WELCOME TO WUHAN
Industry is thriving in the largest city in central China, finds Tamsin Cocks
The Chinese port city is welcoming new investment and industry
As first impressions go, the “sevenstar” Wanda Reign Wuhan’s “Imperial Welcome” service was definitely memorable. Two tuxedo-clad chauffeurs greeted me at Wuhan Tianhe International airport in a sleek black Bentley replete with seat massagers, wifi and a jazz playlist. The 25km drive to the city centre took only half an hour thanks to ring roads that provided congestion-free passage.
The luxury arrival set a high standard – but the city continued to impress. Divided by the Yangtze and Han rivers, Wuhan has long been an important inland port for both Chinese and foreign merchants, and boasts stunning colonial architecture alongside striking modern sculptural edifices. Hundreds of surrounding lakes add natural beauty, while 3,500 years of history provide plenty of cultural interest. Meanwhile, commercial areas, shopping hotspots and entertainment outlets show that the city continues to thrive today.
From a business point of view, Wuhan is booming. The capital of Hubei province is the largest city in central China, with more than ten million people. Traditional industries include huge automotive and steel enterprises, attracting the likes of Dongfeng Motor Corporation, China’s thirdlargest automaker, along with major international outfits such as Honda, Nissan, Renault and Citroen. The city benefits from international investment in diverse sectors, with a disproportionately high level of French companies concentrating their efforts on the central Chinese city – from retail giants Carrefour to insurance firm AXA.
Branching out from traditional manufacturing, Wuhan has developed a number of special economic zones, science and technology parks, research institutes and enterprise incubators. Wuhan University and other leading education facilities have helped to develop the city’s drive into new technological spheres, with strong capabilities emerging in the telecommunications, optoelectronics and bioengineering sectors. Ironically, environmental sustainability is also one of Wuhan’s emerging industries – although the thick blanket of smog that pervaded during my visit was perhaps not the best champion of this.
GETTING THERE
Wuhan Tianhe International is the 13th-busiest in China, serving 23 international destinations including Paris, Seoul, Tokyo and San Francisco, plus more than 50 domestic locations. (There are no nonstop services from the UK at present.) A new runway accommodating A380s was set to
open as we went to press, and a third terminal is expected to follow later this year. One advantage for international travellers is that Wuhan offers a 72-hour visa-free transit, perfect for those on a short business stopover.
Being centrally located within China also makes the city a natural transportation crossroads and major transit hub, with dozens of arterial rail and highways linking east to west and north to south.
TIME TO EXPLORE
East Lake Scenic Park is a famous natural site, with botanical gardens and hiking opportunities. Visiting in March, I was lucky to catch the brief flowering period of the cherry blossom ( sakura) trees more commonly associated with Japan. Boat cruises of the area are available, but the pollution made that a decidedly unappealing idea. The highly recommended Hubei Provincial Museum was a better option.
For more commercial tastes, head to the Wuhan Central Cultural District. Han Street is one of the longest shopping avenues in China, stretching 1.5km from one end to the other. Elegantly designed, it’s home to major global high-street brands including Gap and Marks and Spencer, as well as restaurants and attractions such as the 3D-photo “Alive Museum”. There are also a few nightclubs for those who aren’t ready to go home.
Top-and-tailing the entertainment district is the Han Show Theatre at one end, and the Wanda Movie Park at the other. The theatre’s red lantern design dominates the skyline of this part of the city, and inside is a spectacular overwater performance by Franco Dragone – famous for his work with Cirque du Soleil – that takes place on a “stage pool” (from RMB380/£40; thehanshow.com). Wanda Movie Park, which is shaped like Chinese golden chime bells, offers six multidimensional cinemas, plus rides and “6D” experiences.
Across the river is Hankou, the financial centre. Wuhan has a colonial Bund to rival Shanghai, spread over three separate areas. Standing on what’s referred to as the “French Bund” are the red-brick fortresses of Banque de l’Indochine and the former US consulate. Wander through the Riverside Park to Wuhan Tiandi and you’ll discover a spacious outdoor complex with a bustling hive of independent stores, cafés and bars.