South-central China Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

The Southern Central Region of China is largely an agricultural area, but it has some quite large cities and considerable industry as well. This area is generally poorer than the coastal provinces on the eastern and southern coasts and is the main source of migrant laborers for those provinces.

• 28.19874112.970871 Changsha, Hunan
• 27.95204109.591582 Fenghuang, Hunan - a beautiful historical city
• 31.86389117.280833 Hefei, Anhui
• 29.294167117.2036114 Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, a center of pottery
• 28.684167115.8872225 Nanchang, Jiangxi
• 30.587222114.2880566 Wuhan, Hubei
• 30.708333111.2802787 Yichang, Hubei

• 31.042778109.5613891 Three Gorges , Cruise along the Yangtze River between Yichang and Chongqing
• 32.400833111.0038892 Wudang Mountains The birthplace of Tai chi
• 29.345556110.4666673 Wulingyuan Scenic Area nature reserve
• 29.0528110.4834 Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie
• 30.125118.1666675 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
• 28.951944118.0519446 Mount Sanqingshan National Park

As elsewhere in China, there is an extensive rail network. Rail is the main means of inter-city travel for the Chinese themselves, and many visitors travel that way as well. The system now includes fast bullet trains on most major routes; unless your budget is very tight, these are the best way to go — fast, clean and comfortable.

All the major cities have airports with good domestic connections; some have international connections as well. See the individual city articles for details.

There is also an extensive highway network, much of it very good. Buses go almost anywhere, somewhat cheaper than the trains. See the China article for more. Driving yourself is also a possibility, but often problematic due to the dangerous driving habits and lack of law enforcement; see Driving in China.

• The beautiful Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan
• Historic sites from the 1911 Wuchang Uprising in Wuhan

As with most mainland China your only risk is being pick pocketed provided you use common sense. Driving can be very dangerous, in particular in places with mountainous roads and during heavy down pours. Some people recommend sitting at the back of the bus in case of a crash. On occasion foreigners are banned from minority regions (Tibetan) during political sensitive times without warning and you will be sent back and fined if you are discovered. More likely you will not even be able to buy a ticket. Check out beforehand if traveling into these areas to make sure they are open! (West Sichuan)