Changes in Wuhan

With its key position in central China Wuhan is a key hub for both commercial as well as industrial transport. Marking the midpoint on the high-speed train between Beijing and Guangzhou with new lines now open to Guilin this makes Wuhan a convenient base for those wishing to travel around China. In terms of industry Wuhan has been termed the gateway to Western China, something particularly important to the planned development of Western China by the Chinese government. What all this means in real terms is that Wuhan is changing rapidly and well on its way to becoming a truly international city. These changes are taking place not only in the infrastructure of the city but also in culture, sport and education. Here I have mentioned three such changes that show how Wuhan is changing right now.

With the plans long ago submitted and finalised, the base has now been completed and in the last few weeks the first steel beams have been installed in what will be the Wuhan Greenland Center Tower. Construction is estimated to be completed in 2017 at which time it will stand as the fourth highest building in the world. At 636m that makes it more than double the height of The Shard (currently the tallest building in Europe).

As many city residents will tell you, Wuhan is a city of ‘firsts’ in China. It had the first bridge to cross the Yangtze river, the first tunnel going under the river and as of last year the first Metro line to go under the river. That line will soon be joined by the recently opened Line 4 which began operation at the end of December. Line 4 will eventually run all the way from Wuhan train station down to Zhuankou in Hanyang, though currently is only open as far as Yuemachang in Wuchang. However passengers can take the Metro between Wuhan train station, Wuchang train station and Hankou train station – greatly convenient for travellers getting in and out of the city. Now in Wuhan there are three Metro lines open with five more planned to open in the next 5 years with further suburban lines to follow. When fully completed the Wuhan Metro system will be one of the most extensive in the world.

In September of this year Wuhan will play host to a Women’s Tennis Association tournament with 7 of the top 10 female players expected to attend. The stadium is located in Guanggu (Optics Valley) and construction will be completed in the coming months. One player you can safely expect to be competing in the tournament will be the current world number four Li Na who is a local of the city.