As the globalized economy is negating old restrictions of time and space, businesses need to communicate in a timely and efficient manner with regional and international stakeholders. Conferences enable business people to have face-to-face discussions, which has become vital for a successful exchange and a company’s future growth. Within the Asia Pacific region, China is taking a major slice of business meetings. About 360 international conventions and conferences were held in Chinese mainland in 2013, taking up 16 percent in the region, according to statistics provided by China Tourism. The annual growth rate of 20 percent shows that such meetings are set to play an even more important role in the future.

Given the rapid expansion of the domestic MICE tourism in recent years, Wuhan is pushing hard to establish itself as a hub for conventions, conferences and business-related fairs and exhibits.

The city’s strategic location in central China’s Hubei Province has been boosted over the past years with investments in infrastructure, adding to its rich culture.

Split by the Yangtze and Han rivers, which have been vital travel routes for centuries, Wuhan was among China’s most important cities during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Since opening as a treaty port in 1861, it has also been the busiest inland port.

Especially in the field of arts, Wuchang has been the center of learning for centuries and, between 1271 and 1368, it served as the Yuan Dynasty’s capital.

There are three major bridges across the Yangtze River, connecting Wuchang and Hankou districts to the north and Hanyang district to the northwest. For the nostalgic traveler, the Yangtze River ferry offers a more historic option to cross the mighty waterway.

In the past decades, Wuhan has made major investments to take advantage of its central location.

The Wuhan Tianhe International Airport opened in 1990, while the city was linked to the high-speed railway in 2009. Santiago Cabre, general manager of Wanda Reign Wuhan, believes that the city will only add to its regional standing in the coming years.

“The strategic location has already brought a higher level of synergy to MICE offerings in this area,” he told Shanghai Daily. 

A five-hour ride on the high-speed railway, or about two hours by plane, links Wuhan with first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, making it particularly attractive for conferences aimed at businesspeople from different major cities.

Hotels say that the number of business travelers as well as exhibitions and conferences are increasing, which has led them to expand and diversify their services, to be able to attract a wide range of guests.

Approximately 30 minutes by taxi from Wuhan Tianhe International Airport and 15 minutes from Wuhan Railway Station, three Wanda hotels in Wuchang District — Wanda Reign Wuhan, Wanda Realm Wuhan and The Westin Wuhan Wuchang — together with the Han Show Theater, are complementing one another in order to create a product chain for large-scale conferences and exhibitions.

The most recent addition, Wanda Reign Wuhan, which opened last year, is the brand’s first luxury hotel. Located in the Central Cultural Area of Wuchang District, Wanda Reign’s 413 luxurious rooms and suites offer spectacular views of Wuhan and its surrounding landscape, as well as access to world-class facilities and service.

Gourmets and foodies won’t be disappointed by Wanda Reign’s restaurants. At River Drunk Huaiyang Restaurant, chefs combine the original flavors of Huaiyang cuisine with the essence of Cantonese food and local dishes. He Japanese restaurant serves up contemporary fusions dishes by incorporating French food and techniques into exquisite Japanese favorites.

The 1,500-square-meter, open grand ballroom as well as a total of seven function rooms are equipped with high-tech conference systems.

Wanda Realm Wuhan, also located in the Central Cultural Area of Wuchang District, overlooks the picturesque East Lake, and features more than 400 guest rooms at about half of the walk-in price of a standard room at Wanda Reign. A more practical choice at an economic price, Wanda Realm is particularly suitable for families as it offers free day care for children.

Grilled salmon and tender roast beef are among the top choices of diners at the restaurant’s popular Yan Restaurant, which specialized in Western cuisine. Cafe Realm serves all-day international cuisine and Spark, offers fresh grilled dishes in a romantic, candlelit setting.

At about 880 square meters, the grand ballroom features a giant LED screen, while other function rooms are equipped with the latest conference systems as well as high-speed wireless Internet access.

The Westin Wuhan Wuchang, conveniently located on Linjiang Road at the south side of the Yangtze River, is part of the previously developed CBD complex in Wuhan. The Westin Wuhan Wuchang stands in the midst of class-A office buildings and upscale shopping malls, making it a popular destination for both business and leisure travelers.

The hotel has five dining halls and more than guest rooms and suites, each with free Wi-Fi access, a generous work area with ergonomic chairs and flat-screen LCD television. At the hotel’s heart lies the Promenade, a warm and intimate space to enjoy an afternoon tea, all-day dining or a cocktail at the bar, which overlooks the Yangtze.

In 2013, Belgium showman Franco Dragone helped create and direct a spectacular water show for the Han Show Theater, adjacent to Wanda Reign. Inspired by the culture of Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) and the history of the city of Wuhan, the show has been described as “electrifying”. The show addresses different senses — moving seats, floating LED screens and a vast stage pool. Reviewers praised it as one of the finest of its kind. The Wanda Movie Park, which opened a year ago, features six movie-themed facilities including a 4D theater, a 5D theater and a flight theater, called “Hubei in the Air.” People can ride on so-called “time machines” or go on a simulated space travel.

Another top local attraction is the Hubei Provincial Museum, one of the best-known museums in China. Here, visitors can see a large collection of state-level historic and cultural relics, including the Sword of Goujian, an ancient set of bronze musical instruments — the largest collection in China — and an array of bronze ware from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng.

Nearby, along the bank of the Yangtze River, sits the Yellow Crane Tower. Originally built in AD 223, the tower has long been considered a sacred Taoist site. Throughout history, it was built, destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. Today’s yellow-tiled version is a replica of the original Qing tower which was destroyed by a fire in 1884.

Close by, foodies can find Hubu Alley, the most bustling snack street in Wuhan. This 147-meter-long lane is packed with appetizing local snacks like hot dry noodles, mianwo (Chinese doughnut) or lamb kebabs.

Wuhan’s strategic location and rich culture guarantee that business travelers will find all modern amenities for meetings, while some fun and entertainment after a long day’s work won’t come too short.