View source for Wuhan

{{Short description|Capital of Hubei, China}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Wuhan
| official_name      = 
| native_name        = {{lang|zh|武汉市}}
| native_name_lang   = zh-Hans
| settlement_type    = [[Prefecture-level city|Prefecture-level]] and<br /> [[Sub-provincial division|sub-provincial city]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
 | border      = infobox
 | total_width = 290
 | image_style = border:1;
 | perrow      = 1/2/2/1
 | image1      = 武汉黄鹤楼俯瞰.jpg
 | caption1    = View of the [[Yangtze River]] from Snake Hill
 | image2      = Yellow Crane Tower, 2013 photo.jpg
 | caption2    = [[Yellow Crane Tower]]
 | image3      = Optics Valley Square 2021.jpg
 | caption3    = [[Donghu New Technology Development Zone|Optics Valley]]
 | image4      = 行政楼 20240321.jpg
 | caption4    = [[Wuhan University]]
 | image5      = WuchangUprising.jpg
 | caption5    = [[Wuchang Uprising]] Government Site
 | image6      = Hankou Railway Station 2016.jpg
 | caption6    = [[Hankou railway station]]
 }}
| image_size         = 280
| image_caption      = 
| image_seal         = 
| motto              = {{lang|zh-hans|武汉，每天不一样！}}{{pb}}("Wuhan, Different Every Day!"){{force singular}}
| image_map          = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|type=shape|stroke-width=3|zoom=9|frame-lat=30.5|frame-long=114.30|stroke-color=#808080|id=Q60|title=Wuhan City}}
| image_map1         = Location of Wuhan Prefecture within Hubei (China).png
| mapsize1           = 
| map_caption1       = Location of Wuhan City jurisdiction in Hubei
| pushpin_map        = China Hubei#Eastern China#China
| pushpin_label_position = top
| pushpins_mapsize   = 
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of the city center in Hubei
| coor_pinpoint      = Wuhan municipal government
| coordinates        = {{coord|30|35|42|N|114|17|51|E|type:adm2nd_region:CN-42|display=it}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = [[China]]
| subdivision_type1  = [[Provinces of China|Province]]
| subdivision_type4  = 
| subdivision_name1  = [[Hubei]]
| subdivision_name4  = 
| established_title  = Settled
| established_date   = 1500 BC
| established_title2 = First unified
| established_date2  = January 1, 1927<ref name="history2"/>
| established_title3 = <!-- Incorporated (city) -->
| established_date3  = 
| established_title4 = Hancheng walls built
| established_date4  = 223 BC
| population_demonym = Wuhanese
| nickname           = {{ubl|{{lang|zh-hans|{{linktext|九省通衢}}}}<ref name="Readmeok Sina"/><ref name="City government 九省通衢"/> "China's Thoroughfare"|The Chicago of China<ref name="timemagazine"/><ref name="Chicago is all over the place"/><ref name="水野幸吉 Mizuno Kokichi 2014 3"/>|{{lang|zh|江城}} ("River City")}}
| seat_type          = Municipal seat
| seat               = [[Jiang'an District]]
| parts_type         = {{ubl|Divisions<ref name="history2"/><ref name="xingzhengquhua"/>|[[County-level division|County-level]]|[[Administrative divisions of the People's Republic of China#Township level|Township-level]]}}
| parts              = {{ubl|[[List of township-level divisions of Hubei#Wuhan|13 districts]]|156 subdistricts, 1 towns, 3 townships}}
| government_footnotes = 
| government_type    = [[Prefecture-level city|Prefecture-level]] and [[Sub-provincial division|sub-provincial city]]
| governing_body     = {{ill|Wuhan Municipal People's Congress|zh|武漢市人民代表大會常務委員會}}
| leader_title       = [[Party Secretary of Wuhan|Party Secretary]]
| leader_name        = [[Guo Yuanqiang]]
| leader_title1      = [[Wuhan Municipal People's Congress|Congress]] Chairman
| leader_name1       = Hu Lishan
| leader_title2      = Mayor
| leader_name2       = [[Cheng Yongwen]]
| leader_title3      = [[Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference|CPPCC]] Chairman
| leader_name3       = [[Yang Zhi (politician)|Yang Zhi]]
| unit_pref          = 
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="yearbook">{{cite web |title=Wuhan Statistical Yearbook 2010 |url=http://www.whtj.gov.cn/documents/tjnj2010.pdf |publisher=Wuhan Statistics Bureau |access-date=July 31, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105213243/http://www.whtj.gov.cn/documents/tjnj2010.pdf |archive-date=November 5, 2011}}p. 15</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 8494.41
| area_land_km2      = 
| area_urban_km2     = 1,528
| area_urban_footnotes = &nbsp;(2018)<ref name="demo 14th 22">{{Cite book |url=http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf |title=Demographia World Urban Areas |edition=14th Annual |last=Cox |first=W |publisher=Demographia |year=2018 |location=St. Louis |page=22 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503021711/http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf |archive-date=May 3, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| area_water_km2     = 
| area_water_percent = 
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web |title=武汉市统计局 |url=https://tjj.wuhan.gov.cn/tjfw/tjgb/202303/t20230330_2177979.shtml |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=tjj.wuhan.gov.cn |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116165937/https://tjj.wuhan.gov.cn/tjfw/tjgb/202303/t20230330_2177979.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
|population_rank = [[List of cities in China by population|7th]] in China
| population_total   = 13739000
| population_as_of   = 2022
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_urban_sq_mi=14727
| demographics_type2 = GDP<ref name="people.com.cn">{{cite web |url=https://news.cctv.com/2024/02/02/ARTIzlCK9iCdiFQzWH6pCLIj240202.shtml |title=全国GDP十强城市排名洗牌 万亿城市竞争再升级 |website=news.cctv.com }}</ref>
| demographics2_title1 = [[Prefecture-level city|Prefecture-level]] and [[Sub-provincial division|sub-provincial city]]
| demographics2_info1 = [[Renminbi|CN¥]] 2.001&nbsp;trillion<br />[[US$]] 283.2&nbsp;billion
| demographics2_title2 = Per capita
| demographics2_info2 = CN¥ 145,656<br />US$ 20,610
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal codes in China|Postal code]]
| postal_code        = '''4300'''00–'''4304'''00
| area_code          = 0027
| iso_code           = [[ISO 3166-2:CN|CN-HB-01]]
| blank1_name_sec2   = City tree
| blank1_info_sec2   = [[Metasequoia]]<ref>{{cite web |title=The Chronology of the "Living Fossil" Metasequoia Glyptostroibodes (Taxodiaceae): A Review (1943–2003) |url=http://www.metasequoia.org/chronicle.pdf |publisher=Harvard College |page=15 |quote=1984 In the spring, ''Metasequoia'' was chosen as the 'City Tree' of Wuhan, the capital of Hubei. |date=2003 |access-date=January 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306151512/http://www.metasequoia.org/chronicle.pdf |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| timezone           = [[China Standard Time|China Standard]]
| utc_offset         = +08:00
| blank4_name        = [[License Plate (China)|License plate prefixes]]
| blank4_info        = {{ubl|{{lang|zh-cn|鄂A}}| {{lang|zh-cn|鄂W}}|{{lang|zh-cn|鄂O}} (police and authorities)}}
| blank2_name_sec2   = City flower
| blank2_info_sec2   = [[Plum blossom]]
| blank5_name        = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] (2015)
| blank5_info        = 0.839<ref name="2013 report">{{cite web |url=http://www.cn.undp.org/content/dam/china/docs/Publications/UNDP-CH-HD-Publication-NHDR_2013_EN_final.pdf |script-title=zh:《2013中国人类发展报告》 |year=2015 |publisher=[[United Nations Development Programme]] China |language=zh |access-date=May 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129015342/http://www.cn.undp.org/content/dam/china/docs/Publications/UNDP-CH-HD-Publication-NHDR_2013_EN_final.pdf |archive-date=November 29, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ([[List of China administrative divisions by HDI|9th]]) – <span style="color:#090;">very high</span>
| website            = {{URL|www.wuhan.gov.cn|武汉政府门户网站 (Wuhan Government Web Portal)}} {{in lang|zh-hans}}; {{URL|english.wh.gov.cn|English Wuhan}} (in English)
}}
{{Infobox Chinese
| pic = Wuhan (Chinese characters).svg
| piccap = "{{linktext|Wuhan}}" in [[Simplified characters|Simplified]] (top) and [[Traditional characters|Traditional]] (bottom) Chinese characters
| picupright = 0.425
| s = {{wikt-lang|zh|武汉}}
| t = {{wikt-lang|zh|武漢}}
<!--Mandarin-->| p = Wǔhàn
| tp = Wǔhàn
| w = {{tone superscript|Wu3-han4}}
| gr = Wuuhann
| bpmf = ㄨˇ&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ㄏㄢˋ
| mi = {{IPAc-cmn|AUD|zh-Wuhan.ogg|wu|3|.|h|an|4}}
<!--Yue/Cantonese-->| j = mou5 hon3
| y = Móuh-hon
| ci = {{IPAc-yue|m|ou|5|-|h|on|3}}
<!--Others-->| suz = Vû-hǒe
| poj = Bú-hàn
| order = st
| l = "[The combined names of] Wu[chang], Han[kou], Han[yang]"
}}

'''Wuhan'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|w|uː|ˈ|h|ae|n|audio=LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-Wuhan.wav}}, {{IPAc-en|USalso|w|uː|ˈ|h|ɑː|n|,_|'|w|u:|-}};<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.lexico.com/definition/Wuhan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195337/https://www.lexico.com/definition/Wuhan |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |title=Wuhan |dictionary=[[Lexico]] UK English Dictionary |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] }}</ref> {{lang-zh|s={{linktext|武汉}}|t={{linktext|武漢}}|p=Wǔhàn}}; {{IPAc-cmn|AUD|zh-Wuhan.ogg|wu |3|.|h|an|4}}}} is the capital of [[Hubei]], China. With a population of 13,739,000, it is the most populous city in Hubei and the [[List of cities in China by population|seventh-most-populous city]] in China.<ref>{{Cite web |last=程祥 |title=国家统计局公布最新城市评级：超大城市7个，特大城市14个 |url=https://news.cctv.com/2021/09/23/ARTIgXfq9DM6CZCQBsso6epK210923.shtml |access-date=January 15, 2025 |website=news.cctv.com }}</ref> It is also one of China's nine [[National central city|national central cities]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201802/09/WS5a7ce35fa3106e7dcc13baec.html |script-title=zh:国家中心城市 |trans-title=National central cities |author=Zhao Manfeng ({{lang|zh-hans|赵满丰}}) |website=usa.chinadaily.com.cn |access-date=May 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520124743/http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201802/09/WS5a7ce35fa3106e7dcc13baec.html |archive-date=May 20, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Wuhan historically served as a busy city port for [[commerce]] and trading with some crucial influences on [[Chinese history]]. The name "Wuhan" came from the city's historical origin from the conglomeration of [[Wuchang, Wuhan|Wuchang]], [[Hankou District|Hankou]], and [[Hanyang District|Hanyang]], which are collectively known as the "Three Towns of Wuhan" ({{lang-zh|s=武汉三镇|labels=no}}). Wuhan lies in the eastern [[Jianghan Plain]], at the confluence of the [[Yangtze]] river and its largest tributary, the [[Han River (Hubei)|Han River]], and is known as "Nine Provinces' Thoroughfare" ({{lang-zh|labels=no|t={{linktext|九省通衢}}}}).<ref name="Readmeok Sina"/> Wuhan was the site of the 1911 [[Wuchang Uprising]] against the [[Qing dynasty]] which [[Dynasties of China|ended 2,000 years of dynastic rule]]. Wuhan was briefly a capital of China twice, in 1927 under a left wing [[Kuomintang]] (KMT) [[Government of the Republic of China in Wuhan|government]],<ref name="Remaking the Chinese City">{{cite book |title=Remaking the Chinese City: Modernity and National Identity, 1900–1950 |first=Stephen R. |last=MacKinnon |publisher=University of Hawaii Press |year=2002 |isbn=978-0824825188 |page=161 |chapter=Wuhan's Search for Identity in the Republican Period }}</ref> and in 1937 as a provisional wartime capital during [[World War II]].<ref name="AN AMERICAN IN CHINA: 1936-39 A Memoir">{{cite web |url=http://www.willysthomas.net/HankowInfo.htm |title=An American in China: 1936–39 A Memoir |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512075531/http://www.willysthomas.net/HankowInfo.htm |archive-date=May 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |access-date=February 10, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Wuhan, 1938">{{cite book |title=Wuhan, 1938: War, Refugees, and the Making of Modern China |first=Stephen R. |last=MacKinnon |year=2008 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0520254459 |page=12 }}</ref> In 1938, during the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]], the city was the site of the [[Battle of Wuhan]]. On December 31, 2019, [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2|SARS-CoV-2]], a novel coronavirus that later caused the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], was first discovered in Wuhan<ref name="The New York Times">{{cite news |title=The Coronavirus: What Scientists Have Learned So Far |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/what-is-coronavirus.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=March 14, 2020 |archive-date=June 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623171613/https://www.nytimes.com/article/what-is-coronavirus.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Oxford University">{{cite journal |title=Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – Research and Statistics |url=https://ourworldindata.org/coronavirus |journal=Our World in Data |date=March 5, 2020 |publisher=Oxford University |access-date=March 14, 2020 |last1=Ritchie |first1=Hannah |author1-link=Hannah Ritchie |last2=Mathieu |first2=Edouard |last3=Rodés-Guirao |first3=Lucas |last4=Appel |first4=Cameron |last5=Giattino |first5=Charlie |last6=Ortiz-Ospina |first6=Esteban |last7=Hasell |first7=Joe |last8=MacDonald |first8=Bobbie |last9=Beltekian |first9=Diana |last10=Roser |first10=Max |archive-date=March 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319171947/https://ourworldindata.org/coronavirus |url-status=live }}</ref> and the city was the location of [[COVID-19 lockdown in China|the first]] [[COVID-19 lockdowns|lockdown]] of the pandemic in January 2020.<ref name=":0" />

Wuhan is considered the political, economic, financial, commercial, cultural, and educational center of Central China.<ref name="Focus on Wuhan, China">{{cite web |title=Focus on Wuhan, China |url=http://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/eng/document.jsp?did=96289&cid=512&oid=32 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212120036/http://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/eng/document.jsp?did=96289&cid=512&oid=32 |archive-date=December 12, 2013 |access-date=February 10, 2013 |publisher=The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service }}</ref> It is a major transportation hub, with dozens of railways, roads, and expressways passing through the city and connecting to other major cities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/resume/n/200906/20090606358864.html |script-title=zh:武汉获批全国首个交通枢纽研究试点城市 |date=June 25, 2009 |website=Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224022939/http://www.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/resume/n/200906/20090606358864.html |archive-date=December 24, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Because of its key role in domestic transportation, Wuhan is sometimes referred to as "the [[Chicago]] of China" by foreign sources.<ref name="timemagazine" /><ref name="Chicago is all over the place" /><ref name="水野幸吉 Mizuno Kokichi 2014 3" /> The "Golden Waterway" of the Yangtze River and the Han River traverse the urban area and divide Wuhan into the three districts of [[Wuchang District|Wuchang]], [[Hankou]], and [[Hanyang District|Hanyang]]. The [[Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge]] crosses the Yangtze in the city. The [[Three Gorges Dam]], the [[List of largest power stations|world's largest power station]] in terms of [[installed capacity]], is located nearby. Historically, Wuhan has suffered risks of flooding,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jing |first=Li |url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/jan/23/inside-chinas-leading-sponge-city-wuhans-war-with-water |title=Inside China's leading 'sponge city': Wuhan's war with water |date=January 23, 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=June 13, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613091512/https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/jan/23/inside-chinas-leading-sponge-city-wuhans-war-with-water |archive-date=June 13, 2019 |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 }}</ref> prompting the government to alleviate the situation by introducing ecologically friendly absorption mechanisms.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/17/asia/china-sponge-cities/index.html |title=China's 'sponge cities' aim to re-use 70% of rainwater |first1=Asit K. |last1=Biswas |first2=Kris |last2=Hartley |website=CNN |date=September 18, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613051918/https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/17/asia/china-sponge-cities/index.html |archive-date=June 13, 2019 |access-date=June 13, 2019 }}</ref>

While Wuhan has been a traditional manufacturing hub for decades, it is also one of the areas promoting modern industrial changes in China. Wuhan has three national development zones, four scientific and technological development parks, over 350 research institutes, 1,656 high tech enterprises, numerous enterprise incubators and investments from 230 Fortune Global 500 firms.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/china-chine/market-facts-faits-sur-le-marche/96289.aspx?lang=eng |title=Focus on Wuhan, China |last=Government of Canada |first=Foreign Affairs Trade and Development Canada |date=September 8, 2009 |website=www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca |access-date=June 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217025408/http://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/china-chine/market-facts-faits-sur-le-marche/96289.aspx?lang=eng |archive-date=December 17, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> It produced [[GDP (nominal)]] of US$274 billion in 2021. The [[Dongfeng Motor Corporation]], an automobile manufacturer, is headquartered in Wuhan. The city is home to [[List of universities and colleges in Hubei|multiple notable institutes]] of higher education, including [[Wuhan University]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cuaa.net/cur/2014/xjindex.shtml |script-title=zh:校友会2017中国大学排行榜700强揭晓，北京大学十连冠 – 艾瑞深校友会网2019中国大学排行榜,中国大学研究生院排行榜,中国 – 流大学,中国大学创业富豪榜,中国独立学院排行榜,中国民办大学排行榜 |website=www.cuaa.net |language=en |access-date=June 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606145337/http://www.cuaa.net/cur/2014/xjindex.shtml |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[Huazhong University of Science and Technology]]. Wuhan is a major city in the world by scientific research outputs and it ranks [[List of cities by scientific output|8th]] globally and 5th in the Asia-Pacific (after [[Beijing]], [[Shanghai]], [[Nanjing]] and [[Guangzhou]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Leading 200 science cities {{!}} {{!}} Supplements {{!}} Nature Index |url=https://www.nature.com/nature-index/supplements/nature-index-2025-science-cities/tables/overall |access-date=2025-11-14 |website=www.nature.com}}</ref> In 2017, Wuhan was designated as a [[Creative Cities Network|Creative City]] by [[UNESCO]], in the field of design.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.unesco.org/creative-cities//node/1086 |title=Wuhan {{!}} Creative Cities Network |website=en.unesco.org |access-date=June 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513031948/https://en.unesco.org/creative-cities/node/1086 |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Wuhan is classified as a Beta- (global second tier) city together with seven other cities in China, including [[Changsha]], [[Dalian]], [[Jinan]], [[Shenyang]], [[Xiamen]], [[Xi'an]] and [[Zhengzhou]] by the [[Globalization and World Cities Research Network]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The World According to GaWC 2020 |url=https://www.lboro.ac.uk/gawc/world2020t.html |website=GaWC – Research Network |publisher=Globalization and World Cities |access-date=August 31, 2020 |archive-date=August 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824031341/https://www.lboro.ac.uk/gawc/world2020t.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Wuhan is also one of the world's top 100 financial centers, according to the [[Global Financial Centres Index]].<ref name="GFCI">{{cite web |date=September 2021 |title=The Global Financial Centres Index 30 |url=https://www.longfinance.net/programmes/financial-centre-futures/global-financial-centres-index/gfci-30-explore-data/gfci-30-rank/ |access-date=September 24, 2021 |publisher=Long Finance |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082127/https://www.longfinance.net/programmes/financial-centre-futures/global-financial-centres-index/gfci-30-explore-data/gfci-30-rank/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Etymology==
The name "Wuhan" comes from the two major cities on the banks of the [[Yangtze River]] that make up the Wuhan metropolis: "Wu" refers to the city of [[Wuchang]] ({{lang-zh|c=武昌}}), which lies on the southern bank of the Yangtze, while "Han" refers to the city of [[Hankou]] ({{lang-zh|s=汉口}}), which lies on the northern bank of the Yangtze. "Hankou" means "Mouth of the Han", from its position at the confluence of the Han with the Yangtze River.

In 1926, the [[Northern Expedition]] reached the Wuhan area and it was decided to merge Hankou, Wuchang and [[Hanyang District|Hanyang]] into one city in order to make a new capital for Nationalist China. On January 1, 1927,<ref name="history1">{{cite web |script-title=zh:武汉市历史沿革 |url=http://www.xzqh.org/html/show/hb/15225.html |date=August 6, 2014 |access-date=April 6, 2018 |quote={{lang|zh-hans|1927 年1月1日，中央临时联席会议宣布，国民政府在汉口开始办公。国民政府命令将武昌、汉口、汉阳三镇合为京兆区，定名"武汉"，作为临时首都。4月16日，武汉市政委员会成立，武昌市政厅撤销；三镇首次统 – 行政建制。}} |language=zh-hans |publisher=XZQH.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211161122/http://www.xzqh.org/html/show/hb/15225.html |archive-date=December 11, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> the resulting city was proclaimed as '{{lang-zh|t={{linktext|武漢}}|labels=no}}' (the traditional Chinese characters for 'Wuhan'), which was later [[Simplified Chinese characters|simplified]] as '{{lang|zh-hans|武汉}}' (also 'Wuhan').<ref name="历史沿革">{{cite web |url=http://jianghan.gov.cn/zoujinjianghan/lsyg/201202/t20120214_41133.html |script-title=zh:历史沿革 |access-date=March 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625224752/http://www.jianghan.gov.cn/zoujinjianghan/lsyg/201202/t20120214_41133.html |archive-date=June 25, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="江汉综述">{{cite web |url=http://www.whfz.gov.cn:8080/pub/dqwx/qnj/jhnj07/content.htm |script-title=zh:江汉综述 |access-date=March 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202181053/http://www.whfz.gov.cn:8080/pub/dqwx/qnj/jhnj07/content.htm |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="武汉的由来">{{cite web |url=http://www.whdaj.gov.cn/jcfm/zg-01.htm |script-title=zh:"武汉"的由来 |access-date=March 31, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425210116/http://www.whdaj.gov.cn/jcfm/zg-01.htm |archive-date=April 25, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==History==
{{Main|History of Wuhan}}
<!--Eventually, the [[Timeline of Wuhan]] should be created and linked here with {{For timeline|Timeline of Wuhan}} -->

===Antiquity era ===
[[File:Erligang map.svg|thumb|left|[[Panlongcheng]], located in the southernmost area of the [[Erligang culture]]]]

The Wuhan area has been settled for 3,500 years. [[Panlongcheng]], an archaeological site primarily associated with the [[Erligang culture]] ({{circa|1510|1460}}&nbsp;BC) (being sparsely populated during the earlier [[Erlitou culture|Erlitou period]]), is located in modern-day [[Huangpi District]] of Wuhan.

During the [[Western Zhou]] the [[E (state)|State of E]], which gives its name to the single character abbreviation for Hubei province, controlled the present-day Wuchang area south of the Yangtze River. After the conquest of the E state in 863 BC, the present-day Wuhan area was controlled by the [[Chu (state)|State of Chu]] for the rest of the Western Zhou and [[Eastern Zhou]] periods. After the [[State of Huang]] was conquered by State of Chu in the summer of 648 BC,<ref>《左传·僖公十二年》："黄人恃诸侯之睦于齐也，不共楚职，曰："自郢及我九百里，焉能害我？" 夏，楚灭黄。"</ref> the people of Huang were moved into the area in and around present-day Wuhan. Local geographical terms including the name of Wuhan's Huangpi District were named after the State of Huang.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} Chu was in turn conquered by [[Qin (state)|Qin]] in 223&nbsp;BC.

===Imperial China===
[[File:武汉黄鹤楼.jpg|thumb|[[Yellow Crane Tower]]]]
During the [[Han dynasty]], Hanyang became a fairly busy port. The [[Battle of Xiakou]] in AD&nbsp;203 and [[Battle of Jiangxia]] five years later were fought in the region over control of [[Jiangxia Commandery]], territories of which included much of present-day eastern Hubei. In the winter of 208/9, one of the most famous battles in [[Chinese history]] and a central event in the ''[[Romance of the Three Kingdoms]]''—the [[Battle of Red Cliffs]]—took place near the [[Yangtze River]], with the cliffs near Wuhan identified as one of the potential locations.<ref name=":1">"The engagement at the Red Cliffs took place in the winter of the 13th year of Jian'an, probably about the end of 208."{{Harvcol|de Crespigny|1990|pp=264 }}</ref> Around that time, walls were built to protect Hanyang (AD 206) and Wuchang (AD 223). The latter event marks the foundation of Wuhan. In AD 223, the [[Yellow Crane Tower]], one of the [[Four Great Towers of China]], was constructed on the Wuchang side of the Yangtze River by order of [[Sun Quan]], leader of the [[Eastern Wu]]. The tower became a sacred site of [[Taoism]].<ref>Images of the Immortal: The Cult of [[Lü Dongbin]] at the Palace of Eternal Joy by Paul R. Katz, University of Hawaii Press, 1999, p. 80</ref>

Due to tensions between the [[Eastern Wu]] and [[Cao Wei]] kingdoms, in the autumn of 228,{{efn|name=fn1|Man Chong's biography in the ''Sanguozhi'' mentioned that these events took place in the 3rd year of the Taihe era (227–233) of Cao Rui's reign, i.e., the year 229. This is a mistake. It was actually in the 2nd year of the Taihe era, i.e., the year 228, according to the ''Zizhi Tongjian''.<ref>''Zizhi Tongjian'' vol. 71.</ref>}} [[Cao Rui]], grandson of [[Cao Cao]] and the second emperor of the state of [[Cao Wei]], ordered the general [[Man Chong]] to lead troops to Xiakou ({{lang|zh-hant|夏口}}; in present-day Wuhan).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibiblio.org/chinesehistory/contents/06dat/geo.html#wuhan |title=Hanyang was founded during the Sui dynasty (581–618); and Hankou, then known as Hsia-k'ou, during the Song (Sung) dynasty (960–1279) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408204923/http://www.ibiblio.org/chinesehistory/contents/06dat/geo.html#wuhan |archive-date=April 8, 2018 }}</ref><ref>({{lang|zh-Hant|秋，使曹休從廬江南入合肥，令寵向夏口。}}) ''Sanguozhi'' vol. 26.</ref> In 279, [[Wang Jun (Jin dynasty)|Wang Jun]] and his army conquered strategic locations in Wu territory such as [[Xiling District|Xiling]] (in present-day [[Yichang]], Hubei), Xiakou ({{lang|zh-hant|夏口}}; present-day Hankou) and Wuchang ({{lang|zh|武昌}}; present-day [[Ezhou]], Hubei).

