It has been more than a year since I started working in China, and so far, I’ve visited to 29 Chinese cities. In January-2019, I travelled from Suzhou to Hubei province of China and stopped in three provincial level cities – Wuhan, Jingzhou and Yichang. Wuhan was my 27th Chinese city. Overall, it was a memorable trip.
So, in this post, let’s learn about Wuhan and its famous travel attractions. Initially, I’d share some of the general observations about the provincial capital city. Then, I’d recommend you some of the top things to do in Wuhan.
Wuhan city brief
Well, Wuhan (武汉, Wǔhàn) is the capital city of China’s Hubei province. The city serves as a major port on the Yangtze river. Wuhan is also one of the largest Chinese cities and a huge commercial center in the mainland.
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Wuhan was created in 1927 by merging three erstwhile cities: Hanyang, Hankou and Wuchang. These three cities have their own rich history. For example, Hanyang was a busy port for over a couple of thousands of years. Hanyang’s Yellow Crane Tower is part and partial of the Chinese culture (it has often been included in the Chinese poems). Hankou was considered to be one of the flourishing cities during the Ming Dynasty. Wuchang was a famous center for learning the arts.
In particular, Wuchang is famous for Sun Yat-Sen led Wuchang Uprising (October 10, 1911) that resulted in overthrow of the Qing Dynasty (China’s last dynasty). Subsequently, the republic of China was formed.
As such, Wuchang is always credited for its role in the formation of the modern China.
Wuhan is a big city
As I mentioned earlier, Wuhan is indeed a massive city. Oftentimes, I’d get lost and ended up walking for a few kilometers for no other reasons. The GPS locations sometime looked closer at the maps, but when I’d start to walk, it’d prove to be otherwise. Thankfully, I was using the Baidu Map and it was indeed a lifesaver.
Wuhan railway stations
Well, there are at least three railway stations in Wuhan city-
- Wuhan railway station (武汉站): Beijing–Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong high-speed railway, the Shanghai–Wuhan–Chengdu High-Speed Railway;
- Hankou railway stations (汉口站): Shanghai–Wuhan–Chengdu High-Speed Railway;
- Hengdian East railway station (横店东站): Beijing–Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong High-Speed Railway.
Wuhan public transport
Wuhan has a comprehensive subway system. If you are travelling to Wuhan even for a couple of days, you are recommended to buy a subway card (RMB 20 + Top up, it can be used in both the buses and subways). The bus fares are fixed to RMB 1 or 2, and when you tap the card, you pay a further discounted fare. Make sure to use the Baidu Map.
Wuhan weather
During my trip, it was the peak of the winter season, so the weather was almost freezing. But I did put up enough clothes and then it was just fine. Also, due to winter, I never felt too tired to walk. It did occasionally rain, but I nevertheless manage to travel safely and nicely.
Air pollution in Hubei province
Well, throughout the province, the air pollution levels looked much higher than what you’d usually feel in Suzhou. For example, when I was on the local buses, the air quality seemed like quite suffocating. Outside the bus, it was still slightly better. Anyways, with a lower pollution level, it could have been more pleasant to stroll around.
Wuhan food
Wuhan is famous for its Hot Dry Noodles, also known as Re Gan Mian (热干面). The price is affordable from any international standard- RMB 4/bowl. Check out my separate post-
If you are looking for the famous food/shopping/night markets in Wuhan, you are recommended to visit the following places-
- Hubuxiang (户部巷),
- Jianghan Road (江汉路),
- Jiqing Street (吉庆街),
- Han Street (汉街),
- Tanhualin (昙华林).
I went to all the places and it was a great experience. However, if you are running with a tight schedule, you can visit at least Hubuxiang. Btw, foods in these night markets have been often more expensive than elsewhere in the city. I had the Hot Dry Noodles in Hubuxiang (RMB10), but it wasn’t as tasty as elsewhere (RMB 4), may be just a coincidence?
The Han Street is more modern and more expensive. One bowl of fried potato in the Han Street would cost you RMB 13, but it has been just RMB 5 at many other places in Wuhan.
If you are looking for the shopping malls in Wuhan, keep in mind that the famous Wanda Plaza is in the Han Street.
Wuhan nightlife
If you are looking for pickup bars in Wuhan, here is the list of some famous bars along the Lumo Lu (鲁磨路) in Wuchang-
- VOX live house, Luxiang, Lumo Lu (鲁磨路),
- Wuhan Prison,
- Old Friends Bar,
- Sawa, Opposite Wuhan Prison on Lumo Lu (鲁磨路).
Hankou(汉口)
- Blue Sky Cafe, (西北湖街, Xibeihu Lu),
- Brussels Beer Garden (西北湖街, Xibeihu Lu),
- Chloe Wine Bar (黎黄陂路, Lihuangpi Lu) close to the Marco Polo Hotel,
- Jianghan Riverside Club District, head to the main entrance to the Riverside area (汉口江滩门).
Hanyang
- Toucan near Qingchuan jie (晴川街)
Apart from the Wuhan pickup bars, you should also wander near the Han Street or Hubuxiang – here you’ll find so many nice restaurants and cafeterias.
Wuhan hotels and accommodations
Well, I was staying with Home Inn (如家), and it was a nice experience. In my humble opinion, if you are unsure about finding the right accommodations in the Chinese cities, you can always opt for the Home Inn, Hanting Express (汉庭酒店), etc.
