21st Century Business Herald:

Hubei is a popular tourist destination for many people. We noticed that during the recent May Day holiday, many scenic spots in Hubei were crowded and extremely popular. Could you please brief us on some of Hubei's attractions? Thank you.

Wang Zhonglin:

Thank you for your attention to Hubei. Mr. Wei will answer this question.

Wei Shengbin:

As you mentioned, Hubei is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international travelers. As a province with abundant tourism resources, Hubei boasts beauty of mountains and rivers as well as excellent cultural heritage. It is home to four world cultural and natural heritage sites, ranking second nationwide. With 15 national 5A-level scenic spots, ranking sixth in the country, Hubei is a popular tourist destination sought after by visitors from around the world. Here, I would like to introduce Hubei in the following five aspects.

Hubei is like a beautiful painting with enchanting rivers and lakes as well as majestic and diverse mountains. The Yangtze River, the Hanjiang River, and the Qingjiang River are like three jade belts embellishing the land of Hubei, and there are 755 lakes and 4,231 rivers scattered across the region. Here, with the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the once turbulent waters have now tranquillized, giving rise to a broad expanse of lake. Wudang Mountain is known for its Taoism culture, and Shennongjia stands as the "Roof of Central China." All these are world-famous scenic spots. The province showcases its picturesque landscapes throughout the four seasons, with cherry blossoms in the spring, lotus flowers in the summer, osmanthus blossoms in the autumn and plum blossoms in the winter, offering scenic beauty year-round.

Hubei is like a profound book as it is the important birthplace of the Yangtze River civilization, the significant origin of the ancient Chu culture and the vital carrier of the Three Kingdoms culture. Historical figures such as Emperor Yan, the poet Qu Yuan, the tea sage Lu Yu and the medicinal expert Li Shizhen still shine brightly. Stories like the musician Boya playing the zither, Zhaojun departing for a frontier and Yue Fei stationing troops have been passed down through the ages. Classic works such as "Yellow Crane Tower" by Cui Hao, "Ode to the Red Cliff" by Su Dongpo, and "Prelude to Water Melody: Swimming" by Chairman Mao have left a lasting legacy. The land of Hubei is like a profound book that is always captivating and ever fresh.

Hubei is like an inspiring poem. It is where the revolution of modern China began, with the Wuchang Uprising marking the first shot of the 1911 Revolution. The Hubei-Henan-Anhui revolutionary base area created the miracle of "28 years with the Red Flag never falling." Hubei is also home to 235 founding generals of the People's Liberation Army. The first bridge across the Yangtze River was built here, serving as a major passage to connect its north and south banks. The "made-in-Wuhan" equipment has played a significant role in supporting the country's industrial backbone. The heroic battles during the 1998 flood and the defense against the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan have safeguarded the land. Generations of Hubei residents have fought fearlessly, creating a grand and magnificent epic that fills the hearts of others with passion and admiration.

Hubei is like an abundant garden, renowned for its delectable cuisine that spreads its fragrance far and wide. Wuchang fish, hot dry noodles and crayfish have all gained popularity both domestically and internationally. Famous teas here offer a long-lasting sweetness, with the historical significance of being transported to other areas through the ancient Tea Road. Enshi Yulu, Lichuan Red and other exquisite Chu-style teas have gained fame worldwide. There are also a wide range of high-quality products, including traditional Han-style clothing, exquisite jewelry and authentic medicinal herbs. Automobiles, mobile phones and smart home appliances sell well globally. The land of Hubei resembles a bountiful home, where people harvest happiness and achieve their dreams.

Hubei is like a well-connected bridge. Here, a high-speed rail network stretches in 12 directions, connecting east and west as well as north and south. The 1,061-kilometer-long high-grade waterway of the Yangtze River is connected to the eastern, central and western routes of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. Tianhe Airport and Huahu Airport serve as dual hubs for passengers and cargo, providing an air gateway to the world. An open Hubei, well connected with other regions of the nation, is reaching out to the world.

On this occasion, we cordially invite friends from all over the world to visit Hubei, to admire the magnificent scenery of the Yellow Crane Tower, to practice Wudang tai chi, and to appreciate the essence of the ancient Chu culture. Let us together experience the vast and splendid beauty of Hubei, feel the strong pulse of this land and jointly create a bright future for the rise of the central region. Thank you.

Xie Yingjun:

Thank you, Governor Wang and all the speakers. Thank you to all the journalists present. This concludes our press conference. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Zhu Bochen, Wang Qian, Xu Xiaoxuan, Liu Sitong, Zhang Tingting, Wang Yanfang, Ma Yujia, Qin Qi, Yan Bin, Yuan Fang, Wang Ziteng, Cui Can, Wang Wei, Yang Xi, Li Huiru, Liu Caiyi, Rochelle Beiersdorfer, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.