During the [[Northern and Southern dynasties]] period, the Wuhan area was part of the successive Southern dynasty states [[Liu Song]] (420–479), [[Southern Qi]] (479–502), [[Liang dynasty|Liang]],{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} and [[Western Liang (555–587)|Western Liang]].{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

In fall 550, [[Hou Jing]] sent Ren Yue to attack both Xiao Daxin and Xiao Fan's son Xiao Si ({{lang|zh-hant|蕭嗣}}). Ren killed Xiao Si in battle, and Xiao Daxin, unable to resist, surrendered, allowing Hou to take his domain under control. Meanwhile, Xiao Guan, who had by now settled at Jiangxia ({{lang|zh-hant|江夏}}, in modern Wuhan), was planning to attack Hou, but this drew Xiao Yi's ire—believing that Xiao Guan was intending to contend for the throne—and he sent Wang to attack Xiao Guan. In summer 567, Chen Xu commissioned [[Wu Mingche]] as the governor of Xiang Province and had him command a major part of the troops against Hua, along with Chunyu Liang ({{lang|zh|淳于量}}). The opposing sides met at Zhuankou ({{lang|zh|沌口}}, in modern Wuhan).

The city has long been renowned as a center for the arts (especially poetry) and for intellectual studies. [[Cui Hao (poet)|Cui Hao]], a celebrated poet of the [[Tang dynasty]], visited the Yellow Crane Tower in the early 8th century; his poem made it the most celebrated building in southern China.<ref name="Wan1">Wan: p. 42.</ref>

In spring 877, [[Wang Xianzhi (rebel)|Wang Xianzhi]] captured E Prefecture ({{lang|zh-hant|鄂州}}, in modern Wuhan). He then returned north, joining forces with Huang again, and they surrounded Song Wei at Song Prefecture ({{lang|zh-hant|宋州}}, in modern [[Shangqiu]], [[Henan]]). In winter 877, [[Huang Chao]] pillaged Qi and Huang ({{lang|zh-hant|黃州}}, in modern Wuhan) Prefectures.

Before [[Kublai Khan]] arrived in 1259, word reached him that [[Möngke]] had died. Kublai decided to keep the death of his brother secret and continued the attack on the Wuhan area, near the [[Yangtze]]. The present-day [[Wuying Pagoda]] was constructed at the end of the [[Song dynasty]] between attacks by the Mongolian forces. Under the [[Mongol]] rulers ([[Yuan dynasty]]) (after 1301), the Wuchang [[prefecture]], headquartered in the town, became the capital of [[Hubei]] province. Hankou, from the [[Ming dynasty|Ming]] to late [[Qing dynasty|Qing]], was under the administration of the local government in [[Hanyang District|Hanyang]], although it was already one of the four major national markets ({{lang-zh|labels=no|s={{ill|四大名镇|zh|vertical-align=sup}}}}) of the Ming dynasty.

Hanyang's [[Guiyuan Temple]] was completed in the 15th year of Shunzhi (1658).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.guiyuanchansi.com.cn/list.php?fid=82 |script-title=zh:归元描述 – 归元禅寺 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203235744/http://www.guiyuanchansi.com.cn/list.php?fid=82 |archive-date=February 3, 2018 |quote={{lang|zh-Hans|归元禅寺位于武汉市汉阳区，东眺晴川阁、南滨鹦鹉洲、北邻古琴台，占地153亩，是湖北省重点文物保护单位。由浙江僧人白光、主峰于清顺治十五年（1658 年）依王氏葵园而创建。}} }}</ref>

By the dawn of the 18th century, Hankou had become one of China's top four [[trading]] centers. In the late 19th century, [[railroads]] were extended on a north–south axis through the city, making Wuhan an important [[transshipment]] point between rail and river traffic. Also during this period foreign powers extracted mercantile concessions, with the riverfront of Hankou being divided up into foreign-controlled merchant districts. These districts contained trading firm offices, warehouses, and docking facilities. The French had a [[concession (territory)|concession]] in Hankou.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=USFD_d-d7FhgC&dq=french+Guangzhouwan&pg=PA83 ''Greater France: A History of French Overseas Expansion'', Google Print, p. 83]{{Dead link|date=September 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Robert Aldrich, Palgrave Macmillan, 1996, {{ISBN|0-312-16000-3 }}</ref> During the [[Taiping Heavenly Kingdom]], the Wuhan area was controlled for many years by rebel forces and the Yellow Crane Tower, [[Wuying Pagoda|Xingfu Temple]], [[Zhuodaoquan Temple]] and other buildings were repurposed or damaged. During the [[Second Opium War]] (known in the West as the Arrow War, 1856–1860), the government of the Qing dynasty was defeated by the western powers and signed the [[Treaties of Tianjin]] and the [[Convention of Peking]], which stipulated eleven cities or regions (including Hankou) as trading ports. In December 1858, [[James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin]], High Commissioner to China, led four warships up the [[Yangtze River]] in Wuhan to collect the information needed for opening the trading port in Wuhan.

In the spring of 1861, Counselor [[Harry Smith Parkes]] and Admiral Herbert were sent to Wuhan to open a trading port. On the basis of the [[Convention of Peking]], Parkes concluded the Hankou Lend-Lease Treaty with Guan Wen, the governor-general of Hunan and Hubei. It brought an area of {{convert|30.53|km2|sp=us}} along the Yangtze River (from latter-day Jianghan Road to Hezuo Road) to become a British Concession and permitted [[United Kingdom|Britain]] to set up its consulate in the concession.

In 1862, Russian tea merchants arrived in the treaty port of Hankou. Russians in Hankou established four factories using assembly lines and machinery to produce brick tea, and became the city's richest industrialists in what would become the Russian concession.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=The British Concession and the First Years of the Treaty Port · Hankou to Wuhan: Histories from China's Crossroads · Hankou to Wuhan |url=https://hankoutowuhan.org/s/hankou/page/the-british-concession-and-the-opening-of-hankou |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820185850/https://hankoutowuhan.org/s/hankou/page/the-british-concession-and-the-opening-of-hankou |url-status=usurped |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |access-date=April 3, 2023 |website=hankoutowuhan.org }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Lee |first=Chinyun |date=2014 |title=From Kiachta to Vladivostok: Russian Merchants and the Tea Trade |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/43737542 |journal=Region |volume=3 |issue=2 |pages=195–218 |jstor=43737542 |issn=2166-4307 }}</ref> Japanese immigrants, mainly traders, also started arriving in 1874.<ref name=":3" />

[[File:Wuhan 1864.jpg|thumb|left|Wuhan in 1864]]
[[File:Hankow Bund c. 1900.jpg|thumb|Foreign concessions along the [[Hankou]] Bund c. 1900.]]
In 1889, [[Zhang Zhidong]] was transferred from [[Viceroy of Liangguang]] ([[Guangdong]] and [[Guangxi]] provinces) to [[Viceroy of Huguang]] ([[Hunan]] and [[Hubei]] provinces). He governed the province for 18 years, until 1907. During this period, he elucidated the theory of "Chinese learning as the basis, Western learning for application," known as the ti-yong ideal. He set up many heavy industries, founded Hanyang Steel Plant, [[Huangshi|Daye]] Iron Mine, Pingxiang Coal Mine and Hubei Arsenal and set up local textile industries, boosting the flourishing modern industry in Wuhan. Meanwhile, he initiated education reform, opened dozens of modern educational organizations successively, such as Lianghu (Hunan and Hubei) Academy of Classical Learning, Civil General Institute, Military General Institute, Foreign Languages Institute and Lianghu (Hunan and Hubei) General Normal School, and selected a great many students for study overseas, which well promoted the development of China's modern education. Furthermore, he trained a modern military and organized a modern army including a ''zhen'' and a ''xie'' (both ''zhen'' and ''xie'' are military units in the Qing dynasty) in Hubei.

Originally known as the Hubei Arsenal, the [[Hanyang Arsenal]] was founded in 1891, with funds diverted from the [[Nanyang Fleet]] in [[Guangdong]] to build the arsenal. It cost about 250,000 pounds sterling and was built in 4 years.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V682XHpDLXoC&q=new+chinese+rifle+factory+han+yang&pg=PA414 |title=The Chinese Recorder |author=Kathleen L Lodwick |year=2009 |publisher=BiblioBazaar, LLC |page=414 |isbn=978-1-115-48856-3 |access-date=June 28, 2010 }}</ref> On April 23, 1894, construction was completed and the arsenal, occupying some {{Convert|40|acre|m2}}, could start production of small-caliber cannons. It built magazine-fed rifles, Gruson quick fire guns, and cartridges.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-dlcXDzGf4EC&q=new+chinese+rifle+factory+han+yang&pg=PA386 |title=Northern China, the Valley of the Blue River, Korea. 43 Maps and Plans |author=Anon |year=2009 |publisher=Read Books |page=386 |isbn=978-1-4446-7840-6 |access-date=June 28, 2010 }}</ref>

In 1896, the [[Russian Empire]] also acquired a concession in Hankou.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Crawford |first=Alan |title=Imagining the Russian Concession in Hankou |date=2018 |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/historical-journal/article/abs/imagining-the-russian-concession-in-hankou/B05F01DBFA2130414CECC889D0A2052F |journal=The Historical Journal |language=en |volume=61 |issue=4 |pages=969–989 |doi=10.1017/S0018246X17000528 |s2cid=159946531 |issn=0018-246X |access-date=April 3, 2023 |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403005702/https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/historical-journal/article/abs/imagining-the-russian-concession-in-hankou/B05F01DBFA2130414CECC889D0A2052F |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

===Wuchang Uprising===
{{Main|Wuchang Uprising}}
[[File:Hankow 1915.jpg|right|thumb|Present-day Wuhan area in 1915]]
By 1900, according to [[Collier's]] magazine, Hankou, the Yangtze River boom town, was "the [[St. Louis]] and [[Chicago]] of China."<ref name="Chicago is all over the place" /> On October 10, 1911, [[Sun Yat-sen]]'s followers launched the [[Wuchang Uprising]],<ref name="tonsi86">{{cite book |last1=Dai |first1=Yi (戴逸) |last2=Gong |first2=Shuduo (龔書鐸) |year=2003 |script-title=zh:中國通史. 清 |publisher=Intelligence press |isbn=962-8792-89-X |pages=86–89 }}</ref> which led to the collapse of the Qing state and 2,000 years of dynastic rule,<ref name="fenby">Fenby, Jonathan. [2008] (2008). The History of Modern China: The Fall and Rise of a Great Power. {{ISBN|978-0-7139-9832-0}}. pp. 107, 116, 119.</ref> as well as the establishment of the [[Republic of China (1912–1949)|Republic of China]].<ref name="Welland, Sasah Su-ling 2007 pg 87">Welland, Sasah Su-ling (2007). A Thousand Miles of Dreams: The Journeys of Two Chinese Sisters. Rowman Littlefield Publishing. {{ISBN|0-7425-5314-0|978-0-7425-5314-9}}. p. 87.</ref>

The Wuchang Uprising of October 1911, which overthrew the Qing dynasty, originated in Wuhan.<ref name="tonsi86"/> Before the uprising, anti-Qing secret societies were active in Wuhan. In September 1911, the outbreak of the protests in Sichuan forced the Qing authorities to send part of the New Army garrisoned in Wuhan to suppress the rebellion.<ref name="Wangke">Wang, Ke-wen(1998). Modern China: An Encyclopedia of History, Culture and Nationalism. Taylor & Francis Publishing. {{ISBN|0-8153-0720-9|978-0-8153-0720-4}}. pp. 390-391.</ref> On September 14 the Literary Society ({{lang-zh|labels=no|t=文學社}}) and the Progressive Association ({{lang-zh|labels=no|t=共進會}}), two local revolutionary organizations in Hubei,<ref name="Wangke"/> set up joint headquarters in Wuchang and planned for an uprising. On the morning of October 9, a bomb at the office of the political arrangement exploded prematurely and alerted local authorities.<ref name="gongtong6-3">{{cite book |last1=Wang |first1=Hengwei (王恆偉) |year=2006 |script-title=zh:中國歷史講堂 #6 民國. |publisher=[[Zhonghua Book Company]] |isbn=962-8885-29-4 |pages=3–7 }}</ref> The proclamation for the uprising, beadroll and the revolutionaries' official seal fell into the hands of Rui Cheng, the governor-general of Hunan and Hubei, who demolished the uprising headquarters the same day and set out to arrest the revolutionaries listed in the beadroll.<ref name="gongtong6-3"/> This forced the revolutionaries to launch the uprising earlier than planned.<ref name="tonsi86"/>

On the night of October 10, the revolutionaries fired shots to signal the uprising at the engineering barracks of Hubei [[New Army]].<ref name="tonsi86"/> They then led the New Army of all barracks to join the revolution.<ref name="spence">[[Jonathan Spence|Spence, Jonathan D.]] (1990). ''[[The Search for Modern China]]''. [[W. W. Norton & Company]]. {{ISBN|0-393-30780-8|978-0-393-30780-1}}. pp. 250–256.</ref> Under the guidance of Wu Zhaolin, Cai Jimin and others, this revolutionary army seized the official residence of the governor and government offices.<ref name="Wangke"/> Rui Cheng fled in panic into the Chuyu ship. Zhang Biao, the commander of the Qing army, also fled the city. On the morning of the 11th, the revolutionary army took the whole city of Wuchang, but leaders such as Jiang Yiwu and Sun Wu disappeared.<ref name="tonsi86"/> Thus the leaderless revolutionary army recommended [[Li Yuanhong]], the assistant governor of the Qing army, as the commander-in-chief.<ref name="Harrison">Harrison Henrietta (2000). The Making of the Republican Citizen: Political Ceremonies and Symbols in China, 1911–1929. Oxford University Press. {{ISBN|0-19-829519-7|978-0-19-829519-8}}. pp. 16–17.</ref> Li founded the Hubei Military Government, proclaimed the abolition of the Qing rule in Hubei, the founding of the Republic of China and published an open telegram calling for other provinces to join the revolution.<ref name="tonsi86"/><ref name="Wangke"/>

As the revolution spread to other parts of the country, the Qing government concentrated loyalist military forces to suppress the uprising in Wuhan. From October 17 to December 1, the revolutionary army and local volunteers defended the city in the [[Battle of Yangxia]] against better armed and more numerous Qing forces commanded by [[Yuan Shikai]]. [[Huang Xing]] would arrive in Wuhan in early November to take command of the revolutionary army.<ref name="Wangke"/> After fierce fighting and heavy casualties, Qing forces seized Hankou and Hanyang. But Yuan agreed to halt the advance on Wuchang and participated in [[peace talks]], which would eventually lead to the return of Sun Yat-sen from exile, founding of the Republic of China on January 1, 1912.<ref name="Welland, Sasah Su-ling 2007 pg 87"/><ref name="Bergere">Bergere, Marie-Claire. Lloyd Janet (2000). Sun Yat-sen. Stanford University Press. {{ISBN|0-8047-4011-9|978-0-8047-4011-1}}. p. 207.</ref> Through the Wuchang Uprising, Wuhan is known as the birthplace of the Xinhai Revolution, named after the Xinhai year on the Chinese calendar.<ref name="tvbs">{{cite web |url=http://www.tvbs.com.tw/news/news_list.asp?no=yehmin20101010132707 |script-title=zh:雙十節是？ 陸民眾：「國民黨」國慶 |publisher=TVBS |language=zh-tw |access-date=October 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110111857/http://www.tvbs.com.tw/news/news_list.asp?no=yehmin20101010132707 |archive-date=November 10, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The city has several museums and memorials to the revolution and the thousands of martyrs who died defending the revolution.

===Republic of China===
{{see also|Wuhan nationalist government}}
[[File:Hankou 1930.jpg|thumb|A map of Wuhan painted by the Japanese in 1930, with Hankou being the most prosperous sector]]
[[File:Meeting room of former building of Wuhan nationalist government.jpg|thumb|Nanyang Building Interior]]
With the northern extension of the [[Northern Expedition]], the center of the Great Revolution shifted from the Pearl River basin to the Yangtze River basin. On November 26, the [[Kuomintang]] Central Political Committee decided to [[Historical capitals of China|move the capital]] from Guangzhou to Wuhan. In mid-December, most of the KMT central executive commissioners and national government commissioners arrived in Wuhan, set up the temporary joint conference of central executive commissioners and National Government commissioners, performed the top functions of central party headquarters and National Government, declared they would work in Wuhan on January 1, 1927, and decided to combine the towns of Wuchang, [[Hankou]], and Hanyang into Wuhan City, called "Capital District". The new national government, later known as "[[Wuhan nationalist government]]", was based in the Nanyang Building in Hankou, while the central party headquarters and other organizations chose their locations in Hankou or Wuchang.<ref name="Remaking the Chinese City" />

In March 1927, [[Mao Zedong]] appeared at the Third Plenum of the KMT Central Executive Committee in Wuhan, which sought to strip General Chiang of his power by appointing [[Wang Jingwei]] leader. The first phase of the Northern Expedition was interrupted by the political split in the Kuomintang following the formation of the [[Nanjing]] faction in April 1927 against the existing faction in Wuhan.{{sfn|Taylor|2009|page=68}} Members of the [[Chinese Communist Party]], who had survived the April 12 massacre, met at Wuhan and reelected [[Chen Duxiu]] (Ch'en Tu-hsiu) as the Party's Secretary General.<ref>Robert Jackson Alexander, ''International Trotskyism, 1929–1985: A Documented Analysis of the Movement'' (Duke University Press, 1991) p. 206</ref> The split was partially motivated by the [[Shanghai Massacre|purge of the Communists]] within the party, which marked the end of the [[First United Front]], and [[Chiang Kai-shek]] briefly stepped down as the commander of the National Revolutionary Army.{{sfn|Taylor|2009|page=72}}

In June 1927, [[Stalin]] sent a telegram to the Communists in Wuhan, calling for the mobilization of an army of workers and peasants.<ref>Harrison, ''The Long March to Power'', p. 111</ref> This alarmed Wang Jingwei, who decided to break with the Communists and come to terms with Chiang Kai-shek. The [[Wuhan coup]] was a political shift made on July 15, 1927, by Wang Jingwei towards Chiang Kai-shek, and his [[Shanghai]]-based rival in the Kuomintang. The Wuhan Nationalist Government was established in Wuhan on February 21, 1927, and ended by August 19, 1927.<ref name="Clark">Clark, Anne Biller. Clark, Anne Bolling. Klein, Donald. Klein, Donald Walker (1971). Harvard Univ. Biographic Dictionary of Chinese communism. Original from the University of Michigan v.1. Digitized December 21, 2006. p. 134.</ref> After the end of the Northern Expedition, Hankou was elevated to a centrally-controlled municipality.

In the [[1931 China floods]], one of the deadliest flood disasters in world history, Wuhan was a refuge for flood victims from outlying areas, who had been arriving since the late spring. But when the city itself was inundated in the early summer, and after a catastrophic dike failure just before 6:00 AM on July 27,<ref name=Graves>{{cite book |first=William |last=Graves |title=The Torrent of Life (Journey into China) |url=https://archive.org/details/journeyintochina00nati |year=1982 |edition=5th |publisher=National Geographic Society |isbn=978-0-87044-437-1 }}</ref>{{rp|270}} an estimated 782,189 urban citizens and rural refugees were left homeless. The flood covered an area of 32 square miles and the city was flooded under many feet of water for close to three months.<ref name=Graves/>{{rp|269–270}} Large numbers gathered on flood islands throughout the city, with 30,000 sheltering on a railway embankment in central Hankou. With little food and a complete breakdown in sanitation, thousands soon began to succumb to diseases.<ref name=Courtney>{{cite book |first=Chris |last=Courtney |title=The Nature of Disaster in China: The 1931 Yangzi River Flood |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1DhFDwAAQBAJ |year=2018 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-108-41777-8 }}</ref> Jin Shilong, Senior Engineer at the Hubei Flood Prevention Agency, described the flooding:<blockquote>There was no warning, only a sudden great wall of water. Most of Wuhan's buildings in those days were only one story high, and for many people there was no escape – they died by the tens of thousands. ... I was just coming off duty at the company's main office, a fairly new three-story building near the center of town ... When I heard the terrible noise and saw the wall of water coming, I raced to the top story of the building. ... I was in one of the tallest and strongest buildings left standing. At that time no one knew whether the water would subside or rise even higher.<ref name="Graves" />{{rp|270}}</blockquote>The high-water mark was reached on August 19 at Hankou, with the water level exceeding {{convert|53|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} above normal.<ref name="pietz">Pietz, David (2002). ''Engineering the State: The Huai River and Reconstruction in Nationalist China 1927–1937''. Routledge. {{ISBN|0-415-93388-9}}. pp. xvii, 61–70.</ref><ref>[[Winchester, Simon]] (2004). ''[[The River at the Center of the World: A Journey Up the Yangtze, and Back in Chinese Time]].'' Macmillan. {{ISBN|0-312-42337-3}}.</ref> In 1936, when natural disaster struck [[Central China]] with widespread flooding affecting [[Hebei]], [[Hunan]], [[Jiangxi]], Wuhan and [[Chongqing]] caused by the [[Yangtze]] and [[Huai River]]s bursting their banks, [[Ong Seok Kim]], as Chairman of the Sitiawan Fundraising and Disaster Relief Committee, raised money and materials in support of the victims.<ref name=eresources>{{cite web |url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Searchresults.aspx?q=%E7%8E%8B%E5%8F%94%E9%87%91&ct=article&ct=advertisement&ct=illustration&ct=letter&df=01%2F01%2F1923&dt=31%2F12%2F1970&t=nysp&mode=advanced&lang |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131132320/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Searchresults.aspx?q=%E7%8E%8B%E5%8F%94%E9%87%91&ct=article&ct=advertisement&ct=illustration&ct=letter&df=01%2F01%2F1923&dt=31%2F12%2F1970&t=nysp&mode=advanced&lang |archive-date=January 31, 2016 |title=420 results found for 王叔金 }}</ref><ref>''Nanyang Siang Pau''. Kuala Lumpur, 1940, p. 13</ref><ref>''Nanyang Siang Pau''. Kuala Lumpur, September 2, 1935, p. 8</ref><ref>''Nanyang Siang Pau''. Kuala Lumpur, 1938, p. 14</ref>

[[File:Zhongshan Warship 1.jpg|thumb|The gunboat ''Zhongshan'']]
During the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]] and following the [[Battle of Nanking|fall of Nanking]] in December 1937, Wuhan had become the provisional capital of China's Kuomintang government, and became another focal point of pitched air battles beginning in early 1938 between modern [[monoplane]] bomber and fighter aircraft of the Imperial Japanese forces and the [[Republic of China Air Force|Chinese Air Force]], which included support from the [[Soviet Volunteer Group]] in both planes and personnel, as U.S. support in war materials waned. As the battle raged on through 1938, Wuhan and the surrounding region had become the site of the [[Battle of Wuhan]]. After being taken by the Japanese in late 1938, Wuhan became a major Japanese logistics center for operations in southern China.
In early October 1938, Japanese troops moved east and north in the outskirts of Wuhan. As a result, numerous companies and enterprises and large numbers of people had to withdraw from Wuhan to the west of Hubei and Sichuan. The KMT navy undertook the responsibility of defending the Yangtze River on patrol and covering the withdrawal. On October 24, while overseeing the waters of the Yangtze River near the town of Jinkou (Jiangxia District in Wuhan) in Wuchang, the KMT [[gunboat]] ''[[Chinese gunboat Chung Shan|Zhongshan]]'' came up against six Japanese aircraft. Though two were eventually shot down, the ''Zhongshan'' sank with 25 casualties. Raised from the bottom of the Yangtze River in 1997, and restored at a local shipyard, the ''Zhongshan'' has been moved to a purpose-built museum in Wuhan's suburban [[Jiangxia District]], which opened on September 26, 2011.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}

