By 2030, standing in Hubei, what scene will unfold before your eyes?

On April 24, a provincial government press conference was held on the launch of the “15th Five-Year Plan” in Hubei. During over an hour of Q&A, a tangible future for the region came into view.

“Seven Major Strategies” Deeply Implemented

Hardcore Strength Powers a “Strong Magnetic Field”

Building a key strategic support for the rise of central China is a major responsibility and mission entrusted to Hubei. During the “15th Five-Year Plan” period, Hubei will continue to deeply implement the “Seven Major Strategies” to achieve decisive progress in building this support.

By 2030, Hubei’s economic output is expected to reach around 9 trillion yuan, comparable to the size of a moderately developed country. New quality productive forces will become the main driver—strategic emerging industries will account for about 25% of the economy, and the manufacturing sector will remain above 30%.

Looking ahead, a number of world-class industrial clusters are rising strongly. Clusters in optoelectronic information, new energy and intelligent connected vehicles, and industrial machine tools will shine globally. Five national advanced manufacturing clusters, including power batteries, modern chemicals, and BeiDou, will compete on the same stage, with more innovations bearing the “Made in Hubei” label taking the world stage.

The Yangtze River midstream shipping center and the China-Europe Railway Express Wuhan assembly hub grow busier daily. The “dual hubs” of Tianhe International Airport and Huahu International Airport soar high. Land, sea, and air “three silk roads” converge here, creating a true “thoroughfare of nine provinces” in the new era, seamlessly connecting Hubei to the world.

Green is the bright backdrop of high-quality development. As a pioneering region for a beautiful China, Hubei by then will have a basic framework for green industries, green energy, and green systems, painting a picture of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

In 2030, tourism in Hubei will no longer just be about sightseeing but about “living within culture.” The two major cultural tourism axes—”Shenwu Gorge” and “Chihuanghong”—will thrive. Yangtze River culture, Jingchu culture, and revolutionary culture will be preserved and promoted, along with the spirit of the Dabie Mountains, the spirit of flood fighting, and the spirit of fighting the pandemic. A trillion-yuan cultural tourism pillar industry will accelerate, and a world-renowned cultural tourism destination will warmly welcome visitors from all over.

A more balanced and powerful urban “Golden Triangle” is emerging. The combined economic output of Wuhan, Xiangyang, and Yichang will approach 5 trillion yuan, further enhancing their radiating leadership and driving coordinated development across the province.

Reform, Opening Up, and Innovation Advance Together

Stimulating Endogenous Momentum and Innovation Vitality

The key to realizing the blueprint lies in coordinating deeper reforms, higher-level opening up, and collaborative innovation with greater effort, to stimulate endogenous momentum for high-quality development and innovation vitality across society.

On reform, focusing on the two core demands of “stimulating innovation vitality and maintaining fair competition,” Hubei will prioritize new income distribution reforms guided by increasing knowledge value, integrated reforms of education, science and technology, and talent systems, and high-quality market-oriented reforms centered on factor allocation.

On opening up, Hubei will strive to build the most convenient three-dimensional transportation network in inland China, along with a modern logistics system that offers the “lowest cost, highest efficiency, and widest coverage.” This will accelerate the creation of an inland open highland, better serving the national unified market and integrating into the global economic cycle.

The path of innovation is also becoming clearer—

At the source, organized scientific research and free exploration will be balanced to vigorously promote R&D. For transformation, a unified online and offline “Taobao” and “Canton Fair” for scientific achievements will be created to smoothly bring technology to market.

At the same time, a science and innovation echelon led by leading tech enterprises will be cultivated. Financial support through equity investment, debt credit enhancement, and capital market cultivation will precisely irrigate the transformation of traditional industries, the growth of emerging industries, and the exploration of future industries.

Hubei Calls You to Return for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Millions of Dreams Light Up the Hot Land

Yangtze River

The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, flowing over 6,300 kilometers through China. Historically, it has been a cradle of Chinese civilization, supporting agriculture, trade, and cultural development for thousands of years, with early settlements dating back to the Neolithic period. Today, it remains a vital waterway and is home to iconic sites like the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric power station.

Tianhe International Airport

Tianhe International Airport, located in Wuhan, China, opened in 1995 to replace the older Wangjiadun Airport. It has since become a major aviation hub in central China, serving both domestic and international flights. The airport underwent significant expansions in the 2000s and 2010s to accommodate growing passenger traffic, including the opening of a new Terminal 3 in 2017.

Huahu International Airport

Huahu International Airport is a major cargo hub located in Ezhou, Hubei Province, China. Officially opened in July 2022, it was built as the world’s first dedicated cargo airport, designed to support the growing logistics and e-commerce industries. The airport plays a key role in China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, connecting the region to global supply chains.

Shenwu Gorge

Shenwu Gorge, located in the Wuling Mountains of China’s Hunan Province, is a scenic valley known for its towering cliffs, lush forests, and clear streams. Historically, it served as a strategic pass along ancient trade routes and was a site of local folklore, including tales of mystical warriors. Today, it is a popular destination for hiking and nature tourism, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Chihuanghong

Chihuanghong is a traditional Chinese cultural site located in Shanxi Province, known for its historical significance as a key location along the ancient trade routes. It features well-preserved architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, reflecting the region’s prosperous merchant history. Today, it serves as a popular tourist destination, offering insights into China’s commercial and cultural heritage.

Dabie Mountains

The Dabie Mountains, located in central China, are a major mountain range that spans parts of Hubei, Henan, and Anhui provinces. Historically, they served as a natural barrier and were a key strategic area during the Chinese Civil War, notably serving as a base for the Communist forces. The region is also known for its scenic beauty, biodiversity, and as the birthplace of several notable figures in modern Chinese history.

Wuhan

Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province in central China, is a major industrial and transportation hub formed by the merger of three cities—Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang—in 1927. Historically, it was a key site for the 1911 Wuchang Uprising, which sparked the Xinhai Revolution that ended China’s imperial rule. Today, Wuhan is known for its rich cultural heritage, including landmarks like the Yellow Crane Tower, and its role as a global city, notably gaining international attention during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yichang

Yichang is a city in China’s Hubei Province, historically significant as a key transportation hub along the Yangtze River. It is best known as the site of the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project, and as the gateway to the scenic Three Gorges region. The area has a long history dating back over two millennia, serving as an important military and trade center during various Chinese dynasties.