The Wuhan Open was one of three WTA events in China new to the calendar in 2014. It is also one of two Premier-level stops in China.
Sandwiched in between Premier events in Tokyo and Beijing during the WTA's Asian swing, the Wuhan Open takes place at the Optics Valley International Tennis Center.
Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province and the most populous city in Central China, is often referred to as the country's economic and geographical center. It is also the hometown of two-time Grand Slam champion Li Na.
"I'm so proud that my city is staging such a prestigious tournament," Li said.