Hubei

Written by Anthony
Last update April 25, 2026

The China Journey - China -

Hubei, home to Chu culture, historic landmarks like the Three Kingdoms, and natural wonders like the Three Gorges, offers a rich blend of heritage and scenic beauty.

About Hubei

Hubei Province, abbreviated as “E” and also known as “Chu,” is located in central China.

It borders Anhui to the east, Chongqing to the west, Shaanxi to the northwest, Jiangxi and Hunan to the south, and Henan to the north.

Covering an area of 185,900 square kilometers, Hubei makes up 1.94% of China’s total area.

As of 2024, the province has a population of 58.34 million.

Its terrain is characterized by mountains on the east, west, and north, with a central lowland forming an incomplete basin.

The climate is subtropical monsoon with distinct seasons, hot summers, and cold winters.

Historically, Hubei has been a cultural and political hub since the Xia Dynasty and continues to evolve.

If you want help choosing routes, trip length, and the best places to combine on a first visit, see our Hubei Travel Guide.

Category	Detail	Category	Detail
Nickname	Jingchu	Administrative Division Code	420000
Administrative Category	Province	Region	Central China
Location	Central China, Middle Reaches of Yangtze River	Area	185,900 km²
Subordinate Areas	12 Prefecture-level cities, 1 Autonomous Prefecture, 4 Provincial-level Directly Governed Counties	Government Location	Wuhan, Wuchang District, Hongshan Road 7
Postal Code	430014–448000	Climate	Subtropical Monsoon Climate
Population	58.34 million (2024)	Famous Attractions	Yellow Crane Tower, East Lake, Mount Wudang
Airports	Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, Yichang Sanxia International Airport, Enshi Xujia Ping Airport, Shiyan Wudangshan Airport	Train Stations	Wuchang Station, Hankou Station, Wuhan North Station
License Plate Codes	鄂A, 鄂B, 鄂C, 鄂D, 鄂E, 鄂F, 鄂G, 鄂H, 鄂J, 鄂K, 鄂L, 鄂M, 鄂N, 鄂P, 鄂Q, 鄂R, 鄂S, 鄂W	GDP	60,012.97 billion yuan (2024)

Hubei Administrative Divisions Overview

Hubei’s administrative division features a “three-level structure with diverse characteristics” that includes 13 prefecture-level cities and 103 county-level units, covering an area of 185,900 square kilometers with a population of 58.34 million in 2024.

The province is divided into 12 cities and one autonomous prefecture, with notable cities like Wuhan, Xiangyang, and Yichang leading economic growth.

Hubei implements a province-direct management model in cities like Xiantao and Qianjiang, boosting local economies.

The province also has ecological special zones, such as Shennongjia Forest District, combining environmental protection with green development.

Wuhan’s economic dominance, along with the coordination of key metropolitan areas, drives Hubei’s regional growth.

Cities in Hubei (Ranked By GDP)

Scenery in Hubei

Hubei province, known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes” and benefiting from its strategic location as the crossroads of nine provinces, continued to lead the Central China tourism sector in 2024.

The province welcomed over 820 million visitors and earned more than 680 billion yuan in tourism revenue, marking significant growth of 12.7% and 17.8% respectively, with a 42.62% increase in international tourists.

The tourism landscape highlights three core cities—Wuhan, Yichang, and Xiangyang—that contribute 65% of the province’s revenue, while Enshi, Shiyan, Jingzhou, Huanggang, and Xianning form emerging tourist hubs.

Hubei’s tourism also saw a rise in high-end and youth-focused consumption, with new industries like educational tours and spa resorts growing over 30%.

Food in Hubei

Hubei cuisine, rooted in its reputation as the “land of fish and rice,” blends Northern and Southern flavors, creating a distinct regional culinary style.

The province’s geography offers a diverse range of ingredients, with freshwater fish from the Yangtze and Han rivers, abundant lotus roots, wild ducks, and mountain delicacies like Enshi smoked meat and Changyang konjac.

