It is one of the most populous city in Central China. It is also a major transportation hub. It is even older than Beijing, Xi’an and Nanjing. This is Wuhan, the sprawling capital of Hubei province, a commercial center divided by the Yangtze and Han rivers. The city contains many lakes and parks, including expansive, picturesque East Lake, are an experience you will remember for a lifetime.
Welcome to Wuhan
Yellow Crane Tower
Legend has it, the Yellow Crane Tower was built in memory of an encounter with a Taoist priest by a young wine shop owner. Well, that’s the legend! The tower is the most important landmark in the city and was first built in 223 on the Wuchang side of the Yangtze River by Sun Quan as a watch tower for his army. The current version was rebuilt in 1981 as the original tower was destroyed in a fire. The top of the tower has a broad view of the surroundings and the Yangtze River. Located on Snake Hill at the bank of Yangtze River in Wuchang District, Wuhan, the Yellow Crane Tower is one of the Three Famous Towers in China. The other two are Yueyang Tower in Hunan and Tengwang Tower in Jiangxi.
Much later on, the tower was famous as a gathering place for celebrities and poets to party and compose poetry. It was estimated that up to the Qing dynasty, as many as 300 poems about the tower had been found in historical literature. Cui Hao, a famous poet during the Tang dynasty (618-907), made the tower well known throughout China with his poem "Yellow Crane Tower".
Don’t miss out on the exhibit on the 1st floor of the tower as it offers an insight into the legend of the tower. For poetry and literature lovers, check out the poems from the different dynasties exhibited on the 3rd floor while the top floor offers a fabulous panoramic view of the river and beyond.
Yangtze River Bridge
Another important landmark of Wuhan is the Yangtze River Bridge, known as the Fist Bridge of the Yangtze. Built over the river in 1957, it is a double deck bridge and play a significant role in connecting the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway and China’s railway transportation. It was built with the assistance of advisers from the Soviet Union and the iron bridge itself represents the combination of Chinese and Soviet architectural styles.
The upper level of the bridge is a two-way, four-lane automobile highway. The lower level is a double-track railway on the Beijing-Guangzhou railway line. The conceptualization of the bridge began in 1910 with a total of four exploratory surveys carried out between 1913 and 1948; with actual construction in September tember 1955. The entire bridge features 8 piers and 9 holes; and measures 1670 meters long with the main body of 1156 meters.
Elevators are located at both end of the bridge to go to Level 7 of the bridge and have a bird’s eye view of the magnificent bridge and the legendary river.
Apart from this historical bridge, Wuhan has two other grand bridges: the 2nd Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge build in 1995 and the Baishazhou Bridge which opened in 2000.
Jianghan Road
Jianghan Road shopping area is another must-go place. The area used to be a settlement for expatriates with a large number of European-style buildings built during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many historic sites, such as customs buildings or administrative buildings, are opened to the public. Known as ‘Little Hong Kong’ in the 1930’s, Jianghan Road houses high-end boutique shops and renowned local brands with years of history, recreation and travel with streets connecting right up to the stores’ entrances as one unit creating an effect of one large open-air shopping centre. Whilst the financial and business district is focused along Jianghan Guan to Fuyang Street, aged old Chinese brands and well known international brands are mainly concentrated along the stretch of Fuyang Street to Zhongshan Boulevard.
Restaurants specializing in local Wuhan cuisine co-exists with some international offerings. Although Jianghan Lu is moving with the changing times, one can still experience once more that rich old Wuhan feel as the air is occasionally permeated by the smell of fresh scent of sticky rice and lotus root soup.
Address: Wuhan, Jinaghan District, Wuhan Guan to Jiefang Boulevard section
East Lake
Six times the size of the iconic West Lake in Hangzhous, Wuhan’s East Lake is a famous natural scenic spot. Covering an area of 73 sq km, the lake is also known as ‘a lake with 99 bays’ due to its winding banks and crisscrossing ponds and brooks. There are many scenic spots located along the banks of the lake such as Tingtao, Mo Hill, Luoyan, Baima, Chuidi and Luohong Hills.