Top things to do in Wuhan city
Besides the night markets, there are so many other travel attractions in Wuhan city. So, let me quickly go through some of the top things to do in Wuhan city-
Yellow Crane Tower
If you have to visit just one scenic spot in Wuhan, you should visit the Yellow Crane Tower (黄鹤楼, Huang he lou)! RMB 80. You can also ride a sightseeing car for an additional fee of RMB 10 to get to the tower. It is allowed to climb the six stories of the tower. Each floor has unique paintings worth checking out. The Yangtze river and Wuhan city views from the Yellow Crane Tower top look very nice.
The tower is wheelchair friendly and there is also an elevator for the disabled. You should also check out the massive bronze bell behind the Yellow Crane Tower.
Memorial Hall of Wuchang Uprising in 1911 Revolution
The first Wuhan travel attraction that I visited was the Memorial Hall of Wuchang Uprising in 1911 Revolution (十八星旗喷泉). This is a very important landmark that shaped modern China. The Red Chamber is the place where an edict was issued to bring down the Qing dynasty. The memorial is a must see attraction if you are interested to discover Chinese history. Entry is free, but you’ll need to get a free ticket from the ticket counter. Nice buildings for capturing beautiful photos.
Tanhualin
Probably the most laid-back shopping street in Wuchang is Tanhualin (昙华林). You can get down at the Pangxiejia Subway Station and take exit E, the Tanhualin street is right there. There are some small cafeterias along the street. In the middle of the walk, you’ll find an art gallery that’s indeed worth a visit (free).
Mao Zedong’s Summer Villa
Wuhan hosts one of the former summer villas ofChairman Mao (毛泽东同志故居, Máozédōng tóngzhì gùjū). It’s very close to the Hubei museum. I found the villa using the Baidu map and I kept walking in the park until I reached the villa. There are signs in the park to help you to get to the villa.
During my visit, the villa was closed for renovation (January-2019). The receptionist told me about shut down. Also, she might have informed the security guards about my presence. Soon, two guards came in a vehicle and escorted me out of the park.
Nevertheless, I took photos of the Mao’s old car preserved in a glass enclosure outside the residence.
Moshan Hill
Well, the MoshanHill (磨山景区) is a huge scenic zone in Wuhan. It’s a great place to enjoy walking around. Nice place for hiking and photography. Free Entry.
Changchun Taoist Temple.
On the morning of the second day of my trip, I visited the Changchun Taoist Temple (长春观). The temple was not at all crowded. There were some kids walking around. RMB 10. You shouldn’t miss the Supreme Purity Hall.
Baotong Temple
Another interesting Buddhist temple in Wuhan is the Baotong Temple (宝通禅寺). A visit to the temple is absolutely recommended.
Try to catch the prayer session of the monks in the morning. I liked listening to the Buddhist hymns. As the prayer ended, the monks took a round of the central chamber hosting Buddha. RMB 10. There is a pagoda in the temple worth climbing for additional RMB 2.
Guiyuan Temple
Another Wuhan temple worth visiting is the Guiyuan Temple (归元寺). It was Hubei’s first Zen Buddhism temple. The most impressive part of the temple is the Arhats Hall (there are 500 Arhats, aka, the Buddhist statues) — you can try counting them. There is some sort of a game there (you can read the instructions at the entrance to the Arhats Hall). RMB 10.
Outside the Guiyuan Temple, there is a giant double headed statue of Avlokitesvara (Shuangmian Guanyin).
Wuhan university
Well, if you are in Wuhan, try to visit the Wuhan University (武汉大学, Wǔhàn Dàxué). The university is considered to be one of the most prestigious universities in China. The campus is full of flowers in the spring season. A walk in the campus is highly recommended. At the least, you should take a photo at the front gate.
The library building looks very elegant.
Hubei Provincial Museum
If you are caught up with a rainy day, you can consider spending a half-day at the Hubei Provincial Museum (湖北省博物馆). The displays include artifacts, poems, human remains, etc. Free entry.
Hubei Art Museum
The art museum (湖北美术馆) is located right next to the Hubei Provincial Museum. The museum is housed in a heritage building. The displays are maintained very nicely. Free entry.
Wuhan S*x Museum
Frankly, I was indeed surprised to see a s*x museum in China. Surprisingly, most of the locals might not be aware about the presence of the museum as it’s located inside a hotel. You can ask at the reception — the museum is on the second floor.
The museum is small but includes good collections of s*xual peripherals, paintings, sculptures, etc. However, most of the displays are explained only in Chinese. RMB 40.
Some more Wuhan travel attractions worth exploring-
- East Lake (Donghu-东湖生态旅游风景区), Free,
- Wuhan Botanical Garden (武汉植物园),
- Wuhan Zoo (武汉动物园).
Alright, it’s pretty much in this post and now I’ll humbly stop here!
In summary, I loved travelling to Wuhan. Apart from the air quality, there was nothing else to worry. As such, if you like Chinese food, culture, history and scenery, you’d love Wuhan. A trip to Wuhan is highly recommended.
That’s all in this post about traveling and top thing to do Wuhan. If you have any question about traveling, living or working in China, do let me know! Feel free to post in our forum so that others could also contribute and learn. For regular updates like us on Facebook, or follow on Twitter!
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Wish you a great time exploring Wuhan city travel attractions.
Cheers!
A great travelogue
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Would like to visit Wuhan one day when everything back to normal. ?
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