How Large is the “Greater Wuhan”?

In history, only “Greater Shanghai” and “Greater Wuhan” have been labeled as “Greater” among all the Chinese cities. On the eve of the founding of the People Republic of China, Hankou was bigger than Peiping (old name for Beijing) at that time. “No matter how fast or slow you walk, you can’t walk out of Hankou in just one day.” This saying reflects the area of Hankou, which is only one of the three towns in Wuhan.

Historically speaking, Wuhan was originally formed by the merger of Hankou, Wuchang and Hanyang on May 16, 1949.

Today in Wuhan, there are 8 bridges on the Yangtze River, 6 bridges on the Han River and 74 parks in the urban area. The Third Ring Road in Wuhan is much larger than the Sixth Ring Road in many other cities. It will take more than three hours for a 300 km/h high-speed train to run around Wuhan.

Wuhan has China’s largest urban lake, Tangsun Lake, with a water area of 47.6 square kilometers. At the same time, East Lake, the second largest urban lake in China, with an area of 33.9 square kilometers, is also located in Wuhan. It covers six times the area of Hangzhou West Lake.

Area of Wuhan City = Area of 4 Shenzhen Cities (area of Shenzhen: 1996.8 sq. km)

Area of Wuhan City= Area of 8 Hong Kong (area of Hong Kong: 1104 sq. km)

Area of Wuhan City= Area of 80 Paris Cities (area of Paris: 105.4 sq. km)

Area of Wuhan City= Area of 14 Seoul Cities (area of Seoul: 605.77 sq. km)

Area of Wuhan City= Area of 12 Singapore (area of Singapore: 716.1 sq. km)

Area of Wuhan City= Area of 11 New York Cities (area of New York: 789 sq. km)

Area of Wuhan City= Area of 5 London Cities (area of London: 1577.3 sq. km)

Area of Wuhan City= Area of 4 Tokyo Cities (area of Tokyo: 2188 sq. km)

Wuhan, with an area of 8569.15 square kilometers, has a total population of more than 14 million by the end of 2019, including 9.08 million household registered population and 5.1 million mobile population.

Wuhan, One of the “Four Furnaces” in China

Wuhan is now the capital of Hubei Province. It is on the central China plain and on the Yangtze River. In the late 19th century, it was the most prosperous city in the central part of the country. Now it is a cultural and educational center and a transportation hub. It is situated on Jianghan Plain, a river-crossed fertile land created by the Hanjiang River joining the Yangtze River. This is a routine port for a Yangtze River cruise. Divided by the Yangtze, Wuhan is known as the ‘Three Towns of Wuhan’ with Hankou and Hanyang on the west bank, and Wuchang on the east.

Wuhan is the place to find both history and natural wonders. Hubei Provincial Museum and Yellow Crane Tower are two places to appreciate ancient Chinese history and culture. In the museum, chimes excavated from tombs reveal the incredible achievements of ancient people in music, acoustics and metallurgy. The classic poems and inscriptions on the tower, (although unrecognizable to most Westerners) can inspire your spirit as you pretend to be a poet with a bird’s-eye view of the river from the tower window. In addition, the famous Villa of Chairman Mao Zedong on the scenic bank of East Lake, Wuchang, is an ideal place for Westerns to learn more about him.

 

Hot-dry Noodles is reputed to be one of the five most famous types of noodle in China and the most favorite choice for breakfast by Wuhan people. The chef first cooks the fresh noodles mixed with sesame oil in boiling water. When the noodles have cooked and cooled, it becomes pliable. Then, each time before eating, the noodle will be cooked in the same process again. Finally, dressings including spring onion and sauce will be added. You can try a bowl of Re Gan Mian for one yuan.

Wuhan is called one of the “four furnaces” in China. With rich sunshine and rainfall, Wuhan weather is characterized by a scorching hot and wet summer, when the highest temperature usually reaches 38 C (100 F). Its winter is cold and humid. March to May is the best time for Wuhan travel. Flowers are in full blossom especially cherry blossoms, always attracting amounts of travelers.

 

You can visit Wuhan University campus or the Donghu Cherry Blossom Park to appreciate cherry blossoms. From the late March to early April, the Donghu Cherry Blossom Festival will be held in Donghu Moshan scenic cherry park. The main activities include spring outing to see cherry blossoms, cherry blossom popular science exhibition and photography exhibition, etc.

Wuxi, a Shining Pearl of Taihu Lake

Wuxi, a prefecture-level city in Jiangsu province, is called “Tin” for short. It was called “Xinwu”, “Liangxi” and “Jingui” in ancient times. Wuxi is located in the Yangtze river delta plain in the south of Jiangsu province. The Yangtze river to the north, Taihu lake to the south, the Beijing-hangzhou grand canal from Wuxi through; The territory to the plain, scattered distribution of low mountains, residual hill; North subtropical humid monsoon climate zone, four distinct seasons, sufficient heat. Wuxi has jurisdiction over 5 districts and 2 county-level cities, with a total area of 4627.47 square kilometers.

Wuxi is the national historical and cultural city, since ancient times has been the hometown of fish and rice, known as cloth wharf, money wharf, kiln wharf, silk capital, rice market. Wuxi is the cradle of China’s national industry and township industry, the birthplace of the south Jiangsu model, as well as the headquarters of the joint logistic support unit of Wuxi joint logistic support center. Wuxi culture belongs to wuyue culture, Wuxi people belong to jiangsu and zhejiang people, using wu language. Wuxi has yuantouzhu, lingshan Buddha, Wuxi zhongshi film and television base and other attractions. In November 2017, the review confirmed that the honorary title of national civilized city will be retained.

Travelers who come to Wuxi should pay a visit to Taihu Lake and those who visit Taihu Lake must take a visit to Yuantouzhu. The super view of Taihu Lake lies in the Turtle Head Peninsula. Either enjoy a leisure walk along the shore of the lake, or take a traditional boat quietly sailing on the water to embrace the glittering lake under the blue sky. On the northern bank of Taihu Lake is the a holy Buddhist land – Lingshan Grant Buddha which is the biggest bronze Buddha in the world. With a pilgrim soul, you can worship the grand Buddha, watch nine dragons bathing Shakyamuni, enjoy Ode to Auspice in the Brahma Palace and touch the largest Buddha’s hand for good luck and longevity.

The Travel Guide of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yellow Stone Stronghold (Huangshizhai)

Zhangjiajie is located in the northwest of Hunan province. Built for tourism, Zhangjiajie is one of the most important tourist cities in China. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the first National Forest Park in China. Read More