Hubei Administrative Divisions

Hubei Province (湖北省) is located in central China along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Its name means “north of the lake,” referring historically to its position north of Dongting Lake (洞庭湖). The province covers approximately 185,900 square kilometres and borders Henan to the north, Anhui to the east, Jiangxi and Hunan to the south, Chongqing to the west and Shaanxi to the northwest.

Hubei’s landscape is generally higher in the west and lower in the east. Mountains and highlands surround the province on the west, north and east, while the central and southern areas open toward the low-lying Jianghan Plain (江汉平原). Mountains account for approximately 56% of the provincial territory, hills and uplands about 24%, and plains and lake areas about 20%. This combination of mountains, rivers, lakes and plains has strongly influenced both administrative development and the geographical distribution of tourism resources.

The western part of Hubei contains the Wudang Mountains (武当山), Shennongjia (神农架), the Daba Mountains (大巴山) and the Wuling Mountains (武陵山). Central Hubei is dominated by the Jianghan Plain and the Han River basin, while eastern Hubei extends into the Dabie Mountains (大别山) and southeastern Hubei reaches the Mufu Mountains (幕阜山). The Yangtze River crosses the province from west to east and meets the Han River in Wuhan.

Hubei’s Administrative Structure

As of 30 June 2026, Hubei had 13 prefecture-level administrative divisions, consisting of 12 prefecture-level cities and one autonomous prefecture. It had 103 county-level administrative divisions, including 39 municipal districts, 26 county-level cities, 35 counties, two autonomous counties and one forestry district.

Below the county level, Hubei had 1,260 township-level administrative divisions, comprising 338 subdistricts, 761 towns and 161 townships. The township category includes 10 ethnic townships.

The 12 prefecture-level cities are Wuhan, Huangshi, Shiyan, Yichang, Xiangyang, Ezhou, Jingmen, Xiaogan, Jingzhou, Huanggang, Xianning and Suizhou. The province’s only autonomous prefecture is Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (恩施土家族苗族自治州).

In addition, Xiantao (仙桃市), Qianjiang (潜江市), Tianmen (天门市) and Shennongjia Forestry District (神农架林区) are county-level administrative units governed directly by the provincial government.

Administrative development zones, tourism zones, industrial parks and new districts may operate their own management committees, but they are not necessarily independent statutory administrative divisions. For official publishing and mapping, the legal divisions in the annual Hubei administrative-code register should take priority.

Tourism Resources and Administrative Geography

Hubei’s tourism resources are spread across all 103 county-level administrative areas. A province-wide resource survey completed in 2025 recorded approximately 81,600 tourism resources, including more than 10,800 newly identified sites. The survey established digital records covering every county, county-level city and municipal district in the province.

The greatest concentrations of tourism resources are found in western and eastern Hubei. Yichang, Shiyan, Enshi, Wuhan and Huanggang together account for nearly half of the province’s identified tourism resources, while Yichang alone has more than 10,000 recorded resources.

Administrative boundaries therefore correspond closely to several major tourism regions:

Wuhan Municipality

Wuhan (武汉市) is the provincial capital and Hubei’s only sub-provincial city. It is divided into 13 municipal districts and stands at the confluence of the Yangtze River and Han River.

The city’s historical and cultural core is concentrated in Wuchang, Jiang’an, Jianghan and Hanyang. Major attractions include Yellow Crane Tower (黄鹤楼), Hubei Provincial Museum (湖北省博物馆), East Lake (东湖), Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge (武汉长江大桥), Hankou Riverfront (汉口江滩), Jianghan Road (江汉路) and the historical architecture of the former Hankou concession areas.

Huangpi District is the center of the Mulan Cultural and Ecological Tourism Area (木兰文化生态旅游区), while Xinzhou and Jiangxia contain mountain, wetland, village and lake tourism resources. Panlongcheng National Archaeological Site Park (盘龙城国家考古遗址公园) in Huangpi preserves important Shang-period archaeological remains.

Huangshi Municipality

Huangshi (黄石市) consists of four municipal districts, one county-level city and one county. It developed as an important mining and industrial center along the Yangtze River.

The urban districts contain Cihu Lake (磁湖), Xisaishan Mountain (西塞山), Huaxin 1907 Cultural Park (华新1907文化公园) and the Huangshi National Mine Park (黄石国家矿山公园). Daye is associated with ancient copper-mining heritage, while Yangxin County contains Xiandao Lake (仙岛湖), mountain forests and rural ecological resources.

Huangshi is particularly suitable for industrial heritage, geology, mining history, lake tourism and Yangtze River cultural routes.

Shiyan Municipality

Shiyan (十堰市) administers three municipal districts, one county-level city and four counties. The municipality lies in the Qinba mountain region of northwestern Hubei.

Its leading attraction is Mount Wudang (武当山) in Danjiangkou, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site known for Taoist architecture, pilgrimage traditions and Wudang martial arts. Danjiangkou Reservoir (丹江口水库) is also the water source for the central route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project.