As a key center on the Yangtze, Wuhan was an important base for Japanese operations in China.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chinaww2.com/2015/09/12/the-us-firebombing-of-wuhan-part-1/ |title=The US Firebombing of Wuhan, Part 1 – China in WW2 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218210230/http://www.chinaww2.com/2015/09/12/the-us-firebombing-of-wuhan-part-1/ |archive-date=February 18, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On December 18, 1944, in a planned strategic move, and as revenge for the torture and execution of three captured American pilots by Japanese soldiers in the city, Wuhan was bombed by 77 American bombers with the approval of Chiang Kai-Shek. This set off a firestorm that destroyed much of the military resources of the city.<ref name="Fenby, Jonathan page 447">Fenby, Jonathan ''Chiang Kai-Shek China's Generalissimo and the Nation He Lost'', New York: Carroll & Graf, 2004 p. 447.</ref> For the next three days, Wuhan was bombed by the Americans, destroying all of the docks and warehouses of Wuhan, as well as the Japanese air bases in the city. The air raids also killed thousands of Chinese civilians.<ref name="Fenby, Jonathan page 447"/> "According to casualty statistics compiled by Hankou city in 1946, more than 20,000 were killed or injured in the December bombings of 1944."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chinaww2.com/2015/09/16/the-us-firebombing-of-wuhan-part-2/ |title=The US Firebombing of Wuhan, Part 2 |date=September 16, 2015 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218210205/http://www.chinaww2.com/2015/09/16/the-us-firebombing-of-wuhan-part-2/ |archive-date=February 18, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Wuhan returned to Chinese control in September 1945. Administratively, Wuchang and Hanyang were initially combined into a new City of Wuchang, but in October 1946 were separated into the City of Wuchang (including Wuchang only) and the County of Hanyang. Hankou became a centrally controlled municipality in August 1947. Militarily, the Wuhan Forward Headquarters was established in Wuhan, headed by [[Bai Chongxi]].<ref>{{harvnb|皮明庥，郑自来|2011|pp=108–109 }}</ref>{{full citation needed|date=January 2025}}

[[File:PLA troops enter to Hankou.jpg|thumb|[[People's Liberation Army]] troops at Zhongshan Avenue, Hankou on May 16, 1949]]
During the later stages of the Chinese Civil War, Bai sought to broker peace, proposing that the Communist Party could rule northern China while the Nationalist government retained southern China. This was rejected, and on May 15, 1949, Bai and the Wuhan garrison retreated from the city. People's Liberation Army troops entered Wuhan on the afternoon of Monday, May 16, 1949.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lifeweek.com.cn/2009/0407/24556.shtml|script-title=zh:1949年5月的武汉_三联生活周刊|last=三联生活周刊|website=www.lifeweek.com.cn|quote={{lang|zh-Hans|在 – 片树林里找到了解放军118师的师部，然后带着部队走进了武汉，进武汉市的时候已经是18点了"。{...}16日，解放军进城，{...}5月16日17点，张林苏就进了武汉。}}|access-date=February 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218210757/http://www.lifeweek.com.cn/2009/0407/24556.shtml|archive-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |script-title=zh:武汉地下斗争回忆录 |publisher=Hubei People's Press |year=1981 |last1=Hu |first1=Puchen (胡甫臣) |page=383 |quote={{lang|zh-Hans|共军于下午二时初刻自两端入城}} |id={{ill|统 – 书号 (National Standard Book Number of China)|zh|统一书号 |vertical-align=sup}} 11106·136 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=陈芳国 |year=2009 |script-title=zh:武汉解放述略 |script-journal=zh:武汉文史资料 |issue=4 |pages=4–10 }}</ref>

===People's Republic===
[[File:Wuhan-Flood-Memorial-0220.jpg|thumb|upright|In his poem "Swimming" (1956), engraved on the [[1954 Yangtze River Floods|1954 Flood]] Memorial in Wuhan, [[Mao Zedong]] envisions "walls of stone" to be erected upstream.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/selected-works/poems/poems23.htm |title="Swimming" by Mao Zedong |publisher=Marxists.org |access-date=August 1, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912071107/http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/selected-works/poems/poems23.htm |archive-date=September 12, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>|left]]
The Communists redeveloped industry in Wuhan, which had damaged by war.<ref name=":Chatwin">{{Cite book |last=Chatwin |first=Jonathan |title=The Southern Tour: Deng Xiaoping and the Fight for China's Future |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Academic]] |year=2024 |isbn=9781350435711 }}</ref>{{Rp|page=48}} During the PRC's first decade, it became an important center of industry again.<ref name=":Chatwin" />{{Rp|page=48}} Hundreds of factories were built in the city, including most prominently [[Wuhan Iron and Steel Corporation|Wuhan Iron and Steel]], which opened in 1958.<ref name=":Chatwin" />{{Rp|page=48}}

The [[Changjiang Water Resources Commission]] was reestablished in February 1950 with its headquarters in Wuhan. From June to September 1954, the [[1954 Yangtze River floods|Yangtze River Floods]] were a series of catastrophic floodings that occurred mostly in Hubei Province. Due to an unusually high volume of precipitation as well as an extraordinarily long rainy season in the middle stretch of the Yangtze River late in the spring of 1954, the river started to rise above its usual level in around late June. In 1969, a large stone monument was erected in the riverside park in Hankou honoring the heroic deeds in fighting the 1954 Yangtze River floods.

Before construction of the [[Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge]], [[Hunslet Engine Company]] built two extra heavy [[0-8-0]] locomotives for loading the [[Train ferry|train ferries]] for crossing the Yangtze River in Wuhan.
[[File:Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge in construction.jpg|thumb|Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge during Construction]]
The project of building the [[Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge]], also known as the First Yangtze River Bridge, was regarded as one of the key projects during the first five-year plan. On October 25, 1955, construction began on the bridge proper. The same day in 1957, the whole project was completed and an opening-to-traffic ceremony was held on October 15. The First Yangtze River Bridge united the [[Beijing–Hankou railway]] with the [[Guangzhou–Hankou railway|Guangdong–Hankou railway]] into the [[Beijing–Guangzhou railway]], making Wuhan a 'thoroughfare to nine provinces' ({{lang-zh|labels=no|t={{linktext|九省通衢}}}}) in name and in fact.

After Chengdu Conference, Mao went to Chongqing and Wuhan in April to inspect the countryside and factories. In Wuhan, he called all the leaders of provinces and municipalities who had not attended Chengdu Conference to report their work. Tian Jiaying, the secretary of Mao, said that Wuhan Conference was a supplement to Chengdu Conference.<ref name=":9">{{Cite book |title=Li Rui wen ji. |author=Li, Rui |date=2007 |publisher=Xianggang she hui ke xue jiao yu chu ban you xian gong si |isbn=978-9889958114 |location=Xianggang |oclc=688480117 }}</ref>

As the [[Third Front (China)|Third Front campaign]] shifted the focus of industrial development to China's hinterlands, Wuhan's development slowed.<ref name=":Chatwin" />{{Rp|page=48}}

In July 1967, civil strife struck the city in the [[Wuhan Incident]] ("July 20th Incident"), an armed conflict between two hostile groups who were fighting for control over the city at the height of the [[Cultural Revolution]].<ref>{{Cite journal |first=Thomas W. |last=Robinson |jstor=652320 |title=The Wuhan Incident: Local Strife and Provincial Rebellion During the Cultural Revolution |journal=[[The China Quarterly]] |date=1971 |volume=47 |issue=47 |pages=413–418 |doi=10.1017/S0305741000006172 |s2cid=154453395 }}</ref> Economic development was further disrupted by the Cultural Revolution.<ref name=":Chatwin" />{{Rp|page=48}}

In 1981, the Wuhan City Government commenced reconstruction of the [[Yellow Crane Tower]] at a new location, about {{cvt|1|km}} from the original site, and it was completed in 1985. In 1957, the [[Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge]] was built with one trestle of the bridge on the site of the tower, which had been last destroyed in 1884.<ref name="Wang2016">{{cite book |first=Fang |last=Wang |title=Geo-Architecture and Landscape in China's Geographic and Historic Context: Volume 1 Geo-Architecture Wandering in the Landscape |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oFUWDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA43 |date=2016 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-981-10-0483-4 |pages=43– |access-date=March 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304052932/https://books.google.com/books?id=oFUWDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA43 |archive-date=March 4, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the [[1989 Tiananmen Square protests]], students in Wuhan blocked the [[Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge|Yangtze River Railway bridge]] and another 4,000 gathered at the railway station.<ref name="Zhang2001">{{cite book |last=Zhang |first=Liang |editor1-first=Andrew |editor1-last=Nathan |editor1-link=Andrew Nathan |editor2-first=Perry |editor2-last=Link |editor2-link=Perry Link |title=The Tiananmen Papers |publisher=Public Affairs |year=2001 |isbn=978-1-58648-122-3 |title-link=The Tiananmen Papers }}</ref>{{rp|400}} About one thousand students staged a railroad 'sit-in'. Rail traffic on the Beijing-Guangzhou and Wuhan-Dalian lines was interrupted. The students also urged employees of major state-owned enterprises to go on strike.<ref name="Zhang2001"/>{{rp|405}} The situation was so tense that residents reportedly began a [[bank run]] and resorted to panic-buying.<ref name="Zhang2001"/>{{rp|408}}

Wuhan was the first stop on [[Deng Xiaoping]]'s 1992 [[Deng Xiaoping's southern tour|southern tour]].<ref name=":Chatwin" />{{Rp|page=48}}

In the wake of the [[United States bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade]] on May 7, 1999, protests broke out throughout China, including in Wuhan.<ref name="washpost">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/balkans/stories/beijing050999.htm |date=May 9, 1999 |access-date=May 7, 2019 |quote=Xian, Wuhan and Chongqing, as well as Hong Kong, were among other cities where protests exploded. |title=Thousands Vent Anger in China's Cities |author=John Pomfret, Michael Laris |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315015246/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/balkans/stories/beijing050999.htm |archive-date=March 15, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On June 22, 2000, a [[Wuhan Airlines Flight 343|Wuhan Airlines flight]] from [[Enshi Xujiaping Airport|Enshi]] to Wuhan was forced to circle for 30 minutes due to thunderstorms. The aircraft eventually crashed on the banks of [[Han River (Hanshui)|Han River]] in [[Hanyang District]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.sina.com.cn/china/2000-06-22/100012.html |script-title=zh:祸从天降：汉江边4人被武汉坠毁飞机扫入江中 |date=June 22, 2000 |publisher=Sina |language=zh-hans |access-date=January 14, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221035549/http://news.sina.com.cn/china/2000-06-22/100012.html |archive-date=February 21, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> all on-board perished (there were varying accounts of number of crews and passengers). In addition, the crash also killed 7 people on the ground.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4493047.stm |title=How planes survive lightning |date=April 28, 2005 |last=Geoghegan |first=Tom |work=BBC News Magazine |publisher=BBC News |access-date=January 14, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220213140/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4493047.stm |archive-date=February 20, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airsafe.com/events/airlines/prc.htm |title=Fatal Events Since 1970 for Airlines of the People's Republic of China |date=December 10, 2007 |publisher=AirSafe.com |access-date=January 14, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220212824/http://www.airsafe.com/events/airlines/prc.htm |archive-date=February 20, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airdisaster.com/cgi-bin/view_details.cgi?date=06222000&reg=B-3479&airline=Wuhan+Airlines |title=Accident Report |access-date=February 20, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103012719/http://www.airdisaster.com/cgi-bin/view_details.cgi?date=06222000&reg=B-3479&airline=Wuhan+Airlines |archive-date=January 3, 2009 }}</ref>

[[China–France relations#2008 rifts|Chinese protesters organized boycotts]] of the French-owned retail chain [[Carrefour]] in major Chinese cities including [[Kunming]], [[Hefei]] and Wuhan, accusing the French nation of pro-[[secession]]ist conspiracy and [[anti-Chinese]] racism.<ref name="reuters1">{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/searchpopup?picId=3943345 |title=National flag of France with Hakenkreuz added by Chinese protesters |work=Reuters |date=April 19, 2008 |access-date=April 19, 2008 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525003022/http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/searchpopup?picId=3943345 |archive-date=May 25, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The BBC reported that hundreds of people demonstrated in Beijing, Wuhan, Hefei, Kunming and [[Qingdao]].<ref name="news1">[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7356107.stm "Anti-French rallies across China"], BBC, April 19, 2008</ref><ref name="reuters1"/> On May 19, 2011, [[Fang Binxing]], the Principal of [[Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications]] (also known as "Father of [[Great Firewall of China|China's Great Fire Wall]]"<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Yunnan Information Times |script-title=zh:"防火墙之父"北邮校长方滨兴微博遭网民"围攻" |url=http://china.nfdaily.cn/content/2010-12/23/content_18691581.htm |date=December 23, 2010 |access-date=May 20, 2011 |language=zh-hans |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721182306/http://china.nfdaily.cn/content/2010-12/23/content_18691581.htm |archive-date=July 21, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>) was hit on the chest by a shoe thrown at him by a [[Huazhong University of Science and Technology]] student who calls herself "hanjunyi" ({{lang|zh|寒君依}}, or {{lang|zh|小湖北}}) while Fang was giving a lecture at [[Wuhan University]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13455819 |title=China's Great Firewall designer 'hit by shoe |publisher=BBC |date=May 19, 2011 |access-date=May 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529220019/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13455819 |archive-date=May 29, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.chinese.rfi.fr/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD/20110519-gfw%E4%B9%8B%E7%88%B6%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E5%A4%A7%E5%AD%A6%E6%BC%94%E8%AE%B2%E9%81%AD%E9%81%87%E5%AD%A6%E7%94%9F%E6%89%94%E9%9E%8B%E6%8A%97%E8%AE%AE |script-title=zh:GFW之父武汉大学演讲遭遇学生扔鞋抗议 |publisher=RTI |language=zh-hans |date=May 19, 2011 |access-date=May 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141117044555/http://www.chinese.rfi.fr/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD/20110519-gfw%E4%B9%8B%E7%88%B6%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E5%A4%A7%E5%AD%A6%E6%BC%94%E8%AE%B2%E9%81%AD%E9%81%87%E5%AD%A6%E7%94%9F%E6%89%94%E9%9E%8B%E6%8A%97%E8%AE%AE |archive-date=November 17, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/495d344a0d10421e9baa8ee77029cfbd/Article_2011-05-19-AS-China-Great-Firewall/id-8d49097381ed4d75a49869d917315339 |title=Designer of Chinese web controls hit by shoe |date=May 19, 2011 |access-date=May 19, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524000331/http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/495d344a0d10421e9baa8ee77029cfbd/Article_2011-05-19-AS-China-Great-Firewall/id-8d49097381ed4d75a49869d917315339 |archive-date=May 24, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/20/world/asia/20china.html |title=Chinese Student Takes Aim, Literally, at Internet Regulator |date=May 19, 2011 |access-date=May 20, 2011 |newspaper=NY Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710031853/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/20/world/asia/20china.html |archive-date=July 10, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://china.nfdaily.cn/content/2011-05/20/content_24355339.htm |script-title=zh:微博热点：方滨兴武汉大学遇"扔鞋"抗议？ |work=Yunnan Information Times |date=May 19, 2011 |access-date=May 20, 2011 |language=zh-hans |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523071733/http://china.nfdaily.cn/content/2011-05/20/content_24355339.htm |archive-date=May 23, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j8tohFUmhv3P-HvuaY64AFNcz2DA?docId=CNG.d3d11f5391ecef13ea0a591708a328de.651 |title=Shoe attack on China web censor sparks online buzz(AFP) |date=May 19, 2011 |access-date=January 11, 2012 |publisher=AFP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804071905/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j8tohFUmhv3P-HvuaY64AFNcz2DA?docId=CNG.d3d11f5391ecef13ea0a591708a328de.651 |archive-date=August 4, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:China city walk, Wuhan China, A stroll through Wuhan Jiangtan pedestrian Street Along Yangzi River..webm|thumb|322x322px|Jiangtan street along [[Yangtze|Yangze river]]]]
The city has been subject to devastating floods, which are now supposed to be controlled by the ambitious [[Three Gorges Dam]], a project which was completed in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://finance.people.com.cn/GB/1039/60370/62598/63180/4385148.html |script-title=zh:三峡工程的防洪作用将提前两年实现-经济-人民网 |work=People's Daily |access-date=August 1, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719143742/http://finance.people.com.cn/GB/1039/60370/62598/63180/4385148.html |archive-date=July 19, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chn-consulate-sapporo.or.jp/chn/ztxw/t252626.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071225105726/http://www.chn-consulate-sapporo.or.jp/chn/ztxw/t252626.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 25, 2007 |script-title=zh:三峡工程防洪、通航、发电三大效益提前全面发挥 |publisher=Chn-consulate-sapporo.or.jp |date=May 16, 2006 |access-date=August 1, 2009 }}</ref> The [[2008 Chinese winter storms]] damaged water supply equipment in Wuhan: up to 100,000&nbsp;people were out of running water when several water pipes burst, cutting the supply to local households.<ref name = reuteralertnet>
{{cite news |title=CWS appeal: China winter storm response |publisher=Reuters Alertnet |url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/284081/120233093434.htm |date=February 6, 2008 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416020815/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/284081/120233093434.htm |archive-date=April 16, 2009 |url-status=live }}
</ref> The [[2010 Northern Hemisphere summer heat waves|2010 Northern Hemisphere summer heat wave]] hit Wuhan on July 3.<ref name="english.sina.com">{{cite web |url=http://english.sina.com/china/p/2010/0704/327546.html |title=Heat wave sweeps parts of China – China News |publisher=SINA English |access-date=July 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100707102157/http://english.sina.com/china/p/2010/0704/327546.html |archive-date=July 7, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In the [[2010 China floods]], the [[Han River (Hanshui)|Han River]] at Wuhan experienced its worst flooding in twenty years, as officials continued sandbagging efforts along the Han and Yangtze Rivers in the city and checked reservoirs.<ref name="guardian28">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=China's Three Gorges dam close to limit as heavy rains persist |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/28/china-dam-rain-floods |access-date=August 6, 2010 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=July 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622232710/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/28/china-dam-rain-floods |archive-date=June 22, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the [[2011 China floods]], Wuhan was flooded, with parts of the city losing power.<ref>{{cite web |title=Heavy rainfall hits Wuhan, causing waterlogging and power interruption |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/photo/2011-06/10/c_13922074.htm |publisher=Xinhua |access-date=June 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107215231/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/photo/2011-06/10/c_13922074.htm |archive-date=November 7, 2012 }}</ref> In the [[2016 China floods]], Wuhan saw {{convert|570|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rainfall during the first week of July, surpassing the record that fell on the city in 1991. A [[flood alert|red alert]] for heavy rainfall was issued on July 2, the same day that eight people died after a {{convert|15|m|ft|adj=on|sp=us}} section of a {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall wall collapsed on top of them.<ref>{{cite news |title=8 dead after rain topples wall in C. China- China.org.cn |url=http://www.china.org.cn/china/2016-07/02/content_38798450.htm |access-date=July 8, 2016 |work=China Internet Information Center |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010184416/http://www.china.org.cn/china/2016-07/02/content_38798450.htm |archive-date=October 10, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> The city's subway system, the [[Wuhan Metro]] was partially submerged as was the [[Wuhan Railway Station|main railway station]].<ref name=scmp>{{cite news |last1=Li |first1=Jing |last2=Lau |first2=Mimi |title=Super typhoon Nepartak threatens further flood misery in mainland China |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/1986124/super-typhoon-nepartak-threatens-further-flood-misery-mainland |access-date=July 8, 2016 |work=South China Morning Post |date=July 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218210152/http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/1986124/super-typhoon-nepartak-threatens-further-flood-misery-mainland |archive-date=February 18, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> At least 14 city residents were killed, one was missing, and more than 80,000 were relocated.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://qz.com/725468/chinas-devastating-floods-can-be-traced-back-to-corruption-and-overbuilding/ |title=China's devastating floods can be traced back to corruption and overbuilding |first=Zheping |last=Huang |date=July 7, 2016 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218210403/https://qz.com/725468/chinas-devastating-floods-can-be-traced-back-to-corruption-and-overbuilding/ |archive-date=February 18, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[2019 Military World Games]] were hosted in Wuhan in October.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wuhan2019mwg.cn/ |title=7th CISM Military World Games |website=en.wuhan2019mwg.cn |access-date=September 21, 2019 |archive-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126043946/http://en.wuhan2019mwg.cn/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.milsport.one/events/cism-world-summer-games/wuhan-chn-2019 |title=Wuhan (CHN) 2019 |website=www.milsport.one |language=en |access-date=September 21, 2019 |archive-date=September 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921043013/http://www.milsport.one/events/cism-world-summer-games/wuhan-chn-2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In December 2019, [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2|SARS-CoV-2]], a novel coronavirus that caused the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], was first discovered in Wuhan,<ref name="The New York Times"/><ref name="Oxford University"/> and the city was the location of [[COVID-19 lockdown in China|the first]] [[COVID-19 lockdowns|lockdown]] of the pandemic in January 2020.<ref name=":0" /> [[COVID-19 lockdown in China|Wuhan and other Hubei cities were placed under lockdown]] for nearly three months to contain the disease.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/news/china-quarantines-wuhan-to-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus/ |title=China Quarantines Wuhan to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus |author-first1=Zachary |author-last1=Evans |date=January 22, 2020 |website=National Review |language=en-US |access-date=January 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128195422/https://www.nationalreview.com/news/china-quarantines-wuhan-to-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus/ |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/27/asia/china-wuhan-coronavirus-reaction-intl-hnk/index.html |title=China's unprecedented reaction to the Wuhan virus probably couldn't be pulled off in any other country |first=James |last=Griffiths |website=CNN |access-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128015515/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/27/asia/china-wuhan-coronavirus-reaction-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 8, 2020, the Wuhan lockdown officially came to an end after no new domestic cases were reported in Hubei province.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/world/asia/wuhan-coronavirus.html |title=China Ends Wuhan Lockdown, but Normal Life Is a Distant Dream |first=Raymond |last=Zhong |website=New York Times |date=April 7, 2020 |access-date=April 7, 2020 |archive-date=September 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901071000/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/world/asia/wuhan-coronavirus.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The virus is believed to have been a mutation of a virus that existed in bats, and first spread to humans at a [[wet market]] in Wuhan.<ref name="University of Oxford 2021">{{cite web |title=The wet market sources of Covid-19: bats and pangolins have an alibi |website=University of Oxford |date=June 7, 2021 |url=https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/science-blog/wet-market-sources-covid-19-bats-and-pangolins-have-alibi |access-date=December 3, 2022 |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627014305/https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/science-blog/wet-market-sources-covid-19-bats-and-pangolins-have-alibi |url-status=live }}</ref> Although no bats were sold at the market, some 38 other species of animals were offered, one of which could have served as an intermediary species.

==Geography==
===Overview===
[[File:Txu-oclc-10552568-nh50-5.jpg|left|thumb|Map including the Wuhan area ([[Army Map Service|AMS]], 1953)]]
Wuhan is in east-central Hubei, at latitude 29° 58'–31° 22' N and longitude 113° 41'–115° 05' E. Wuhan sits at the confluence of the [[Han River (Hubei)|Han River]] flowing into the [[Yangtze River]] at the East of the Jianghan Plain along the Yangtze's middle reaches.

The metropolitan area comprises three parts—[[Wuchang, Hubei|Wuchang]], [[Hankou District|Hankou]], and [[Hanyang District|Hanyang]]—commonly called the "Three Towns of Wuhan" (hence the name "Wuhan", combining "Wu" from the first city and "Han" from the other two). The consolidation of these cities occurred in 1927 and Wuhan was thereby established. The three former cities face each other across the rivers and are linked by bridges, including one of the first modern bridges in China, known as the "First Bridge".
* Wuchang lies south east of the Yangtze River that separates it from both Hankou and Hanyang.
* Hankou sits north of the Yangtze River separating it from Wuchang. Hankou is north of the Han River separating it from Hanyang.
* Hanyang lies west of the Yangtze separating it from Wuchang. Hanyang is south of the Han river separating it from Hankou.

