Wuhan

Wuhan (武汉; Wǔhàn) has matured from the sprawling convergence of three independent cities to central China's main industrial and commercial centre. While there's not much in the way of cultural sites, Wuhan is a major transport hub so you may find yourself here for a night or two.

The Yangzi and Han rivers open up the densely packed streets, flowing by parks, lakes and a concession-era entertainment district in Hankou, the pick of the three former cities. This is not a place of penny postcards, but for those traveling through the middle of the Middle Kingdom, it's a good place to get your urban fix.