Wuhan is capital of Hubei Province , one of the famous Chinese ancient culture cities, the center of industry, finance, commerce, science & technology, culture and education in central China region, and the national hub of communications of railway, waterway, highway, airline, post and telecommunication.

With a 3,500-year-long history, Wuhan is one of the most ancient and civilized Metropolitan Cities in China .

There were people lived in this lakes city, using stone tools developing their pre-historic culture. Panlong city, located in Panlong Lake , Huangpi district, was built in Shang Dynasty, more than 3500 years ago. In middle Ming Dynasty, the Han River which flew via south of the Tortoise Mountain of Hanyang, changed its way via north of the mountain, so that formed the geography basic of Wuhan three town. In 1858, after signing ‘Tianjing Treaty', Hankou was forced to open its dock to trade abroad. In March 1861, Hankou dock was open to trade officially. Hu-guang viceroy reported to Qin government in January 1 st 1862, setting Jianghan dock, and officially started to charge duty. The 15 th year of Guangxu emperor(1889), while Mr. Zhang Zhidong was appointed as Hu-guang viceroy, he set commercial ‘New Policy' in Wuhan, establishing factory, school, training new army, etc. Nations industry had made great improvement and it was the foundation of modern times industry in Wuhan .

On October 10th 1911, the bourgeois led Xinhai revolution broke out in Wuhan , and a Hubei military Army Government was founded, getting rid of the last feudalism Dynasty in China . In December 1926, Nations Public Government moved capital into Wuhan . January 1927, Hankou and Wuchang were merged into Wuhan city.

On 16 th May 1949, Wuhan was released and Wuhan city has officially founded. Three towns were merged into one and set as municipality. In June 1954, Wuhan was changed into capital of Hubei province. In May 1984, it was approved as the pilot city for economic system comprehensive reform, short listed city. In December 1986, it was named as the famous national historical and culture city by State Council. In July 1992, State Council approved it as foreign open city.

Wuhan has eight million residents and covers an area of 8,467 square Km. Sitting in the middle reaches of Yangtze River, Wuhan is uniquely divided into three towns by the world third longest Yangtze River and its largest tributary — the Han River. Covering a total water area of 2,187 square Km, Wuhan is the renowned “ Riverside City ” and “ Water City ” in China. Wuhan is the origin place where the story of seeking soul mate through “ high mountains and flowing water ” took place. Wuhan is the hometown of popular “ white cloud and yellow crane ” legend. Wuhan is the place where the first shot of overthrowing the Qing dynasty broke out. Wuhan is one of “ the Chinese historical and cultural cities ” named by the State Council. Wuhan is one of “ the best touring cities in China ” awarded by National Tourism Bureau. Wuhan is one of the cities listed in “ Municipal Sustained Development Program ” by United Nations. Wuhan “ China Optics Valley ” is the origin of hi-tech optic electronic products. Wuhan is the center of industry, finance, commerce, science & technology, culture and education in central China region.

Geographic Location

To the east of Jianghan Plain, Wuhan lies in the East Longitude 113 ° 41 ′ -115 ° 05 ′ , North Latitude 29 ° 58 ′ -31 ° 22 ′ .

Wuhan is located in the downland belt transitioned from the edge of the plain to the hills and downlands, of which the central part is flat, the south is filled with downlands and mounds, and the north is towering hills. More than 80% of the area of Wuhan is mound plains or flat plains.
Wuhan is of southeast subtropical monsoon climate with abundant rainfall and four distinct seasons. The average temperature in every January is the lowest, and in every July and August the highest.
Covering a total water area of 2,187 square Km, and with the large water network mainly made by the Yangtze River, Wuhan possesses abundant fresh water resources,

Science and Education

The higher education and scientific research comprehensive strength of Wuhan ranks the third in all the cities of China . There are more than 10 state level key labs and technology research centers, 30 universities and colleges, 26 academicians of China Academy of Sciences and Academy of Engineering , and 252,000 university students in Wuhan .

Business and Trade

Wuhan boasts over 60,000 commercial enterprises, 107,000 commercial shop chains, more than 300 open markets, eight commercial centers and 12 characteristic commercial streets. Ten of Wuhan ' s department stores are listed among the 100 largest ones of China.

Industry
Witnessing a solid industrial base, Wuhan has 33 classes, 387 sub-classes and 13 industry zones, of which automobile, iron & steel, machinery, optic electronics, and hi-tech industries are pillars.

Finance and Insurance
Wuhan has 1,447 financial institutions and more than 440 banking operation sites. All of the three largest insurance companies of China have established their branches respectively in Wuhan .

Telecommunication
As the centers of cable & telephone services, mail delivery and newspapers distribution in the seven southern provinces, Wuhan has opened mail service with 110 countries and regions, and long-distance telephone service linking 148 countries and regions in the world.