Overview
Hubei ("north of the lake") is a central province centered on the middle reaches of the Yangtze, famed as the "land of a thousand lakes" and the cradle of the Chu culture.
Province
Hubei
湖北省 · Capital: 武汉
Map & Prefectures
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Prefecture-level cities
Wuhan武汉Huangshi黄石Shiyan十堰Yichang宜昌Xiangyang襄阳Ezhou鄂州Jingmen荆门Xiaogan孝感Jingzhou荆州Huanggang黄冈Xianning咸宁Suizhou随州Enshi恩施土家族苗族自治州Xiantao仙桃Qianjiang潜江Tianmen天门Shennongjia神农架林区
Read articles about Hubei → About Hubei
Geography
A lowland of rivers and lakes, Hubei is dominated by the Yangtze and Han rivers and the vast Dongting and Hong lakes. The Wuling and Dahong mountains rim its borders.
History
The heartland of the ancient Chu state, Hubei later became a strategic hub of the Yangtze and the site of the Wuchang Uprising that began the 1911 Revolution.
Culture
Hubei carries the lyrical Chu culture, the Han opera, and the legacy of Qu Yuan, the patriotic poet of the Dragon Boat Festival.
Cuisine
Hubei cuisine is fresh and mellow, with river fish and lotus root: steamed Wuchang fish, hot-and-dry noodles (reganmian), and pork with preserved vegetables.
Highlights
Highlights: the Yangtze gorges and the Three Gorges Dam, the historic city of Jingzhou, and the Wudang Mountains (tai chi birthplace).