Situated in the center of China along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, Hubei Province connects the south with the north, and links China's eastern and western regions. The provincial capital city, Wuhan, was known as "the intersection of nine provinces" in ancient times and is now an important water, land and air transportation hub in China. With its long history and rich culture, Hubei is an important source of Chinese civilization, and also the birthplace of the prosperous Chu Culture. With its unique scenery, Hubei features many magnificent landscapes, from its famous mountains and great rivers, to the charming vitality of this "province of a thousand lakes".