The administrative regionalization of Huanggang began as early as the Xia (21st - 16th century BC) and Shang (16th - 11th century BC) dynasties. It has been about 1,680 years since the first city-level district was established in 329 of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (265 - 316). From the Sui (581-618) to the early Ming (1368-1644) dynasties, this area was governed by Huangzhou and Qizhou. After the Ming Dynasty, Huangzhou became the only political center of the region. Spring and autumn are the most practical seasons to visit Huanggang. Huanggang is bordered to the northeast by the Dabie Mountains; the main ridge of which stretches northwest-southeast through the city, with the terrain sloping smoothly downwards. Central Huangang is a hilly area but the south is narrow and features a long lake. In total, six rivers originate in the Dabie Mountains and flow through the city.