Hubei is located in the transitional region from the second to the third terrace in the terrain of China, thus having a variety of landforms. It is surrounded by Wuling, Wushan, Daba, Wudang, Tongbai, Dabie and Mufu mountains on the west, north and east. Lying in the central and southern parts is the Jianghan Plain which extends to Hunan Province to link with the Dongting Lake Plain.
Hebei is also known for its moderate climate. The four seasons are felt and enjoyed. In spring it is arid and windy, hot and rainy in summer, balmy and fine in autumn and dry and cold in winter.
Hebei has highly developed agriculture, together with fishery, iron industry and pottery manufacturing. It abounds in mineral resources, such as petroleum, limestone, asbestos, phosphorus, vanadium, platinum and lead, the reserves of which are the most abundant in China. Hubei has a firm foundation and comprehensive supporting strength for such industries as auto manufacturing, metallurgy, machinery, electric power, chemical industry, electric information, textile and building materials. In 2000, the gross domestic product of Hebei was valued at 508.896 billion Yuan, and the per Hebei has a long history of agriculture, and is one of the important areas for production of grain and cotton in China. Animal husbandry and fisheries are also important components of the economy. The industrial sector developed greatly after the 1950s, Hebei is currently a major industrial base for coal, steel, and textiles.
The total population of Hebei Province in 2000 was 67.44 million, China's 6th largest. Population density was 346.5/km2. The density is higher in the south and middle, lower in the north and west, higher in the plains, and unevenly distributed in the mountains and hills. Population density is highest along the Beijing-Guangzhou railway line and Beijing-Shanhaiguan highway. The rural population is larger than the urban population.
Hebei ranks 14th in land resources in China, but with its large population, the resources per capita are poor. There are over a thousand utilizable species of plants, and animal species make up 25 percent of China's total. By the end of 1989, 106 types of minerals had been found in this province. Hebei's marine resources are rich and there are many locations that attract tourism.
All kinds of natural resources abound in Hubei province, with all its beautiful scenery and mountainous geographical conditions. 138 types of minerals have been found in Hubei, taking up 81% of all discovered minerals nationwide. Among the 138 types of minerals, the reserves of 89 types have been ascertained, for instance, the reserves of five mineral resources including peridotite for fertilizer, iodine, garnet, rectorite clay and diabase for construction use rank top nationwide; the reserves of 17 mineral resources such as marlite, phosphorus etc.
There are various kinds of animals and plants in this province, with a number of world-rare species and species only can be found in Hubei. The province is also a key base of traditional Chinese medicine, thus called the ¡°China¡¯s herb watrehouse.
Hubei Province with Wuhan as its capital is located in the central part of China on the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Nestling amid lofty and beautiful mountains in its east, west and north, its southern part is of a fresh rural scenery. The Yangtze, Hanshui and Oingjiang rivers irrigate the fertile land of the province. With green wooded mountains, densely covered rivers and lakes, a long history splendid culture, unique folk customs and gigantic modern construction achievements tourism resources of Hubei are rich and unique.
Shennongjia is one of the noted virgin forests and nature reserves in China and has joined the world biosphere protection net of the United Nations. With a special geographic environment, rich plant and animal resources, many plants and animals to the verge of extinction can be found there. Shennongjia has been veiled by the mystery of the existence of the wild man, queer albino animals and the whereabouts of unknown rivers. Apart from the well preserved environment and distinctive natural landscapes, other special tours such as scientific investigation, rock-climbing, drifting and forest bath have been launched.
Mt Wudang, a famous sacred place of Taoism and a state-listed scenic spot, is reputed for its curious scenery, magnificent and ancient structures, valuable cultural relics, Chinese boxing and touching folk tales. Imposing buildings of Mt Wudang merge rocks and cliffs into an organic whole and constitute the great achievements of architectural culture of ancient China.
Located on the beautiful and fertile Jianghan Plain and gifted for rich products and ample provisions and fodder, Hubei, the transport center of the country, was a place of strategic importance during the Three Kingdoms. Noted ancient relics of the Three Kingdoms include Jingzhou ancient wall, ancient Longzhong, the ancient battlefields of Red Crag and Xiaoting, Guan Gong's Tomb and Shuijing village. Wuhan in the middle of Central China on the middle reaches of the Yangtze River flourishes because of the Yangtze River. It is a cultural and historic city thanks to its gorgeous natural scenery, brilliant human landscapes and special folk customs.
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