Why Ezhou
Ezhou, also known as O-chou, is a prefecture-level city situated along the southern bank of the Yangtze River in eastern Hubei Province, China. Positioned between Wuhan and Huangshi, and directly across the river from Huanggang, Ezhou covers an area of 1,504 square kilometers. As of the 2020 census, the city's population exceeded 1.07 million inhabitants, with the core Echeng District accounting for the majority of residents.
The city's name traces back to the Han dynasty and originates from the ancient Zhou dynasty vassal State of E. During the Three Kingdoms era, Sun Quan established the location as the capital of the Eastern Wu state and renamed it Wuchang, a designation that remained in official use until 1915. Due to its strategic placement along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, Ezhou historically served as an important military, political, and economic center, while also holding historical significance within the Pure Land Sect of Buddhism.
Characterized by its abundant water features, Ezhou contains more than 133 lakes and pools, earning it the nicknames "city of one hundred lakes" and "the land of fish and rice." Major aquatic features in the area include Liangzi Lake, located in Liangzihu District, alongside Yanglan Lake and Honglian Lake. The city is also known as the origin of the Wuchang Bream.
Visitors to Ezhou can visit several natural points of interest located within and around the city. Central highlights include West Hill, situated in the downtown district, and the neighboring Lotus Hill. The city's surrounding lakes, particularly Liangzi, Yanglan, and Honglian, offer further opportunities to view the regional geography.
In terms of trade and industry, Ezhou acts as a major regional distribution and logistics center. The city operates six river ports along the Yangtze, including a deep-water port capable of handling vessels up to 10,000 tonnes. Local manufacturing and industrial output focus on metallurgy, textiles, chemicals, machinery, and construction materials. Ezhou is also home to a 26-storey facility recognised as the world's largest pig farm.
Transportation infrastructure in Ezhou includes the Ezhou Huahu International Airport, National Highways 106 and 316, and the E-Huang Expressway. Two bridges span the Yangtze River from the city, including the Ehuang Bridge connecting to Huanggang. Railway transport is provided via the Wuhan–Jiujiang Railway and the Wuhan–Huangshi intercity line. The central Ezhou Railway Station features a unique layout where the perpendicular commuter line crosses above the older north-south tracks, allowing transfers between local commuter trains and broader regional services.
01 Weather
77°
67°
82°
69°
85°
73°
85°
73°
81°
71°