[[File:Mount Mo and East Lake, Wuhan.jpg|thumb|[[East Lake (Wuhan)|East Lake]]]]
It is simple in terrain—low and flat in the middle and hilly in the south, with the Yangtze and Han rivers winding through the city. The [[She River]] enters the Yangtze in Huangpi District. Wuhan occupies a land area of {{convert|8494.41|km2|sp=us}}, most of which is alluvial plain and decorated with hills and a great number of lakes and ponds. Water makes up one quarter of Wuhan's urban territory, which is the highest percentage among major cities in China.<ref name=nl/> Wuhan has nearly 200 lakes, including the [[East Lake (Wuhan)|East Lake]] of 33 km2, and [[Tangxun Lake]], which are the largest lakes entirely within a city in China.<ref name=nl/>

Other well-known lakes include [[South Lake (Wuhan)|South Lake]] and [[Sand Lake (Wuhan)|Sand Lake]]. [[Liangzi Lake]], the largest lake by surface area in Hubei province, is located in the southeast of [[Jiangxia District]].The twin peaks at the junction of Huangpi District and Xiaogan City, with an altitude of 872.5 meters, are the highest points in Wuhan. There are also several mountains within the city limits of Wuhan including [[Mount Luojia]] ({{lang|zh|珞珈山}}) in Wuchang District as well as [[Mount Hong]] ({{lang|zh|洪山}}) and [[Mount Yujia]] ({{lang|zh|喻家山/瑜珈山}}) in [[Hongshan District, Wuhan|Hongshan District]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wh.bendibao.com/tour/2013423/36646_3.shtm |title=武汉爬山好去处：华中科技大学喻家山- 武汉本地宝 |access-date=March 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108184411/http://wh.bendibao.com/tour/2013423/36646_3.shtm |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Climate===
Wuhan's climate is [[humid subtropical]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Cfa'') with abundant rainfall in summer and four distinctive seasons. Wuhan is known for its humid summers, when [[dewpoint]]s can often reach {{convert|26|°C|0|abbr=on}} or more.<ref>{{cite web |author=Wunderground Archives |title=Temperatures in Wuhan |work=Wunderground |date=January 9, 2008 |url=http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=wuhan |access-date=January 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821115334/http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=wuhan |archive-date=August 21, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> Historically, along with [[Chongqing]] and [[Nanjing]], Wuhan is referred to as one of the "[[Three Furnaces|Three Furnacelike Cities]]" along the Yangtze River for their hot summers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gzkp.org.cn/show.aspx?id=180&cid=5 |script-title=zh:为什么重庆、武汉、南京有"三大火炉"之称？ |trans-website=Guangzhou Popular Science News Net |script-website=zh:广州科普资讯网 |language=zh-cn |date=September 12, 2007 |access-date=November 12, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112042247/http://www.gzkp.org.cn/show.aspx?id=180&cid=5 |archive-date=November 12, 2014 }}</ref> However, the climate data of recent years suggests that Wuhan is no longer among the top tier of "The hottest cities in summer" list, the New Four Furnacelike Cities are [[Chongqing]], [[Fuzhou]], [[Hangzhou]], and [[Nanchang]].<ref>{{Cite news |language=zh-cn |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/local/2017-07/09/c_1121287287.htm |script-title=zh:中国夏季"火炉"城市重新洗牌 武汉南京退出前四-新华网 |work=Xinhua |access-date=May 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520192754/http://www.xinhuanet.com/local/2017-07/09/c_1121287287.htm |archive-date=May 20, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |language=zh-cn |url=http://hb.sina.com.cn/news/n/2017-07-09/detail-ifyhwehx5391826.shtml |script-title=zh:武汉退出全国三大"火炉"行列 "新四大火炉"出炉 |website=hb.sina.com.cn |access-date=May 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705180218/http://hb.sina.com.cn/news/n/2017-07-09/detail-ifyhwehx5391826.shtml |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Spring and autumn are generally mild, while winter is cool with quite low rainfall and occasional snow. The monthly 24-hour average temperature ranges from {{convert|4.1|°C|1}} in January to {{convert|29.3|°C|1}} in July.<ref name = "cma graphical"/> Annual precipitation totals just under {{convert|1320|mm|abbr=on}},<ref name = "cma graphical"/> the majority of which falls from April to July. The annual mean temperature is {{convert|17.4|°C|1}},<ref name = "cma graphical"/> while the frost-free period lasts 211 to 272 days.<ref>{{cite web |language=zh-cn |url=http://www.weather.com.cn/cityintro/101200101.shtml? |script-title=zh:武汉城市介绍以及气候背景分析 |website=Weather China |access-date=May 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116043347/http://www.weather.com.cn/cityintro/101200101.shtml |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> With monthly possible sunshine percentage ranging from 30&nbsp;percent in January to 53&nbsp;percent in August, the city proper receives 1,783 hours of bright sunshine annually.<ref name = "CMA old"/> Extreme low and high temperatures recorded are {{convert|−18.1|°C|0}} on January 31, 1977, and {{convert|39.7|°C|0}} on July 27, 2017 / on August 18, 2022 (unofficial record of {{convert|41.3|°C|0}} on August 10, 1934).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cdc.cma.gov.cn/dataSetLogger.do?changeFlag=dataLogger |title=无标题文档 |access-date=November 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710164442/http://cdc.cma.gov.cn/dataSetLogger.do?changeFlag=dataLogger |archive-date=July 10, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mherrera.org/temp.htm |website=Maximiliano Herrera Human Rights Site |title=Extreme Temperatures Around the World |access-date=May 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140804202145/http://www.mherrera.org/temp.htm |archive-date=August 4, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Weather box
| location = Wuhan, elevation {{convert|24|m|ft|abbr=on}}, (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1951–present)
| metric first = Y
| single line = Y
| collapsed = Y
| Jan high C = 8.3
| Feb high C = 11.4
| Mar high C = 16.3
| Apr high C = 22.7
| May high C = 27.3
| Jun high C = 30.4
| Jul high C = 33.2
| Aug high C = 32.8
| Sep high C = 28.9
| Oct high C = 23.3
| Nov high C = 17.1
| Dec high C = 10.8
| Jan mean C = 4.1
| Feb mean C = 7.0
| Mar mean C = 11.6
| Apr mean C = 17.8
| May mean C = 22.7
| Jun mean C = 26.3
| Jul mean C = 29.3
| Aug mean C = 28.6
| Sep mean C = 24.3
| Oct mean C = 18.3
| Nov mean C = 12.0
| Dec mean C = 6.2
| Jan low C = 1.0
| Feb low C = 3.6
| Mar low C = 7.9
| Apr low C = 13.7
| May low C = 18.8
| Jun low C = 23.0
| Jul low C = 26.2
| Aug low C = 25.4
| Sep low C = 20.8
| Oct low C = 14.8
| Nov low C = 8.4
| Dec low C = 2.8
| Jan record high C = 25.4
| Feb record high C = 29.1
| Mar record high C = 34.0
| Apr record high C = 35.1
| May record high C = 36.1
| Jun record high C = 37.8
| Jul record high C = 39.7
| Aug record high C = 39.7
| Sep record high C = 38.6
| Oct record high C = 37.9
| Nov record high C = 30.4
| Dec record high C = 24.2
| Jan record low C = −18.1
| Feb record low C = −14.8
| Mar record low C = -5.0
| Apr record low C = −0.3
| May record low C = 7.2
| Jun record low C = 13.0
| Jul record low C = 17.3
| Aug record low C = 16.4
| Sep record low C = 10.1
| Oct record low C = 1.3
| Nov record low C = −7.1
| Dec record low C = −10.1
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 52.5
| Feb precipitation mm = 66.4
| Mar precipitation mm = 91.0
| Apr precipitation mm = 137.5
| May precipitation mm = 160.6
| Jun precipitation mm = 212.9
| Jul precipitation mm = 255.5
| Aug precipitation mm = 106.3
| Sep precipitation mm = 72.2
| Oct precipitation mm = 66.4
| Nov precipitation mm = 58.2
| Dec precipitation mm = 30.7
| Jan humidity = 76
| Feb humidity = 76
| Mar humidity = 75
| Apr humidity = 74
| May humidity = 74
| Jun humidity = 78
| Jul humidity = 76
| Aug humidity = 77
| Sep humidity = 75
| Oct humidity = 76
| Nov humidity = 77
| Dec humidity = 74
| unit precipitation days = 0.1 mm
| Jan precipitation days = 9.7
| Feb precipitation days = 9.9
| Mar precipitation days = 12.6
| Apr precipitation days = 11.6
| May precipitation days = 12.5
| Jun precipitation days = 12.0
| Jul precipitation days = 11.1
| Aug precipitation days = 9.7
| Sep precipitation days = 7.7
| Oct precipitation days = 8.5
| Nov precipitation days = 9.1
| Dec precipitation days = 7.2
| Jan sun = 95.4
| Jan percentsun = 30
| Feb sun = 97.8
| Feb percentsun = 31
| Mar sun = 126.4
| Mar percentsun = 34
| Apr sun = 152.5
| Apr percentsun = 39
| May sun = 165.9
| May percentsun = 39
| Jun sun = 155.8
| Jun percentsun = 37
| Jul sun = 210.9
| Jul percentsun = 49
| Aug sun = 214.8
| Aug percentsun = 53
| Sep sun = 166.0
| Sep percentsun = 45
| Oct sun = 149.1
| Oct percentsun = 43
| Nov sun = 132.1
| Nov percentsun = 37
| Dec sun = 116.7
| Dec percentsun = 40
| Jan snow days = 4.3
| Feb snow days = 2.4
| Mar snow days = 0.9
| Apr snow days = 0
| May snow days = 0
| Jun snow days = 0
| Jul snow days = 0
| Aug snow days = 0
| Sep snow days = 0
| Oct snow days = 0
| Nov snow days = 0.4
| Dec snow days = 1.4
| year snow days = 
| source 1 = China Meteorological Administration<ref name="cma graphical">{{cite web |url=http://data.cma.cn/data/weatherBk.html |script-title=zh:中国气象数据网 – WeatherBk Data |publisher=[[China Meteorological Administration]] |language=zh-cn |access-date=April 15, 2020 |archive-date=September 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905194950/http://data.cma.cn/data/weatherBk.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://experience.arcgis.com/template/e724038fda394e9d9b7921f10fd1aa55/page/%E7%BA%AF%E8%A1%A8%E6%A0%BC%E7%BB%9F%E8%AE%A1-(%E5%AF%B9%E6%AF%948110%E5%8F%98%E5%8C%96)/?org=UQmaps |script-title=zh:CMA台站气候标准值(1991-2020) |publisher=[[China Meteorological Administration]] |language=zh |access-date=April 11, 2023 |title=Experience Template |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404092524/https://experience.arcgis.com/template/e724038fda394e9d9b7921f10fd1aa55/page/%E7%BA%AF%E8%A1%A8%E6%A0%BC%E7%BB%9F%E8%AE%A1-(%E5%AF%B9%E6%AF%948110%E5%8F%98%E5%8C%96)/?org=UQmaps |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CMA old">
{{cite web |url=http://old-cdc.cma.gov.cn/shuju/search1.jsp?dsid=SURF_CLI_CHN_MUL_MMON_19712000_CES&tpcat=SURF&type=table&pageid=3 |script-title=zh:中国地面国际交换站气候标准值月值数据集（1971–2000年） |publisher=[[China Meteorological Administration]] |access-date=May 25, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055035/http://old-cdc.cma.gov.cn/shuju/search1.jsp?dsid=SURF_CLI_CHN_MUL_MMON_19712000_CES&tpcat=SURF&type=table&pageid=3 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 }}</ref>
| source = 
}}

==Government and politics==
<!--{{Main article|Politics of Wuhan}}-->
Wuhan is a [[sub-provincial city]]. Municipal government is regulated by the local [[Chinese Communist Party]] (CCP), led by the Wuhan [[Party Secretary of Wuhan|Party Secretary]] ({{lang-zh|武汉市委书记}}), Wang Zhonglin ({{lang-zh|labels=no|s=王忠林}}). The local CCP issues administrative orders, collects taxes, manages the economy, and directs a standing committee of the Municipal People's Congress in making policy decisions and overseeing the local government.

Government officials include the Mayor of Wuhan ({{lang-zh|labels=no|s=市长}}), Cheng Yongwen ({{lang-zh|labels=no|c={{ill|程用文|zh|vertical-align=sup}}}}), and vice-mayors. Numerous bureaus focus on law, public security, and other affairs. [[Zhou Xianwang]] ({{lang-zh|labels=no|c=周先旺}}) was mayor from 2018 to 2021.

===Administrative divisions===
{{Main|List of administrative divisions of Hubei#Administrative divisions|List of township-level divisions of Hubei#Wuhan}}
The sub-provincial city of Wuhan currently comprises 13 [[district of China|districts]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stats.gov.cn/tjsj/tjbz/tjyqhdmhcxhfdm/2016/42/4201.html |script-title=zh:2016年统计用区划代码和城乡划分代码：武汉市 |language=zh-hans |publisher=[[National Bureau of Statistics of the People's Republic of China]] |quote={{lang|zh-hans|统计用区划代码 名称 420101000000 市辖区 420102000000 江岸区 420103000000 江汉区 420104000000 硚口区 420105000000 汉阳区 420106000000 武昌区 420107000000 青山区 420111000000 洪山区 420112000000 东西湖区 420113000000 汉南区 420114000000 蔡甸区 420115000000 江夏区 420116000000 黄陂区 420117000000 新洲区}} |date=2016 |access-date=March 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330212501/http://www.stats.gov.cn/tjsj/tjbz/tjyqhdmhcxhfdm/2016/42/4201.html |archive-date=March 30, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> As of the [[Sixth National Population Census of the People's Republic of China|Sixth Census of China in 2010]], the 13 districts comprised 160 [[township-level divisions]] including 156 [[Subdistrict (China)|subdistricts]], 3 [[Town (China)|towns]], 1 [[Township (China)|townships]].<ref name="history2"/><ref name="xingzhengquhua"/>

{|class="wikitable"
|-
! scope=col | Map
! scope=col | District
! scope=col | Chinese ([[Simplified Chinese character|S]])
! scope=col | Pinyin
! scope=col | Population<br />(2010 census)<ref name="census2010">{{cite web |script-title=zh:武汉市2010年第六次全国人口普查主要数据公报 |url=http://www.whtj.gov.cn/Article/ShowArticle.aspx?id=6417 |publisher=Wuhan Statistics Bureau |date=May 10, 2011 |access-date=July 31, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025103716/http://www.whtj.gov.cn/Article/ShowArticle.aspx?id=6417 |archive-date=October 25, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="history2"/><ref name="xingzhengquhua"/><!--Population figures slightly different in 武汉市历史沿 source-->
! scope=col | Area (km<sup>2</sup>)<ref name="yearbook"/>
! scope=col | Density<br />(/km<sup>2</sup>)
|-
|rowspan="18" style="text-align:center;"|
{{Image label begin|image=Administrative Division Wuhan.png|width=534}}
{{Image label|x=750|y=1060|scale=534/1780|text=[[Jiang'an District|{{small|'''Jiang'an'''}}]]}}
{{Image label|x=680|y=1120|scale=534/1780|text=[[Jianghan District|{{small|'''Jianghan'''}}]]}}
{{Image label|x=640|y=1160|scale=534/1780|text=[[Qiaokou District|{{small|'''Qiaokou'''}}]]}}
{{Image label|x=590|y=1220|scale=534/1780|text=[[Hanyang District|'''Hanyang''']]}}
{{Image label|x=775|y=1220|scale=534/1780|text=[[Wuchang District|'''Wuchang''']]}}
{{Image label|x=865|y=1090|scale=534/1780|text=[[Qingshan District, Wuhan|{{small|'''Qingshan'''}}]]}}
{{Image label|x=950|y=1180|scale=534/1780|text=[[Hongshan District, Wuhan|'''Hongshan''']]}}
{{Image label|x=430|y=1010|scale=534/1780|text=[[Dongxihu District|'''Dongxihu''']]}}
{{Image label|x=340|y=1550|scale=534/1780|text=[[Hannan District|'''Hannan''']]}}
{{Image label|x=330|y=1350|scale=534/1780|text=[[Caidian District|'''Caidian''']]}}
{{Image label|x=820|y=1630|scale=534/1780|text=[[Jiangxia District|'''Jiangxia''']]}}
{{Image label|x=810|y=610|scale=534/1780|text=[[Huangpi District|'''Huangpi''']]}}
{{Image label|x=1320|y=800|scale=534/1780|text=[[Xinzhou District, Wuhan|'''Xinzhou''']]}}
{{Image label end}}
|- style="background:#d3d3d3;"
|colspan=3 style="text-align:center;"|'''Central Districts'''
||6,434,373
||888.42
||7,242
|-
|[[Jiang'an District|Jiang'an]]
|{{lang|zh-hans|{{linktext|江岸|区}}}}
|{{transliteration|zh|Jiāng'àn Qū}}
|895,635
|64.24
|13,942
|-
|[[Jianghan District|Jianghan]]
|{{lang|zh-hans|{{linktext|江汉|区}}}}
|{{transliteration|zh|Jiānghàn Qū}}
|683,492
|33.43
|20,445
|-
|[[Qiaokou District|Qiaokou]]
|{{lang|zh-hans|{{linktext|硚口|区}}}}
|{{transliteration|zh|Qiáokǒu Qū}}
|828,644
|46.39
|17,863
|-
|[[Hanyang District|Hanyang]]
|{{lang|zh-hans|{{linktext|汉阳|区}}}}
|{{transliteration|zh|Hànyáng Qū}}
|792,183<ref>includes 208,106 in Wuhan Economic Development Zone ({{lang|zh-hans|武汉经济技术开发区}})</ref>
|108.34
|7,312
|-
|[[Wuchang District|Wuchang]]
|{{lang|zh-hans|{{linktext|武昌|区}}}}
|{{transliteration|zh|Wǔchāng Qū}}
|1,199,127
|87.42
|13,717
|-
|[[Qingshan District, Wuhan|Qingshan]]
|{{lang|zh-hans|{{linktext|青山|区}}}}
|{{transliteration|zh|Qīngshān Qū}}
|485,375
|68.40
|7,096
|-
|[[Hongshan District, Wuhan|Hongshan]]
|{{lang|zh-hans|{{linktext|洪山|区}}}}
|{{transliteration|zh|Hóngshān Qū}}
|1,549,917<ref>includes 396,597 in [[Donghu New Technology Development Zone]] ({{lang|zh-hans|东湖新技术开发区}}), 67,641 in Donghu Scenic Travel Zone ({{lang|zh-hans|东湖生态旅游风景区}}), and 36,245 in Wuhan Chemical Industry Zone ({{lang|zh-hans|武汉化学工业区}})</ref>
|480.20
|3,228
|- style="background:#d3d3d3;"
|colspan=3 style="text-align:center; "|'''Suburban and Rural Districts'''
||3,346,271
||7,605.99
||440
|-
|[[Dongxihu District|Dongxihu]]
|{{lang|zh-hans|{{linktext|东西湖|区}}}}
|{{transliteration|zh|Dōngxīhú Qū}}
|451,880
|439.19
|1,029
|-
|[[Hannan District|Hannan]]
|{{lang|zh-hans|{{linktext|汉南|区}}}}
|{{transliteration|zh|Hànnán Qū}}
|114,970
|287.70
|400
|-
|[[Caidian District|Caidian]]
|{{lang|zh-hans|{{linktext|蔡甸|区}}}}
|{{transliteration|zh|Càidiàn Qū}}
|410,888
|1,108.10
|371
|-
|[[Jiangxia District|Jiangxia]]
|{{lang|zh-hans|{{linktext|江夏|区}}}}
|{{transliteration|zh|Jiāngxià Qū}}
|644,835
|2,010.00
|321
|-
|[[Huangpi District|Huangpi]]
|{{lang|zh-hans|{{linktext|黄陂|区}}}}
|{{transliteration|zh|Huángpí Qū}}
|874,938
|2,261.00
|387
|-
|[[Xinzhou District, Wuhan|Xinzhou]]
|{{lang|zh-hans|{{linktext|新洲|区}}}}
|{{transliteration|zh|Xīnzhōu Qū}}
|848,760
|1,500.00
|566
|- style="background:#d3d3d3;"
|colspan=3 style="text-align:center; "|'''Water Region''' ({{lang|zh-hans|水域}})
||4,748
||-
||-
|- style="background:#d3d3d3;"
|colspan=3 style="text-align:center; "|'''Total'''
||'''9,785,392'''
||'''8,494.41'''
||'''1,152'''
|}

<!--===Judiciary and procuracy===-->

===Diplomatic missions===
{{Main|List of diplomatic missions in China#Wuhan}}
There are four countries that have consulates in Wuhan:
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;"
! style="width:350px;"|Consulate
! style="width:150px;"|Year
! style="width:175px;"|Consular District
|-
| {{flagdeco|FRA}} [[List of diplomatic missions of France#Asia|France Consulate General Wuhan]]<ref>{{cite web |author=French Foreign Ministry |title=Consulat General de France a Wuhan |date=August 2, 2012 |url=http://www.consulfrance-wuhan.org/accueil.html?lang=fr |access-date=August 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510071008/http://www.consulfrance-wuhan.org/accueil.html?lang=fr |archive-date=May 10, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| October 10, 1998
| Hubei/[[Hunan]]/[[Jiangxi]]
|-
| {{flagdeco|US}} [[Consulate General of the United States, Wuhan|United States Consulate General Wuhan]]<ref>{{cite web |author=US Department of State |title=Consulate General of the United States Wuhan, China |date=November 23, 2008 |url=http://wuhan.usembassy-china.org.cn/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629102818/http://wuhan.usembassy-china.org.cn/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 29, 2009 }}</ref>
| November 20, 2008
| Hubei/[[Hunan]]/[[Henan]]/[[Jiangxi]]
|-
| {{flagdeco|ROK}} [[List of diplomatic missions of South Korea#Asia|Republic of Korea Consulate General Wuhan]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Embassy of the Republic of Korea in China |title=Welcome to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in China |date=December 23, 2010 |url=http://china.koreanembassy.cn/consular/consular_02.aspx?bm=4&sm=2 |access-date=December 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113044337/http://china.koreanembassy.cn/consular/consular_02.aspx?bm=4&sm=2 |archive-date=November 13, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| October 25, 2010
| Hubei/[[Hunan]]/[[Henan]]/[[Jiangxi]]
|-
| {{flagdeco|UK}} [[List of diplomatic missions of the United Kingdom#Asia|United Kingdom Consulate General Wuhan]]<ref>{{cite web |author=UK Government |title=Consulate General of the United Kingdom Wuhan, China |date=January 6, 2015 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-minister-launches-new-consulate-in-wuhan |access-date=February 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216040859/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-minister-launches-new-consulate-in-wuhan |archive-date=February 16, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| January 8, 2015
| Hubei/Henan
|}
The current U.S. Consul General, Jamie Fouss, was posted to Wuhan in August 2017. The office of the [[U.S. Consulate General, Wuhan|U.S. Consulate General]], Central China (located in Wuhan) celebrated its official opening on November 20, 2008, and is the first new American consulate in China in over 20 years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Consulate General Wuhan - About Consulate |date=November 20, 2008 |url=https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/embassy-consulates/wuhan/ }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=US Department of State |title=The United States Consulate General in Wuhan, China Opens on November 20, 2008 |date=November 20, 2008 |url=http://wuhan.usembassy-china.org.cn/112008p_wuhan.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419132218/http://wuhan.usembassy-china.org.cn/112008p_wuhan.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 19, 2009 }}</ref>

In 2015, Japan<ref name="日本计划在汉设领事办事处">{{cite web |url=http://news.cjn.cn/sywh/201305/t2274006.htm |script-title=zh:日本计划在汉设领事办事处 |access-date=February 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223045701/http://news.cjn.cn/sywh/201305/t2274006.htm |archive-date=February 23, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
and Russia<ref name="Putin assures that Russia and China are getting closer">{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/putin-assures-that-russia-and-china-are-getting-closer-2015-9 |title=Putin assures that Russia and China are getting closer |website=[[Business Insider]] |access-date=September 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905160624/http://www.businessinsider.com/putin-assures-that-russia-and-china-are-getting-closer-2015-9 |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> announced their intentions to establish consular offices in Wuhan.

==Economy==
Up until the 21st century, Wuhan was largely an agricultural region. Since 2004 it has been a focal point of the [[Rise of Central China Plan]], which aims to build less-developed inland economies into hubs of advanced manufacturing.

