Huanggang Travel Guide

Chinese Name:  黄冈 (huáng gāng)
Population: 7,500,000
Area: 17,400 square kilometers (6,718 square miles)
Location: in the east of Hubei Province, central China
Administrative Division: 1 district (Huangzhou); 7 counties (Hong'an, Luotian, Yingshan, Xishui, Qichun, Huangmei, Tuanfeng); 2 county-level cities (Macheng, Wuxue)
Area Code: 0713
Zip Code: 438000
GDP (2018): CNY 203.52 billion (USD 30.76 billion)

Lying at the south foot of the Dabie Mountains, Huanggang is situated in eastern Hubei Province and is separated from the cities of Ezhou, Huangshi and Jiujiang by the Yellow River. It is near to Henan to the north and Anhui to the east. The downtown area of Huanggang is about 78 kilometers (48 miles) west of the capital of the province, Wuhan. It is easy to get to Huanggang by air and train as Huanggang is close to Wuhan Tianhe International Airport and Jiujiang Lushan Airport and has six railways operating in the territory. As seven rivers including the Yangtze River passing through the city, Huangshi has many waterways and the mileage has reached 247.6 km (153.9 mi) by 2015. This city also features beautiful natural scenery. The majestic and towering Dabie Mountain stands in the north of Huanggang which is the first place for visitors to ascend a height and enjoy a distant view. In addition, visitors are able to appreciate the picturesque scenery, historical sites and ancient literati's calligraphy in the Dongpo Chibi (Red Cliff).

Located in the mountainous north of Luotian County, Dabieshan National Forest Park covers an area of 300 square kilometers (116 square miles) and offers five scenic locations: Tiantangzhai, Qingtaiguan, Bodaofeng, Jiuzihe and Tiantanghu. It is a well known area for its beautiful natural scenery which includes mountains, rivers, lake landscapes and rich historic relics. 
 Chibi refers to a large jutting cliff which is a dull red in color. Many of the buildings in Chibi were constructed over 1,700 years ago. The area is called Dongpo Chibi because the poet Su Shi spent a lot of time in the area when he lived in Huangzhou. More than one hundred steles of his works are preserved here. Standing in the northwest of the old town of Huangzhou, Dongpo Chibi is noted for its historic buildings.

Downtown Huanggang is one hour's drive from Wuhan Tianhe International Airport and Jiujiang Airport (Jiangxi Province). The Central Bus Station and Huangzhou Bus Station are all situated in Baota Da Dao.

Huanggang enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with rich rainfall and abundant sunshine. Its annual average temperature is somewhere around 15.7-17.1℃ (60.3-62.8℉). The rainy season falls in June to July. 
 
 When to Go: Spring and autumn are the most practical seasons to visit Huanggang.

 History: The administrative regionalization of Huanggang began as early as the Xia (21st - 16th century BC) and Shang (16th - 11th century BC) dynasties. It has been about 1,680 years since the first city-level district was established in 329 of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (265 - 316). From the Sui (581-618) to the early Ming (1368-1644) dynasties, Huanggang was governed by Huangzhou and Qizhou. After the Ming Dynasty, Huangzhou became the only political center of the region.      
 
 Geographical Features: Huanggang is bordered to the northeast by the Dabie Mountains; the main ridge of which stretches northwest-southeast through the city, with the terrain sloping smoothly downwards. Central Huanggang is a hilly area but the south is narrow and features a long lake. In total, six rivers originate in the Dabie Mountains and flow through the city.               
 
 Special Local Products: Chestnuts from Luotian County, meat loaf from Macheng City, tea from Yingshan county, herbs from Qichun County and peanuts from Hongshan County.