Hubei or Hupeh
[key], province, c.72,000 sq mi (186,480 sq km), central China. The
capital is Wuhan (formerly it
was Wuchang, which is now part of Wuhan). In this province the Chang River
(Yangtze), flowing through the south, is joined by the Han River, coming
from the northwest. At their junction lies Wuhan, a city comprising three
former cities, Hankou, Hanyang, and Wuchang; it is a transportation hub and
the major industrial and commercial center of central China. The central
part of Hubei was once a huge lake and is now a basin, at or below sea
level, formed from silt deposited by the Chang. Hubei's lakes and many
rivers provide excellent irrigation facilities, and the warm climate,
adequate rainfall, and rich soil make the province one of the most
productive in China. Wheat, barley, rapeseed, and beans are raised in the
winter, and rice, cotton, tea, soybeans, and corn in the summer. Rice
production has increased significantly as a result of water conservation,
modern fertilizer, better seed, and double-cropping; the province produces a
surplus, which is sent to N China. Wheat is raised in the drier areas.
Commercial crops include sesame, peanuts, and ramie. The minerals in the
province are mostly nonferrous, although there are two huge steel complexes,
one at Wuhan and one at Huangshi. Coal, copper, and gypsum are also mined.
Motor vehicles and chemicals are among the main products of the province.
Libraries, museums, and sports facilities have been opened in many of
Hubei's cities. The province and its capital became notorious in 2020 as the
origin of the COVID-19
pandemic; most of the deaths from the disease in China occurred in the
province.
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