Since 1890,<ref name=nl>{{cite web |url=https://www.rvo.nl/sites/default/files/2016/08/Economic-overview-Hubei-province-China.pdf |title=ECONOMIC OVERVIEW OF HUBEI PROVINCE |date=August 2016 |website=NETHERLANDS BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICE WUHAN |access-date=February 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201203547/https://www.rvo.nl/sites/default/files/2016/08/Economic-overview-Hubei-province-China.pdf |archive-date=February 1, 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref> the steel industry has been the backbone of Wuhan's industry.<ref name="hubeigov">{{cite web |url=http://en.hubei.gov.cn/news/newslist/201608/t20160802_874803.shtml |title=New drives of Wuhan's economy |date=August 2, 2016 |website=en.hubei.gov.cn |access-date=February 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531213531/http://en.hubei.gov.cn/news/newslist/201608/t20160802_874803.shtml |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2010, automobile industry exceeded GDP for Wuhan Iron and Steel Corporation (WISCO) steel for the first time. There are 5 car manufacturers, including [[Dongfeng Honda]], [[Citroën]], [[SAIC-GM]], DFM Passenger Vehicle and [[Dongfeng Renault]]. [[Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën|Dongfeng-Citroen Automobile Co., Ltd]] is headquartered in the city.<ref name="hubeigov"/>

As of 2016, Wuhan has attracted foreign investment from over 80 countries, with 5,973 foreign-invested enterprises established in the city with a total capital injection of $22.45 billion [[USD]].<ref name="china-briefing.com">[http://www.china-briefing.com/news/2013/08/27/china-regional-spotlight-wuhan-hubei-province.html "China Regional Spotlight: Wuhan, Hubei Province"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508182523/http://www.china-briefing.com/news/2013/08/27/china-regional-spotlight-wuhan-hubei-province.html |date=May 8, 2014 }}, ''China Briefing'', Shanghai, August 27, 2013.</ref> Among these, about 50 French companies including [[Renault]] and [[PSA Group]] have operations in the city, representing over one third of French investment in China, and the highest level of French investment in any Chinese city.<ref>{{cite web |author=People's Daily Online |title=Wuhan absorbs most French investment in China |work=People's Daily |date=October 25, 2005 |url=http://english.people.com.cn/200510/25/eng20051025_216752.html |access-date=October 23, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417005134/http://english.people.com.cn/200510/25/eng20051025_216752.html |archive-date=April 17, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Wuhan is an important center for economy, trade, finance, transportation, information technology, and education in China. Its major industries include optic-electronic, automobile manufacturing, iron and steel manufacturing, new pharmaceutical sector, biology engineering, new materials industry and environmental protection. Environmental sustainability is highlighted in Wuhan's list of emerging industries, which include energy efficiency technology and renewable energy.<ref name="china-briefing.com"/>

As of 2021, Wuhan is ranked among the world's top 100 financial centers, according to the [[Global Financial Centres Index]].<ref name="GFCI" />
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| direction         = vertical
| width             = 220
| header            = 
| image1            = Wuhan CBD Buildings.jpg
| caption1          = Wuhan CBD
| image2            = 三阳路&武汉长江公铁隧道（4）.jpg
| caption2          = Wuhan Yangtze River Tunnel of Road and Rail
}}

===Industrial zones===
Major industrial zones in Wuhan include in chronological order:

* Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone
Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone is a national level industrial zone incorporated in 1993.<ref name="rightsite1">{{cite web |url=http://rightsite.asia/en/industrial-zone/wuhan-economic-technological-development-zone/ |title=Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone |access-date=May 25, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526031505/http://rightsite.asia/en/industrial-zone/wuhan-economic-technological-development-zone |archive-date=May 26, 2015 }}</ref> Its current zone size is about 10–25&nbsp;square km and it plans to expand to 25–50&nbsp;square km. Industries encouraged in Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone include Auto-mobile Production/Assembly, Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals Production and Processing, Food/Beverage Processing, Heavy Industry, and Telecommunications Equipment.
* Wuhan Export Processing Zone
Wuhan Export Processing Zone was established in 2000. It is located in Wuhan Economic and Technology Development Zone, planned to cover {{convert|2.7|km2|1|abbr=off|sp=us}} of land. The first {{convert|0.7|km2|1|adj=on|abbr=off|sp=us}} area has already been created.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rightsite.asia/en/industrial-zone/wuhan-export-processing-zone/ |title=Wuhan Export Processing Zone |access-date=May 25, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526024518/http://rightsite.asia/en/industrial-zone/wuhan-export-processing-zone |archive-date=May 26, 2015 }}</ref>
* Wuhan [[Donghu New Technology Development Zone]]
Wuhan Donghu New Technology Development Zone is a national level high-tech development zone. Optical-electronics, telecommunications, and equipment manufacturing are the core industries of Wuhan East Lake High-Tech Development Zone (ELHTZ) while software outsourcing and electronics are also encouraged. ELHTZ is China's largest production center for optoelectronic products with key players like Yangtze Optical Fiber and Cable,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yofc.com.cn/Default.aspx |title=YANGTZE OPTICAL FIBRE AND CABLE JOINT STOCK LIMITED COMPANY |first=YANGTZE OPTICAL FIBRE AND |last=CABLE |access-date=March 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628074156/http://www.yofc.com.cn/Default.aspx |archive-date=June 28, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> (the largest fiber-optical cable maker in China), and Fiberhome Telecommunications.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fiberhome.com |script-title=zh:烽火通信科技股份有限公司 |access-date=April 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122061104/http://www.fiberhome.com/ |archive-date=November 22, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Wuhan Donghu New Technology Development Zone also represents the development center for China's laser industry with key players such as [[HGTECH]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hgtech.com |script-title=zh:网站正在建设中 |access-date=January 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502060705/http://hgtech.com/ |archive-date=May 2, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Chutian Laser being based in the zone.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rightsite.asia/en/industrial-zone/wuhan-donghu-hi-tech-industrial-development-zone/ |title=Invest in Wuhan-Wuhan East Lake Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone – China Industrial Space |access-date=May 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526030744/http://rightsite.asia/en/industrial-zone/wuhan-donghu-hi-tech-industrial-development-zone |archive-date=May 26, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Wuhan Optical Valley (Guanggu) Software Park
Wuhan Optical Valley (Guanggu) Software Park is located in Wuhan [[Donghu New Technology Development Zone]]. Wuhan Optics Valley Software Park is jointly developed by East Lake High-Tech Development Zone and Dalian Software Park Co., Ltd.<ref name="RightSite.asia">{{cite web |url=http://rightsite.asia/en/industrial-zone/wuhan-optical-valley-software-park/ |title=Wuhan Optical Valley Software Park |access-date=May 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111083111/http://rightsite.asia/en/industrial-zone/wuhan-optical-valley-software-park |archive-date=January 11, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The planned area is {{convert|0.67|km2|2|abbr=off|sp=us}} with total floor area of {{convert|6000,000|m2|abbr=off|sp=us}}. The zone is {{convert|8.5|km|2|abbr=on}} away from the 316 National Highway and is {{convert|46.7|km|2|abbr=on}} away from the Wuhan Tianhe Airport.
* Wuhan [[Biolake]]
Biolake is an industrial base established in 2008 in the [[Optics Valley of China]]. Located in [[Donghu New Technology Development Zone|East Lake New Technology Development Zone]] of Wuhan, Biolake covers {{convert|15|km2|abbr=on}}, and has six parks including Bio-innovation Park, Bio-pharma Park, Bio-agriculture Park, Bio-manufacturing Park, Medical Device Park and Medical Health Park, to accommodate both research activities and living.<ref name="Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development signed an MOU with the Wuhan (China) National Bio-industry Base (Biolake)">{{cite web |url=http://www.partnershipgwinnett.com/gwinnett-economic-development-signs-agreement-with-global-biotech-organization/ |title=Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development signed an MOU with the Wuhan (China) National Bio-industry Base (Biolake) |access-date=May 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105140413/http://www.partnershipgwinnett.com/gwinnett-economic-development-signs-agreement-with-global-biotech-organization/ |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Profile of Biolake">{{cite web |url=http://en.biolake.org/about/342.jhtml |title=Profile of Biolake |access-date=May 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426235313/http://en.biolake.org/about/342.jhtml |archive-date=April 26, 2014 |url-status=usurped }}</ref><ref name="Medicilon and Wuhan Biolake successfully organized a bio-pharmaceutical salon">{{cite web |url=http://www.medicilon.com/medicilon-and-wuhan-biolake-successfully-organized-a-bio-pharmaceutical-salon/ |title=Medicilon and Wuhan Biolake successfully organized a bio-pharmaceutical salon |access-date=May 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410162800/http://www.medicilon.com/news/news/medicilon-and-wuhan-biolake-successfully-organized-bio-pharmaceutical-salon |archive-date=April 10, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="CLSC Partners with Wuhan Biolake for China Office">{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagolsc.org/2012/11/03/clsc-partners-with-wuhan-biolake-for-china-office/ |title=CLSC Partners with Wuhan Biolake for China Office |access-date=May 23, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105231704/http://www.chicagolsc.org/2012/11/03/clsc-partners-with-wuhan-biolake-for-china-office/ |archive-date=November 5, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Biolake and the Booming Bio-industry in Central China">{{cite web |url=http://www.cabaweb.org/modules/AMS/article.php?storyid=101 |title=Biolake and the Booming Bio-industry in Central China |access-date=May 23, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130703210732/http://www.cabaweb.org/modules/AMS/article.php?storyid=101 |archive-date=July 3, 2013 }}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{Historical populations
|type=China
|percentages = pags
|1953|1427300
|1982|4101000
|1990|6901911
|2000|8312700
|2010|9785388
|2020|12326500
|2022|13648900
|footnote = Population size may be affected by changes on administrative divisions.  2022 yearend est.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.douyin.com/video/7081936772921347331 |access-date=September 15, 2023 |title=1364.89万，2022年武汉市发布最新人口数据，根据数据显示中心城区人口首次突破千万大关，达1032.43万，随着社会经济形势进一步向好！长江新区成立已然势在必行。超大城市的基本面已经形成#复兴#湖北 #武汉 #发布 - 抖音 |language=zh |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303055859/https://www.douyin.com/video/7081936772921347331 |url-status=live }}</ref>  1953,<ref name="Shabad">Shiger, A.G. ''The Administrative-Territorial Divisions of Foreign Countries'', 2d ed, pp. 142–144. (Moscow), 1957 (Using 1953 census). Op cit. in Shabad, Theodore. "{{cite journal |title=The Population of China's Cities |journal=Geographical Review |volume=49 |issue=1 |pages=32–42 |jstor=211567 |last1=Shabad |first1=Theodore |year=1959 |doi=10.2307/211567 |bibcode=1959GeoRv..49...32S}}". ''Geographical Review'', Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 32–42. American Geographical Society, Jan. 1959. Accessed October 8, 2011.</ref><ref name="GreatSovy">''Great Soviet Encyclopedia'', 2d ed. (Moscow), 1958. Op cit. in Shabad, supra.</ref> 1982,<ref>{{lang|zh-Hans|中国人口统计年鉴1982}}. p. 43. (3rd Census)</ref> 1990,<ref>{{lang|zh-Hans|中国人口统计年鉴1990}}. p. 164. (4th Census)</ref> 2000 <ref name="census2010"/> 2007<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Wuhan |title=Wuhan (China) – Britannica Online Encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Britannica.com |access-date=January 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310072538/https://www.britannica.com/place/Wuhan |archive-date=March 10, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> 2015<ref name="cnhub16">{{cite web |url=http://news.cnhubei.com/xw/wuhan/201602/t3552237.shtml |script-title=zh:武汉市去年净流入人口突破230万人_荆楚网 |last1=Ding |first1=Yanfei (丁燕飞) |website=news.cnhubei.com |access-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227114558/http://news.cnhubei.com/xw/wuhan/201602/t3552237.shtml |archive-date=February 27, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
||undocumented parameter=}}

Wuhan is the most populous city in Central China and [[List of cities in China by population and built-up area|among the most populous in China]]. In the [[2020 Chinese census|Seventh Census of China in 2020]], Wuhan was home to 12,326,500 inhabitants, a 25.97% increase by 2.5411 million compared to the last census in 2010. 2010-2020 is the fastest growing 10 years in history since the census was established, averaging 2.34% annually, and it was the first time that Wuhan's population reached 10 million.<ref>{{Cite web |title=武汉市统计局 |url=http://tjj.wuhan.gov.cn/tjfw/tjgb/202105/t20210528_1707420.shtml |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=tjj.wuhan.gov.cn }}</ref>

The encompassing [[metropolitan area]] was estimated by the [[OECD]] (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) to have, {{As of|2010|lc=y}}, a population of 19 million.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Justina |last1=Crabtree |title=A tale of megacities: China's largest metropolises |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/20/biggest-megacities-in-china.html |work=CNBC |date=September 20, 2016 |at=slide 6 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209044105/https://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/20/biggest-megacities-in-china.html |archive-date=December 9, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="oecd2015">{{cite book |url=http://www.keepeek.com/Digital-Asset-Management/oecd/urban-rural-and-regional-development/oecd-urban-policy-reviews-china-2015_9789264230040-en#page39 |title=OECD Urban Policy Reviews: China 2015 |edition=OECD READ |date=April 18, 2015 |via=OECD iLibrary |publisher=[[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]] |isbn=9789264230033 |page=37 |language=en |doi=10.1787/9789264230040-en |issn=2306-9341 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327210032/http://www.keepeek.com/Digital-Asset-Management/oecd/urban-rural-and-regional-development/oecd-urban-policy-reviews-china-2015_9789264230040-en#page39 |archive-date=March 27, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
As of November 2019, urban development status considering both spatial and socioeconomic processes has been examined using Night Time Lighting data and land cover data as proxies; it showed Wuhan's high concentration
of socioeconomic activities compared to its urban spatial development.<ref name="sensing">{{Cite journal |last1=Yang |first1=Chengshu |last2=Yu |first2=Bailang |last3=Chen |first3=Zuoqi |last4=Song |first4=Wei |last5=Zhou |first5=Yuyu |last6=Li |first6=Xia |last7=Wu |first7=Jianping |date=October 16, 2019 |title=A Spatial-Socioeconomic Urban Development Status Curve from NPP-VIIRS Nighttime Light Data |journal=Remote Sensing |language=en |volume=11 |issue=20 |page=2398 |doi=10.3390/rs11202398 |bibcode=2019RemS...11.2398Y |issn=2072-4292 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

===Religion===
{{Pie chart
|thumb = left
|caption = Religion in Wuhan (2017)<ref name=Han2017>{{cite journal |last1=Han |first1=Junqiang |last2=Meng |first2=Yingying |last3=Xu |first3=Chengcheng |last4=Qin |first4=Siqi |title=Urban Residents' Religious Beliefs and Influencing Factors on Christianity in Wuhan, China |journal=Religions |volume=8 |page=244 |number=244 |year=2017 |doi=10.3390/rel8110244 |doi-access=free}} p. 4.</ref>
|label1 = [[Chinese folk religion|Chinese religion]] or [[irreligion|not religious]] (including [[Taoists]] (0.9%))
|value1 = 79.2
|color1 = #C00000
|label2 = [[Buddhism]]
|value2 = 14.7
|color2 = Yellow
|label3 = [[Protestantism]]
|value3 = 2.9
|color3 = DodgerBlue
|label4 = [[Islam]]
|value4 = 1.6
|color4 = Green
|label5 = [[Catholic Church|Catholicism]]
|value5 = 0.3
|color5 = DarkOrchid
|label6 = Other
|value6 = 1.6
|color6 = Chartreuse
}}
According to a survey published in 2017, 79.2% of the population of Wuhan are either irreligious or practice [[Chinese folk religion|worship of gods and ancestors]]; among these 0.9% are [[Taoists]]. Among other religious doctrines, 14.7% of the population adheres to [[Buddhism]], 2.9% to [[Protestantism]], 0.3% to [[Catholic Church|Catholicism]] and 1.6% to [[Islam]], and 1.6% of the population adheres to unspecified other religions.<ref name=Han2017/>

<gallery mode="packed" caption="Religious sites in Wuhan">
File:Wuhan Baotong Si 2012.11.21 11-44-23.jpg|Baotong Buddhist Temple
File:Gude Temple, Wuhan, Hubei, China3.jpg|Gude Buddhist Temple
File:汉口东正教堂.jpg|St. Alexander Nevsky Church
File:花园山圣家堂.jpg|Holy Family Catholic Church
</gallery>
{{clear}}

== Transportation ==
=== Railways ===
[[China Railway Wuhan Group]] manages the [[Wuhan Railway Hub]]. Wuhan Railway Hub is considered one of the four key [[railway hub]]s of China.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2005-03-18/07485392256s.shtml |script-title=zh:铁道部规划建设北京上海广州武汉四大铁路枢纽 |website=[[Sina Corp|Sina]] News |date=March 18, 2005 |access-date=February 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116182904/http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2005-03-18/07485392256s.shtml |archive-date=November 16, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> The city of Wuhan is served by three major railway stations: the [[Hankou railway station]] in [[Hankou District|Hankou]], the [[Wuchang railway station]] in [[Wuchang, Hubei|Wuchang]], and the [[Wuhan railway station]], located in a newly developed area east of the [[East Lake (Wuhan)|East Lake]] ([[Hongshan District, Wuhan|Hongshan District]]). As the stations are many miles apart, it is important for passengers to be aware of the particular station(s) used by a particular train.

The (original) Hankou Station was the terminus for the [[Jinghan railway]] from Beijing, while the Wuchang Station was the terminus for the [[Yuehan railway]] to Guangzhou. Since the construction of the First Yangtze Bridge and the linking of the two lines into the [[Jingguang railway]], both Hankou and Wuchang stations have been served by trains going to all directions, which contrasts with the situation in such cities as New York or Moscow, where different stations serve different directions.

With the opening of the [[Hewu passenger railway|Hefei-Wuhan high-speed railway]] on April 1, 2009,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-03/24/content_7610613.htm |title=Two high-speed rail links start April 1 |website=www2.chinadaily.com.cn |access-date=March 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327141648/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-03/24/content_7610613.htm |archive-date=March 27, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> Wuhan became served by high-speed trains with Hefei, Nanjing, and Shanghai; several trains a day now connect the city with Shanghai, getting there in under six hours. As of early 2010, most of these express trains leave from the [[Hankou railway station]].

In 2006, construction began on the new [[Wuhan railway station]] with 11 platforms, located on the northeastern outskirts of the city. In December 2009, the station was opened, as China unveiled its [[Wuhan–Guangzhou High-Speed Railway|second high-speed train]] with scheduled runs from Guangzhou to Wuhan. Billed as the fastest train in the world, it can reach a speed of {{convert|394|km/h|2|abbr=on}}. The travel time between the two cities has been reduced from ten and a half hours to just three. The rail service has been extended north to Beijing.<ref>[Source: Beijing (AFP), Sat December 26, 7:54 am ET]</ref>

{{As of|2011}}, the new [[Wuhan railway station]] is primarily used by the Wuhan-Guangzhou high-speed trains, while most regular trains to other destinations continue to use the Hankou and Wuchang stations.

Construction work is carried out on several lines of the new [[Wuhan Metropolitan Area intercity railway]], which will eventually connect Wuhan's three main rail terminals with several stations throughout the city's outer areas and farther suburbs, as well as with the nearby cities of [[Xianning]], [[Huangshi]], [[Huanggang]], and [[Xiaogan]]. The first line of the system, [[Wuhan–Xianning Intercity Railway|the one to Xianning]], opened for passenger operations at the end of 2013. The line to [[Wuhan–Xiaogan intercity railway|Xiaogen]] opened on December 1, 2016, and it was extended with the opening of the [[Wuhan–Shiyan high-speed railway]] to Shiyan on November 29, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hb.chinanews.com/news/2016/1201/266267.html |script-title=zh:武孝城际铁路正式开通 市民可以坐城铁赶飞机 |trans-title=Wuhan–Xiaogan intercity railway officially opens; city residents can take the line to catch flights |language=zh |website=chinanews.com Hubei |date=December 1, 2016 |access-date=December 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109191244/http://www.hb.chinanews.com/news/2016/1201/266267.html |archive-date=November 9, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Wuhan – Shiyan high speed line opens |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/high-speed/wuhan-shiyan-high-speed-line-opens/55242.article |website=Railway Gazette International |access-date=December 1, 2019 |date=November 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219204110/https://www.railwaygazette.com/high-speed/wuhan-shiyan-high-speed-line-opens/55242.article |archive-date=December 19, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The main freight railway station and [[classification yard]] of the Wuhan metropolitan area is the extensive [[Wuhan North railway station]], with 112 tracks and over 650 switches. It is located in {{ill|Hengdian Subdistrict|zh|横店街道}} of [[Huangpi District]], located {{convert|20|km|0|abbr=on}} north of the Wuhan Station and {{convert|23|km|0|abbr=on}} from Hankou Station.
{{Gallery
|title=
|footer=
|width=160
|height=120
|align=center
|File:A Postcard of Hankow Station from 1927.jpg|[[Dazhimen railway station]], out of use currently
|File:Wuchang Railway Station.jpg|[[Wuchang railway station]]
|File:Hankou Railway Station 2016.jpg|[[Hankou railway station]]
|File:Wuhan Railway Station 230527.jpg|[[Wuhan railway station]]
|File:Platform of Wuhan Station 8.jpg|Platform view of Wuhan railway station
|File:Wuhan Metropolitan Area Intercity Railways.svg|Map of Wuhan Metropolitan Area intercity railways
}}

===Metro===
{{main|Wuhan Metro}}
[[Wuhan Metro]] is a [[rapid transit]] system serving the city of Wuhan. Owned and operated by Wuhan Metro Group Co., Ltd., the network now includes 11 lines, 282 stations, and {{convert|435|km|mi||abbr=on}} of route length. Line 1, the first line in the system, opened on July 28, 2004, making Wuhan the seventh city in [[mainland China]] with a [[rapid transit]] system, after [[Beijing Subway|Beijing]], [[Tianjin Metro|Tianjin]], [[Shanghai Metro|Shanghai]], [[Guangzhou Metro|Guangzhou]], [[Changchun Rail Transit|Changchun]], and [[Dalian Metro|Dalian]].<ref name="urbanrail1">{{cite web |url=http://urbanrail.net/as/wuha/wuhan.htm |title=> Asia > China > Wuhan Metro |publisher=UrbanRail.Net |access-date=April 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100409135157/http://www.urbanrail.net/as/wuha/wuhan.htm |archive-date=April 9, 2010 }}</ref> Line 2 opened on December 28, 2012, and is the first underground metro line crossing the [[Yangtze River]]. Commuting across the Yangtze River and Han River has been the bottleneck of Wuhan traffic. However, the appearance of Wuhan Metro greatly relieved this problem. With 1.22 billion annual passengers in 2019, Wuhan Metro is the sixth-busiest rapid transit system in [[mainland China]].<ref name="全来了！2019年中国城市地铁客运量总结">{{cite web |url=https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/7aCHDocl1-JvLA9QEJPQsw |script-title=zh:全来了！2019年中国城市地铁客运量总结 |author=[[WeChat]]@地铁客流及运输研究阿牛 |date=February 15, 2020 |publisher=中国城市轨道交通协会 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-date=February 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218073257/https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/7aCHDocl1-JvLA9QEJPQsw |url-status=live }}</ref> Wuhan Metro is a rapidly developing metro system. There are a number of lines or sections under construction. The government of Wuhan City promised the citizens that at least two lines or sections open every year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sohu.com/a/50849861_160929 |script-title=zh:今后五年 每年开通两条地铁线 |date=December 28, 2015 |script-work=zh:武汉晨报 |via=[[Sohu]] |access-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-date=October 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019224358/https://www.sohu.com/a/50849861_160929 |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the entire network was out of service from January 23 to March 27, 2020.
{{Gallery
|title=
|footer=
|width=160
|height=120
|align=center
|File:Wuhan Metro System Map.svg|Wuhan Metro Map
|File:NO. D51 train of Wuhan Metro Line 4.jpg|[[Line 4 (Wuhan Metro)|Wuhan Metro Line 4]]
|File:Rolling stock of Wuhan Metro Line 19 (1).jpg|Train interior of [[Line 19 (Wuhan Metro)|Wuhan Metro Line 19]]
|File:Taipingyang Station, Wuhan Metro Line 1.jpg|[[Taipingyang Station]]
|File:Huangpu Road Station in 2017 (6).jpg|[[Huangpu Road Station]]
|File:新月溪公园站站台（2）.jpg|Xinyuexi Park station}}

===Trams===
[[File:Wuhan - Guanngu Streetcar - Wudayuan - P1520430.JPG|thumb|A tram in University Science Park Station]]
[[File:Optics Valley Suspended Monorail (2).jpg|thumb|Optics Valley Sky Rail]]
{{main|Trams in Wuhan}}
Trams were brought to the streets of Wuhan on July 28, 2017, with the first line (Auto-city T1 Line) opened that day.<ref name="xinhuanet-T1">{{cite web |url=http://www.hb.xinhuanet.com/2017-07/24/c_1121369289.htm |website=hb.xinhuanet.com |script-title=zh:华中首条有轨电车武汉车都T1线本周五试运营_新华网 |access-date=September 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905002811/http://www.hb.xinhuanet.com/2017-07/24/c_1121369289.htm |archive-date=September 5, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The trams under construction or planning in Wuhan are:
* Auto-city trams, with Lines T1, T2, T6, and T8 in the Wuhan Economic Development Area, in the far western reaches on Hanyang. T1 Line is operational as of 2017.
* Optics Valley trams, two lines (T1 and T2) south and east of Guanggu Circle (''Guanggu Guangchang'') in southeastern Wuchang. The system opened on January 18, 2018.<ref>[http://www.metro-report.com/news/single-view/view/wuhan-opens-optics-valley-light-rail-network.html Wuhan opens Optics Valley light rail network] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205184347/http://www.metro-report.com/news/single-view/view/wuhan-opens-optics-valley-light-rail-network.html |date=February 5, 2018 }}, January 19, 2018</ref>
* The Old Hankou Streetcar, a loop line around Hankou city.

===Buses===
Local transport is also provided by buses, including [[trolleybus]]es. The trolleybus system has been operation since 1958.<ref name="murray">{{cite book |last=Murray |first=Alan |title=World Trolleybus Encyclopaedia |date=2000 |page=84 |publisher=Trolleybooks |location=Yateley, Hampshire, UK |isbn=0-904235-18-1 }}</ref> Its first route, which remains in operation today, is [[Wuhan trolleybus route 1|route 1]].

===Maritime transport===
Wuhan is a major hub for maritime transport in central China. The [[Port of Wuhan]] provide services for the local population and shipping services.

===Ferry===
Located on the banks of the Yangtze River, Wuhan has a long history of ferry services. Modern ferry services were established in 1900 by steam boat. In 1937, a train ferry was established to transport train cars from Hankou to Wuchang.<ref name="火车轮渡守候47年的人文景观 ">{{cite web |url=http://cjmp.cnhan.com/cjrb/html/2013-01/17/content_5111902.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130425140211/http://cjmp.cnhan.com/cjrb/html/2013-01/17/content_5111902.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 25, 2013 |script-title=zh:火车轮渡守候47年的人文景观 |access-date=January 17, 2013 }}</ref> There are numbered stops around Wuhan where people can get on and off the ferry and there is a tourist ferry in the night.

Currently, ferry services are provided by the Wuhan Ferry Company. In 2010, the company bought ten new ships to replace those that had been in service for 29 years.<ref name="Wuhan Ferry ">{{cite web |url=http://www.whlundu.com/Home/About |title=Wuhan Ferry Company Information |access-date=January 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112033249/http://www.whlundu.com/Home/About |archive-date=January 12, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Airports ===
{{Main|Wuhan Tianhe International Airport}}
[[File:Tianhe Airport Terminal 3 (03).jpg|left|thumb|Terminal 3 of Wuhan Tianhe Airport]]
[[Wuhan Tianhe International Airport]] is one of the busiest airports in central China. The airport opened in April 1995 to replace the old Hankou Wangjiadun Airport and [[Wuhan Nanhu Airport|Nanhu Airport]] as the major airport of Wuhan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnhubei.com/xwzt/2008zt/hbgg30y/bhdss/tianhe/fazhan/200804/t287403.shtml |script-title=zh:1995年4月15日武汉天河机场投入营运 |publisher=荆楚网 |date=April 17, 2008 |access-date=June 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024254/http://www.cnhubei.com/xwzt/2008zt/hbgg30y/bhdss/tianhe/fazhan/200804/t287403.shtml |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.takungpao.com:82/news/07/06/08/ZM-748475.htm |script-title=zh:中國空軍漢口機場歷經10年竣工 |publisher=大公網 |date=June 8, 2007 |access-date=February 11, 2008}}{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> It is located in Wuhan's suburban [[Huangpi District]], {{convert|26|km|sp=us}} north of Wuhan city proper. The extension of Line 2 of [[Wuhan Metro]] to Tianhe Airport opened on December 28, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.cnhubei.com/xw/wuhan/201612/t3765235.shtml |script-title=zh:武汉地铁机场线开通 乘地铁赶飞机还需留意这两点 |access-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304004459/http://news.cnhubei.com/xw/wuhan/201612/t3765235.shtml |archive-date=March 4, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It has also been selected as China's fourth international hub airport after [[Beijing Capital International Airport|Beijing Capital]], [[Shanghai Pudong International Airport|Shanghai Pudong]] and [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou Baiyun]]. A second terminal was completed in March 2008, having been started in February 2005 with an investment of CNY 3.372 billion. International flights to neighboring Asian countries have also been enhanced, including direct flights to [[Tokyo]] and [[Nagoya]], Japan. Terminal 3 has been available for service since early 2017.

