province is predominantly shaped by the two major rivers, the Yangtze and the Han, along with their numerous tributaries. The provincial capital, Wuhan, is situated at the confluence of the Han River and the Yangtze River.
Hubei's history is deeply influenced by its navigable river connections. Despite being nearly 1000 kilometers from the sea, Wuhan is accessible to ocean-going vessels and hosts the largest inland port in China. As an inland province, Hubei boasts a longer history compared to coastal provinces. During the Spring and Autumn period and the Three Kingdoms period, it was part of the Chu state. From the 11th century onwards, it gained prominence as the rice bowl of northern China. In the 19th century, ports along the Yangtze River developed into important trade and industrial centers. Hankou, in particular, evolved into a governmental seat and transportation hub, becoming the economic and cultural center of the province.
Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, is situated at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its tributary, the Hanjiang River. The city of Wuhan, with a history spanning 3,500 years, was originally formed by the merging of three cities: Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang. Throughout history, Wuhan has served as a vital transportation hub for central China and remains a crucial junction today. Key attractions in Wuhan include the Yellow Crane Tower, East Lake, Hubei Provincial Museum, Guiyuan Temple, Yangtze River Bridge, and the Terrace of the Old Zither.
The airport is located 26 kilometers north of the city of Wuhan. It is considered the largest airport in central China and is strategically positioned within the Chinese route network. The airport has been continuously expanded with ongoing investments planned for the future. Battery-powered mini cars shuttle passengers between the terminals. Various bus routes connect the airport to the city center. There is also an intercity connection directly to the city center, as well as access to Metro Line 2 in Wuhan.
Yichang Sanxia International Airport is located 26 kilometers from the center of Yichang city. It is also only 55 kilometers from the Three Gorges Dam. Primarily serving tourists visiting the dam, the airport has a well-established route network. Flights to almost all major Chinese cities are readily available, and since 2023, the airport has the potential to accommodate international flights. There are ambitious plans to upgrade the airport further. The airport is serviced by six bus lines.