One can appreciate the beauty of the lake especially during spring time when the shores of the lake becomes a sea of flowers. Some of the famous buildings in this area is the Tingtao Xuan and Shuiyun Xiang which serves as a teahouse and the Tingtao Inn of Wine which offers local fish dishes. There is also the Poetry-Reciting Pavilion which was built in the memory of Qu Yuan, a great patriotic poet from of the State of Chu and his well renowned literary masterpieces are on exhibit here. Over at Mo Hill, Mother Nature’s wonders can be appreciated all year round. From the exotic orchids to exquisite cherry blossom in spring to lotus in summer, osmanthus in autumn and plum blossoms in winter. The Cherry Blossom Garden is said to be one of the world’s three cherry blossom capitals along with Hirosaki in Japan and Washington DC in America whilst the Plum Blossom Garden is listed as the top plum garden.
Guiyuan Buddhist Temple
The temple obtained its name from Buddhist chants, “With purity kept in mind, one has the thoroughfare everywhere” and was 1st built in the early Qing dynasty. Covering an area of 46,900 sq m with a floor space of 20,000 sq m, the temple has survived more than 300 years of repeated cycles of prosperity and decline.
The entrance of the temple is located at the Eastern courtyard with the Northern courtyard located to the right upon entering the temple. Here, the Amitabha, Kwan-Yin Bodhisattva and Dashizhi Bodhisattva are worshipped and collectively, they are known as the ‘3 Western Saints’. In the courtyard, the Sutra Collection Pavilion features a rich exhibit of cultural relics of Buddhism, figures of Buddha, religious paraphernalia, stone carvings, paintings, calligraphies and books from abroad. Lohan Hall, the most famous hall is located at the Southern courtyard and it is here 500 Lohans are housed. All the Lohans have different facial expression and an interesting custom of the locals is to count the Lohans. It is said, one can predict the year’s fortunes just by counting the Lohans.
Guiyuan Buddhist Temple is famous not only for spreading Buddhism throughout the whole country, but also for perfect architecture, excellent sculpture and rich collections of Buddhist doctrine.
Opening Hours: 8:30a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Address: No.20 Cuiwei Road, Zhongjia Village, Hanyang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
Huangpi Mulan Culture Ecological Tourism Area
If you have watched the movie ‘Mulan’, now it’s time for you to explore her hometown, located in Huangpi District, Wuhan City of Hubei Province. The area has now been developed and consists of the Mulan Mountain, Mulan Heavenly Lake, Mulan Grassland and Mulan Yunwu Mountain.
Mulan Mountain is 580 meters high and is one of the famous Taoism mountain in Hubei Province. Located on this mountain is the Pavilion of Jade Emperor and Goddess Tmple as well as the Ancient Village and Stone Scenic Area. Built as a beacon tower in 1259, the ancient village was converted into a defense fort in 1853 and its main attractions include the Mulan Hall and the South Gate to Heaven.
Mulan Heavenly Lake is said to be the home of Mulan’s grandmother and this is where Mulan used to practice martial arts. Famous for its marvelous waterfalls, deep ponds, strange stones and unique trees, the lake occupies an area of 32 sq km. The lake is actually a reservoir built in 1978 and visitors may trek up to the top of the mountain to have a bird-eye view of the entire Mulan Heavenly Lake scenic area.
The only grassland in the central region of China is the Mulan Grassland where young Mulan rode horses and practiced martial arts. So if you fancy a bit of horse riding while exploring Mulan’s hometown, you may do so here.
Opening Hours: 7:00a.m. – 6:00p.m.
Address: Paotong, Li Town of Huangpi District 60 kilometers from Wuhan City
Happy Valley Wuhan
Opened on 29 April 2012, the theme park is the fifth installation of the Happy Valley theme park chain. With over thirty rides and attractions, Wuhan Happy Valley is a paradise for all ages. For thrilling rides, check out the Top Speed Travel 5D roller coaster or marvel at the advanced technologies used for the Overflying Yangtze, a fashionable 7D IMAX theater which presents a magnificent experience of the Yangtze River. Other exciting attractions include the Wind Surfer, Seahorse Knight, Flying Fish, Sea Plan and Music Ship; all which can be enjoyed at the Happy Ocean park. Over at Dream Avenue, visitors can enjoy acrobatics and dances whilst Cartoon Factory, as the name suggests is a haven for the young ones. Stay happy all the time at Happy Time zone with a series of activities such as the Twin-Tower Heroes, Flying Chairs, Disco, Royal Merry-go-round, House of Horror and Magic Windmill.
