Where to go
Hubei destinations
Eight places worth planning a trip around, from the capital to the Taoist peaks, the mountain forest, the Yangtze gorges, the canyon country in the southwest and the old cities on the middle river. Each guide covers how to arrive, how long to stay, where to sleep, what to eat and what to watch out for.
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Capital · eastern Hubei
Wuhan 武汉
Yellow Crane Tower, East Lake and the breakfast that starts every day
Stay: 2 to 3 days · Best time: April to May, September to November
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Shiyan · northwest Hubei
Wudang Mountains 武当山
The Taoist mountain where tai chi was born
Stay: 1 to 2 days (overnight to catch sunrise) · Best time: April to June, September to November
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Shennongjia Forest District · western Hubei
Shennongjia 神农架
A primeval forest of golden monkeys and 'wild man' legend
Stay: 2 to 3 days · Best time: May to October (clear, green); Dajiu Lake is best in autumn
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Western Hubei · Yangtze River
Yichang & Three Gorges 宜昌三峡
The Three Gorges Dam and the river that carved China
Stay: 1 to 2 days · Best time: April to June, September to November
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Enshi Tujia & Miao Prefecture · southwest Hubei
Enshi Grand Canyon 恩施大峡谷
China's answer to the Colorado Grand Canyon, plus Tujia culture
Stay: 2 to 3 days · Best time: April to June, September to November
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Central Hubei · Yangtze River
Jingzhou Ancient City 荆州古城
The walled city of Chu culture and the Three Kingdoms
Stay: 1 day (half day for the wall and museum) · Best time: April to May, September to November
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Northwest Hubei · Han River
Xiangyang 襄阳
The Three Kingdoms city of Longzhong and the Han River wall
Stay: 1 day (Longzhong plus the wall) · Best time: April to May, September to November
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Xianning · southeastern Hubei
Chibi 赤壁
The battlefield of Red Cliffs, where the Three Kingdoms turned
Stay: 1 day (battlefield plus the hot springs) · Best time: April to May, September to November
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