[[Wuhan Hannan General Airport]] is an airport dedicated to general aviation, located in [[Hannan District]] of Wuhan. It is the largest airport in China that only handles general aviation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wuhan.gov.cn/hbgovinfo_47/szfggxxml/zdjsxm/201710/t20171027_140284.html |script-title=zh:武汉首个通用航空机场建成启用 |website=www.wuhan.gov.cn |access-date=November 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031959/http://www.wuhan.gov.cn/hbgovinfo_47/szfggxxml/zdjsxm/201710/t20171027_140284.html |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On December 1, 2017, construction began on [[Wuhan Caidian General Airport]], another airport dedicated to general aviation, which is located in [[Caidian District]] of Wuhan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://finance.sina.com.cn/roll/2017-12-01/doc-ifyphtze3299067.shtml |script-title=zh:武汉开建第二座通用机场 预计2018年底竣工 |website=finance.sina.com.cn |date=December 2017 |access-date=December 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203082726/http://finance.sina.com.cn/roll/2017-12-01/doc-ifyphtze3299067.shtml |archive-date=December 3, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Highways and expressways ===
Numerous major highways and expressways pass through Wuhan, including:
* [[China National Highway 107]]
* [[China National Highway 316]]
* [[China National Highway 318]]
* [[G42 Shanghai–Chengdu Expressway]]
* [[G0422 Wuhan–Shenzhen Expressway]]

===Bicycle-sharing system===
{{As of|2011|05}}, the Wuhan and [[Hangzhou Public Bicycle]] bike-share systems in China were the largest in the world, with around 90,000 and 60,000 bicycles respectively.<ref name="Access2011">{{cite web |url=http://www.uctc.net/access/39/access39_bikesharing.shtml |title=Worldwide Bikesharing |first1=Susan |last1=Shaheen |first2=Stacey |last2=Guzman |name-list-style=amp |publisher=[[University of California]] Transportation Center |work=Access Magazine No. 39 |date=Fall 2011 |access-date=July 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719042742/http://uctc.net/access/39/access39_bikesharing.shtml |archive-date=July 19, 2012 }}</ref> In 2012 the Wuhan and Hangzhou Public Bicycle programs in China are the largest in the world, with around 90,000 and 60,000 bicycles respectively. China has seen a rise in private "dockless" bike shares with fleets that dwarf systems in size outside China.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ftchinese.com/story/001071840/ce |trans-title=China’s bike-sharing boom in charts |script-title=zh:中国掀起共享单车热潮 – FT中文网 |website=www.ftchinese.com |access-date=July 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207141415/http://www.ftchinese.com/story/001071840/ce |archive-date=February 7, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Initially, a number of traditional (third-generation) docked public bike systems operated by local municipal governments opened across China, with the largest ones being in Wuhan and Hangzhou. The first was introduced in Beijing in 2007. However, third-generation bike sharing is not considered successful for the majority cities in China. Bike sharing in Beijing virtually stopped and it also has encountered difficulties in Shanghai and Wuhan.<ref>Zhang, Lihong. (2015). Sustainable bike – sharing systems: Characteristics and commonalities across cases in urban China. Journal of Cleaner Production., 97, 124 – 133.</ref>

==Destinations==
{{wide image|ConcertGroupPano.jpg|700px|align-cap=center|Replica instruments of ancient originals are played at the [[Hubei Provincial Museum]].<br />A replica set of bronze concert bells is in the background and a set of stone chimes is to the right.}}
[[File:湖北省博物馆鸟瞰图.jpg|thumb|[[Hubei Provincial Museum]]]]
* The [[Yellow Crane Tower]] (''Huanghelou'') is presumed to have been first built in approximately 220 AD. The tower has been destroyed and reconstructed numerous times, and was burned last according to some sources in 1884. The tower underwent complete reconstruction in 1981. The reconstruction utilized modern materials and added an elevator while maintaining the traditional design in the tower's outward appearance.
* [[Wuchang, Hubei|Wuchang]] has the largest and second largest lakes within a city in China, the [[East Lake (Wuhan)|East Lake]] and [[Tangxun Lake]], as well as the [[South Lake (Wuhan)|South Lake]]. East Lake in Wuhan is six times the size of the [[West Lake]] in [[Hangzhou]], Zhejiang province. The total area is more than {{convert|80|km2|abbr=on}} of which the lake is covering an area of {{convert|33|km2|abbr=on}}. In the springtime, the shores of East Lake become a garden of flowers with the Mei blossoms as the king and the Cherry Blossom as the queen among the species at [[East Lake Cherry Blossom Park]]. Another famous flower is the lotus. The lake has a long history and especially the Chu Kingdom is well represented around East Lake. Moreover, in the [[Mount Mo|Moshan]] Botanic Garden there are many types of plum blossoms, as well as lotus flowers.
[[File:湖北博物館曾侯乙編鐘.jpg|thumb|[[Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng]], made in 433 BC, now on display at the [[Hubei Provincial Museum]] in Wuhan]]
* The [[Hubei Provincial Museum]]: With over 200,000 valued artifacts, this is one of the leading museums in China. Especially the artefacts from the tomb of [[Marquis Yi of Zeng]] (Zeng Hou Yi), who lived in the 5th century BC, is a world unique treasure. The bell chime of Marquis Yi of Zeng is a bronze instrument performed 2430 years ago in ancient China (Warring States Period), and was discovered in the [[Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng]] in [[Suizhou]], Hubei in 1978. The whole chime weighs 5 tons, can perfectly play sound which was heard 2430 years ago, and was considered "The Eighth Wonder of the World".
* The [[Wuhan Museum]] has a collection of more than 100,000 artifacts, including [[ceramic]], [[bronze ware]], paintings and [[calligraphy]], [[jade]], [[wood carving]], [[enamel ware]], seals and so on. As a modern comprehensive museum, Wuhan Museum has the function in cultural relic collection, academic reach, publicity and education, cultural exchange, and recreation and entertainment.
<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whmuseum.com.cn/wbgk.asp |title=Wuhan Museum |access-date=January 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205172609/http://www.whmuseum.com.cn/wbgk.asp |archive-date=December 5, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Happy Valley Wuhan]] is a [[theme park]] in [[Hongshan District, Wuhan|Hongshan District]]. Opened on April 29, 2012, it is the fifth installation of the [[Happy Valley (amusement parks)|Happy Valley]] theme park chain.<ref name="RCDB Wuhan">{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Happy Valley |location=Wuhan, Hubei, China|rcdb_number=9221 |access-date=November 17, 2012 }}</ref>
* The Rock and Bonsai Museum includes a mounted [[platybelodon]] skeleton, many unique stones, a quartz crystal the size of an automobile, and an outdoor garden with miniature trees in the ''[[penjing]]'' ("Chinese Bonsai") style.
* [[Jiqing Street]] ({{lang|zh-hans|吉庆街}}) holds many roadside restaurants and street performers during the evening and is the site of a Live Show with stories of events on this street by contemporary writer [[Chi Li]].
* The [[Lute Platform]] in [[Hanyang District|Hanyang]] was where the legendary musician [[Yu Boya]] is said to have played. This is the birthplace of the renowned legend of seeking a soul mate through "high mountains and flowing water". According to the story behind the Chinese word '{{linktext|lang=zh|知音}}' ({{lang-zh|labels=no |p=zhīyīn |l=understanding music}}), Yu Boya played for the last time over the grave of his friend [[Zhong Ziqi]], then smashed his lute because the only person able to appreciate his music was dead.<ref name="武汉三大名胜之古琴台">{{cite web |url=http://travel.sina.com.cn/china/2008-08-06/135412639.shtml |script-title=zh:武汉三大名胜之古琴台 |trans-title=One of the Three Famous Ancient Sites the Lute Platform |access-date=March 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324080505/http://travel.sina.com.cn/china/2008-08-06/135412639.shtml |archive-date=March 24, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Mao's Villa]] ({{lang|zh-hant|毛澤東別墅}}), Mao Zedong's villa between 1960 and 1974; includes garden, living quarters, conference room, bomb shelter and swimming pool.<ref name="etg">{{cite book |title=Eyewitness Travel Guides China |publisher=Dorling Kindersley Limited |editor-first=Hugh |editor-last=Thompson |editor-first2=Kathryn |editor-last2=Lane |location=London |year=2005 |page=266 |isbn=978-0-7566-0919-1 }}</ref><ref name="fodor">{{cite book |title=Fodor's China |publisher=Random House |editor-first=Carissa |editor-last=Bluestone |display-editors=etal |year=2002 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/chinafodo00newy/page/393 393] |isbn=978-0-676-90126-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/chinafodo00newy/page/393 }}</ref>
* Some luxury [[riverboat]] tours begin here after a flight from Beijing or Shanghai, with several days of flatland cruising and then climbing through the [[Three Gorges]] with passage upstream past the [[Gezhouba Dam|Gezhouba]] and [[Three Gorges Dam|Three Gorges]] dams to the city of [[Chongqing]]. With the completion of the dam, a number of cruises now start from the upstream side and continue west, with tourists traveling by motorcoach from Wuhan.
* [[Wuying Pagoda]] or the "Shadowless Pagoda" is the oldest standing architectural feature in Wuhan, dating from the closing days of the [[Southern Song dynasty]].
* [[Chu River and Han Street]], a shopping district located in [[Wuchang District|Wuchang]] with many tourist attractions, including Han Show theater, [[Madame Tussauds]] [[wax museum]], and Movie Culture Park, etc. This project was initiated as a water connecting channel between [[East Lake (Wuhan)|East Lake]] and [[Shahu Lake]].
* [[Wuhan Zoo]] in Hanyang.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wuhanzoo.com.cn/ |title=武汉动物园 |access-date=April 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406231603/http://wuhanzoo.com.cn/ |archive-date=April 6, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* The [[Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market]] is a live animal and seafood market in the [[Jianghan District]]. The market is located in the newer part of the city near shops and apartment blocks and is close to [[Hankou railway station]]. The market has been identified as a possible point of origin of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="Hui I Azhar Madani Ntoumi 2020 pp. 264–266">{{Cite journal |last1=Hui |first1=David S. |last2=I Azhar |first2=Esam |last3=Madani |first3=Tariq A. |last4=Ntoumi |first4=Francine |last5=Kock |first5=Richard |last6=Dar |first6=Osman |last7=Ippolito |first7=Giuseppe |last8=Mchugh |first8=Timothy D. |last9=Memish |first9=Ziad A. |last10=Drosten |first10=Christian |author-link10=Christian Drosten |last11=Zumla |first11=Alimuddin |year=2020 |title=The continuing 2019-nCoV epidemic threat of novel coronaviruses to global health – The latest 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China |journal=International Journal of Infectious Diseases |publisher=Elsevier BV |volume=91 |pages=264–266 |doi=10.1016/j.ijid.2020.01.009 |issn=1201-9712 |pmid=31953166 |last12=Petersen |first12=Eskild |pmc=7128332 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
* The [[Wuhan Institute of Virology]] (WIV) is located in the Wuchan District. It is, "the key laboratory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences for newly emerging and fulminating infectious disease pathogen and biosecurity."<ref>{{cite web |title=About WIV----Wuhan Institute of Virology |url=http://english.whiov.cas.cn/About_Us2016/Brief_Introduction2016/ |access-date=March 11, 2021 |website=english.whiov.cas.cn |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804081444/http://english.whiov.cas.cn/About_Us2016/Brief_Introduction2016/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The institute has been an active premier research center for the study of [[coronavirus]]es.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Qiu |first1=Jane |title=How China's 'Bat Woman' Hunted Down Viruses from SARS to the New Coronavirus |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-chinas-bat-woman-hunted-down-viruses-from-sars-to-the-new-coronavirus1/ |website=Scientific American |access-date=January 5, 2024 |language=en |date=June 1, 2020 |archive-date=April 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423004810/https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-chinas-bat-woman-hunted-down-viruses-from-sars-to-the-new-coronavirus1/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{wide image|Tanawin mula sa Loob ng mga Parke ng mga Bato sa Wuhan (武汉奇石园-Wuhan Stones Park).jpg|560px|align-cap=center|View from within the Wuhan Stones Park (武汉奇石园) along Lumo Road.}}

==Education==
===Schools and universities===
[[File:Whu old library 1.JPG|thumb|left|The old library of [[Wuhan University]]]]
{{See also|List of universities and colleges in Hubei|l1=List of universities and colleges in Hubei}}
As of 2023, there are 82 higher educational institutions in Wuhan, making it a leading educational hub in the [[Central China]] region.<ref>{{Cite web |title=全国普通高等学校名单 - 中华人民共和国教育部政府门户网站 |url=https://hudong.moe.gov.cn/qggxmd/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=hudong.moe.gov.cn |archive-date=June 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621120742/https://hudong.moe.gov.cn/qggxmd/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Wuhan is also an important hub for international students, and it was ranked the best city in the Central China region, 4th in China, and 98th globally by the QS Best Student Cities Rankings in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023 |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/city-rankings/2023 |access-date=July 20, 2023 |website=Top Universities |language=en |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707082508/https://www.topuniversities.com/city-rankings/2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to the [[U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Ranking|U.S. News & World Report Best Global University Ranking]] for 2025–26, Wuhan had 16 universities included in the rankings, with two universities in the top 100 and six in the top 500. It is the only city in the Central China region with two universities ranked in the top 100 globally, and it is one of only three cities in mainland China, following Beijing (3) and Shanghai (2), to achieve this distinction.<ref name=":522">{{Cite web |date=June 17, 2025 |title=US News Best Global Universities 2025-2026 |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/search?city=beijing |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=10 October 2025 |website=US News}}</ref>

Prominent institutions include [[Huazhong University of Science and Technology]] and [[Wuhan University]]. Three state-level development zones and many enterprise incubators are also significant in Wuhan's education and business development. Wuhan ranks third in China in overall strength of science and technology.<ref>{{cite web |author=大汉网络 |url=http://www.cnhubei.com/200502/ca677743.htm |title=The Thoroughfare to Nine Provinces-Wuhan City |publisher=Cnhubei.com |date=September 3, 2004 |access-date=February 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303223830/http://www.cnhubei.com/200502/ca677743.htm |archive-date=March 3, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:Hust-gc4a6ced49 1920.jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Huazhong University of Science and Technology]]]]
[[Huazhong University of Science and Technology]] (HUST), located in the [[Optics Valley of China]] near East Lake, is a [[Project 985]] and Class A [[Double First-Class Construction|Double First Class University]].<ref name="Chinese Department of Education">{{cite web |url=http://www.moe.gov.cn/srcsite/A22/moe_843/201709/t20170921_314942.html |script-title=zh:教育部 财政部 国家发展改革委 关于公布世界 – 流大学和 – 流学科建设高校及建设 学科名单的通知 |trans-title=Notice from the Ministry of Education and other national governmental departments announcing the list of double first class universities and disciplines |publisher=[[Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China]] |access-date=December 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090945/http://www.moe.gov.cn/srcsite/A22/moe_843/201709/t20170921_314942.html |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> HUST manages Wuhan National Laboratories for Opto-electronics (WNLO), which is one of the five national laboratories in China. HUST is also one of four Chinese universities eligible to run the national laboratory and the national major science and technology infrastructure. Founded in 1953 as Huazhong Institute of Technology, it combined with three other universities (including former Tongji Medical University founded in 1907) in 2000 to form the new HUST, and has 42 schools and departments covering 12 comprehensive disciplines.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gmeochina.com/programs-and-services/chinese-partner-universities/huazhong-university-science-technology |title=Wuhan: Huazhong University of Science and Technology |publisher=Study Abroad in China |access-date=August 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826204349/http://www.gmeochina.com/programs-and-services/chinese-partner-universities/huazhong-university-science-technology |archive-date=August 26, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.hust.edu.cn/about_History.html |title=History |publisher=HUST |access-date=August 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314212721/http://english.hust.edu.cn/about_History.html |archive-date=March 14, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> HUST has 12 Fellows of [[Chinese Academy of Sciences]] and 17 Fellows of [[Chinese Academy of Engineering]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hust.edu.cn/760/list.htm |script-title=zh:华中科技大学两院院士 |access-date=February 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930215629/http://www.hust.edu.cn/760/list.htm |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> As of 2025, the [[U.S. News]]' 2025 [[US News and World Report|U.S. News & World Report]] ranked HUST #91 in the world,<ref>{{cite web |title=2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities, Huazhong University of Science and Technology |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/huazhong-university-of-science-technology-505190 |access-date=June 26, 2025 |website=US News }}</ref> while the [[Academic Ranking of World Universities]] ranked the university #73 in the world, 13th in Asia and 8th in China.<ref name="shanghairanking.com">{{Cite web |title=ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities |url=https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2025 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |website=www.shanghairanking.com }}</ref> More than 2,000 international students from 120 countries pursue degrees at HUST.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://iso.hust.edu.cn/About_HUST/Why_HUST.htm |title=Why HUST |access-date=December 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209043232/http://iso.hust.edu.cn/About_HUST/Why_HUST.htm |archive-date=December 9, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Wuhan University]] is another [[Project 985]] and Class A [[Double First-Class Construction|Double First Class University]],<ref name="Chinese Department of Education" /> which was ranked #81 in the world, #15 in Asia and 8th in China by the 2025 [[Academic Ranking of World Universities]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=ShanghaiRanking's Best Chinese Universities Ranking |url=https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/bcur/2025 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |website=www.shanghairanking.com }}</ref><ref name="shanghairanking.com"/> and 90th in the world and 17th in Asia by the ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]'',<ref name=":02">{{cite web |title=Wuhan University |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/wuhan-university-503252 |access-date=June 26, 2025 |website=US News }}</ref> while it was ranked the 134th by the 2025 [[Times Higher Education World University Rankings|Times Higher Education]];<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 7, 2024 |title=Wuhan University |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/wuhan-university |access-date=October 23, 2024 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en }}</ref> established in 1893, the old Wuhan University absorbed three other schools (two of them being its spin-offs since the 1950s) in 2000 to become a university with 36 schools in 6 faculties. Since the 1950s it has received international students from more than 109 countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/m/eduonline/2011-01/28/content_11935010.htm |title=Wuhan University |publisher=Chinadaily |access-date=August 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826192138/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/m/eduonline/2011-01/28/content_11935010.htm |archive-date=August 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of the end of 2013, in Wuhan there were 1,024 kindergartens with 224,300 children, 590 primary schools with 424,000 students, 369 general high schools with 314,000 students, 105 secondary vocational and technical schools with 98,600 students, and 80 colleges and universities with 966,400 undergraduates and junior college students and 107,400 postgraduate students.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wuhan Bureau of Statistics |last2=National Bureau of Statistics, Wuhan investigative team (国家统计局武汉调查队) |script-title=zh:2013年武汉市国民经济和社会发展统计公报 |trans-title=2013 Statistic Report of National Economy and Social Development in Wuhan |url=http://www.whzg.org.cn/tzgg/20555.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727061511/http://www.whzg.org.cn/tzgg/20555.jhtml |archive-date=July 27, 2014 |access-date=August 25, 2014 |publisher=武汉组工网}}</ref> There are several [[List of international schools in China#Wuhan|international schools in Wuhan]].

===Scientific research===
Wuhan is a major city in the world by scientific research outputs and it ranks [[List of cities by scientific output|8th]] globally and 5th in the Asia-Pacific & China (after [[Beijing]], [[Shanghai]], [[Nanjing]] and [[Guangzhou]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Leading 200 science cities {{!}} {{!}} Supplements {{!}} Nature Index |url=https://www.nature.com/nature-index/supplements/nature-index-2025-science-cities/tables/overall |access-date=2025-11-14 |website=www.nature.com}}</ref> When compared to other countries in the region, Wuhan ranked higher than Australia, securing fifth place in Asia and Oceania after China, Japan, South Korea, and India, according to the Nature Index for 2025. For instance, Wuhan's share of the 2024 Nature Index is 1,526.22, while Australia's share is 1,472.49.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2025 Research Leaders: Leading countries/territories {{!}} Nature Index |url=https://www.nature.com/nature-index/research-leaders/2025/country/all/global |access-date=2025-11-23 |website=www.nature.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Leading 200 science cities {{!}} {{!}} Supplements {{!}} Nature Index |url=https://www.nature.com/nature-index/supplements/nature-index-2025-science-cities/tables/overall |access-date=2025-11-23 |website=www.nature.com}}</ref>

Wuhan contains three national development zones and four scientific and technological development parks, as well as numerous enterprise incubators, over 350 research institutes, 1470 high-tech enterprises, and over 400,000 experts and technicians.

Founded in 1958, the Wuhan Branch of [[Chinese Academy of Sciences]] is one of the twelve national branches of CAS. It is composed of 9 independent organizations, including the headquarters at Xiaohongshan, Wuchang. It has had a staff of 3,900, among which 8 are CAS fellows, and one is a [[Chinese Academy of Engineering]] fellow. As of 2013, the achievements gained by WHB had won 23 National Awards and 778 Provincial Awards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.whb.cas.cn/au/bi/ |title=Introduction |publisher=CAS Wuhan Branch |access-date=August 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213233/http://english.whb.cas.cn/au/bi/ |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Wuhan Research Institute of Post and Telecommunications (now known as FiberHome Technologies Group) is the national center for optical communication research in China, and is where the first [[optical fiber]] in the country was produced.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://hubei.chinadaily.com.cn/gov/2010-07/23/content_14584060.htm |title=FiberHome Technologies Group |newspaper=China Daily |access-date=August 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327142908/http://hubei.chinadaily.com.cn/gov/2010-07/23/content_14584060.htm |archive-date=March 27, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Wuhan Institute of Virology]] is also operated by the CAS.

[[Wuhan University of Technology]] is another major national university with three main campuses located in the [[Wuchang District]]. Founded in the year 2000, it was merged from three major universities, Wuhan University of Technology (established in 1948), Wuhan Transportation University (established in 1946) and Wuhan Automotive Polytechnic University (established in 1958). Wuhan University of Technology, together with [[China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)]], [[Huazhong Agricultural University]], [[Zhongnan University of Economics and Law]] and [[Central China Normal University]] (or [[Huazhong Normal University]]), are the leading Chinese universities accredited by the Ministry of Education under the "State [[Project 211]]" for [[List of universities in China|Chinese higher education institutions]]. Other major [[Research university|research universities]] have its seat in the city, including [[Wuhan University of Science and Technology]], [[Hubei University]], [[Hubei University of Technology]], and [[South Central University for Nationalities]].<ref name=":2">{{cite web |title=US News Best Global Universities Rankings in Wuhan |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/search?region=&city=wuhan&subject=&name= |website=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=December 9, 2020 |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929124105/https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/search?region=&city=wuhan&subject=&name= |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nature Index 2018 Science Cities {{!}} Nature Index Supplements {{!}} Nature Index |url=https://www.natureindex.com/supplements/nature-index-2018-science-cities/global-city-map |access-date=December 9, 2020 |website=www.natureindex.com |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105025046/https://www.natureindex.com/supplements/nature-index-2018-science-cities/global-city-map |url-status=live }}</ref>

Wuhan is a major site for water planning and research in central China.<ref name=":05">{{Cite book |last=Lampton |first=David M. |title=Living U.S.-China Relations: From Cold War to Cold War |date=2024 |publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]] |isbn=978-1-5381-8725-8 |location=Lanham, MD |pages= |author-link=David M. Lampton }}</ref>{{Rp|page=117}}

==Media==
[[File:龟山电视塔.jpg|thumb|Tortoise Mountain TV Tower|upright]]
The headquarters of [[Hubei Television]] is located in Wuchang District. [[Tortoise Mountain TV Tower]] is China's first self-developed TV tower, opened in 1986. The modern newspapers in Wuhan can be dated back to 1866, when ''Hankow Times'', a newspaper in English, was founded. Before 1949, more than 50 newspapers and magazines were published by foreigners in Wuhan. ''Chao-wen Hsin-pao'', founded by Ai Xiaomei in 1873, was the first Chinese newspaper to appear in Hankou (one of the cities that was merged into Wuhan). During the [[Northern Expedition]] era (1926–1928), journalism in Wuhan came to a climax; more than 120 newspapers and periodicals, including national newspapers such as ''[[Central Daily News]]'' and ''[[Republican Daily News]]'', were founded or published during this time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whfz.gov.cn:8080/pub/dqwx/dylsz/xwz/ |script-title=zh:武汉市志(1840-1985)·新闻志·概述 |trans-title=Wuhan City Annals 1840-1985·News Media Annals·Introduction |publisher=武汉市地情文献 |access-date=August 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903064803/http://www.whfz.gov.cn:8080/pub/dqwx/dylsz/xwz/ |archive-date=September 3, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Chutian Metropolis Daily'' and ''Wuhan Evening News'' are two major local commercial tabloid newspapers. Both of them have entered the list of 100 most widely circulated newspapers of the world.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}}

== Culture ==
The plum blossom is the city's emblem, chosen partly because of the long history of local plum cultivation and use, and partly to recognize the plum's current economic significance in terms of cultivation and research. Local wild plums were used medicinally during the [[Qin dynasty|Qin]] and [[Han dynasty|Han]] dynasties. Cultivation of the fruit began during the [[Song dynasty]]. Some traditional new year customs revolve around the planting of plums.