Yunyang District contains dinosaur fossil and Han River cultural resources. Yunxi, Zhushan, Zhuxi and Fang County offer mountain forests, traditional villages, ancient towns, medicinal plants and rural cultural experiences.

Yichang Municipality

Yichang (宜昌市) administers five municipal districts, three county-level cities, three counties and two autonomous counties. It is the main eastern gateway to the Three Gorges.

The urban districts provide access to Gezhouba Dam (葛洲坝), Xiling Gorge (西陵峡), the Two Dams and One Gorge route (两坝一峡) and the Three Gorges Dam. Yiling District contains Three Gorges Tribe (三峡人家), the Three Gorges Waterfall (三峡大瀑布) and numerous canyon and village attractions.

Zigui County is associated with Qu Yuan and the Three Gorges Dam area, while Xingshan County is associated with Wang Zhaojun and connections toward Shennongjia. Changyang and Wufeng are Tujia autonomous counties with Qingjiang River scenery, karst landscapes, forests and ethnic culture.

Xiangyang Municipality

Xiangyang (襄阳市) has three municipal districts, three county-level cities and three counties. It is one of China’s nationally recognized historical and cultural cities and an important city on the Han River.

Xiangcheng and Fancheng contain Xiangyang Ancient City (襄阳古城), Ancient Longzhong (古隆中), Migong Temple (米公祠) and Han River landscapes. Xiangzhou and Yicheng preserve archaeological, agricultural and historical resources.

Nanzhang, Gucheng and Baokang form a mountain tourism belt with ancient fortresses, forests, river valleys and village landscapes. The region is particularly important for Three Kingdoms culture, especially the history and legends associated with Zhuge Liang.

Ezhou Municipality

Ezhou (鄂州市) is divided into Liangzihu, Huarong and Echeng districts. Although geographically compact, it has a long history connected with the ancient State of Wu.

Major tourism resources include Guanyin Pavilion (观音阁), Xishan Scenic Area (西山风景区), Ezhou Museum (鄂州博物馆), Liangzi Lake (梁子湖) and Wu Kingdom archaeological remains.

Liangzihu District is dominated by lake ecology, fishing culture and countryside recreation. Echeng contains the main historical urban sites, while Huarong has wetland, rural and aviation-related development resources.

Jingmen Municipality

Jingmen (荆门市) administers two municipal districts, two county-level cities and one county.

Zhongxiang is home to Ming Xianling Mausoleum (明显陵), part of the UNESCO Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It also contains Mochou Lake, Mochou Village and important Ming cultural resources.

Jingshan is known for forest parks, hot springs, rural recreation and tennis culture. Shayang contains lake, wetland and agricultural tourism, while Dongbao and Duodao provide access to Zhanghe Reservoir, aviation tourism and urban cultural attractions.

Xiaogan Municipality

Xiaogan (孝感市) has one municipal district, three county-level cities and three counties. Its name is closely associated with the Chinese tradition of filial piety.

Major attractions include Shuangfeng Mountain (双峰山), Guanyin Lake (观音湖), Baizhao Mountain Li Bai Cultural Tourism Area (白兆山李白文化旅游区) and Dong Yong cultural sites.

Dawu is known for revolutionary heritage and mountain scenery, Xiaochang for rural and ecological tourism, Yunmeng for Qin and Han archaeology, and Hanchuan for lakes and wetlands.

Jingzhou Municipality

Jingzhou (荆州市) administers two municipal districts, four county-level cities and two counties. It was one of the most important centers of ancient Chu civilization and later became a strategic city during the Three Kingdoms period.

Jingzhou District contains Jingzhou Ancient City (荆州古城), Jingzhou Museum (荆州博物馆) and major Chu archaeological sites. Shashi is the modern commercial and riverfront center.

Honghu is known for Honghu Lake and wetland ecology, Shishou for elk and Yangtze wetland conservation, Songzi for Weishui scenery, and Jianli for lake and agricultural landscapes. Gong’an and Jiangling preserve Chu culture, river settlements and rural tourism resources.

Huanggang Municipality

Huanggang (黄冈市) has one municipal district, two county-level cities and seven counties. It extends from the Yangtze River plain to the Dabie Mountains.

Macheng is known for Guifeng Mountain (龟峰山) and its azalea landscapes. Luotian and Yingshan share the Dabie Mountain tourism region, including Tiantangzhai and Bodaofeng.

Huangzhou is associated with Su Shi and Dongpo Red Cliff (东坡赤壁). Qichun is the hometown of Li Shizhen and an important center of traditional Chinese medicine culture. Hong’an contains nationally important revolutionary sites, while Huangmei is associated with Huangmei Opera and Buddhist heritage.

Xianning Municipality

Xianning (咸宁市) consists of one municipal district, one county-level city and four counties. The city is widely known for hot springs, tea, bamboo forests and Three Kingdoms heritage.

Chibi is home to the Three Kingdoms Chibi Ancient Battlefield (三国赤壁古战场) and Yangloudong Ancient Town (羊楼洞古镇). Tongshan contains Jiugong Mountain and Yinshui Cave, while Chongyang and Tongcheng form part of the Mufu Mountain ecological region.

