12 Best Things to See and Do in Hubei Province

The Three Gorges
The Three Gorges | © cq19690527/Pixabay
Kate Byrne

UPDATE on coronavirus in Wuhan/Hubei Province (February 2020): Due to the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), countries and health agencies across the world have advised that people should avoid travel to Wuhan and the province of Hubei.

If you’re having trouble deciding what to schedule in to your trip to China‘s Hubei Province, look no further. Whether you prefer to spend your time discovering ancient capitals and uncovering historical relics or you’d rather be sailing down the Yangtze and climbing the highest peaks, here are our top 12 recommendations to help you along the way.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Visit Hubei Provincial Museum

On the shore of Wuchang’s East Lake, Hubei Provincial Museum stands as the proud home to over 200,000 artefacts and cultural relics. Of these items, over 1,000 have been classified as being of first grade cultural importance, making this one of the forefront provincial museums in China. Apart from the main exhibition hall, the museum also benefits from a separate Chu culture centre as well as a chime hall which puts on traditional and enchanting musical shows. Everything you need to know about Hubei can be found within these walls.

Hubei Provincial Museum

Sail around the Three Gorges

On the middle reaches of the Yangtze lies the most famous scenic section of the river. The Three Gorges scenic area stretches between Yichang and Chongqing and is comprised of three unique gorges: Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. While the whole region oozes unique beauty, some particular highlights include Xiling Gorge’s Sanyou Cave and the world record breaking Three Gorges Dam. While the dam has been internationally disputed, it remains an impressive symbol of China’s technological development.

The Three Gorges

Hike up Wudang Shan

Located in Shiyan City, Wudang Shan is a place of cultural and spiritual significance. Often dubbed the birthplace of Taoism and the cradle of Tai Chi, this is a top destination for spiritual folk and martial arts fans world-wide. With over 70 peaks, numerous rocky cliffs and a network of meandering streams, the mountain is also a haven for hikers. Visit the mountain top temples and find your inner Zen. If you time it correctly, you may even catch an impressive martial arts performance while you are there.

Wudang Shan

Gaze across Enshi Grand Canyon

Located at the Southwest of Hubei province, this is China’s answer to America’s Grand Canyon. Although it is estimated that Enshi Grand Canyon could fit inside America’s 16 times, the subtropical mountain climate means that this canyon is not an arid desert land, but rather a veritable breeding ground for lush green vegetation and wildlife. The intense natural beauty is unrivalled in Hubei. Soaring mountains, winding rivers and stand-alone karst pillars make this an unmissable destination for visitors to this province and China in general.

Enshi Grand Canyon I

Tour Shennongjia nature reserve

Waterfalls, streams and forests are plentiful in Shennongjia nature reserve. This UNESCO World Heritage site also boasts an abundance of rare and endangered species and a unique network of caves. The area has historical significance as the birth place of revered Chinese poet Qu Yuan, and legendary significance as the home of a mythical Chinese Yeti. There are three towns nearby, the main one being Muyu, which is the best place to find room for the night and grab some local food.

Shennongjia

Go underground at Tenglong Cave

Just outside of Lichuan City, Tenglong Cave is one of the biggest karst cave networks in China. The cave’s entrance is over 70 metres high and 60 metres wide and the cave itself covers a total area of 69km. Among the caves, of which there are more than 500, are a water cave, a dry cave, a carp cave and a breeze cave. These are all spread out over five separate levels, making the whole caving experience a little more adventurous. To top it off, Tenglong Cave also has more than 10 underground waterfalls for guests to hunt down.

Caves

Visit an ancient capital

Jingzhou was the capital of the Chu State for 400 years in the era of the Zhou Dynasty. Named as one of the most famous historical and cultural cities in China, a trip to Jingzhou should be topping any China enthusiast’s bucket list. The 30ft high city wall has been compared to the famous walls in Xi’an and Nanjing and boasts over 2,000 years of history. Jingzhou Museum is also a city highlight. It is famous for housing the sword of ancient figure, Gou Jian, and also rather weirdly showcasing a 2,000 year-old preserved male corpse.

Jingzhou Museum

Visit a Ming Dynasty tomb

The Ming Dynasty had 16 emperors, all but one of whom are buried in elaborate and extravagant tombs across China. Fortunately for Hubei the Ming Xian Ling Mausoleum, which has been described as the most well preserved of all 15, is right on the doorstep. This tomb was built for Zhu Youguan and his wife after they died and altogether it took a massive 40 years to complete. Many would argue that the tomb in Hubei is even better than the most famous Ming Tomb in Beijing.

Ming statue

Relive the legend of Mulan

We might not all know the real story behind the brave female soldier, Mulan, but as some legends have it the actual Mulan lived right here in Hubei. That is, before she stole her father’s sword, chopped off her hair and joined the imperial army. Luckily for her fans, there is a whole scenic area which exists in her name. Mulan Mountain Scenic Area is spread across acres of land and is famed for its mountain top reservoir, picturesque waterfalls and deep lily adorned ponds.

Mulan

Visit the Tangya Tusi Domain

Located in Xianfeng County in the Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, this is one of over 100 Tusi sites in China. The Tusi system was a hereditary political system which was adopted in ethnic minority regions by feudal rulers in Ancient China. The architecture throughout this ancient imperial city is interestingly derived from Dong, Miao and Tujia ethnic traditions. Take a day to travel back in time and take a wander around what used to be government offices, barracks, prisons and temples.

Tusi gate

Bathe in a hot spring at Dahong Mountain

Dahong Mountain is a state level scenic spot that lies on the Jianghan Plain. Its unique and majestic peaks stand proudly against a backdrop of rich abundant forests, lakes and waterfalls. Carved into the mountain walls are cluster of caves, in which age old stalactites have been lit up using colourful bulbs. As well as the scenery, another draw of Dahong Mountain has to been the natural hot springs. So after a hard day of hiking, head back to your resort and spend the evening relaxing in nature’s very own spa.

Hot springs

Relax in Badong

Badong lies on the middle section of the Yangtze River between the Wu and Xiling Gorges. This quiet and serene destination possesses a unique and enviable landscape. Home to members of the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups, Badong is a perfect place to escape the overwhelming pace of developing China. Hike the Wu, Daba and Wuling mountains and look down over the gushing brown waters of the Yangtze and then roam the streets in search of spiced dried bean curd, mutton noodles and other local delicacies.

Badong
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