Situated as it is on the confluence of the Han and Yangtze, Wuhan has long been an important trade and water-transport destination.  These two rivers braid themselves through the city today, the Yangtze spanned by First Bridge, which connects Snake Hill and Turtle Hill by railway.  Ancient Wuhan was first settled 3,000 years ago, and continues to be renowned as a major intellectual center, with several of China's most revered poets coming out of the region. 

Admittedly, Wuhan's climate is rather inhospitable during the winter and summer months.  Summers are sweltering and humid, with highs reaching 94F (34C) in July and August.  Winters are wet and chilly (though not bone-numbingly so), with lows dipping to 30F (-1C).  Spring and autumn, however, do tend to make up for it, as April, May, September and October weather is crisp and delightful for riverside strolls.

The international dining and entertainment scene is really picking up in Wuhan. For a taste of Europe, don't miss Café Brussels, Giano's, or Blue Sky Café (serving coffee and light meals, and offering music and a full bar after dark).  Vegetarians can enjoy meat-free meals at Taoist restaurants such as Eternal Spring, or Baotong Temple restaurant.  Wuhan's bars stay open until 2:00am, though will sometimes keep the party going later if there are many customers.  For after hours fun, enjoy hot salsa nights at Latin dance club Cuba Libre, or throw back a bottle of Tsingtao beer at Club Café.  On Friday and Saturday nights, you're guaranteed to see more than one foreign face rocking out at Music Man.

Wuhan Time ( www.wuhantime.com) organizes most of the expatriate day outings in the city.  Some sample events include Chinese dance classes, cooking classes, calligraphy classes, Mid-Autumn parties and more.  Though coffee is not something the Chinese have readily taken to, cafes and coffee shops have become popular recreational hubs in Wuhan.  Popular chains UBC, SPR, Mingtien and others have all established branches in the area, and there is a great selection of privately-owned retreats in which to kick back and read or chat with friends, an especially pleasant proposition on summer afternoons. 

Flat rental is wonderfully inexpensive, though salaries tend to be lowered accordingly.  A 125sqm Chinese-style flat in Jiangan District near the river goes for RMB2,000-3,000 per month, while living further from the city center can bring those prices down by half.  It is advisable to go through a Chinese rental agency when looking for an apartment.  See our real estate guide to find out how.

Metro and Carrefour branches are your best bet to acquire foreign groceries, appliances and other imported goods.  Metro is rumored to have a larger selection than Carrefour, but a membership card is required to purchase.