Xian’an is the principal hot-spring and urban tourism district, while Jiayu offers Yangtze River, wetland and countryside experiences.

Suizhou Municipality

Suizhou (随州市) contains Zengdu District, Guangshui City and Sui County.

The city is one of the main centers of ancient Zeng culture. The tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng produced the famous bronze bells now housed in the Hubei Provincial Museum. Major local attractions include Leigudun Ancient Tombs (擂鼓墩古墓群), Emperor Yan Shennong Hometown (炎帝神农故里), Dahong Mountain (大洪山) and the Millennium Ginkgo Valley (千年银杏谷).

Guangshui offers mountain, forest and lake resources, while Sui County contains the principal Emperor Yan cultural and Dahong Mountain tourism areas.

Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture

Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (恩施土家族苗族自治州) is Hubei’s only prefecture-level autonomous area. It administers two county-level cities and six counties.

The prefecture is characterized by karst mountains, deep river valleys, caves and strong Tujia and Miao cultural traditions. Major attractions include Enshi Grand Canyon (恩施大峡谷), Tenglong Cave (腾龙洞), Pingshan Canyon (屏山峡谷), Shennong Stream (神农溪), Suobuya Stone Forest (梭布垭石林) and Tangya Tusi Site (唐崖土司城址).

Enshi City is the main transport and cultural center. Lichuan is known for caves, grasslands and traditional architecture. Badong provides access to Shennong Stream and the Yangtze Three Gorges, while Hefeng contains Pingshan Canyon. Xianfeng preserves the UNESCO-listed Tangya Tusi Site, and Xuan’en is known for Gongshui River night scenery and ethnic villages.

Xiantao City

Xiantao (仙桃市) is a county-level city governed directly by Hubei Province. It lies in the Jianghan Plain and is closely connected with the historical culture of Mianyang.

Its principal tourism resources include Mianyang Town (沔阳小镇), Dream Water Town (梦里水乡), Paihu Lake (排湖) and Shahu National Wetland Park (沙湖国家湿地公园).

The city is suitable for water-town culture, wetland ecology, rural tourism, folk cuisine and Jianghan Plain experiences.

Qianjiang City

Qianjiang (潜江市) is a directly administered county-level city in the Jianghan Plain.

Its tourism identity combines Cao Yu culture, Chu archaeology, wetlands and crayfish cuisine. Important sites include Cao Yu Cultural Tourism Area (曹禺文化旅游区), Longwan National Archaeological Site Park (龙湾国家考古遗址公园), Zhanghuatai Site (章华台遗址) and Fanwan Lake National Wetland Park (返湾湖国家湿地公园).

Qianjiang is nationally known for crayfish farming, food festivals and culinary tourism.

Tianmen City

Tianmen (天门市) is a directly administered county-level city and the hometown of Lu Yu, author of The Classic of Tea.

Major cultural resources include Lu Yu Hometown (陆羽故园), Tea Sage Hometown Park (茶圣故里园) and Shijiahe National Archaeological Site Park (石家河国家考古遗址公园).

Shijiahe preserves one of the most important late Neolithic archaeological cultures in the middle Yangtze region, while Lu Yu heritage supports tea-culture and educational tourism.

Shennongjia Forestry District

Shennongjia Forestry District (神农架林区) is the only county-level forestry district in China and is governed directly by Hubei Province.

Its forest ecosystem is recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage property. Major destinations include Shennongding (神农顶), Dajiuhu Wetland (大九湖), Guanmenshan (官门山), Tianyan Scenic Area (天燕景区), Shennong Altar (神农坛) and Muyu Town (木鱼镇).

Shennongjia’s tourism focuses on biodiversity, scientific research, hiking, wildlife observation, summer holidays, winter skiing and forest education.

Complete County-Level Administrative Divisions of Hubei

The following table lists all 103 statutory county-level administrative divisions under Hubei’s prefecture-level cities, autonomous prefecture and directly administered provincial units. The classification follows the administrative structure effective on 30 June 2026.

County-Level Division Totals by Prefecture

Township-Level Administrative Divisions

Hubei’s 103 county-level divisions are further divided into 1,260 township-level units. These are the basic administrative areas through which most local communities, scenic villages, rural tourism sites and small-town tourism destinations are managed.

The complete legal township register contains 1,260 individual names and administrative codes. Because township names, boundaries and the administrative assignment of development zones can change more frequently than county-level divisions, the annual code register issued by the Hubei Provincial Department of Civil Affairs (湖北省民政厅) should be used for legal documents, databases and official maps.

For tourism publishing, county-level names are generally more stable and useful. Small destinations should be written in the following order:

Village or attraction – town or township – county, city or district – prefecture-level city – Hubei Province

For example:

Muyu Town (木鱼镇) – Shennongjia Forestry District (神农架林区) – Hubei Province

Wudangshan Subdistrict (武当山街道) – Danjiangkou City (丹江口市) – Shiyan Municipality (十堰市) – Hubei Province

Mao坝 Town (毛坝镇) – Lichuan City (利川市) – Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (恩施土家族苗族自治州) – Hubei Province