===Language===
{{Main|Wuhan dialect}}

Wuhan natives speak a variety of [[Southwestern Mandarin]] Chinese referred to as Wuhan dialect that differs slightly between the districts of Wuhan, including Wuchang dialect in Wuchang District, Hankou dialect in the Hankou districts, Hanyang dialect in Hanyang District, and Qingshan dialect in Qingshan District.

===Cuisine===
[[File:Hot Dry Noodles.jpg|thumb|Hot Dry Noodles]]
{{main|Hubei cuisine}}

Hubei cuisine is one of [[Chinese regional cuisine|China's ten major styles of cooking]]. With a history of more than 2,000 years, Hubei cuisine, originating in ancient Chu cuisine, has developed a number of distinctive dishes, such as steamed blunt-snout bream in clear soup, preserved ham with flowering Chinese cabbage, and others. On the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar, many in Wuhan eat {{transliteration|zh|dìcài zhǔ jīdàn}} ({{lang|zh-hans|地菜煮鸡蛋}}), an egg dish which is supposed to prevent illness in the coming year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://xw.qq.com/hb/20180419008684/HBC2018041900868400 |title=三月三吃地菜煮鸡蛋能治头痛？专家：可防流感 |access-date=April 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419121259/https://xw.qq.com/hb/20180419008684/HBC2018041900868400 |archive-date=April 19, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:Pumpkin tangyuan (汤圆) with red bean baste and black sesame fillings.jpg|thumb|Tangyuan made from [[glutinous rice flour]], filled with [[Sesame|black sesame]] (黑芝麻) paste]]
"No need to be particular about the recipes; all foods have their own uses. [[Rice wine]] and [[tangyuan (food)|tangyuan]] are excellent midnight snacks, while fat bream and flowering Chinese cabbages are great delicacies."<ref>Hankou Zhuzhici (an ancient book recording stories about Wuhan) produced during the Daoguang Period of the [[Qing dynasty]]</ref> This attitude expressed in ''Hankou Zhuzhici'' reflects indirectly the eating habits and a wide variety of distinctive snacks with a long history in Wuhan, such as Qingshuizong (a pyramid-shaped dumpling made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves) in the Period of the Warring States, Chunbinbian in Northern and Southern dynasties, mung bean jelly in the Sui dynasty, youguo (a deep-fried twisted dough stick) in the Song and Yuan dynasties, rice wine and mianwo in the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as three-delicacy stuffed skin of bean milk,{{Clarify|reason=Whatever term this is meant to translate, it's not doing it in understandable English.|date=December 2018}} tangbao (steamed dumpling filled with minced meat and gravy) and hot braised noodles (reganmian) in modern times.

''Guozao'' ({{linktext|lang=zh-hant|過早}}) is a popular way to say 'having breakfast' in Wuhan, and a part of the city's culture. As a hub for land transport in China, Wuhan has gathered and mixed together various habits and customs from neighboring cities and provinces in all directions, which gives rise to a concentration of diverse cuisines from different places. The most famous place to ''guozao'' (have breakfast) is Hubu Street ({{lang|zh-hans|戶部巷}}), a 150-meter-long street in the neighborhood of Simenkou ({{lang|zh-hans|司门口}}). Along its short length one can find nearly all the traditional foods of Wuhan, such as:

[[File:Mianwo.JPG|thumb|[[Mianwo]], a donut-shaped snack from Wuhan]]
* [[Re gan mian|Hot and dry noodles]], ''re-gan mian'' ({{linktext|lang=zh-hans|热干面}}), consists of long freshly boiled noodles mixed with sesame paste. It is considered to be the most typical local food for breakfast.
* [[Wuhan duck|Duck's neck]] or ''Ya Bozi'' ({{lang|zh-hans|鸭脖子}}) is a local version of this popular Chinese dish, made of duck necks and spices.
* [[File:Freshly made Doupi.jpeg|thumb|Freshly made Doupi in Wuhan]]Bean skin or ''[[doupi]]'' ({{lang|zh|豆皮}}) is a local dish with a filling of egg, rice, beef, mushrooms and beans cooked between two large round soybean skins and cut into pieces, structurally like a stuffed pizza without enclosing edges.
* [[Xiaolongbao#Related varieties|Soup dumpling]] or ''xiaolongtangbao'' ({{lang|zh-hans|小笼汤包}}) is a kind of dumpling with thin skin made of flour, steamed with very juicy meat inside, hence the name: ''tang'' (soup) ''bao'' (bun) – every time one takes a bite from it the "soup" inside is liable to spill out.
* A salty doughnut or ''[[mianwo]]'' ({{lang|zh-hant|麪窩}}) is a kind of savory donut with a salty taste. It is much thinner than a common donut and is a typical Wuhan local food.
* Shaomai wrapped in oil cake (油饼包烧麦): 1 oil cake is filled with 4 pieces of heavy oil siomai, and the heavy oil is required to put diced meat, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and black pepper in it.
* Paste Soup Noodles (糊汤粉): It is a snack variety that uses round rice noodles as the main ingredient, fish paste soup, small shrimp, and chopped green onion as accessories.

===Opera===
[[Han opera]], which is the local opera of Wuhan area, was one of China's oldest and most popular operas. During the late Qing dynasty, Han opera, blended with Hui opera, gave birth to Peking opera, the most popular opera in modern China. Thus Han opera has been called the "mother of Peking opera".<ref>{{cite web |script-title=zh:武汉汉剧传人与大师隔空对唱经典 |url=http://www.wuhanews.com/read/67.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330211455/http://www.wuhanews.com/read/67.html |archive-date=March 30, 2018 |quote={{lang|zh-Hans|汉剧中的二黄唱调，是现代京剧唱腔的主要组成部分，所以汉剧又有"京剧唱腔之祖山"的美誉。 {...}1962年武汉市成立了武汉汉剧院}} }}</ref><ref>{{lang|zh-Hans|湖北省博物馆．楚腔汉调 : 汉剧文物图说：湖北人民，2013 }}</ref>

===Sports===
[[File:Wuhan Sport Centre 01.jpg|thumb|right|[[Wuhan Sports Center]]]]

Wuhan had a professional football team, [[Wuhan F.C.|Wuhan]], that plays in the [[China League One]]. Xinhua Road Sport Center, the team's home stadium, with a capacity of 32,137, is located in the heart of the city next to Zhongshan Park. For the 2013 season, Wuhan Zall was promoted to the top-tier league of Chinese football, [[Chinese Super League]], and relocated its home to [[Wuhan Sports Center Stadium]], a modern stadium with 54,357 seats located in the suburbs of the city. However, the team did not play well in the ensuing season and was demoted back to China League One as the 2013 season ended. For financial and transportation reasons, the team moved back to Xinhua Road Sport Center in 2014. In January 2023, the team folded. Wuhan also has the [[Wuhan Three Towns F.C.|Wuhan Three Towns]] in the Chinese Super League, who won the title during the 2022 season for the first time upon promotion from China League One.

The [[Wuhan Gators]] were a professional [[arena football]] team based in Wuhan. They were members of the [[China Arena Football League]] (CAFL).<ref>{{cite web |title=Meet the Super Six! The CAFL's Teams, Names and Official Logos |publisher=China Arena Football League |url=http://caflfootball.com/meet-the-super-six-the-cafls-teams-names-and-official-logos/ |access-date=May 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505232926/http://caflfootball.com/meet-the-super-six-the-cafls-teams-names-and-official-logos/ |archive-date=May 5, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The 13,000-seat [[Wuhan Sports Center Gymnasium]] held the [[2011 FIBA Asia Championship]] and was one of the venues for the [[2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup]].<ref name="fiba.com">[https://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2019 The Official website of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527030949/http://www.fiba.com/basketballworldcup/2019|date=May 27, 2017}}, FIBA.com, Retrieved March 9, 2016.</ref> The 7th [[Military World Games]] were hosted in Wuhan from October 18 to 27, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-11/26/c_136780684.htm |title=7th Military World Games to be held in Wuhan in 2019 – Xinhua {{!}} English.news.cn |website=www.xinhuanet.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520124235/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-11/26/c_136780684.htm |archive-date=May 20, 2018 |url-status=dead |access-date=May 20, 2018 }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210120035050/http://wuhan2019mwg.com/] official site</ref>

The city has been the venue for the women's tennis tournament, the [[Wuhan Open]], one of the [[WTA Tier I tournaments|WTA's]] [[WTA Premier tournaments|Premier 5 tournaments]], since 2014.

==Architecture==

===Bridges===
[[File:Wuhan Erqi Yangtze River Bridge.jpg|thumb|left|Wuhan Erqi Yangtze River Bridge]]
Wuhan has [[Yangtze River bridges and tunnels|eleven bridges and one tunnel across the Yangtze River]]. The [[Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge]], also called the First Bridge, was built over the [[Yangtze]] in 1957, carrying a railroad directly across the river between hills known as Snake Hill and Turtle Hill. Before this bridge was built it could take up to an entire day to [[train ferry|barge]] railcars across. Including its approaches, it is {{convert|5,511|ft|m}} long, and it accommodates both a double-track railway on a lower deck and a four-lane roadway above. It was built with the assistance of advisers from the [[Soviet Union]].

The [[Second Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge|Second Bridge]], a [[cable-stayed bridge]] built of [[prestressed concrete]], has a central span of {{convert|400|m|abbr=off|sp=us}}; it is {{convert|4,678|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} in length (including {{convert|1,877|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} of the main bridge) and {{convert|26.5|to|33.5|m|1|abbr=off|sp=us}} in width. Its main bridgeheads are {{convert|90|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} high each, pulling 392 thick slanting cables together in the shape of double fans so that the central span of the bridge is well poised on the piers and the bridge's stability and vibration resistance are ensured. With six lanes on the deck, the bridge is designed to handle the daily passage of 50,000 motor vehicles. The bridge was completed in 1995.

The [[Third Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge]], also called Baishazhou Bridge, was completed in September 2000. Located {{convert|8.6|km|1|abbr=off|sp=us}} southwest of the First Bridge, construction of Baishazhou Bridge started in 1997. With an investment of over 1.4 billion yuan (about {{Currency|amount=170000000|code=USD}}), the bridge, which is {{convert|3,586|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} long and {{convert|26.5|m|1|abbr=off|sp=us}} wide, has six lanes and has a capacity of 50,000 vehicles a day. The bridge is expected to serve as a major passage for the future Wuhan Ring Road, greatly easing the city's traffic and aiding local economic development.

The [[Yangluo Bridge]] carries [[Wuhan Ring Road|Wuhan's Ring Road]] across the Yangtze in the city's eastern suburbs (connecting the [[Hongshan District, Wuhan|Hongshan District]] with the [[Xinzhou District, Wuhan|Xinzhou District]]). It was opened on December 26, 2007.

The [[Wuhan Tianxingzhou Yangtze River Bridge]] crosses the Yangtze in the northeastern part of the city, downstream of the Second bridge. It is named after Tianxing Island (''Tianxingzhou''), above which it crosses the river. Built at a cost of 11 billion yuan, the 4,657-meter cable suspension bridge was opened on December 26, 2009,<ref>[http://english.cnhubei.com/2009-12/28/cms846940article.shtml Tianxingzhou highway-railway Bridge in Wuhan opens to traffic] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330063819/http://english.cnhubei.com/2009-12/28/cms846940article.shtml |date=March 30, 2010 }}. english.cnhubei.com December 28, 2009</ref> in time for the opening of the [[Wuhan railway station]]. It is a combined road and rail bridge, and carries the [[Wuhan–Guangzhou high-speed railway]] across the river.

===Skyscrapers===
[[File:Wuhan Greenland Center.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Wuhan Greenland Center]], the tallest building in Wuhan since 2023]]
{{See also|List of tallest buildings in Wuhan|l1=List of tallest buildings in Wuhan}}
The [[Yellow Crane Tower]], historically one of the tallest buildings in Wuhan, is considered one of the [[Four Great Towers of China]] and was destroyed twelve times, both by warfare and by fire. The tower is classified as an [[AAAAA scenic area]] by the [[China National Tourism Administration]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.cnta.gov.cn/html/2008-11/2008-11-16-10-27-72978.html |date=November 16, 2008 |title=AAAAA Scenic Areas |work=[[China National Tourism Administration]] |access-date=April 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404043021/http://en.cnta.gov.cn/html/2008-11/2008-11-16-10-27-72978.html |archive-date=April 4, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> At {{convert|475.6|m|ft|sp=us}} in height, the [[Wuhan Greenland Center]] is the tallest skyscraper in Wuhan and in Central China, as well as the [[List of tallest buildings in China|eighth tallest building in China]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/wuhan-greenland-center/33983 |title=Wuhan Greenland Center |work=The Skyscraper Center |publisher=[[Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat]] |access-date=April 29, 2023 |archive-date=January 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114002047/https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/wuhan-greenland-center/33983 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Wuhan Center]], the second tallest skyscraper in Wuhan, was the tallest building in the city when it was completed in 2019. It retained the title until Wuhan Greenland Center surpassed it in 2023.<ref name=skyscraper-center>{{cite web |url=http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/wuhan-center-tower/8823 |title=Wuhan Center Tower |work=The Skyscraper Center |publisher=[[Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat]] |quote=Height: To Tip 438 m / 1,437 ft Height: Architectural 438 m / 1,437 ft |access-date=April 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321135932/http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/wuhan-center-tower/8823 |archive-date=March 21, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Riverview Plaza]] is a {{convert|376|m|feet|sp=us}} tall skyscraper located in Wuhan. It was completed in 2021 and is currently the third tallest building in the city. The [[Phoenix Towers (China)|Phoenix Towers]] are proposed [[supertall skyscraper]]s planned for construction in Wuhan. At {{convert|1|km|feet|sp=us}} high, the towers would be among the tallest structures in the world when completed.<ref name=Zhang>{{cite web |url=https://gizmodo.com/the-insane-plan-to-build-the-worlds-tallest-towers-in-a-1591689112 |title=The Insane Plan to Build the World's Tallest Towers in a Lake in China |website=[[Gizmodo]] |quote=The monstrosity, recently unveiled by the British studio Chetwoods, will rise one kilometer out of a lake in Wuhan, China—taller than the Burj Khalifa and as tall as the yet-t0-be-finished Kingdom Tower in Jeddah. |date=June 17, 2014 |access-date=June 17, 2014 |author=Zhang, Sarah |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140618142549/http://gizmodo.com/the-insane-plan-to-build-the-worlds-tallest-towers-in-a-1591689112 |archive-date=June 18, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Notable people==
[[File:Australian Open 2015 (16289449942).jpg|upright|thumb|[[Li Na]], a former professional tennis player and two-time Grand Slam champion]]
[[File:Liu Yifei at the Beijing International Film Festival.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Liu Yifei]], actress]]
[[File:Li Yuanhong.jpg|thumb|upright|President Li Yuanhong]]

=== Politics ===
* [[Li Yuanhong]] – former [[President of the Republic of China]] (1916–17, 1922–23).
<!--* Wu Xiuquan – former [[Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China]] (not found in the list of former Foreign Ministers of the People's Republic of China)-->
* [[Wu Yi (politician)|Wu Yi]] – former Vice-Premier and Minister of Health of the People's Republic of China<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2005/11/GGD7.html |title=#2 Wu Yi Vice Premier, minister of health |date=November 2005 |work=Forbes |access-date=September 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115020921/https://www.forbes.com/lists/2005/11/GGD7.html |archive-date=November 15, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Business ===
* [[Wei Brian]] – Chinese entrepreneur

=== Science ===
* [[Chang-Lin Tien]] – seventh Chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley (1990–1997) and a major founder of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Professor Tien is the first Asian to head a top university in the United States.
* [[E Dongchen]] – "father of polar surveying and mapping" in China
* [[Long Lehao]] – Aerospace engineer and the chief designer of [[Long March (rocket family)|Long March]] expendable launch system rockets
* [[Weiping Zou]] – Charles B. de Nancrede Professor of Pathology, Immunology, Biology, and Surgery at the University of Michigan, American Association for Cancer Research Cancer Immunology (CIMM) Chairperson 2018–2019, Abstract Programming Chair for the American Association of Immunologists

=== Sports ===
* [[Deng Zhuoxiang]] – professional football player, scored many goals for Chinese national team in important games including 3:0 South Korea and 1:0 France in 2010.
* [[Fu Mingxia]] – female [[Diving (sport)|diver]], four-time Olympic Gold Medalist (one in Barcelona 1992, two in Atlanta 1996, one in Sydney 2000), the only diver that has won gold medals at three Olympics as well as one of the very few divers in the world who is able to win world championships in both platform diving and springboard diving.
* [[Gao Ling]] – professional badminton player, two-time Olympic gold medalist (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004).
* [[Hao Junmin]] – professional football player, played for [[FC Schalke 04|Schalke 04]] in the German League.
* [[Hu Jia (diver)|Hu Jia]] – Chinese diver who won the gold medal at the [[2004 Summer Olympics]] in the men's 10 meter platform.
* [[Mei Fang]] – Chinese footballer playing for [[Guangzhou Evergrande]] in the [[Chinese Super League]].
* [[Li Na]] – former tennis player, champion of the [[French Open]] 2011 and [[Australian Open]] 2014.
* [[Li Ting (tennis, born 1980)|Li Ting]] – tennis player, Olympic gold medalist (in women's doubles, Athens 2004).
* [[Liang Patti]] – Chinese American acrobat.
* [[Qiao Hong]] – female table tennis player, two-time Olympic gold medalist (in women's doubles, Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996).
* [[Rong Hao]] – professional football player, with six Chinese Super League titles and two [[AFC Champions League]] champion titles.
* [[Tang Jieli (boxer)|Tang Jieli]] – [[International Boxing Association (amateur)|AIBA]] Women's Boxing World Champion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.sohu.com/20081129/n260930732.shtml |script-title=zh:图文：女子拳击世锦赛落幕 汤洁丽夺80KG级冠军 |access-date=May 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525224601/http://sports.sohu.com/20081129/n260930732.shtml |archive-date=May 25, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Xiao Hailiang]] – Chinese diver, Olympic gold medalist (in {{convert|3|m|adj=on|abbr=off|sp=us}} springboard synchronized diving, Sydney 2000).
* [[Zeng Cheng]] – professional football player, with six Chinese Super League titles and two [[AFC Champions League]] champion titles.
* [[Zhou Jihong]] – female diver, Olympic gold medalist (Los Angeles 1984), the first Chinese athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in diving.
* [[Tian Tao]] – Olympic weightlifter
* [[Lü Xiaojun]] – Olympic weightlifter

=== Arts ===
* [[Chi Li]] – writer<ref>{{cite web |url=http://people.chinese.cn/en/article/2009-12/02/content_84276.htm |title=Chi Li, a Special Figure among Chinese Writers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311071805/http://people.chinese.cn/en/article/2009-12/02/content_84276.htm |archive-date=March 11, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Han Dong (singer)|Han Dong]] – singer, member of [[Dreamcatcher (group)|Dreamcatcher]]
* [[Jayne Meadows]] – actress
* [[Laura Gao]], graphic novelist, author of ''[[Messy Roots]]''<ref name=Gharib>{{cite web |last=Gharib |first=Malaka |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/04/24/1093992912/the-pandemic-inspired-a-cartoonist-to-explore-their-wuhanese-roots-and-queer-ide |title=The pandemic inspired a cartoonist to explore their Wuhanese roots and queer identity |publisher=[[National Public Radio]] |date=April 24, 2022 |access-date=April 26, 2022 }}</ref>
* [[Liu Yifei]] – actress and singer. Childhood friend with [[Yao Beina]]
* [[Paula Tsui]] – singer who spent most of her singing career in Hong Kong
* [[Peng Xiuwen]] – composer and conductor
* [[Sunny Xie]] – singer and actress
* [[Tian Yuan (artist)|Tian Yuan]] – singer and actress
* [[Wang Kai (actor)|Wang Kai]] – actor
* [[Wang Xiaosong]] – artist who studied in Germany and is now professor at [[Zhejiang University]] in [[Hangzhou]]
* [[Xie Fang]] – actress and author
* [[Xu Fan]] – actress
* [[Yan Wenjing]] – writer whose work is included as one of the literary selections on the [[Putonghua Proficiency Test]].
* [[Yang Caiyu]] – actress
* [[Yao Beina]] – singer, (during 2005–2015) known as the "Voice of China", spiritual leader of organ donation and charity (1981–2015).
* [[Yin Yezi]] – actress
* [[Ying Chang Compestine]], a [[Chinese American]] author, speaker, television host and chef
* [[Yuan Hong (actor)|Yuan Hong]] – actor
* [[Zhao Yue]] - actress and singer, member of [[SNH48]] and [[BonBon Girls 303]]
* [[Zhou Mi (entertainer)|Zhou Mi]] – singer, member of [[Super Junior M]]
* [[Zhu Yilong]] – actor

=== Other fields ===
* [[Saint]] [[Francis Regis Clet]] was [[martyr]]ed here
* [[Hua Mulan]] – Ancient Chinese heroine whose story has been passed through ages in China and has been presented in a great number of books and motion pictures, including the Disney animated feature [[Mulan (1998 film)|Mulan (1998)]].
* [[Samuel David Hawkins]] - American soldier in the [[Korean War]] who was captured by the North, subsequently defected to China at the time of the [[Korean Armistice Agreement]]. He worked as a mechanic in Wuhan until 1957.
* [[Wu Shuqing (revolutionary)|Wu Shuqing]] – female revolutionary and militia leader during the [[Xinhai Revolution]]
* {{ill|Xiong Bingkun|zh|熊秉坤}} ({{lang|zh|熊秉坤}}) – the soldier who started and led the Wuhan Uprising in the [[1911 Revolution]] which gave birth to the Republic of China, Asia's first republic country.
* [[Fei Wo Si Cun|Ai Jingjing]] – Chinese novelist.

* Zhu Leyan - placed 3rd on Shenyang Beerolympics. In the final round led the lead for athletes from Russia and China.

