Hubei capital is becoming the center of attention again

A new-look Wuhan is on the rise and getting ready to take its place back on center stage. The capital of Hubei province was a politically and economically prominent city for most of the last century because of its strategic location in Central China.

Sitting at the intersection of the Yangtze and Hanjiang rivers, it is within easy reach of the major economic powerhouses of Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing.

But its natural advantages did not help Wuhan maintain economic growth over the past 30 years. Investors flocked instead to the coastal areas during the reform and opening-up in the late 1970s, before rushing back to the west after a major development drive in 1999.

Wuhan got stuck in the middle and left behind by the country's economic wave.

But with the rising cost of labor and raw materials weighing down industries in the east and those in the west trying to cut back on transport costs, Wuhan once more is emerging as a popular destination for foreign and domestic investment.

In July alone, the city saw nearly 15 billion yuan ($2.4 billion, 1.9 billion euros) worth of investment, a year-on-year growth of almost 100 percent.

This huge investment has been responsible for rapidly changing the city's skyline and landscape. New subway lines, five-star hotels and grade-A office buildings are sprouting up fast in the city. A 606-meter-high landmark skyscraper, which will be the third-tallest building in the world, is under construction.

But despite the ongoing facelift, there are still plenty of scenery, history and culture in the background for visitors to appreciate on short or weekend trips to the city. Here are just a few of the attractions:

1. Yellow Crane Tower

This historic building, one of the three most notable pavilions in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, is regarded as the main landmark of Wuhan.

First built during the Three Kingdoms period (AD 220-280), it was moved and reconstructed in 1981, 1 kilometer from its original site at the top of Snake Hill.

There is a steep walk to the top of the tower but once there, you get an amazing view of the Yangtze and across the city.

The tower is surrounded by a magnificently landscaped multi-terraced park featuring statues, smaller pavilions and a giant bell you can ring for luck. The entrance fee is 80 yuan.

2. Yangtze River Bridge

The crossing, which extends 1.6 kilometers from Turtle Hill on the northern bank of the great river to Snake Hill on the southern bank and carries a double-deck road and rail line, is known as the First Bridge of the Yangtze.

Completed in the 1950s, the bridge still stands grand and firm as a major transport link.

You can spend a good half day walking across the bridge and sightseeing along both banks of the river, a popular pursuit with locals.

The views at sunset are deemed magnificent and coveted even by professional photographers.

3. East Lake

Covering an area of 33 square kilometers, this is China's largest freshwater urban lake. It offers a pleasant diversion for busy travelers with different views to be found in different seasons. Neatly laid-out roads cutting across the lakelands grant visitors breathtaking vistas in a serene setting framed by the nearby low hills.

You can rent a bike to ride along the lake or a boat to paddle on it.

4. Hubei Provincial Museum

With an impressive collection of more than 200,000 ancient cultural relics, this museum is a must for those interested in Chinese culture and history.

The museum, near the west shore of Wuhan East Lake, is one of the best in China with top-notch facilities and excellent displays, all with English translations.

One of the most spectacular exhibits is the 2,400-year-old tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng, unearthed in 1978. It is one of a handful of ancient Chinese royal tombs to have been discovered intact and excavated using modern archaeological methods.

The tomb contains amazing artifacts, ranging from multi-ton bells to fingernail-size jade carvings found in the marquis' mouth.

The museum is also noted for its concerts of ancient instruments, combining woodwind, string, stone chimes and bells, and played by musicians in period costumes.

Audio tours are available in English and entry is free. It is closed on Mondays.

Eating and drinking

Hubu Alley is the best-known food street in Wuhan. If you want to try all kinds of local snacks in one stop, this is the place.

The most popular is reganmian, hot dry noodles with a spicy flavor and a sesame paste dressing. Spicy duck neck is another favorite found at almost every open-air stall and eatery.

Unlike many other cities, there is no official bar street in Wuhan yet. But many bars can be found in Yunlin Street, with coffee shops on the Yangtze Boulevard and disco bars in the Jiangtan Park.

China Daily