Hubei

About Hubei

Hubei sits in central China where the Yangtze River meets the Han River, bordering Henan, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hunan, Chongqing, and Shaanxi provinces. The Jianghan Plain forms a fertile lake-studded lowland in the east, while the Wudang and Daba mountain ranges rise in the northwest and the Shennongjia rainforest covers the west. Wuhan, formed from the historic tri-cities of Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang, is one of China's largest inland river ports and a major rail and high-speed transport hub.

Capital

Wuhan

Largest city

Wuhan

Population

57.75 million

Languages

Mandarin Chinese, Wuhan dialect, Southwestern Mandarin

Currency

Chinese Yuan

Time zone

China Standard Time (UTC+8)

Explore Hubei by topic

Jump straight to the experience you're planning.

• Attractions
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Budget
• Transportation
• Safety
• Culture
• Weather
• Nightlife
• Shopping
• Beaches
• Hiking
• History
• Photography
• Food Tours
• Day Trips
• Family
• Luxury
• Adventure
• Wellness

Best places to visit in Hubei

The 18 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.

Yellow Crane Tower

Hubei Provincial Museum

East Lake (Donghu) Scenic Area

Guiyuan Temple

Hubu Alley

Wuhan University Cherry Blossom Avenue

Recommended itineraries

Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.

Where to stay in Hubei

Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.

Where to eat in Hubei

Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.

Getting around Hubei

Wuhan is Hubei's main transport hub, served by Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH) and Wuhan Railway Station, with high-speed rail connecting to Yichang, Xiangyang, Jingzhou, and beyond in under 3 hours. The Wuhan Metro has 12+ lines within the city, and long-distance buses and the Yangtze River ferry network link smaller towns.

Budget breakdown

Daily spend by tier in CNY, broken out by category.

Best time to visit Hubei

Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures and clear skies across Hubei; summer is oppressively hot and humid in the Jianghan Plain lowlands.

Winter (December–February) is cold and damp with little indoor heating outside modern hotels; pack thermal layers.

Essential travel tips

• Download WeChat and Alipay before arrival — essential for payments across Hubei
• Get a local SIM card or eSIM at Wuhan Tianhe Airport on arrival for affordable data
• Book Three Gorges Dam and Shennongjia tickets online in advance during peak season
• A VPN is needed to access Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp in China

Hidden gems

Off-the-beaten-path corners most travellers miss.

Safety information

Frequently asked questions

Explore Hubei by city

The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.