==Sister cities==
{{See also|List_of_twin_towns_and_sister_cities_in_China#Wuhan_(武汉)|l1=List of twin towns and sister cities in China}}
Wuhan is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wsb.wuhan.gov.cn/html/friendly/201602/t20160203_45633.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413010101/http://wsb.wuhan.gov.cn/html/friendly/201602/t20160203_45633.shtml |script-title=zh:武汉国际友好城市一览表 |trans-title=List of sister cities of Wuhan |website=www.whfao.gov.cn（Foreign Affairs Office of Wuhan Municipal Government） |archive-date=April 13, 2018 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 7, 2018 }}</ref>
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{{Location map~ |World|coordinates = {{coord|32|31|30|N|117|2|0|W}} |label=[[Tijuana]] |position=right |marksize=6 }}
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{{Location map~ |World|coordinates = {{coord|36|49|41|S|73|3|5|W}} |label=[[Concepción, Chile|Concepción]] |position=right |marksize=6 }}
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{| class="wikitable" "text-align:left;font-size:100%;"|
|-
! style="background:#39e; color:white; height:17px; width:140px;"| City
! ! style="background:#39e; color:white; width:140px;"| Country
! ! style="background:#39e; color:white; width:140px;"| Since
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Symbol of Oita Oita.svg|25px]] [[Ōita, Ōita|Ōita]]
|! !| {{flagu|Japan}}
|! !| September 7, 1979
|-
|! !| [[File:Coat of arms of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.svg|25px]] [[Pittsburgh]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| September 8, 1982
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Stadtwappen der Stadt Duisburg.svg|25px]] [[Duisburg]]
|! !| {{flagu|Germany}}
|! !| October 8, 1982
|-
|! !| [[File:Arms of the City of Manchester.svg|25px]] [[Manchester]]
|! !| {{flagu|United Kingdom}}
|! !| September 16, 1986<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.visitoruk.com/Manchester/20th-century-T1235.html |title=Timeline History of Manchester, Greater Manchester |website=www.visitoruk.com |access-date=February 18, 2018 |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201214823/http://www.visitoruk.com/Manchester/20th-century-T1235.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:ROU GL Galati CoA.png|25px]] [[Galați]]
|! !| {{flagu|Romania}}
|! !| August 12, 1987
|-
|! !| [[File:COA of Kyiv Kurovskyi.svg|25px]] [[Kyiv]]
|! !| {{flagu|Ukraine}}
|! !| October 19, 1990
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Khartoum locality.png|25px]] [[Khartoum]]
|! !| {{flagu|Sudan}}
|! !| September 27, 1995
|-
|! !| [[File:HUN Győr Címer.svg|25px]] [[Győr]]
|! !| {{flagu|Hungary}}
|! !| October 19, 1995
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Coat of Arms of Bordeaux.svg|25px]] [[Bordeaux]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bordeaux.fr/p63778/europe%C2%A0et%C2%A0international |title=Bordeaux, ouverte sur l'Europe et sur le monde |access-date=September 1, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316134534/http://www.bordeaux.fr/p63778/europe%C2%A0et%C2%A0international |archive-date=March 16, 2015 }}</ref>
|! !| {{flagu|France}}
|! !| June 18, 1998
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Cheongju City logo(without text).png|25px]] [[Cheongju]]
|! !| {{flagu|South Korea}}
|! !| October 29, 2000
|-
|! !| [[File:AUT Sankt Poelten COA.svg|25px]] [[Sankt Pölten]]
|! !| {{flagu|Austria}}
|! !| December 20, 2005
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[Christchurch]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/civic-and-international-relations/sister-cities-programme/wuhan-china/ |title=Wuhan, China : Christchurch City Council |publisher=Christchurch City Council |quote=A Friendship City Agreement was signed between the Mayors of Wuhan and Christchurch on Tuesday 4 April 2006. |access-date=September 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919112358/http://www.ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/civic-and-international-relations/sister-cities-programme/wuhan-china |archive-date=September 19, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|! !| {{flagu|New Zealand}}
|! !| April 4, 2006
|-
|! !|  [[Markham, Ontario|Markham]]
|! !| {{flagu|Canada}}
|! !| September 12, 2006
|-
|! !| [[Kópavogur]]
|! !| {{flagu|Iceland}}
|! !| April 25, 2008
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Ashdod, Israel — Coat of arms (old).png|25px]] [[Ashdod]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.hubei.gov.cn/opening/sister_provinces_cities/201204/t20120421_346446.shtml |title=Wuhan - Ashdod, Israel |access-date=February 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025234559/http://en.hubei.gov.cn/opening/sister_provinces_cities/201204/t20120421_346446.shtml |archive-date=October 25, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|! !| {{flagu|Israel}}
|! !| November 8, 2011
|-
|! !| [[File:Blason département fr Essonne.svg|25px]] [[Essonne]] (not a city but a [[Departments of France|department]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.hubei.gov.cn/opening/sister_provinces_cities/201604/t20160422_823950.shtml |title=Wuhan - Essonne, France |access-date=February 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907110148/http://en.hubei.gov.cn/opening/sister_provinces_cities/201604/t20160422_823950.shtml |archive-date=September 7, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|! !| {{flagu|France}}
|! !| December 21, 2012
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !|  [[İzmir]]
|! !| {{flagu|Turkey}}
|! !| June 6, 2013
|-
|! !| [[File:Escudo .jpg|25px]] [[Tijuana]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.wh.gov.cn/publish/english/2013-07/22/1201307220851050080.html |title=Tijuana, Mexico becomes Wuhan's 20th sister city |access-date=March 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402090709/http://english.wh.gov.cn/publish/english/2013-07/22/1201307220851050080.html |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|! !| {{flagu|Mexico}}
|! !| July 12, 2013<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.hubei.gov.cn/opening/sister_provinces_cities/201305/t20130521_449893.shtml |title=Wuhan - Tijuana, Mexico |access-date=February 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907071125/http://en.hubei.gov.cn/opening/sister_provinces_cities/201305/t20130521_449893.shtml |archive-date=September 7, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Coat of Arms of Saratov.svg|25px]] [[Saratov]]<ref name="auto3">{{cite web |url=http://en.hubei.gov.cn/opening/sister_provinces_cities/201508/t20150807_701015.shtml |title=Wuhan – Saratov, Russia |access-date=February 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126110432/http://en.hubei.gov.cn/opening/sister_provinces_cities/201508/t20150807_701015.shtml |archive-date=January 26, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|! !| {{flagu|Russia}}
|! !| August 7, 2015
|-
|! !| [[File:Escudo de Concepción (Chile).svg|25px]] [[Concepción, Chile|Concepción]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.hubei.gov.cn/opening/sister_provinces_cities/201604/t20160425_824857.shtml |title=Wuhan - Concepción, Chile |access-date=February 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409161844/http://en.hubei.gov.cn/opening/sister_provinces_cities/201604/t20160425_824857.shtml |archive-date=April 9, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|! !| {{flagu|Chile}}
|! !| April 7, 2016
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Coat of arms of Bishkek Kyrgyzstan.svg|25px]] [[Bishkek]]
|! !| {{flagu|Kyrgyzstan}}
|! !| November 15, 2016
|-
|! !| [[Chalcis]]
|! !| {{flagu|Greece}}
|! !| May 11, 2017
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Coat of Arms of Izhevsk (Udmurtia).svg|25px]] [[Izhevsk]]
|! !| {{flagu|Russia}}
|! !| June 16, 2017
|-
|! !|  [[Swansea]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.163.com/18/0201/06/D9HPCFR0000187VI.html |script-title=zh:图文：武汉与英国斯旺西结为友好城市 |access-date=February 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217082403/http://news.163.com/18/0201/06/D9HPCFR0000187VI.html |archive-date=February 17, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|! !| {{flagu|United Kingdom}}
|! !| January 31, 2018
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[Entebbe]]
|! !| {{flagu|Uganda}}
|! !| April 13, 2018
|-
|! !| [[File:Seal of Bangkok Metro Authority.png|25px]] [[Bangkok]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.hbtv.com.cn/p/1648990.html |script-title=zh:刚刚！武汉和曼谷正式缔结为友好城市！ |access-date=November 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119091922/http://news.hbtv.com.cn/p/1648990.html |archive-date=November 19, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|! !| {{flagu|Thailand}}
|! !| November 16, 2018
|}
And Wuhan has friendly exchange relationships with:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wsb.wuhan.gov.cn/html/exchanges/201602/t20160204_45939.shtml |script-title=zh:武汉市国际友好交流城市结好时间表 |trans-title=List of Dates of Establishment for Overseas Cities With Friendly Exchange Relationship |website=www.whfao.gov.cn（Foreign Affairs Office of Wuhan Municipal Government） |access-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115113616/http://wsb.wuhan.gov.cn/html/exchanges/201602/t20160204_45939.shtml |archive-date=November 15, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" "text-align:left;font-size:100%;"|
|-
! style="background:#39e; color:white; height:17px; width:140px;"| City
! ! style="background:#39e; color:white; width:140px;"| Country
! ! style="background:#39e; color:white; width:140px;"| Since
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Emblem of Kobe, Hyogo.svg|25px]] [[Kobe]]
|! !| {{flagu|Japan}}
|! !| February 16, 1998
|-
|! !| [[File:Symbol of Hirosaki Aomori.svg|25px]] [[Hirosaki]]
|! !| {{flagu|Japan}}
|! !| October 17, 2003
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !|  [[St. Louis]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| September 27, 2004
|-
|! !| [[File:Seal of Atlanta.png|25px]] [[Atlanta]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| September 9, 2006
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Emblem of Daejeon.svg|25px]] [[Daejeon]]
|! !| {{flagu|South Korea}}
|! !| November 1, 2006
|-
|! !| [[File:Emblem of Gwangju.svg|25px]] [[Gwangju]]
|! !| {{flagu|South Korea}}
|! !| September 6, 2007
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !|[[Kolkata]]
|! !| {{flagu|India}}
|! !| July 24, 2008
|-
|! !|  [[Suwon]]
|! !| {{flagu|South Korea}}
|! !| December 5, 2008
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[Taebaek]]
|! !| {{flagu|South Korea}}
|! !| December 5, 2008
|-
|! !| [[File:Seal of Columbus, Ohio.svg|25px]] [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| October 30, 2009
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Grosses Wappen Bremen.png|25px]] [[Bremen (state)|Bremen]]
|! !| {{flagu|Germany}}
|! !| November 6, 2009
|-
|! !| [[File:Coat of arms of Port Louis, Mauritius.svg|25px]] [[Port Louis]]
|! !| {{flagu|Mauritius}}
|! !| November 10, 2009
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Cebu City seal.svg|25px]] [[Cebu City]]
|! !| {{flagu|Philippines}}
|! !| August 19, 2011
|-
|! !| [[File:Seal of the City of Yogyakarta.svg|25px]] [[Yogyakarta]]
|! !| {{flagu|Indonesia}}
|! !| November 12, 2011
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Coat of Arms of Perm.svg|25px]] [[Perm, Russia|Perm]]
|! !| {{flagu|Russia}}
|! !| September 10, 2012
|-
|! !| [[Chicago]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| September 20, 2012
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Coat of Arms of Košice.svg|25px]] [[Košice]]
|! !| {{flagu|Slovakia}}
|! !| November 6, 2012
|-
|! !| [[File:CoA Città di Napoli.svg|25px|[[Coat of arms of Naples]]]] [[Naples]]
|! !| {{flagu|Italy}}
|! !| September 18, 2012
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Blason département fr Moselle.svg|25px]] [[Moselle (department)|Moselle]]
|! !| {{flagu|France}}
|! !| July 16, 2013
|-
|! !| [[File:Seal of San Francisco.svg|25px]] [[San Francisco]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| November 21, 2013
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !|  [[Siem Reap Province]]
|! !| {{flagu|Cambodia}}
|! !| November 21, 2013
|-
|! !| [[Biratnagar]]
|! !| {{flagu|Nepal}}
|! !| November 21, 2013
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Seal of Bangkok Metro Authority.png|25px]] [[Bangkok]]
|! !| {{flagu|Thailand}}
|! !| November 21, 2013
|-
|! !| [[File:POL Częstochowa COA.svg|25px]] [[Częstochowa]]
|! !| {{flagu|Poland}}
|! !| March 14, 2014
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:OAZ.png|25px]] [[Oliveira de Azeméis]]
|! !| {{flagu|Portugal}}
|! !| April 11, 2014
|-
|! !| [[Sydney]]
|! !| {{flagu|Australia}}
|! !| May 30, 2014
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:DurbanCoatOfArms.jpg|25px]] [[Durban]]
|! !| {{flagu|South Africa}}
|! !| June 2014
|-
|! !| [[File:Seal of Burlingame, California.png|25px]] [[Burlingame, California]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| June 23, 2014
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Menlo Park California Logo.gif|25px]] [[Menlo Park, California]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| June 23, 2014
|-
|! !| [[File:Seal of Cupertino, California.png|25px]] [[Cupertino, California]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| June 23, 2014
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Seal of East Palo Alto, California.png|25px]] [[East Palo Alto, California]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| June 23, 2014
|-
|! !|  [[Hayward, California]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| June 23, 2014
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Citysealmillbrae.png|25px]] [[Millbrae, California]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| June 23, 2014
|-
|! !| [[Moraga, California]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| June 23, 2014
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Flag of Morgan Hill, California.svg|25px]] [[Morgan Hill, California]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| June 23, 2014
|-
|! !|  [[Mountain View, California]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| June 23, 2014
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Wordmark of Oakley, California.png|25px]] [[Oakley, California]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| June 23, 2014
|-
|! !|  [[Union City, California]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| June 23, 2014
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !|  [[Betong, Thailand|Betong]]
|! !| {{flagu|Thailand}}
|! !| June 25, 2014
|-
|! !| [[File:Halikko vaakuna.svg|25px]] [[Salo, Finland|Salo]]
|! !| {{flagu|Finland}}
|! !| August 25, 2014
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Gävle vapen.svg|25px]] [[Gävle]]
|! !| {{flagu|Sweden}}
|! !| August 27, 2014
|-
|! !| [[Lalitpur, Nepal|Patan]]
|! !| {{flagu|Nepal}}
|! !| October 20, 2014
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Pattaya seal.png|25px]] [[Pattaya]]
|! !| {{flagu|Thailand}}
|! !| October 24, 2014
|-
|! !| [[File:BeraneCoatOfArms.png|25px]] [[Berane]]
|! !| {{flagu|Montenegro}}
|! !| October 24, 2014
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Escudo ciudad de cordoba argentina.svg|25px]] [[Córdoba, Argentina|Córdoba]]
|! !| {{flagu|Argentina}}
|! !| October 24, 2014
|-
|! !| [[File:Blason liege.svg|25px]] [[Liège]]
|! !| {{flagu|Belgium}}
|! !| October 29, 2014
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Blason ville fr Lille (Nord).svg|25px]] [[Lille]]
|! !| {{flagu|France}}
|! !| November 3, 2014
|-
|! !| [[File:Coat of arms of Holbæk.svg|25px]] [[Holbæk]]
|! !| {{flagu|Denmark}}
|! !| November 24, 2014
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[Heraklion (regional unit)|Heraklion]]
|! !| {{flagu|Greece}}
|! !| December 11, 2014
|-
|! !|  [[Cape Town]]
|! !| {{flagu|South Africa}}
|! !| December 9, 2014
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Brasão de São Luís.svg|25px]] [[São Luís, Maranhão|São Luís]]
|! !| {{flagu|Brazil}}
|! !| April 29, 2015
|-
|! !| [[File:Varaždin (grb).gif|25px]] [[Varaždin]]
|! !| {{flagu|Croatia}}
|! !| May 7, 2015
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Seal of Kota Kinabalu.svg|25px]] [[Kota Kinabalu]]
|! !| {{flagu|Malaysia}}
|! !| May 20, 2015
|-
|! !| [[File:HUN Erdőkertes COA.jpg|25px]] [[Erdőkertes]], [[File:HUN Pest megye COA.svg|25px]] [[Pest County|Pest Megye]]
|! !| {{flagu|Hungary}}
|! !| July 4, 2015
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !|  [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]]
|! !| {{flagu|Australia}}
|! !| September 29, 2015
|-
|! !| [[File:Blason ville fr Le Mans (Sarthe) (orn ext).svg|25px]] [[Le Mans]]
|! !| {{flagu|France}}
|! !| November 1, 2015
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Flag of the Southern Province (Sri Lanka).PNG|25px]] [[Southern Province, Sri Lanka|Southern Province]]
|! !| {{flagu|Sri Lanka}}
|! !| December 3, 2015
|-
|! !| [[Galle]]
|! !| {{flagu|Sri Lanka}}
|! !| December 5, 2015
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !|  [[Mungyeong]]
|! !| {{flagu|South Korea}}
|! !| December 22, 2015
|-
|! !|  [[Daegu]]
|! !| {{flagu|South Korea}}
|! !| March 25, 2016
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !|  [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| April 5, 2016
|-
|! !| [[File:Coat of arms of Lima.svg|25px]] [[Lima]]
|! !| {{flagu|Peru}}
|! !| April 8, 2016
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !|  [[Tabriz]]
|! !| {{flagu|Iran}}
|! !| May 28, 2016
|-
|! !| [[Marrakesh]]
|! !| {{flagu|Morocco}}
|! !| June 3, 2016
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[Phnom Penh]]
|! !| {{flagu|Cambodia}}
|! !| July 11, 2016
|-
|! !| [[File:Coat-of-arms-of-Dublin.svg|25px]] [[Dublin]]
|! !| {{flagu|Ireland}}
|! !| September 5, 2016
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Seal of Houston, Texas.svg|25px]] [[Houston]]
|! !| {{flagu|United States}}
|! !| September 10, 2016
|-
|! !| [[Jinja, Uganda|Jinja]]
|! !| {{flagu|Uganda}}
|! !| September 20, 2016
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Escudo de Pucallpa.svg|25px]] [[Pucallpa]]
|! !| {{flagu|Peru}}
|! !| September 20, 2016
|-
|! !|  [[Maribor]]
|! !| {{flagu|Slovenia}}
|! !| September 23, 2016
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[Montego Bay]]
|! !| {{flagu|Jamaica}}
|! !| September 28, 2016
|-
|! !| [[Victoria, Seychelles|Victoria]]
|! !| {{flagu|Seychelles}}
|! !| October 17, 2016
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Kemi.vaakuna.svg|25px]] [[Kemi]]
|! !| {{flagu|Finland}}
|! !| November 25, 2016
|-
|! !| [[San Nicolás de los Arroyos]]
|! !| {{flagu|Argentina}}
|! !| December 16, 2016
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Brasão de Armas do Município de Foz do Iguaçu.png|25px]] [[Foz do Iguaçu]]
|! !| {{flagu|Brazil}}
|! !| March 9, 2017
|-
|! !| [[File:Greater Coat of Arms of Dunkerque.svg|25px]] [[Dunkirk]]
|! !| {{flagu|France}}
|! !| March 20, 2017
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Jihlava CoA CZ.svg|25px]] [[Jihlava]]
|! !| {{flagu|Czech Republic}}
|! !| May 10, 2017
|-
|! !| [[File:Coat of Arms of Brest, Belarus.svg|25px]] [[Brest, Belarus|Brest]]
|! !| {{flagu|Belarus}}
|! !| August 29, 2017
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Coat of arms of Zhytomyr.svg|25px]] [[Zhytomyr]]
|! !| {{flagu|Ukraine}}
|! !| November 14, 2017
|-
|! !| [[File:Armoiries de Marseille.svg|25px]] [[Marseille]]
|! !| {{flagu|France}}
|! !| November 20, 2017
|- style="color:black; background:white;"
|! !| [[File:Blason Herstal.svg|25px]] [[Herstal]]
|! !| {{flagu|Belgium}}
|! !| May 21, 2018
|-
|! !| [[Fergana]]
|! !| {{flagu|Uzbekistan}}
|! !| October 14, 2018
|}

=== Former Twinnings ===

The city of Arnhem has unilaterally ended its twinning with Wuhan on July 21, 2021, citing concerns about the [[persecution of Uyghurs in China]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Arnhem verbreekt stedenband met Chinese stad Wuhan |date=July 22, 2021 |url=https://www.gld.nl/nieuws/7304250/arnhem-verbreekt-stedenband-met-chinese-stad-wuhan |publisher=Omroep Gelderland |language=nl |access-date=July 22, 2021 |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929124117/https://www.gld.nl/nieuws/7304250/arnhem-verbreekt-stedenband-met-chinese-stad-wuhan |url-status=live }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" "text-align:left;font-size:100%;"|
|-
! style="background:#39e; color:white; height:17px; width:140px;"| City
! ! style="background:#39e; color:white; width:140px;"| Country
! ! style="background:#39e; color:white; width:140px;"| From
! ! style="background:#39e; color:white; width:140px;"| Until
|-
|! !| [[File:Coat of arms of Arnhem.svg|25px]] [[Arnhem]]
|! !| {{flagu|Netherlands}}
|! !| September 6, 1999
|! !| July 21, 2021
|}

==Nature and wildlife==
In [[Chinese mythology]], the [[Baiji]] ("Yangtze River dolphin") has many origin stories. In one legend, the Baiji was the daughter of a general who was deported from the city of Wuhan during a war. During his duty, the daughter ran away. Later, the general met a woman who told him how her father was a general, and when he realized that she was his daughter, he threw himself into the river out of shame. The daughter ran after him and also fell into the river. Before they were drowned, the daughter was transformed into a dolphin, and the general a porpoise.<ref name=turvy>{{cite book |first=Samuel |last=Turvy |title=Witness to Extinction: How we Failed to Save the Yangtze River Dolphin |chapter=The Goddess of the Yangtze |pages=[https://archive.org/details/witnesstoextinct0000turv/page/3 3–4] |year=2008 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-954947-4 |id={{ASIN|0199549486 |country=uk}} |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/witnesstoextinct0000turv/page/3 }}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Asia|China}}
* [[Historical capitals of China]]
* [[List of cities in the People's Republic of China by population]]
* [[List of current and former capitals of subnational entities of China]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
<!--infobox refs-->
{{Reflist
|refs=
<!--For 九省通衢 nickname -->
<ref name="Readmeok Sina">{{cite web |url=http://www.readmeok.com/2012-5/21_11860.html |script-title=zh:图文："黄金十字架"写就第一笔 |publisher=Sina |date=March 30, 2009 |access-date=February 21, 2018 |quote={{lang|zh-hans|武汉历史上就是"九省通衢"，在中央促进中部崛起战略中被定位为"全国性综合交通运输枢纽"。}} |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113420/http://www.readmeok.com/2012-5/21_11860.html |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref><ref name="City government 九省通衢">{{cite web |url=http://www.wh.gov.cn/theme/include/htm/whgl/frame04.htm |script-title=zh:九省通衢 |website=The government of Wuhan |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121127235821/http://www.wh.gov.cn/theme/include/htm/whgl/frame04.htm |archive-date=November 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=May 5, 2019 }}</ref>
<!--For Chicago nickname -->
<ref name="timemagazine">{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,848985,00.html |title=Foreign News: On To Chicago |magazine=Time |access-date=November 20, 2011 |date=June 13, 1938 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105114835/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,848985,00.html |archive-date=January 5, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Chicago is all over the place">{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/05/13/chicago-is-all-over-the-place/ |title=Chicago is all over the place |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=May 22, 2012 |author=Jacob, Mark |date=May 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511215253/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-05-13/news/ct-talk-nato-chicago-0513-20120513_1_violent-crime-chicago-connection-south-america-s-chicago |archive-date=May 11, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="水野幸吉 Mizuno Kokichi 2014 3">{{cite book |script-title=zh:中国中部事情：汉口 |trans-title=Central China: Hankou |publisher=Wuhan Press |author={{Nihongo2|水野幸吉}} (Mizuno Kokichi) |year=2014 |pages=3 |isbn=9787543084612 }}</ref>
<!--For divisions -->
<ref name="history2">{{cite web |script-title=zh:武汉市历史沿革 |url=http://www.xzqh.org/html/show/hb/15225_2.html |date=August 6, 2014 |access-date=February 10, 2018 |language=zh-hans |publisher=www.XZQH.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210120959/http://www.xzqh.org/html/show/hb/15225_2.html |archive-date=February 10, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="xingzhengquhua">{{cite web |script-title=zh:行政建置 |url=http://www.wh.gov.cn/2018wh/zjwh_5785/whgk/201808/t20180824_223224.html |date=January 8, 2018 |access-date=October 17, 2018 |language=zh-hans |publisher=Wuhan Municipal People's Government |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017082522/http://www.wh.gov.cn/2018wh/zjwh_5785/whgk/201808/t20180824_223224.html |archive-date=October 17, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==Sources==
* {{Citation |surname=de Crespigny |given=Rafe |url=https://digitalcollections.anu.edu.au/html/1885/42048/gos_index.html |title=Generals of the South: The foundation and early history of the Three Kingdoms state of Wu |publisher=Australian National University |place=Canberra |year=1990}}. Internet Edition 2004.
* {{citation |last=Taylor |first=Jay |year=2009 |title=The Generalissimo: Chiang Kai-shek and the Struggle for Modern China |publisher=The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
* {{Cite book |author=Acerbi, Jacob |title=Chaos and Grime: A Year in the Life of a Chinese City |location=Philadelphia |publisher=LSI Holdings, LLC |year=2020}} {{ISBN|1734454415|978-1734454413}}.
* {{Cite book |author=Chi, Li |title=Lao Wuhan (Old Wuhan): Yong Yuan De Lang Man... (part of the "Lao Cheng Shi" series) |location=Nanjing |publisher=Jiangsu Meishu Chubanshe |year=2000}}
* {{Cite book |author=Coe, John L. |title=Huachung University (Huazhong Daxue) |location=New York |publisher=United Board for Christian Higher Education |year=1962}}
* {{Cite book |author=Danielson, Eric N. |title="The Three Wuhan Cities," pp. 1–96 in The Three Gorges and the Upper Yangzi |location=Singapore |publisher=Marshall Cavendish/Times Editions |year=2005}}
* {{Cite book |author=Latimer, James V. |title=Wuhan Trips: A Book on Short Trips in and Around Hankow |location=Hankow |publisher=Navy YMCA |year=1934}}
* {{Cite book |author=MacKinnon, Stephen R. |title="Wuhan's Search for Identity in the Republican Period," in Remaking the Chinese City, 1900–1950, ed. by Joseph W. Esherick |location=Honolulu |publisher=University of Hawaii Press |year=2000}}
* {{Cite book |author=Rowe, William T. |title=Hankou: Commerce and Society, 1796–1889 |location=Stanford |publisher=Stanford University Press |year=1984}}
* {{Cite book |author=Rowe, William T. |title=Hankou: Conflict and Community in a Chinese City, 1796–1895 |location=Stanford |publisher=Stanford University Press |year=1988}}
* {{Cite book |author1=Song, Xiaodan |author2=Zhu, Li |name-list-style=amp |title=Wuhan Jiu Ying (Old Photos of Wuhan) |location=Beijing |publisher=Renmin Meishu Chubanshe (People's Fine Arts Publishing House) |year=1999}}
* Walravens, Hartmut. "German Influence on the Press in China."  In: ''Newspapers in International Librarianship: Papers Presented by the Newspaper Section at IFLA General Conferences''. [[Walter de Gruyter]],  2003. {{ISBN|3110962799|978-3110962796}} [http://ifla.queenslibrary.org/IV/ifla62/62-walh.htm Also available at] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20030617073505/http://ifla.queenslibrary.org/IV/ifla62/62-walh.htm Archive]) the website of the [[Queens Library]] This version does not include the footnotes visible in the Walter de Gruyter version. Also available in Walravens, Hartmut and Edmund King. ''Newspapers in international librarianship: papers presented by the newspapers section at IFLA General Conferences''. [[K.G. Saur]], 2003. {{ISBN|3598218370|978-3598218378}}.
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|voy=Wuhan|Wuhan}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120415231453/http://english.wh.gov.cn/ Wuhan Government website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130125035031/http://www.wuhantime.com/ Wuhan Time]
* [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Wuhan Google Maps Wuhan]
* [https://populationof2019.com/population-of-wuhan-2019.html Wuhan 2019 Population] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812175419/https://populationof2019.com/population-of-wuhan-2019.html |date=August 12, 2019 }}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Guangzhou]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Historical capitals of China|Capital of China]]
|years=1927}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Nanjing]]}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Nanjing]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Historical capitals of China|(wartime) Capital of China]]
|years=1937}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Chongqing]] (wartime)}}
{{s-end}}
{{Hubei topics}}
{{Hubei}}
{{Prefectural-level divisions of the People's Republic of China}}
{{Metropolitan cities of the People's Republic of China}}
{{Provincial capitals of China}}
{{Major cities along the Yangtze River}}
{{World's most populous urban areas}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Wuhan| ]]<!--please leave the empty space as standard-->
[[Category:2nd-millennium BC establishments in China]]
[[Category:Former national capitals]]
[[Category:Jianghan Plain]]
[[Category:National forest cities in China]]
[[Category:Populated places on the Yangtze River]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in China]]
[[Category:Provincial capitals in China]]
[[Category:Sub-provincial cities in the People's Republic of China]]
[[Category:Wuhan urban agglomeration]]
[[Category:Populated places established in the 2nd millennium BC]]
[[Category:Prefecture-level divisions of Hubei]]
[[Category:Cities in Hubei]]
[[Category:National Civilized City]]