For those with an adventurous streak, check out the extreme rides. Speeding, Extreme Sports Camp, Monte Carlo, Field Test and Giant Frisbee; need we say more! Don’t forget to visit Yuguang Island featuring the heart-stirring Wild Man Canyon Rafting and the 394-feet high Sky Tower offering a panoramic view of Wuhan Happy Valley.
We don’t want to spoil the fun for you. So be sure to check out the Happy Valley Wuhan promising loads of for the family and the adventurous.
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:30a.m. - 6:00p.m.
Friday to Sunday & Public Holidays: 9:30a.m. - 10:00p.m
Address: 186 Huanle Ave., Hongshan Qu., Wuhan Shi, Hubei Sheng, China.
Tel: +86 27 8851 8861
Hubu Alley
A 150 meter long street with a history of over four hundred years, Hubu Alley also known as the "First Street for Han Snacks” is located in Wuchang, the most bustling district in the city. Stretching from Minzhu Road to Ziyou Road, Hubu Alley is the best place to experience the wide variety of local food in one place. Check out delicacies like hot dry noodles, fried rice, mianwo (Chinese doughnut), fried glutinous rice cake, Qian’s fried sliced dried tofu, Zhang’s tofu jelly and so much more. A food paradise not to be missed, Hubu Alley took shape as a breakfast street as early as in the Ming Dynasty. Its close proximity location to the ferry terminal of the Yangtze River has brought high pedestrian volume to the area. It is still the preferred place for the locals to enjoy their daily breakfast and for the tourists, this is the place to experience the local culture at its best.
Location: Minzhu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province
Opening Hours: 6:00a.m - 12:00am
Hubei Provincial Museum
Where would be the best place to have a complete overview of a city than a museum itself right? Do take time to stroll inside Wuhan Museum which houses a host of archaeological artifacts including relics from The Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng (475-221 BC). There are more than 230,000 collections in the museum ranging from pieces recovered from the prehistoric potteries of Qujialing and Shijiahe culture, bronzeware from Panlongcheng and the Tomb of Marquis Yi of the Zeng State, lacquerware from Chu and Han Tomb with the treasures of all treasures on exhibit, the skull fossils from Yunxian County, the Sword of Goujian, the Chime bells from the Tomb of Marquis Yi and the Blue & White plum vase of the four loves from the Yuan Dynasty.
Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to appreciate the chime bell music and dance performances by the Chime Bell Orchestra of Hubei Provincial Museum using replicas of chime bells from the Tomb of Marquis Yi and many other unearthed ancient musical instruments.
Constructed in 1953, the museum is located on the beautiful coast of the East Lake and in 2007, the museum took the lead in starting free admission.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. Close on Mondays (except public holidays) and New Year’s Eve
Address: No. 160,East Lake Road,Wuchang District,Wuhan City,Hubei Province.
Tel: 027-86794127 / 027-86790329
Website: www.hbww.org
Han Street
Wuhan Central Cultural Zone, Han Street was officially opened on 30 September tember 2011 and encompasses tourist attractions, business, commercial and residential.
Blending traditional with modernity in its architecture, Han Street is 1500 meters in length and by far the longest commercial pedestrial street in China.
Besides shopping and eateries, the world’s first indoor movie culture park is also located at the west end of Han Street. It also has five squares named after renowned figures in Hubei Province namely ‘Qu Yuan Square’, ‘Zhaojuan Square’, ‘Square of Bosom Friends’, ‘Square of Medical Saint’ and Square of Tai Chi Master’; each one features a statue of the famous person. The world’s best loved wax museum, Madame Tussauds has also made Han Street its home, the 2nd to open in China.
There are more than 200 local and foreign retailers on Han Street with some of renowned flagship stores to the likes of Zara, H & M, C & A, GAP, Muji, M & S, Uniqlo and UR to name a few.
Address: Central Culture Zone, Wuhan, China