The flavor profile is marked by a fusion of freshness and spiciness, such as in Jingzhou fish cakes made with fish paste and spicy, savory flavors.

Wuhan’s famous hot dry noodles showcase the fast-paced, rich food culture of river ports, while dishes like Wuchang fish and lotus root soup embody the region’s love for deep, fragrant flavors.

Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hubei Overview

Hubei Province has established a comprehensive system for intangible cultural heritage protection, combining four levels of heritage lists, cultural ecological protection zones, and productive safeguarding.

As of 2024, Hubei boasts 11 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage items, 145 national-level projects, and 601 provincial-level projects, covering various categories such as folk literature, traditional crafts, and customs.

Despite challenges like aging practitioners, Hubei has developed a vast network of 98 heritage workshops and over 130 inheritance bases, promoting youth engagement through the “Intangible Cultural Heritage in Schools” program.

Through government support and a focus on integration with modern industries, Hubei’s intangible cultural heritage continues to thrive, enhancing both cultural and economic development.

China Province Basic Info

Anhui

Fujian, Home to Mazu Beliefs, Nanyin, and Hakka Tulou

Gansu

Guangdong, the Starting Point of the Maritime Silk Road

Guangxi, Ba Gui Culture & Iconic Guilin Mountain Views

Guizhou Province: Basic Info, Culture & Food

Hainan

Hebei

Heilongjiang, Best China’s Ice-Snow Tourism Destination

Henan

Hunan, Heart of Chu-Han Culture and Red Culture

Inner Mongolia, Kingdom of Grasslands, Ocean of Songs, Homeland of Wine

Jiangsu, a land of Wu charm and Han elegance

Jiangxi

Jilin, Snow Paradise, Changbai Mountain, and Winter Fishing

Liaoning

Ningxia

Qinghai

Shaanxi, A Birthplace of Chinese Nation & Civilization

Shandong, Land of Qi and Lu, Hometown of Confucius

Shanxi

Sichuan, Land of Shu Civilization, Hotpot, and Pandas

Taiwan, a Cultural Blend of Hakka, Indigenous, and Western Influences

Tianjin

Tibet/Xizang

Xinjiang, Ethnic Customs of the Western Regions

Yunnan, A Cultural and Natural Paradise with Scenic Wonders

Zhejiang, A Timeless Land of Jiangnan Charm

FAQs About Hubei

What is Hubei China known for?

Hubei is known for its rich cultural heritage, unique cuisine, stunning natural landscapes, and industrial significance, including famous attractions like the Three Gorges Dam and Wudang Martial Arts.

What language do they speak in Hubei?

The primary language spoken in Hubei is Mandarin Chinese, with regional dialects such as Wuhan and Jingzhou. Minority languages like Tujia and Miao are also spoken in some areas.

Is Hubei north or south China?

Hubei is located in central China along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, and is considered part of southern China, characterized by a subtropical climate.

What is the climate in Hubei?

Hubei has a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct seasons: hot and rainy summers, cold and damp winters, and mild springs and autumns. Annual rainfall ranges from 800 to 1600 mm.

What does Hubei produce?

Hubei produces rice, cotton, and tea (such as Enshi Yulu), and is known for industries like automobile manufacturing, steel, chemicals, electronics, along with freshwater fish and lotus roots.

What is Hubei's largest city?

Wuhan is Hubei’s largest city, a major economic and transportation hub in central China with a population of over 10 million, consisting of three districts: Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang.

Anthony

I’m Anthony, the founder and editor of The China Journey. I create practical, experience-based guides covering travel, food, and culture across China, with a focus on helping international travelers make clear planning decisions.

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FAQs

Hubei

Table of Contents

About Hubei

Hubei Administrative Divisions Overview

Cities in Hubei (Ranked By GDP)

Wuhan

Yichang

Xiangyang

Jingzhou

Xiaogan

Huanggang

Shiyan

Jingmen

Huangshi

Xianning

Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture

Suizhou

Ezhou

Scenery in Hubei

Food in Hubei

Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hubei Overview

China Province Basic Info