Wuhan, city and capital of Hubei Province, in central China, a major industrial complex and inland port at the confluence of the Han and Yangtze rivers. The port is accessible to oceangoing vessels. The integrated iron and steel complex at nearby Wukang, one of the largest of its type in China, supports a variety of manufactures, including heavy machinery, railroad equipment, and motor vehicles. Other products include glass, chemicals, textiles, paper, and aluminum.
Wuhan was formed in 1950 when three cities—Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang—were combined into one administrative unit. The name is an abbreviation for the cities, which retained their individual identities. Hankou, the commercial center and largest of the three, occupies the northwestern quadrant, lying west of the Yangtze and north of the Han River. Hanyang, the smallest of the three and a manufacturing and residential section, lies west of the Yangtze and south of the Han River. Wuchang, the administrative and educational center and provincial capital, is on the eastern bank of the Yangtze. Wuhan University, in Wuchang, is the principal institute of higher education. Landmarks include the Yangtze River Bridge, connecting Hanyang and Wuchang; East Lake (Tong Hu), one of China's largest lakes, with many historical attractions; Tortoise Hill (in Hanyang); and Xiang Pagoda, made famous by Tang (T'ang) dynasty (618-907) poets and restored several times since it was built in the 3rd century. Wuchang is also the site of the Mao Zedong Peasant Movement Institute and has monuments commemorating the Republican Revolution of 1911.
Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Wuhan Information info
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